Storm dampens visit by Japanese official

From the lobby of the Hilton St. Petersburg Thursday evening, Japan's consul general Ko Kodaira could see the bright lights of Florida Power Park at Al Lang Field, and the downpour and the lightning. Kodaira flew to the Sunshine City to meet with Mayor Rick Baker and was to have thrown the first pitch in a Women's World Series game between Team USA and Team Japan.

The heavy rains, remnants of Tropical Storm Edouard, put off the Thursday night game, but Kodaira was able to meet with players inside the hotel. For a few minutes Friday morning, he watched play at the rescheduled game.

Teams from Australia and Canada also are competing in the series, which concludes today.

Kodaira twice served in Chicago. Today he is based at the consulate in Miami; his job is to promote relations between Florida and Japan.

During his time with Baker, he said, the two men discussed St. Petersburg's sister city arrangement with Takamatsu, Japan, the state's citrus exports to his country, and the possibility of some cultural exchanges.

Accompanying the consul general Thursday night were Emmanuel Roux and Steven Barefield, chairman and vice chairman of the city's international relations committee. They introduced Kodaira to a group of Japanese immigrants who live in the bay area, including St. Petersburg sculptor Kyu Yamamoto and Noriko L. Hines of Tampa.

Many thanks to all of you who have inquired about my health and well-being throughout the summer, when On the Town appeared only occasionally.

Because there's a lull in social events during the summer, I took a couple of weeks off, then wrote some general assignment stories for Neighborhood Times. Another busy season commenced over the weekend.

Today's column includes some events that didn't make the social calendar published Aug. 26; from now on, we'll let you know about upcoming developments closer to when they occur.

Looking ahead

Friday

TEDDY BEAR TEA: Inaugural fall meeting of GFWC St. Petersburg Woman's Club; prospective members welcome. 1 p.m. St. Petersburg Woman's Club, 40 Snell Isle Blvd. NE. 528-2270.

WINE TASTING: St. Petersburg Free Clinic receives portion of cover charge each Friday through September. 6:30-8 p.m. $10. Uncorked Fine Wines & Accessories, 2706 Fourth St. N, St. Petersburg.

Saturday

EINSTEIN DINE: Benefits Museum of Science and Industry in Tampa. Multicourse meal in nine bay area restaurants (Columbia, Fleming's, Lake Jovita Golf & Country Club, Marchand's at the Vinoy, Mia's, Mise en Place, Tampa Bay Palm, Profusion, Ristorante Francesco). Chefs, owners greet guests and discuss insights into the evening's menu and wine selections, recipes, pairing fine wines and foods. Seating time is 6:30 p.m. or 7 p.m., depending upon establishment selected. Space at each is limited; to be assigned in the order reservations are received. $150. (813) 987-6077; www.mosi.org.

Oct. 5

BOWSER BALL AND CATSINO NIGHT: Fourth annual event benefits Pinellas Animal Foundation. Buffet dinner, dancing, Las Vegas-style games, live and silent auctions. 6 p.m. Belleview Biltmore Golf Resort & Spa, 25 Belleview Blvd., Clearwater. 398-5128.

BLESSED SACRAMENT SCHOOL GOLF TOURNAMENT: 13th annual fundraiser features putting contest, golf in three divisions: men's, women's, mixed doubles. Four-person best ball scramble begins at 8 a.m. Tides Country Club, 11832 66th Ave. N, Seminole. $65 (includes cart, greens fees, luncheon). 391-4060.

Feb. 15

CASINO NIGHT: Benefit for Junior League of St. Petersburg. 6 p.m. Port of St. Petersburg, 250 Eighth Ave. SE. $50. 895-5018.

April 6

GULF COAST JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES CELEBRITY CELEBRATION: Ninth annual fundraiser. Renaissance Vinoy Resort, 501 Fifth Ave. NE, St. Petersburg. 538-7150 ext. 3060.

-- Mary Jane Park can be reached at (727) 893-8267; fax (727) 893-8675; e-mail park@sptimes.com; P.O. Box 1121, St. Petersburg, FL 33731.

© 2006 • All Rights Reserved • St. Petersburg Times
490 First Avenue South • St. Petersburg, FL 33701 • 727-893-8111

Contact the Times | Privacy Policy
Standard of Accuracy | Terms, Conditions & Copyright