Saint Petersburg residents now has even more to be proud of - we're home to a beautiful new playhouse! American Stage has always offered quality performances, but until a few weeks ago, the charming but aging building was in need of a facelift. And with help from the Raymond James company, St. Pete theatre goers now have a beautiful new intimate theatre that will provide a bit of Broadway right here in our quaint downtown area. I took a tour a few weeks ago, and the space is sure to inspire as much as the performances! Click here to visit American Stage's website and discover this gem for yourself!

The accolades for Fort De Soto keep rolling in. Named the #1 beach in the country by "Dr. Beach" in 2005, this year, visitors to the popular travel site, TripAdvisor.com, gave it top honors as  America's Top Beach. I completely agree! Fort De Soto is just a short drive from downtown, but it feels like you've escaped to a secluded island paradise. Which of course, you have! Pack a lunch and spend the day soaking in the soothing atmosphere of one of the world's best beaches... right here. Click here to see a 360 degree view of this serene, natural hideaway.

St. Petersburg's own major league baseball team the Tampa Bay Rays, are on a hot streak! They've got the best record in baseball. They've got some tough competition in their division (the Red Sox and the Yankees), but this young team is the most competitive team we've fielded yet. This could be our year! I've got tickets for a game next week at the dome downtown and I can't wait!

Not sure where you’re living, but in Florida this week, the weather was absolutely amazing. Highs in the low 80’s, gentle breezes and dry air. While spring has finally sprung for my relatives up north, those of us in the St. Petersburg area have been enjoying beautiful weather for months now. It was a real treat to enjoy the weather lounging at the patio of one of my favorite new cafes in downtown St. Pete, Hooker’s tea room. Here’s a picture of this hip new hangout.