Category: Uncategorized

BY JENNA SHAW

NNB Student Reporter

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Terri Scott is much more than her title of Administrative Officer for the Office of City Council gives her credit for. She is a model member of the community who has a large heart and the determination and passion to make a difference.

As a leadership project, Scott came up with the idea to make a garden behind the Carter G. Woodson Museum of African American History.

Her idea was chosen for the class project. The idea was that the garden would attract more people to the museum and allow for gatherings such as wedding parties, celebrations, and other events that would generate income for the museum as the space was rented.

The garden behind the Carter G. Woodson museum is Scott’s masterpiece and sacred place. It’s natural beauty attracts people of all backgrounds and can be a place of solitude and reflection or a place for celebration and socializing.

Shortly after the creation of the garden, Scott fell in love with it and became a member of the museum board. The garden is her favorite place in St. Petersburg, Fla.

The museum not only contains African American history, but it represents African American history as well. Like many African American communities, a highway runs straight through it. It is the only museum in St. Petersburg that has windows you can just walk up to and look through. If you think about it, the Dali, Holocaust, Museum of Fine Arts, etc., all keep their history safeguarded behind thick walls and glass cases.

You cannot go up to the window and look inside, it is for those who want badly enough to see it, to take the time to digest the information, and see the significance of each thing, who can look upon them.

The Carter G. Woodson museum provides St. Petersburg with factual information on how and who was responsible for the start of St. Petersburg and how it came to be what it is today.

A lot of St. Petersburg history is wrapped up in African American history and they won’t tell you that over at the St. Petersburg Museum of History. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum gives the St. Petersburg citizens the opportunity to see exactly what was so influential about leaders such as Perkins and Gibbs and why schools have been named after them.

Scott said students arrive at the museum on field trips, not even knowing who Carter G. Woodson is and why he is important, let alone someone their own school is named after.

Scott sees history as an important thing for youth to know and stresses it’s importance in everyday life. She says history is now, it is happening every moment all around us. Every day we wake up, we enter the lives of others and are touched by the people around us, history depends on us. We should live as though we would want to be remembered. We must make every moment count.

A former Savannah, Ga. resident, Scott has made St. Petersburg home for her and her family. Of the thirty-three years in Florida, twenty-six have been spent working for the city.

Scott has organized other events to help people of all ages such as a tea party for young girls, a breast cancer awareness event, and a winter social in the garden.

Scott wanted to make a difference in the lives of the youth in St. Petersburg. Her goal was to change the outlook of as many as possible, but she would start with a dozen.

She created the Silver Spoon Tea Party. Her and some female friends each paired up with a young girl from a local girls group. The women sponsored the girls for their tea party event. They bought the girls all new outfits including slips, fancy dresses, shoes, accessories, and satin pajamas.

The girls were picked up in a limo, taken to the hair salon, dressed up in their new outfits, learned some basic etiquette, and went to Carrabba’s Italian Grill where they met the mayor. The girls felt and were treated more important.

After dinner they all went to a nice hotel where they stayed the night. Scott said the difference in attitude and behavior was remarkable between the time the girls were picked up and the time they were dropped off. Their whole attitude changed. They went from grumpy and low-self-esteemed girls to proper ladies.

It was a culturally enhancing and enriching activity for the girls. Lessons were learned and memories were made that will last a lifetime.

November will prove to be a promising month for more events planned at the Carter G. Woodson Museum with the help of Scott.

The first Saturday there will be a fashion show featuring work from 3 different designers featuring clothing on every sized model from petite to plus. It will take place in the garden behind the Carter G. Woodson museum.

On the second Saturday, the garden will feature Jazz Under the Oaks. There will be music and drinks from 5-9 p.m.

The garden was just one of the many gifts Terri Scott gave to the community. Even though she doesn’t agree with the title of community leader, she is a voice of the people. She helps the community in whatever way possible and her contributions will continue to change the lives of others for years to come.

BY JENNA SHAW

NNB Student Reporter

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Hidden away from the city is a small community of its own in Campbell Park.

