Sunshine City Magazine

St. Petersburg senior whose house caught fire hopes code enforcement gives her more time to make repairs | Tampa Bay News | Tampa

Published

1 year ago

October 25, 2023

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Gloria Francine Maxwell, with one of her dogs, which died in a house fire on June 23, 2022.

At 1:30 in the morning on June 23, 2022, Gloria Francine Maxwell woke up to a loud “boom, boom” coming from the back of her home in St. Pete’s Child’s Park neighborhood. Maxwell, then 74 years old, grabbed her phone and ran out to find her family room engulfed in flames. When she ran outside, she realized her animals weren’t with her.

“I couldn’t go back into the smoke,” Maxwell recently told Creative Loafing Tampa Bay. “The fireman came later and said I had maybe 10 or 11 minutes to get out of there.”

All four of her animals—three cats and a dog she calls her “fur babies”—died in the fire. The fire made her home unlivable, and she’s been almost homeless three times in the last year.

In January, Maxwell said, St. Pete’s code enforcement started issuing citations for debris, overgrown plants, and unrepaired fire damage to the house.

“It’s been like a kick in the gut,” Maxwell told CL. “I need some help now. I need some type of assistance.”

At the time of the fire, Maxwell says her home was uninsured.

“I didn’t have insurance on the house for a couple of years ‘cause I was just negligent,” Maxwell says. “And I said, I gotta get insurance back.”

Before the blaze, Maxwell had begun making significant repairs to reinsure her home and rent out a room to international students.

According to city records, Maxwell got a permit for a new roof in April 2022. The next month, she got a permit for solar panels. The combined cost for both the roof and the panels was over $31,000. The fire happened a month after that, and because Maxwell wasn’t insured, all the fire damage comes out of pocket.

Maxwell is one of many Floridians who often own their homes outright and choose to forgo homeowner’s insurance, which is not required by the state. Known by some as “going bare,” Maxwell is part of an estimated 13% of Floridians who don’t carry property insurance. And considering how high insurance rates are rising in the state, the number of uninsured property owners is only expected to grow.

On Jan. 3, St. Pete’s Code Enforcement began citing Maxwell for trash. The first violation came after a complaint from her next-door neighbor. Since the fire, Maxwell has been staying in Largo in senior housing. She has no car and relies on others to drive her to St. Pete every 1-2 weeks to get her mail and check on the property.

“It takes me 40 minutes to get from Largo, where I’m staying,” Maxwell said. “I had no recourse. There was nothing I could do.”

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After the first violation, Maxwell, fellow senior citizens, and community members helped her pick up the property in St. Pete’s Child’s Park.

After the first violation, Maxwell, fellow senior citizens, and community members helped her pick up the property. The debris from the fire was extensive, but they were able to bring the property back into compliance by February. In May, codes cited her again for overgrowth and debris.

Joe Waugh, St. Pete’s Codes Compliance Director, told CL that the city has “been working with Ms. Maxwell over the past six months to assist with correcting the code violations caused by a fire that occurred at her residence.”

Waugh’s page-long statement details how the city has tried to help Maxwell thus far, including the services from the city’s Neighborhood Team or “N-Team.”

Waugh says N-Team provided Maxwell with a free dumpster, assisted with debris removal, cut down vegetative overgrowth, and attempted to install a tarp over the roof damage but were unsuccessful because the roof was compromised.

By July 6, the second violation on the home came into compliance.

A third violation filed as a property fine violation on May 16, details six significant repair areas that comprise the bulk of the home’s fire damage: fire-damaged fascia, vinyl fence disrepair from fire, solar panels damaged by fire; solar panel permit expired without final inspection, securing boards need paint, the roof has fire damage disrepair, and exterior walls are covered in smoke.

The city’s Housing and Community Development program funds repairs for residents’ homes facing code violations, safety issues, or accessibility issues. But Waugh’s statement said housing staff ultimately determined “that the scope of the work required major repairs beyond the program’s capacity.”

Maxwell’s house needs extensive repair of the roof and frame. Because some of the trusses on the house were damaged, a structural engineer is required, which costs a lot more than just replacing the roof. According to Maxwell, the contractor estimated the cost to repair the damage to be around $60,000. So far, she hasn’t gotten any financial assistance from the city, county, or state to help.

“Give me a loan,” Maxwell said. “I don’t mind paying a 10-year loan.”

Code enforcement reinspected the property on Aug. 4 and Oct. 12, noting that the violations remain. A Code Enforcement Board hearing is set for Wednesday, Oct. 25 at 8:30 a.m.

