A group dedicated to historic preservation will soon pick the town's top achieving buildings.
St. Petersburg Preservation is asking for nominations from city residents in four categories, to be recognized at an awards ceremony May 6.
The nonprofit corporation every two years honors those responsible for the care of historic buildings more than 50 years old, and new construction designed to mesh with old structures.
"We want to make sure neighborhoods know that the nominations are open to them," said Jim Brennan, the group's president.
The four main categories are: restoration/rehabilitation; adaptive reuse; compatible design; and preservation/maintenance.
According to the group's literature, "restored" refers to buildings that have been renovated to something close to their original appearance and function.
"Rehabilitated" describes an overhaul somewhat less sweeping, in a building that retains its historic style. The Vinoy is a past winner in the restoration/rehabilitation category.
"Adaptive reuse" refers to a historic building that has changed its function. A few years ago, a new library at the Stetson law school won in the compatible design category, which recognizes new construction designed to blend in with surrounding, historic buildings.
St. Petersburg's City Hall has won previously in the preservation/maintenance category, which honors historic structures that have not changed their function or required rehabilitation.
Any type of building is eligible to win an award, Brennan said.
The group is also taking nominations for the best public education project; the Jon and Hillary Clarke award for grass roots group organizing; and for Preservationist of the Year. Get nomination forms online by going to stpetepreservation.org and then click on 2004 Preservation Awards on the left side of the screen.
Mail completed nomination forms by April 12 to St. Petersburg Preservation, P.O. Box 838, St. Petersburg, FL 33731.
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Upstaging the Easter bunny can be a big job, but a pair of north-side neighborhoods are hopping to it. Crescent Lake and Crescent Heights neighborhood associations will hold a joint Easter egg hunt at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, in the wooded area of Crescent Lake Park west of Fifth Street and north of 20th Avenue N. The hunt starts at 10 a.m. for ages 3 and younger, and at following intervals for older age groups. Drinks and light snacks are provided. Participants should bring a dozen plastic, treat-filled eggs by 9:30 a.m. Saturday, or drop the eggs off on April 8 or 9 in the drop box outside 602 24th Ave. N. For information, call 767-8529.
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The Fossil Park Neighborhood Association has changed its meeting time and place. The group next meets at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at the North Branch Library, 861 70th Ave. N. Members will review the auditor's report for 2003. Fossil Park will continue meeting at the library the first Tuesday of each month.
Meetings
AZALEA: 7 p.m. Thursday. Azalea Recreation Center, 1600 72nd Ave. N. Neighborhood traffic control, lighting.
BARTLETT PARK: 6:30 p.m. Thursday. St. Petersburg Neighborhood Housing Services, 1600 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St. S. Community police Officer Anthony McCoy; Capitol improvements director John Green; ACORN community organizer Erica McPeck.
LIVE OAKS: 7 p.m. Tuesday. St. Luke's United Methodist Church, 4444 Fifth Ave. N.
WILDWOOD HEIGHTS: 7 p.m. Thursday. Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church, 2580 12th Ave. S. Getting ready for April 17 neighborhood cleanup.