The 33.3 acres of land known as Campbell Park is located at 601 14 St. S., St. Petersburg, Fla., and features a playground, recreation center, outdoor pool with slides, outdoor fitness zone, a lit football/soccer field, 4 lit outdoor basketball courts, lit racquetball/handball courts, lit regulation sized baseball field, lit youth size baseball field, 4 lit tennis courts, 10 picnic shelters, a playcamp site, and restrooms.

The Campbell Park Recreation Center is where park and community merge.

The Recreation Center has a variety of programs available for everyone in the community including; elementary & teen camps, teen room activities, an art room, gymnasium, TASCO teens program, therapeutic recreation, tae kwon do classes, open gym Mondays from 6-8 p.m., and utilization or rental of Campbell Park facilities for cookouts, celebrations, or other events.

Park visitors can rent out shelters, the gym, pool, and sports courts.

Before and after school programs provide families with the child care needed to help families with working mothers and/or fathers who otherwise would have to find alternate transportation methods for their children to get to school. The children meet at the center for morning check-in and activities at 7:00 a.m. and are walked to school by a supervisor at 8:30 a.m.

The after school program is a little different. The children are picked up at school and checked in by the supervisor and then the group as a whole walks together back to the center. They have a designated book bag area with a no stealing policy.

A pool table, ping pong table, foosball table, arts and craft tables, a reading area, and video game area are some of the indoor activities the kids can choose from. Many days the group will do outdoor activities such as utilize the playground or play sports on one of the many fields. Some days they even take field trips to museums, Cici’s Pizza, or downtown. Vans are used for field trips. The after school program also includes snacks.

Verline Moore, Recreation Supervisor at Campbell Park Recreation Center, says “We like to give them a little say in what we do here,” so kids meet with an advisor at the center for ideas on how to spend their money and what kinds of activities to plan. Moore points out that Dance Dance Revolution, a video game that requires you to move around and dance, is definitely a favorite among the kids.

There is financial assistance available for those who qualify. The Early Learning Coalition Agency pays a certain amount of the cost, or grants are available for those families receiving DCF, reduced lunch, and other programs.

Teens are encouraged to use the workout zone and also work on homework.

Terrance Henderson, a frequent user of the workout zone says, “It’s not completely ideal because everything only uses your own bodyweight against you, but it sure beats paying a gym membership.”

TASCO Teens provides kids with learning and coaching experiences outside of school. It stands for Teen Arts, Sports, and Cultural Opportunities. Teens from grades 6 all the way through high school gather together for events, sports, technology, and other activities.

Their 6 core concepts; drug resiliency, community service, purposeful and meaningful activities and social opportunities, positive family interaction, educational and career development, and adult role and leadership models are meant to inspire and encourage the St. Petersburg youth, helping them on their way to success. There is a TASCO teen lounge at Campbell Park.

Although Campbell Park is not the main office for Saint Petersburg’s therapeutic recreation, you can learn more about it from the rec center and some activities do take place at the park. The goal is to provide citizens of all ages with positive and constructive activities to alleviate stress, reduce boredom, experience new things, gain emotional support, feel better, and become more of a community.

On the St. Pete website it says, “Education and recreation services help people with illnesses, disabilities and other conditions to develop and use their leisure in ways that will enhance their health, functional abilities, independence and quality of life.”

The outdoor pool – though now closed to the public – is open for swim lessons. During the summer, the pool is open to the public. Admission is $4.00 for an adult, and $3.50 for a child.

BY COURTNEY PARISH

NNB Student Reporter

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The weather is gradually starting to cool down. In anticipation of a few cold spells, people are starting to pull out the sweater boxes and seeing what needs to be updated in their fall wardrobe. Most of us cannot afford to revamp our closet with the latest from Tampa Bay Fashion Week. Lucky for us retro and vintage wear is still in vogue. Where there is a will, Goodwill has a way.

