Author Archives: Vanessa Wheeler

The Chickee: An Innovation of Adaptation

At first glance, a traditional Seminole chickee may look unusual. Unlike many homes, it has no walls, yet this open-air design…

The Sunshine Offer

Long before social media campaigns and tourism commercials, the Evening Independent newspaper found a simple way to convince the world that…

Marjorie Greene Graff: Passing the Plate to a New Generation

Marjorie Greene Graff has spent decades helping keep the tradition of printmaking alive in Pinellas County. A trained printmaker and educator,…

Florida in Print

Beginning in the late nineteenth century, colorful paper labels transformed ordinary wooden citrus crates into miniature works of art. Measuring about…

A Record-Tying Night for the Devil Rays

On July 29, 2006, the Tampa Bay Devil Rays delivered one of the most memorable victories in franchise history. Playing at…

Babe Zaharias: From Olympic Gold to Golf Greatness

In the early 1950’s, visitors came to St. Petersburg for more than sunshine and sandy beaches. They also came to see…

Happy 727 Day! The History of Tampa Bay’s Iconic Area Code

Today, the 727 area code is instantly recognizable across Pinellas County, but it is a relatively recent addition to Florida’s history.

From Pharmacy Press to Pulitzer Prizes: The Story of the Tampa Bay Times

On July 25, 1884, a small newspaper began publication that would eventually become one of Florida’s most respected news organizations. Founded…

John Cavallo: The Black Seminole Who Bridged Two Worlds

Long before Florida became a state, John Cavallo, also known as “Gopher John,” played a remarkable role in one of the…

Margaret Patterson’s Lasting Impression on Printmaking

Margaret Patterson believed that beauty could be found in everyday moments. Through her colorful woodblock prints of flowers, gardens, and landscapes,…

Ty Cobb and One of Baseball’s Rarest Feats

On July 22, 1909, baseball legend Ty Cobb accomplished one of the game’s rarest feats against the Boston Americans. In a…

HISTORICALLY ST. PETE Rui Farias Previews Events: Vintage St. Pete Bill DeYoung 7/20 & more