“I feel like the city is trying to force me out,” Maxwell said.

Two days after the fire, Maxwell says she got an offer for $60,000 for her home from someone via email. Another offer came in for $80,000 cash. Maxwell says she doesn’t plan on selling.

“I want to go back, and I’m not trying to leave my neighborhood,” Maxwell said. “I just need some help.”

Her corner lot is zoned Neighborhood Traditional 2 or NT-2, which allows for an Accessory Dwelling Unit or ADU. And at 8,451 square feet, the lot is more than big enough for zoning codes. Plus, the property is in St. Pete’s rare and coveted non-evacuation zone.

St. Petersburg’s program to purchase “blighted homes” reportedly resells those properties to developers at reduced rates to create affordable housing.

After sharing her troubles with the city, a friend responded, “Somebody wants your property.”

But Maxwell doesn’t want to leave. “This house…it’s my home,” Maxwell told CL.

She moved in as a twentysomething in 1974 and raised her son there with her husband. She cared for her parents full-time for 12 years, starting in the 1980s. She later cared for her husband there, too. “I’m not going down without a fight,” she added.

St. Pete Fire Rescue’s report didn’t determine what caused the fire. So, an attorney offered to take her case and advised Maxwell to board up the house until a third-party fire investigator could complete a report. Maxwell said the first investigator she hired died unexpectedly in October. The second investigator completed his report in March, determining that the car had caused the fire. Her attorney advised that funds might not arrive from a case for a while.

“If I get some money from that, then we can really start fixing this place up,” Maxwell, now 75 years old, said. “I’ve been trying to find a job to get some income.”

After the investigation concluded in March, Maxwell saw the damage for herself for the first time since the fire. Before that time, she says she thought the roof had caved in.

“My spirit is there,” she said. “If I can just live in one room, it’s gonna take some time, but I can fix this place.”

Last week, Maxwell’s niece started a GoFundMe with a goal of $30,000 for repairs.

Maxwell’s CEB hearing is at St. Pete City Hall on Wednesday, Oct. 25, at 8:30 a.m. She plans to present a report from her contractor, another report from the structural engineer, and evidence that she’s working to get compliance.

“On average, the board has granted property owners in attendance an additional 80 days to correct violations,” Waugh wrote in his statement. “But it is common that even more time is granted in cases such as Ms. Maxwell’s based on the circumstances.”

With more time, enough funds, and support from the community, Maxwell hopes to return home.

“I plan to move back into my home,” Maxwell said. “Even if I can only fix it little by little, that’s my goal.”

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Sunshine City Magazine

Tampa Shuffle’s six-year anniversary weekend kicks off with Women In Music showcase | Tampa

Published

9 months ago

March 13, 2024

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Photo by Camren Meier

Ari Chi, who plays Shuffle in Tampa, Florida on March 15, 2024.

Kicking off Shuffle’s weekend-long, six-year anniversary party, Seek the Light Media—a woman-owned media company run by Creative Loafing Tampa Bay contributor Yvonne Gougelet—is hosting its first-ever Women In Music Showcase this weekend.

A press release notes that along with March being National Women’s Month, the acoustic-based event—which includes a set from uke-weilding songwriter Ari Chi—was partially inspired by the need to raise awareness around a constant lack of diversity on gig lineups.

There’s no cover to get into the Women In Music Showcase happening on Friday, March 15, but donations to keep Tampa’s beloved woman-owned shuffleboard hotspot up and running will be greatly appreciated.

To close out its anniversary weekend, Shuffle—located at 2612 N Tampa St.—welcomes Lauris Vidal, his one-man band, a special “Tom Waits giving a hug to Paul Simon” vocal style, along with Tribal Style—the reggae roots outfit that came up in the Southern California scene before becoming a staple in the Bay area.

There’s no cover for any of the Shuffle six-year anniversary concerts happening Friday-Saturday, March 15-16 at Tampa Shuffle.
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Sunshine City Magazine

Congresswoman secures $5.5 million for St. Pete projects • St Pete Catalyst

Published

9 months ago

March 13, 2024

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Six local projects that encompass everything from uplifting South St. Petersburg communities to clean energy initiatives will benefit from U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor’s federal appropriations success.

The congresswoman recently secured $14 million in area Community Priority Grants, with $5.5 million directly benefitting St. Petersburg organizations. Castor was particularly proud of receiving $1.5 million – her full ask – for the Enoch Davis Center.

The facility at 111 18^th Ave. S. is named after a prominent local civil rights activist. Mayor Ken Welch called the center “vital but dated” when he announced plans in May 2023 to transform it into a state-of-the-art community hub.