Thrifting, the act of shopping at thrift store has recently become popular among 15-25 year olds thanks to singer Macklemore’s hit song Thrift Shop. According to the book Fashion Marketing and Theory, by Gianpaolo Vignali and Claudio Vignali, this age bracket is heavily targeted by the fashion and retail industry.

“The Goodwill here in Midtown welcomes people of all ages through its door,” Ricky Smith, a Goodwill employee said. The different age groups approach the racks differently when it comes to perusing the clothing racks. “Older patrons tend to by the basics and lean towards some of the more generic looking styles,” Smith, said.

Janelle Kay, is a Journalism student at St. Petersburg College. She is a frequent thriftier and hunts the racks for whatever clothes fit the look she is going for that day. “I look for vintage and interesting pieces that I can either wear or alter,” Kay, said.

Sometimes Kay sells her reinvintaged clothes to Revolve Clothing Exchange in downtown St. Petersburg, Fla. She gets inspiration for her reinvintage designs from Lucky and other fashion magazines. Altering clothing is just a hobby, but shopping at Goodwill allows Kay to enjoy the hobby without breaking the bank.

There is an art to thrifting if you are looking to score a deal on some sweet retro threads. Bloggers Elsie and Emma, of A Beautiful Mess have achieved pro status when it comes to thrifting. They shared ten thrifting tips with readers on their blog.

1. Keep a list of what you want and need. This will save you time if you are in a hurry and don’t have time to sift through all the racks.

2. Only buy what you love. It is easy to get overwhelmed with things you like. Only leave with what you love so you don’t get overwhelmed with iffy clothing.

3. Stay open minded. You never know what is going to turn up at Goodwill. Be patient and did through all the T-shirts and Moo-Moos to find that one of a kind gem.

4. Keep a schedule and shop frequently. Try going once a week in the middle of the week. You will have better odds and the beet the weekend crowd. Keep a schedule of the hours and sales for your favorite stores.

5. Prepare yourself. Some stores only take cash. Keep a mental note of who is plastic friendly and who isn’t so you are not surprised when you get to the register.

Samantha Harland is a first time thrifter and already addicted to the thrift store-shopping scene. “My friend introduced me to thrift shopping. I like looking for unique items that I can take home and alter. I am not afraid to play around and try new clothes here because everything is so cheap,” Harland said.

BY LORI CASTELLANO

NNB Student Reporter

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Every third Thursday of the month the Greater Mt. Zion Church located in St. Petersburg, Fla.’s Midtown area feeds the hungry and people who need some extra food supplies.

The program, which started two years ago in partnership with Feeding America, continues to drop off an average of 300 boxes of food ranging from meat, milk, fruit, vegetables, bread, snacks and juice, until it runs out. It never has food left over.

Bertha Searcy, a church member, has been donating her time since the beginning and is busy trying to organize all of the volunteers and the cleanup.

“I started two years ago, and we do this till we run out,” she said.

More than 20 volunteers show up today wearing green shirts that read “Greater Mt. Zion AME –Working For The Community.”

Helen Evans, church parishioner, knows it’s not just a church effort but a community effort.

“Alpine Health & Rehab comes out to help us too,” she said.

Evans asks people to sign their name on a log sheet to get a headcount on who is receiving the donations when a man walks up to sign in.

Gilbert Albritton, Midtown resident, “I drove by and saw all the green shirts and wanted to check it out,” he said.

Albritton looks over at the tables to see what food is left. One of the volunteers informs him all that is left are tomatoes and some juice.

“This is my first time here, and I’m going to get a couple of tomatoes,” he said.

Searcy, who is tired and starting to feel the sun’s heat, “We start at nine and go usually two hours and set up and take down. We do this once a month, the third Thursday of the month,” she said.

While it can be hard work for the volunteers, some see it as a rewarding experience.

Eva Williams, church member, “I really enjoy doing this,” she said.

Food has not kept up with demand. “We do run out of food sooner but have kept the same donations,” Searcy said.

Another resident who regularly picks up some food is James Gamble. “I come every time they have it; been here three times already,” he said.

Gamble, a retired cab driver and roofer, cannot work anymore because of health issues.

