A building’s identity is not characterized solely by its architecture or construction.

More often than not though, a city’s structures outlive the public they serve. Built in 1927, the Historic St. Petersburg YMCA was a flourishing center of activity for the community.

So, if in all its majestic beauty, the building could recount thousands of stories, what would they be? Would they include the laughter of a little girl at a swim lesson with her parents? Melodic chirps of sneakers synchronized with rhythmic dribbling echoing through the gymnasium? Intense badminton and racquetball matches between circuit judges and attorneys at lunchtime? Lively socials where young men and women gathered?… Read More

I’d like to introduce you to my friend, Travis Moore. Travis is the living definition of the word charisma. With an energy level comparable to a welcomed shot of espresso at 3pm, Travis is an entrepreneur, devoted father, and a thespian-turned-producer with a brand-new production company developing roots right here in our backyard.

We met by sharing the stage during a small (but mighty) production of George M! at St. Pete Little Theatre back in the early 2000s. My favorite memory of Travis was him trying to make us all laugh out loud backstage during performances. He’d have a performance of his own backstage, mocking the conductor of the orchestra out front.… Read More

Dear Northeast Journal supporters:

It is with great sadness that we share with you the news that our beloved and dedicated managing editor, Susan Alderson, passed away suddenly yesterday morning. We are all in disbelief that someone with such an indomitable and vibrant spirit could be taken from us so soon.

The Holiday issue of the Northeast Journal is being delivered as we speak. Please give thanks for having had the honor and pleasure of being part of the life’s work of someone whose heart and soul is what kept the Journal as loving and communty-based as it has been for 12 years!… Read More

Poised yet enthusiastic, the newly elected mayor steps up to the podium and addresses the crowd gathered for Seaside City’s ribbon cutting ceremony. After days of tireless exploring, brainstorming, developing, lots of fun, and a little campaigning, she promises to keep the city clean with “garbage cans and recycling bins on every block,” along with two free cookies when visiting camp.

Mayor Charlie Harrod, age 10, has just completed the City Builders summer camp. The program is jointly sponsored by the Museum of History, the Historic Old Northeast Neighborhood Association (HONNA), Pinellas County Schools, and St. Petersburg Preservation, and is now in its third year.… Read More

The tortured artist he is not. In fact, John Harte is quite the opposite: an octogenarian with a ready smile and friendly disposition whose work in watercolors is well known by many in St. Petersburg. Fortunately for us, he is displaying some of his work at USF St. Petersburg. The exhibition will feature John’s delicate and precise paintings of butterflies, moths, and other insects. This exhibition is currently on display at the Nelson Poynter Memorial Library at USF located at 780 3rd Street South.

John’s use of watercolors represents a certain amount of control, and his style allows for very detailed and colorful depictions.… Read More

Strolling along Coffee Pot, casting your lines into the sparkling bay waters, or grabbing lunch dockside by what will one day be our new pier, you will be accompanied by a constant companion: the ubiquitous Brown Pelican. These birds are found everywhere, pestering fisherman for their catch, perched on one of the many docks that line the bay, and gliding effortlessly only inches above our waters. These birds are synonymous with life here in the Old Northeast.

Brown pelicans are unique creatures. They are the smallest species of pelican in the world. They are also the only pelicans that hunt by diving from heights as high as 60 feet, attempting to scoop up fish along with 3 gallons of seawater by the mouthful.… Read More

As a local swimmer, I often find myself bragging about our amazing pool at the Northshore Aquatic Complex. I regale out-of-towners with tales of the incredible talent our beautiful pool attracts, the international meets, the collegiate teams visiting each winter, and – my personal favorite – “I’m serious… Michael Phelps even swam in our pool!”

The Olympic-sized swimming pool has indeed accommodated training (and reigning) Olympians. Across from the front entrance are two bronze plaques honoring Brad Snyder and Nicole Haislett respectively, two prior champions.

Nicole Haislett won Olympic gold in Barcelona in the 1992 Summer Olympics (she is a three-time Olympic gold medalist) and is a former world record-holder with a historied past of collegiate and national championships.… Read More

Elton John has one of the ‘Heeling Soles’ artistic shoes created by Robin Roth-Murphy in his Woodside Estate in England! Now that is quite a story, just one of many, about Robin and her specialized art that is created from found objects (mementos, keepsakes, souvenirs, relics, or “stuff” as Robin puts it). Old Northeast residents may know her better as The Alley Recycle Artist or The Little Free Library Lady. Whatever she is called or does, it just provides more stories to tell.

This spring, Robin, a mixed-media artist, decided to decorate part of her alley wall with recyclables: plastic bottle caps!… Read More

Did you know that the growing medium used to grow lettuce on the International Space Station (ISS) is exactly the same as the clay ‘dirt’ between first and third base at the Tropicana Dome?  Did you know NASA has developed robots that astronauts recently controlled on the earth’s surface from the ISS?

Things are really hopping these days at NASA, Space X, ULA, and Blue Horizon facilities all across the U.S. Nowhere is that more evident than at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC)  where there is always a rocket on a launch pad these days with NASA, Space X, and ULA having long-term projects related to space science and exploration, including commercial missions as well as missions to deep space and Mars.… Read More

Do you remember your senior year in high school? You went to prom in May, you attended graduation ceremonies in June, and said goodbye to the only life you knew. Graduating from high school is exciting, although it is also bittersweet. Some graduates are unsure of their future and do not have specific plans for work or college. The graduates from the St. Petersburg High School International Baccalaureate Program have worked hard over the past four years. These exceptional students are well prepared for college and have exciting futures ahead of them.

Since 1983, St. Petersburg High School has been home to the first International Baccalaureate Diploma Program in Florida.… Read More