In Honor of Susan Woods Alderson
December 7, 1944 to November 10, 2016
Managing Editor and Photographer of
the Northeast Journal

How does one capture the spirit and life of the original ‘Original’ – that being the title of a new series of articles about St. Petersburg natives, invented by Susan Alderson? I wrote the first in the series for the November/December 2016 issue of the Journal.

As I was doing that interview with our first individual, Helen Dewalt, asking questions and furiously scribbling my notes, photographer Susan enthusiastically circled around us – nonstop clicking, up and down, right and left – except when she giggled with excitement each time Helen’s recollections reminded her of something she loved.… Read More

In a city with an amazing number of talented artists, Ya La’ford stands out. A visionary artist with a BFA in painting from Florida State and an MFA from the Art Institute of Boston, Ya is also a professor at St. Petersburg College and the University of Tampa.

But she has a law degree, too, from the University of Florida. In fact, she practiced law for a while in Washington D.C., mostly advocating on behalf of children and education, before her husband Victor encouraged her to pursue the passion she’s had for art since childhood.

While law and art might seem like career paths that are worlds apart, for Ya, they’re not.… Read More

After 25 years of marriage, three children, a few career changes, and a wealth of marital and parental experiences, Martha Maddux was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s at the young age of 50. The love affair Carlen Maddux had with his wife continued to grow deeper. Maddux shares his story of the journey he and his family took over the course of the next 17 years, in his book, A Path Revealed: How Hope, Love, and Joy Found Us Deep in a Maze Called Alzheimer’s, published in October 2016. It is a story of love, faith, and growth, told through the eyes and heart of a devoted husband and father, and a most unassuming gentleman who simply wants to share his story.… Read More

The Knights of Columbus organization puts an emphasis on serving one’s church, community, and family with virtue. That is exactly what is going on at their chapter 10157 at St. Raphael Church on Snell Isle.

Father Kevin Mackin visited Pinellas Hope and saw the sad state that the tent shelters were in. They leaked when it rained despite being covered with tarps, and they offered little in the way of comfort and safety. At a fundraiser dinner for Pinellas Hope held at St. Raphael parish on Snell Isle, Father Kevin approached The Knights of Columbus chapter with the idea to find a better option for sheltering people at the facility.… Read More

Once again, some are debating our Pier raising the question, “Do we still need a new pier?” Reasons for a new pier are many. For example, there are economic arguments. In 2001, the Klages Group did an economic study of the Pier and determined an economic impact for the city of $42 million annually ($56 million in today’s dollars). However the focus of this article is on how the new pier harmonizes with our Downtown Waterfront Parks and bay – two defining features of St. Petersburg’s sense of place.

The New Pier design was originally called Pier Park. Due to another party having copyrighted that name, the City no longer refers to it as Pier Park, but simply as the New St.… Read More

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