“I pick up little things at the food pantry about twice a week, but they have everything here,” he said.

It’s not uncommon to see people stay after picking up their food. Gamble sits down and talks to another member of the community.

“If you hang around here long enough, you will find a good story,” Gamble said.

 BY ANDREA LUNA

NNB Student Reporter

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. —  On a hot fall day the sun is scorching the pavement making the heat rise in visible waves as the eighth-grade class patiently waits for Elizabeth “Auntie” Perkins to unlock the classroom door.

The school’s website describes their mission:

“To inspire and empower students qualifying for need-based scholarships to become future community leaders through a rigorous middle school program coupled with ongoing graduate support.”

Elizabeth and her colleague Sonja Felton are the ongoing graduate support. They keep in touch with the students through high school and college.

The sizzling of the pavement and the lively conversations are drowned out by the school bell.

Elizabeth unlocks the door and props it open with her body as the students file their way into the air-conditioned classroom.

The gentlemen are first.

One by one they acknowledge Mrs. Perkins with a firm handshake and a “good morning.”

She locks eyes with each one of them and shows off her pearly white teeth.

One student tries to sneak past her without acknowledging.

Big mistake.

She pulls him back to the door by his sweater and ensures he starts the process again, this time with a firm handshake, a “good morning Mrs. Perkins,” and full eye contact.

The process repeats until all the ladies have made their way into the classroom.

This is the graduating class at Academy Prep Center of St. Petersburg, Fla., and today they are working on their high school applications.

She walks the room checking on the progress of each student and answering as many questions as she can.

This is her time to encourage these kids about their future. This is her time to make them realize their potential and to show them options they may have never considered.

Mrs. Perkins has been helping kids find their potential and changing lives for 11 years.

Class is done, and the filing out process is much quicker as the students rush to the basketball courts. Mrs. Perkins is still the door proper and smiles at each of them on their way out.

As we make our way to her office she stops multiple times to talk to different students.

She knows each one by name. She gets on their level and locks eyes and for that moment, they are all she sees. Undivided attention.

She asks where they are coming from and where they are headed. She reminds them to walk. She uses terms of endearment like “baby” and “sweetheart.”

Any outsider looking in would think that this is a mother who came to visit her child at school. Lastly, she sends them off with a smile and tells them to have a great day.

Her journey continues to her office.

The door opens and a slender flight of stairs leads to another door. This woman has been climbing these same stairs for 11 years.

We walk into her office, which is covered in collegiate pennants and pictures of her family. There is a skylight above her desk that casts an angelic glow on her skin.

She is waiting for me to give directions. I tell her to go about her business while I set up and capture some footage of her in her environment. A nervous chuckle is her response.

The second the camera begins to record she squirms in her seat. She is uncomfortable when the spotlight is on her.

“I don’t see me as a hero or anything more than just a person trying to help the next person,” Perkins says with a tear in her eye.

BY SAMANTHA MESERVEY

NNB Student Reporter

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Music blares from overhead, chains rattle, metal clashes to the floor, and a symphony of men roaring fills the air. The All People’s TyRon Lewis Community Gym which is located in Midtown, seems to have a revolving door. Member after member walks in, signs their name into a log book, and enters the gym ready to better their lifestyle.

The gym is a program provided by African People’s Education and Defense Fund (APEDF) which is dedicated to defending the human and civil rights of the African American community. There are 44 members, and although it appears small from the outside the inside is furnished with all the necessary equipment the members need to achieve an accomplished workout. The gym does not require a yearly contract, instead a monthly fee of $20.00 is collected. They also provide a sliding pay scale for the members who may need some financial assistance.

Along with a fully equipped gym, the facility provides multiple programs including Boxerobics, and Body Camps. The programs are free for members and $5.00 for non-members. Another program offered by the gym is a Kids Fit Camp that is provided free of charge for all children in the community.

The manager of the center and certified personal trainer, John Thomas, believes it is not just the adults who need to change but that a healthy community starts with the children.

