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Take a stroll and then take in a movie

By RITA FARLOW
Published August 30, 2006

ST. PETERSBURG - As if on cue, the sun faded just as the movie screen lit up.

At a mostly vacant parking lot turned into a drive-in style movie theater, some people sat in beach chairs and others lounged on blankets, as they waited for the showing of The Karate Dog to begin.

This month, the Grand Central District's neighborhood stroll included the theater at the corner of 26^th Street and Central Avenue.

"We're kind of tying it in with the stroll to let everybody know it's a family-friendly event," said Brian Longstreth, president of the Grand Central District Association.

Heidi Skelton came all the way from Safety Harbor with her children. Wyatt, 3, and Jacob, 2, kneeled on a blanket, eager for their first outdoor movie. "We've never been to the drive-in," Skelton said.

Skelton and the boys checked out some of the shops along Central Avenue before settling in for the movie, a family-style mystery about a dog that practices martial arts.

"We walked around for a bit and ate at Roman Gardens (Ristorante & Pizzeria). It was nice," Skelton said, adding that some vendors had treats available for children and dogs.

About 40 people showed up for the film, including about a half dozen kids and as many dogs. Longstreth and friends set up the screen and projector in a matter of minutes. The screen sits about 4 feet off the ground and measures 8 feet high by 12 feet wide.

Longstreth said the movie is a nice way to include the whole family in an evening outing.

"It gives people a chance to do a little strolling around the neighborhood and then sit back, relax and catch the movie," he said.

The neighborhood hosts a stroll the fourth Friday of the month. The next film, scheduled for the Sept. 22 stroll, might tie in to the classic car show going on that night, Longstreth said.

[Last modified August 30, 2006, 07:52:50]