[Times art] BayWalk, the new entertainment and shopping district in downtown St. Petersburg remains a work in progress, but the movie theater and a number of restaurants and retailers should open Friday. Dreamers and builders mingle More than 1,000 attend a charity premiere at BayWalk. Now playing We've waited for years for something big to happen downtown. Now it is, and the questions are: What will it mean and who will come? BayWalk timeline 1982 BayWalk rises from Bay Plaza's wreckage The roots of the new shopping and dining complex lay in a failed project that began in the 1980s. Inside Baywalk An illustrated look at the complex Unfamiliarity breeds contentment, it's hoped Many of the shops and restaurants at BayWalk don't ring a bell with locals -- and that's intended. But some retailers had to be convinced about the "undiscovered jewel" of St. Petersburg. Details, details Here's the scoop on the theaters, ticket purchasing and price, child care, and the stores and restaurants. BayWalk facts The BayWalk entertainment/retail complex, between Second and Third avenues N and First and Second streets in downtown St. Petersburg, opens Friday. Sembler Sembler's gift The shopping center specialist provided the sturdy foundation for an "Oh, Wow!" entertainment mecca his community waited for. Project is banking on right mix for success After limping back to health one new restaurant at a time, St. Petersburg's downtown revival is about to get its first big burst of new retail in decades. City limits street parking around BayWalk If you're going to the new commercial center, you might want to consider a parking garage -- or face a potential fine of $17.50. BayWalk evokes thoughts of retail Darwinism Other merchants view BayWalk with hope, optimism, nonchalance and envy.

Team concept gets lessons across
Pinellas schools are looking at ways to increase "inclusion" of special needs students into single-subject classes.

YMCA has back-up buyer for downtown
Officials won't say who the back-up buyer is. Developer Grady Pridgen says he was asked to step aside for a better offer.

John's Pass Village firming up improvements
The middle building is filling in, an adjacent one is almost ready, and the village's massive renovation is winding up.

Wanted: a unique relief station
A Corey Avenue group wants a landmark golf course lighthouse to serve as a combination public restroom, tourist center and bus stop.

Petition asks for revote on contract
More than 400 in Kenneth City, affected by rising garbage fees, oppose the contract with Waste Management. But council members are defending it.

Holocaust Museum calls off classes for teachers
The program's instructors decided not to leave Israel because of the recent unrest and its effect on their families.

Museum seeks witnesses to Holocaust experience
Since 1994, the Florida Holocaust Museum, 55 Fifth St. S, St. Petersburg, has been interviewing Holocaust survivors, and now the museum is expanding its work to include refugees, hidden children, liberators, protectors, freedom fighters and children of survivors.

Running of red lights is a concern
As a member of the St. Petersburg Triple-E (traffic calming) Committee, though not an official spokesman in any sense, I would like to reply to the gentleman who was concerned that the police and the Triple-E group do as much to address the running of red lights as they do for speeding.

Business owners to discuss customers
ST. PETERSBURG -- A panel of business owners will talk about how they draw in new customers and keep old ones when the Downtown Core Group meets at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Keystone Club, 320 4th St. N.

What's up on campus
Eckerd College

St. Pete Beach will stick with Fla. Power
ST. PETE BEACH -- The city will not abandon Florida Power in order to create its own municipally run electric service -- at least not for a few years, if at all.

Groups aim to create new peacemakers
The Center Against Spouse Abuse, the Haven of RCS, PAR and Community Pride Childcare have established a program called Creating a New Generation of PeaceMakers in Pinellas County.

Poynter to host writing workshop for high school
The Poynter Institute will host the Florida High School Writers Workshop for high school students and teachers.

Treasure Islettes plan event Saturday
TREASURE ISLAND -- Members of the Treasure Islettes are planning a craft bazaar, card party and luncheon from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Community Center, One Park Place.

Massari art show tells the tale of her survival
It is possible both to come home again and to move on, as artist Allison Massari has demonstrated.

Dr. Delay
Longer vehicles not fit for on-street parking

School elections can have their own dramatic finishes
ST. PETERSBURG -- Just like the U.S. presidential race, elections at two area high schools have been close calls this year.

So you think it's not a 'mom thing'? Think again
Waiting in line at an ATM in Ybor City on a recent Saturday night, I overheard two women behind me talking about a friend who recently had a tattoo removed with a laser.

Grant fuels move toward a 'new urban' downtown
University Park hires a consultant to transform five blocks into an area in which businesses meet residents' needs.

Government calendar
Monday

Business owners to discuss customers
ST. PETERSBURG -- A panel of business owners will talk about how they draw in new customers and keep old ones when the Downtown Core Group meets at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Keystone Club, 320 4th St. N.

Shoplifting suspect upset at store's request for $200
The woman denies stealing from Winn-Dixie and is shocked at the supermarket's request for civil damages.

Austin's ISU success was around corner
When Atif Austin graduated from Tarpon Springs High School three years ago, the Pinellas County Player of the Year expected to be a tailback in college.

4 runners take Bull by horns
Pinellas runners won four titles in the 23rd annual Bull Run at the University of South Florida.

Hobelmann attracting the area's best
St. Petersburg's Steve Hobelmann gets things done.

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