“Kids are playing too many video games,” Thomas explains. “We want them to get back to being kids.”

The program is held outside and uses running, jumping, and playing to show the kids how fun exercising can be.

Another thing the Tyron Lewis Gym provides is nutrition counseling. Thomas works to teach members how to eat right on a budget.

“It’s expensive to eat healthy, but the revolution starts at your dinner plate,” Thomas said.

Thomas is not unfamiliar with the struggles and hardships of achieving a healthy lifestyle. He was once overweight and diagnosed with both diabetes and high blood pressure, which Thomas says are two of the most common health problems in the Midtown community. This was a wake-up call for him and he began to change his eating and exercise habits. With no help from medications Thomas was able to reverse both these disorders.

“It is near and dear to my heart that these problems can be fixed without medication,” Thomas said.

Thomas is not the only success story TyRon Lewis Gym holds. Although Thomas’ inspiration fuels the gym’s members it is a fellow member who acts as instant motivation.

Leonard Rodgers lost his left leg in a motorcycle accident, but you can still find him at the gym every weekday—sometimes twice a day. As Rodgers does bicep curls, standing without the aid of a prosthetic leg, gym member Bennie Diflavis stops to admire Rodgers’ ambition.

“This is amazing, give me an excuse,” Diflavis shouts as he points to Rodgers.

It is obvious this gym is not just a building full of exercise equipment and muscular men. It is a building filled with stories and inspirations.

The only real problem the center encounters is getting more people to realize the benefits of living healthy. Gym volunteer Danyelle Wilson knows community is strong throughout the Midtown area and is usual source of inspiration for people.

“The residents really need community to get them in here,” Wilson explains.

Community is exactly what the Tyron Lewis Gym offers.

“We are one big family here,” gym manager Thomas said.

BY ALEXA NEWSOME

NNB Student Reporter

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Painting with a Twist offers a different approach from the traditional painting class. It provides enjoyable, recreational activities for Midtown residents who want to learn how to paint or just want to have fun.

Leslie and Marvin Gay started the company at 2527 Central Ave. in 2009, after moving from New Orleans, La. to St. Petersburg, Fla. Leslie Gay was an accountant and Marvin Gay was a CPA.

“They had something like this in New Orleans called Corks N Canvas,” Leslie Gay said. “I just really enjoyed it and always had fun. Nothing like this was offered down here.”

Leslie and Marvin Gay originally planned to retire after moving. However, Leslie Gay kept in constant contact with the founders of Corks N Canvas, Cathy Deano and Renee Maloney, after moving to St. Petersburg. The couple, with the founders of Corks N Canvas, decided to franchise the business as Painting with a Twist, the first of its kind in Florida.

Painting with a Twist offers two and three hour painting classes where an artist provides step-by-step instructions. The two hour classes are $35.00 and the three hour classes are $45.00. The paint, brushes, and canvas are all provided. Private parties are offered for groups with 10 or more. Guests can pick a class they want to attend and register online. There are a variety of classes offered based on subjects, like animals, landscapes, or abstracts. The schedule of themes is posted one month in advance, along with the times of the classes.

What is the twist? Costumers are encouraged to bring their favorite bottle of wine or beverage. Leslie and Marvin Gay want their guests to enjoy themselves and have a fun experience.

People of all ages attend painting classes for different reasons like birthday parties, date nights, and family events. Customers must be at least 21 years old to drink.

Lindsey Albright, 21, and Jenn Wisse, 22, like having their girl’s night out here.

“I just think it’s more fun and classy than going out to a bar or club for some drinks,” Albright said.

The girls enjoy being able to drink and meet new people, while learning how to paint. Both think it’s a nice change of scenery.

“I like that it’s an art project that I’m able to finish during each class,” Wisse said. “I tend to start things, like crocheting, and I never finish because I forget about it or don’t have time.”

Leslie and Marvin Gay always give back to the community through their business. Once a month, they host an event called Painting with a Purpose, where they team up with local charities and non-profits. This event is structured like a regular painting class, but half of the proceeds from that class go directly to the charity. Through these events, thousands of dollars have been donated to many local non-profit organizations.