“I love that one because I’m at the Enoch Davis Center a lot,” Castor told the Catalyst. “Those modern, up-to-date community centers are more important than ever.”

The federal grant will fund assessment, pre-construction and energy-efficiency costs. Welch previously noted the facility’s expansive upgrades will support neighborhood health and safety and provide “technology and tools to excel in our competitive 21^st-century economy.”

Castor explained that the Inflation Reduction Act also allows local governments and organizations to receive rebates for sustainability efforts, like solar panels. “When you help the city save money, you help our neighbors save money, too,” she said.

“So, you’re going to see those kinds of investments … really ramp up,” Castor added. “And boy, do we need it – because our electric bills are out of sight.”

She also secured over $1.1 million for the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority. The agency will use the money to convert its bus fleet to electric motors.

The federal funding will also help PSTA electrify its St. Petersburg Pier tram system. Castor called it a “great demonstration” of clean energy benefits due to the vehicles’ “high profile.”

“I was out there on The Pier about a week and a half ago, and they run all the time,” she said. “They’re gas-powered. And if you’re sitting behind the engine, it’s not great.”

From left, PSTA CEO Brad Miller and Congresswoman Kathy Castor discuss the SunRunner service with local resident and frequent rider Christopher Winters. Photo by Ashley Morales.

The University of South Florida St. Petersburg emerged as a big winner in the grant cycle. The Coastal Resilience Data Visualization Center at the College of Marine Science and the Disrupt Human Trafficking Data Project will each receive $963,000.

Coastal Resilience Center officials will use the funding for scientific planning, threat simulations and public outreach activities. Castor noted the city and state are particularly vulnerable to more frequent and intense storms and sea-level rise.

In addition, the nation experienced the hottest February in recorded history. Castor said people need up-to-date information on where to build and live safely.

“Hopefully, this informs policymakers to help them steer development away from the most dangerous areas,” she said. “It comes back to how people are feeling in their pocketbooks, with insurance costs. We really have to give people better tools and a better understanding of what a changing climate will mean for them.”

USFSP’s Trafficking in Person’s (TIP) Risk to Resilience Research Lab will use the Community Grant funding to develop a statewide data repository called TIPSTR. The program will assist law-enforcement investigations, mitigate gaps in victim services, develop prevention programs and help discern the problem’s magnitude.

An $850,000 grant will support the Deuces Rising development, formerly the Sankofa project. It will provide 24 homeownership opportunities along the 22^nd Street South (the Deuces) corridor for those earning below 80% of the area median income.

The public subsidy for each unit in the long-discussed development is just under $500,000. Castor said she “thought it was worthwhile to try to help lower the cost of the affordable housing portion.”

“This may turn out to be a one-two punch,” Castor added. “It (funding) is not at the level I sought. If it will qualify next year, I may come back and try to do another tranche for that.”

The Pinellas County Urban League will receive $81,130 for new computers and updated technological infrastructure. The goal is to increase reliable digital access to bolster economic opportunities in underserved communities.

Castor called the Urban League one of her “most valuable partners” in St. Pete. She said organizational leadership relayed their struggle to keep pace with continuously evolving technology.

Castor said securing the funding was easy as it aligned with congressional economic development initiatives. She also noted that the Urban League plays a prominent role in lowering local electricity costs by helping low-income residents weatherize their homes.

“The summers are so hot and go on for a longer period of time, and that impacts you if you work outside and want to enjoy our beautiful Sunshine City,” Castor said. “I don’t hear the climate skeptics that I used to … because the economics of it are right in front of them.”

U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor was named the American Council on Renewable Energy’s Renewable Energy Champion in March 2023. Photo provided.

Sunshine City Magazine

Over 20 St. Patrick’s Day parties happening in Tampa Bay in 2024 | Tampa

Published

9 months ago

March 12, 2024

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Over 20 St. Patrick’s Day parties happening in Tampa Bay in 2024

St. Patrick’s Day is around the corner once again, and it’s always the best excuse to get a little buck-wild in between the forced romance of Valentine’s Day and the moral obligation of Easter and Mother’s Day. Dozens of bars, restaurants and other venues throughout Tampa Bay are throwing a wide range of parties, street festivals, brunches and even kid-friendly festivities to celebrate the beloved drinking holiday—and here are the best 20-ish celebrations we could find.

Did we miss your St. Patrick’s Day party? Submit your event to Creative Loafing Tampa Bay’s calendar, then email [email protected] to be added to this event roundup.

