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Guest column

I live here

Downtown dwelling puts couple in the heart of entertainment, commerce and life.

By BOB AND FAITH BEDFORD
Published January 15, 2006

St. Petersburg - New Year's fireworks explode into glorious fountains of dazzling color. The happy revelers on St. Petersburg's waterfront let out an appreciative cheer. Beside me, on our building's rooftop, our grandchildren applaud each new rocket and shower of twinkles.

"I like your new house, Gammy," whispers the youngest, her eyes wide with wonder. "It's the best."

I agree. Downtown, we are in the heart of everything and everything is within a few blocks' walk.

I am a writer, and my husband is a professor at USF.

Imagine starting your day with a cup of coffee and a fresh bagel from a nearby coffee shop, then reading the Times in the leafy, green gardens of Pioneer Park. Follow that with a walk along the harbor, its waters sparkling in the early morning sunlight. Then, it's a leisurely stroll to work. No commuting. No traffic frustrations. Last year I only put 600 miles on my car. Makes us feel a bit environmentally smug.

We walk to museums, stroll to the movies, window shop on Beach Drive. With my wheeled cart, I can bring home a week's groceries from Publix, carry packages to the post office, buy fresh fruit and vegetables at the Saturday Morning Market or transport a fresh pizza, balanced carefully on the top. And speaking of food ... the only difficult thing about living downtown is deciding which wonderful restaurant to try next.

Despite the fine dining, with all the walking we do, we've actually lost weight. The grandkids love to play at Demens Landing Park, visit the Pier to feed the pelicans, or play in the sand at Spa Beach. The Children's Museum and the Art Center spark their creativity.

We love to walk to American Stage and the Palladium, dance at the Coliseum, browse art galleries or take out a little boat from the Sailing Center. For a change of pace, we amble over to the Vinoy, sit on the porch with a glass of wine, watch the boats bobbing at anchor and pretend we are in Nice.

For years, we lived in Tampa but drove to St. Pete for fun and sailing, shopping and museums, theater and music. We felt as though we had one foot on each side of the bay. Now, we have both feet firmly planted in St. Petersburg. Its green necklace of parks is our front yard. And we don't have to mow it.

We're looking for readers to tell us, in 400 words or less, why you live where you live. Please include your likes and dislikes. Send essays to gadsden@sptimes.com and please include a daytime phone number.

[Last modified January 15, 2006, 01:47:20]