Painting with a Twist also has multiple fundraisers throughout each month.

The September Painting with a Purpose was hosted on Sunday, Sept. 15. They donated to Faith Hope and Determination, which is a non-profit that promotes awareness for people with blood cancers in the minority community. With an occupancy limit of 50 people, 43 people attended this event. They also had a fundraiser for the Suncoast Basset Rescue on Sept. 7, which was sold out with 50 people attending the event.

The October Painting with a Purpose will be held on Oct. 12, and they will be donating to the Leukemia-Lymphoma Society. There will be three other fundraisers in October. Two are for the American Heart Association, which will be held on Oct. 25 and Oct. 27. The third fundraiser is for the Florida Poodle Rescue, which will be held on Oct. 5.

Leslie and Marvin Gay always try to promote awareness for events through Facebook and by emailing to customers. They will continue to give back to the Midtown community and provide fun painting classes to its residents.

 BY ANDREA LUNA

NNB Student Reporter

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The Midtown Rotary is sponsoring two exchange students this year as part of the Rotary Youth Exchange Program. The local rotary provides a host family, a small stipend and different volunteer opportunities for the students to be involved in.

Joe Smith, 50, is the president elect of the Midtown Rotary club.

“If you know people you don’t go to war with them. We strive to influence the youth of the nation,” Smith said in a telephone interview.

Pimtip Pim Promgerd, 17, is from Thailand and living in the states for the next year.

Her host family, the Comsikey’s welcomed her into their home as their son, Andrew Comiskey, ventured off to the Czech Republic.

“We hope she has a good time and that she likes us,” Nancy Comiskey said.

Promegerd attends high school, rotary events and is helping out the Interact Club at the Academy Prep School in Midtown on their mission to help an under funded school in Thailand.

“Pim is an integral part of that project, she will be speaking to the students about Thailand and she may even know the school that the students are trying to help. Do you see the connection and impact?” Smith asks.

When you think about it, these young people are extremely courageous. They are immersed in a different culture, living with strangers, sometimes barely knowing the language, and they serve the host community.

Promegerd is enrolled at Saint Petersburg High School.

“The first week of school I bowed when I passed older people. In Thailand we cannot color our nails, we have to cut our nails, and we have to pull back our hair. We wear uniform and skirt that is down to your knees,” Promgerd said.

The kids also behave differently.

“In school here I see boyfriend and girlfriend holding hands and kissing. In Thailand it’s rude,” Promegerd said.

Making new friends has also been difficult.

“In Thailand when I study, it’s all the same friends in one class and we will make more friendship,” Promegerd said.

Promegerd also revealed what she gave up to have this experience.

“My mom told me that if I not come here she would buy me a car and I come here,” Promegerd laughs, “but when I go back my mom will buy me a car.”

The program also ensures that the students experience different parts of the American culture.

“I went to baseball game, I can’t understand that,” Promegerd said about a recent Rays game she attended.

Promegerd will spend a full year in America and will have to readjust her mannerisms when she returns home.

“My mom told me here it is more relaxed. When I go back to Thailand you have to forget about more relaxed,” Promegerd giggles.

The Midtown Rotary hopes that these students take a piece of St. Petersburg back home with them, and that the whole experience impacts their life for a long time.

 “We want these students to be citizens of the world and not just their country,” Smith reflects.

 

 

BY YAN NIE

NNB Student Reporter

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Finding someone to give you the haircut, color or style you have been waiting for is not easy.

In Meme’s Beauty Gallery, four professional trained and licensed stylists have their own hairstyle that matching face and personality.

“Professionalism is what I am expecting,” said Y. Renne Mosley, a loyal customer who has been coming to Meme’s once a week for three years already. “I am very satisfied, and I wouldn’t go anywhere else.”

Meme’s Beauty Gallery is located at 1782 22nd St. S., St. Petersburg, Fla., in the same plaza where the Sweetbay grocery store had been and where the Wal-Mart neighborhood market will be. Jamekka R. Harris, owner of Meme’s, wants to draw attention from grocery shoppers, and therefore increase the salon’s customer base.