The ‘Biggest’ St. Paddy’s Day Party Palm Harbor’s go-to deli hosts a full week of food specials and live entertainment to commemorate its favorite holiday—from drinking tunes from The Irish Ramblers to bagpipe performances and traditional Irish step dance. Indulge in classic Lucky Dill dishes like its reuben egg rolls, hot pastrami sandwiches and corned beef and cabbage, plus whiskey tastings and giveaways on select days. Tuesday-Sunday, March 12-17. No cover. Various times. Lucky Dill Deli, 33180 US Highway 19 N, Palm Harbor. @LuckyDillDeli on Facebook

21st Annual MacPatrick Fest South Tampa hotspot MacDinton’s Irish Pub has been hosting its multi-day St. Patrick’s Day celebration for the past 21 years, and that just may be the median age of partygoers at 2024’s installment this weekend. Each day features its own drink specials, themes and giveaways, but Sunday’s “Green Kegs” breakfast, open bar and live entertainment is certainly the fest’s finale. Thursday-Sunday, March 14-17. 11 a.m.-3 a.m. $15 & up. MacDinton’s Irish Pub, 405 S Howard Ave., Tampa. macdintons.com

St. Paddy’s Punk & Roll Cage Brewing hosts its own mini-fest featuring over 15 local musicians that will take turns sharing its outdoor stage this weekend, plus booze-friendly eats courtesy of Kraken Joe’s Pizza. Friday-Sunday, March 15-17. Various times. No cover (RSVP encouraged.) Cage Brewing, 2001 1st Ave. S, St. Petersburg. cagebrewing.com

St. Patrick’s Weekend & Irish Coffee Stout Release Move over green beer, there’s a new holiday brew in town. Crooked Thumb Brewery releases its exclusive Irish Coffee Stout, plus live music and food trucks all weekend-long. Friday-Sunday, March 15-17. Various times. No cover. Crooked Thumb Brewery, 555 10th Ave S, Safety Harbor. crookedthumbbrew.com.

Sips & Shenanigans Brunch Get some grub before Tampa’s River O’Green festival at Melting Pot Social’s special holiday brunch, complete with bottomless green mimosas, corned beef and cabbage and other classic brunch fare. Saturday, March 16. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. $40. Melting Pot Social, 105 West Tyler St., Tampa. meltingpotsocial.com

Corey Avenue Street Party 2024’s rendition of this annual block party coincides with one of its longtime sponsors, Swigwam Beach Bar, but this all-day St. Patrick’s Day gig will definitely continue throughout Corey Avenue’s 300 Block. Soggy Bottom Boys, Beach Rats and Full Throttle provide entertainment. Saturday, March 16. 10 a.m.-11 p.m. No cover. 300 Block of Corey Avenue, St. Pete Beach. @SwigwamBeachBar on Facebook.

St. Patrick’s Day Party & Mini-golf Tournament Largo’s resident farm and petting zoo hosts way more than kid’s birthday parties, as evidenced by its debut St. Patrick’s Day celebration this weekend. Flex your putting skills at its mini-golf tournament or relax with a beer and plate of corned beef and cabbage. Saturday, March 16. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. No cover (farm tours cost $10 per person). DK Farms & Gardens, 1750 Lake Ave SE, Largo. dkfarmsandgardens.com

Get Lucky Block Party Whiskey shots out of an ice luge and an open bar from 5 p.m.-7p.m. are the main draws of Bar HWRD’s holiday banger, which can either be a launching pad or end cap for a night of partying in South Tampa. Saturday, March 16. 5 p.m.-3 a.m. $10-$20. Bar HWRD, 302 South Howard Ave., Tampa. barhwrdtampa.com

River O’Green The City of Tampa’s family-friendly river-dyeing party returns to Curtis Hixon Park this weekend with kid activities, live entertainment, food trucks and green beer (for the parents.) Saturday, March 16. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. No cover. Curtis Hixon Park, 600 N Ashley Dr., Tampa. tampasdowntown.com

St. Patrick’s Day Bash by the Beach This beach-adjacent hotel hosts a night filled with whiskey tastings, perfectly poured pints of Guinness, live music and Irish-themed cocktails. 7Saturday-Sunday, March 16-17. Noon-8 p.m. No cover, Eventbrite RSVP recommended. Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach, 100 Coronado Dr.,Clearwater. wyndhamgrandclearwater.com