Harris joked about her ultimate goal to expand business to other locations and to be able to run the salon without working so hard. After more than 20 years of working as a professional hairstylist and seven years of being the salon owner, Harris is confident with the good quality of work and services that Meme’s provides to its clients.

“There are other salons in this area, but not as competitive as we are, because we do provide full service,” Harris said. Meme’s offers facial and nail treatments as well as a warm environment to win more customers.

“The employees are fabulous; they really care and if you tell them the problems you are having with your hair, they take immediate action,” Mosley said. “They are very knowledgeable about the latest hair styles.”

Harris said that like any other small business the majority of Meme’s clients live in the community. The most effective method of advertisement for Meme’s, besides spotting on the Internet, is word of mouth.

“A lot of our costumers are like our family,” Harris said with a smile on her face. She then shared a story about one of her customers who was in depression, and who eventually gave up her thoughts of committing suicide after chatting with Harris about her life struggles.

Harris said that even though their “no-children-in-the-salon” policy upsets a few costumers, she believes that this policy would keep children away from chemicals and hot irons inside the salon, and the salon would have fewer risks to be involved in possible lawsuits.

“That’s natural in any business. You are not gonna be able to satisfy everyone. But we just try to find what exactly they are not satisfied with, and then we try our best to make them happy,” Harris said.

Meme’s strives to create a nice clean and warm environment for customers. “For anyone interested in receiving a great service, come to Meme’s beauty gallery and you will enjoy it.” Harris said.

BY ABDUL SAHLY

NNB Student Reporter

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — In 2012 Amber Mack decided to look for a rented apartment. She had lived in Gulfport, Fla. for years, but she moved into Midtown, where she had grown up, finding it a vital neighborhood, with good homes and prices.

Mack a Certified Nursing Assistant said Midtown was not good in terms of services and interests when she was a little girl.

But, in the last decade, Midtown has seen huge development and is one of the best places.

“There are many services around here; I can walk to both the post office and shopping, and it takes only five minutes to drive to my work,” she said.

Midtown is becoming a place for many people who are looking for a good neighborhood to live in. Many developments have been going on.

This historic neighborhood in the heart of St. Petersburg, where most residents part of African American community, has also been a place for investors during the boom.

Midtown is a community located in a 5.5 square mile area south of downtown St. Petersburg, Fla., between 2nd Ave. N. and 30th Ave. S. to the north and south, and 4th St. and 34th St. to the east and west.

In the past 25 years, the City of St. Petersburg has facilitated a number of development projects in Midtown, including Pinellas County Job Corps Center, Seaboard Coastline RR Terminal, Dome Industrial Park and many other projects.

“I like the activities here,” said Joe Washington, a musician who has been living in a rent apartment for a month.

Washington said the rent prices are reasonable, and he finds that Midtown is good place for his work because of the neighborhood’s vibrant life. “The church sometimes distributes free food,” he added.

Mazen Marie is an investor in St. Petersburg. He said Midtown is considered a good choice for investors because of its proximity to downtown. “It is close from USFSP, hospitals in downtown and companies.”

Marie indicated that most investors are looking for old and cheap houses in Midtown, and then they fix them and put them up for rent.

“It is the perfect market for buying crack houses for buy-to-rent,” he said.

Tampa Bay Times reporter Drew Harwell said that in the past five years nearly 90 percent home sales have gone to cash. The report indicated that buyers want to fix up and rent out Midtown’s abandoned homes. Buyers don’t care how run down the home is, as long as they want to rent it out.

Aaron Bond, a realtor at Keller Williams Realty, said that demanding of housing in the Midtown area is moderate.

“The average sale price for the last six months in Midtown is $137,366,” he said.

Bond said the housing market in few next years is expected to be stable. “There is a high demand with low inventory in general. I don’t think there is a special demand in Midtown specifically. That may change with the flood insurance rate changes.”