2nd Annual Paddyfest Perhaps one of the most—if not the most—kid-friendly St. Patrick’s Day celebrations returns to the heart of St. Pete this weekend, with tons of activities and entertainment in tow. Paddyfest St. Pete hosts a multitude of festivities including dozens of local vendors, food trucks slinging both Irish and American fare, whiskey tastings, a dedicated kids zone, live music and dancing, a wide variety of brews on tap and athletic performances from FSA Highland, a Florida-based organization that specializes in traditional Scottish sports like shot put, caber toss and sheaf toss.
Saturday-Sunday, March 16-17. Noon-9 p.m. No cover. Williams Park, 330 2nd Ave. N, St. Petersburg. paddyfeststpete.com

Mary Margaret’s St. Patrick’s Weekend This Central Avenue-adjacent bar offers Irish vibes year-round, but they’re usually kicked up a notch during its weekend-long party, which includes live music, bagpipers, specials like corned beef and cabbage and tons of Guinness to wash it all down. Saturday-Sunday, March 16-17. 9 a.m.-3 a.m. No cover. 29 3rd St. N, St. Petersburg. marymargarets.com

St. Patrick’s Weekend Both days of Slizzy Mcgees’ annual party features live music from Flo-Raw and Stealing Crowns, local food trucks, specials on traditional Irish fare and of course, tons of booze. Saturday-Sunday, March 16-17. 11 a.m.-3 a.m. No cover. Slizzy Mcgee’s, 1159 62nd Ave. N, St. Petersburg. @Slizzymcgees on Facebook

St Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl This bar crawl throughout The ‘Burg kicks off at Welcome to the Farm and continues at various neighboring bars in downtown St. Pete. Ticket holders get drinks at each stop, access to food specials and specialty, holiday-themed cocktails. Sunday, March 17. $9.99 & up. Welcome To The Farm, 242 1st Ave. N St Petersburg. pubcrawls.com

St. Patrick’s Day Open Mic Night A nice, sober or low-key option for St. Patrick’s Day if barhopping and late nights isn’t your jam. RSVPs are recommended for this free-to-attend open mic night with craft beer, wine and kava available for purchase.
Sunday, March 17. 3 p.m.-8 p.m. No cover. The Village Courtyard, Beach Boulevard South Gulfport. @villagecourtyard on Facebook

Flanagan’s St. Patrick’s Day Street Festival Billed as one of the “largest St. Patrick’s Day festivals in Florida,” Flanagan’s annual party features a full lineup of music and entertainment from noon-8 p.m. and lots of flowing green beer. Sunday, March 17. 11 a.m.-11 p.m. No cover. Flanagan’s Irish Pub, 465 Main St., Dunedin. @flanagansirishpub on Facebook

8th Annual Block Party If you aren’t ready to stop drinking after Paddyfest at Williams Park, then head to The Galley’s annual festivity complete with live music, plenty of Guinness, whiskey and Irish food specials. Sunday, March 17. 11:30 a.m.-3 a.m. No cover. The Galley, 27 4th Street N , St. Petersburg. @TheGalleyDTSP on Facebook

Sober St. Patrick’s Day No hangover, no problem. This Clearwater kava house hosts a laid-back holiday party filled with N/A drink specials and screenings of St. Patrick’s Day-themed movies. Sunday, March 18. 8 p.m.-midnight. No cover. Kava House Brand, 11141 US Highway 19 N #408 Clearwater. kavahousebrand.com

St. Patrick’s Day at Caddy’s on the Beach Caddy’s locations on Indian Rocks Beach (20025 Gulf Blvd.), Madeira Beach (14080 Gulf Blvd.), Treasure Island (9000 W Gulf Blvd.) and Johns Pass (190 Boardwalk PI.) all host their own holiday parties with cheap drinks, raffles, giveaways, live entertainment and free green tea shots for anyone rocking the color of the evening. Sunday, March 17. 11 a.m.-1 a.m. No cover. Various locations. caddys.com

O’Briens Irish Pub’s annual St. Patrick’s Event Step dancers, bagpipers and local acts like Noodles Magoo, The Headbang, Wyndbreakers and Nicaea provide the entertainment this weekend at Carollwood’s O’Briens Irish Pub, which just celebrated its 33rd anniversary. Sunday, March 17. 11 a.m.-2 a.m. $20. O’Briens Irish Pub, 15435 N Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa. obrienspubstampa.com

O’Maddy’s Annual Waterfront Party Waterfront gulfport pub O’Maddy’s hosts one of the most popular St. Patrick’s Day parties each March, and 2024’s rendition offers plenty of flowing green beer, Irish fare and music from Pete & Dean Trio, Horses Wild and The Horny Toads. Sunday, March 17. 10 a.m.-midnight. No cover. O’Maddy’s Bar & Grille, 5405 Shore Blvd. S, Gulfport. @omaddys on Facebook

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