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Holiday lightsBy Times staff reports © St. Petersburg Times, published December 25, 2000 Beaches1 Pass-a-Grille Way, St. Pete Beach. "A beautiful antique Santa and his reindeer prepare to leap into the evening sky, illuminated by white twinkling lights." 5404 Pali Way, St. Pete Beach. Lighted Santa and reindeer, trees, snowman, "ho-ho-ho" Santa, bubble-blowing Christmas elephant. "Dedicated to the loving memory of my neighbor, Lou Saad, whose legendary Christmas-light spirit motivated our neighborhood to all light up and be festive." 11205 Eighth St. E, Isle of Palms, Treasure Island. Icicles hanging from five peaked roof gables ("the house looks like a New England Christmas"), lighted sleigh with three flying animated reindeer, Santa, snowman, miniature pine tree forest. 246-248 144th Ave. E, Madeira Beach. "Our 14th year!" More than 45,000 lights, animations, Santa's village theater with dancing elf, 33-foot tree with 7,500 lights, 23-foot candy cane with more than 6,000 lights, music, much more. With the exception of the animated dolls, "everything else is handmade, produced in memory of someone special who has helped me along the way." 545 Lillian Drive, Madeira Beach. "People from many foreign countries come back year after year. People from Germany have called this year to see when lights are going on since they read about it in their German paper." Angels, Santa, reindeer on roof, trees, Nativity, candles, soldiers, candy canes, bears, animated figures, trees and village in garage. Dancing bears on the porch; back yard decorated for an offshore view. 1212 Bayshore Blvd., Indian Rocks Beach. New stilt house with thousands of lights, trees on balconies "with all the bells and whistles." The landscaper owner's "special touches in planting and landscaping" include flowers, hanging baskets and gardens. 3321 Hibiscus Drive E, Belleair Beach. "In neon lights, "Jesus Is the Reason for the Season'; beside driveway, Santa and reindeer; in the center, a large Nativity scene and more than 60,000 lights with Christmas music playing. BelleairPalmetto Road, Hibiscus Drive, Willadel Drive, Hunter Park, Town Hall -- "Thousands of lights!" town clerk Donna Carlin reports. "Residents on Palmetto Road have been placing Christmas trees along the street for 35 years." Kenneth City6200 block of 43rd Avenue N. Entire block is decorated, several elaborate displays. "Displays are tour-bus quality!" Largo13313 Balboa Drive (Del Prado). This house and the one next door put out a total of 400,000 lights. Santa and reindeer fly 20 feet above the house, "as big as a conversion van." 759 Royal Palm Circle (Palm Hill Country Club). "A different theme every year." This year a 5-foot wreath surrounds the heads of the Seven Dwarfs. 12-foot tree, Nativity, icicle lights. 1100 S Belcher Road, #502 (Fairway Village). More than 7,000 lights, big cross with Nativity scene, star on roof, Santa, sleigh and Rudolph, trees, bells. 1100 S Belcher Road, #681 (Fairway Village). Mobile home with many lights and figures. What makes it special: "The work to assemble this display." 9407 122nd Ave. N (Shadow Pines). Icicle lights on both levels of two-story house; multicolored lights, reindeer, three trees, two giant illuminated ornaments. 113th St. N and 126th Avenue (Shadow Lakes Condos). "A tribute in lights to Christ's birth with the manger scene and angels on high. Lots of lights in a small area devoted to the Christmas story." 2158 Orchid St. Merry-go-round, kissing Santas, singing mice, trees, new Nativity scene. 8664 92nd St. N. 13,000 lights, small trees, candy canes, toy soldiers, Santa and reindeer flying through air, citrus trees covered with lights. Figures, Frosty the Snowman. 13609 Robyn Court. Lots of lights, animation scene in garage. 11124 111th St. N. Twinkling colors with arches and a special Santa surprise. "Our dad works so hard every year to please everyone's eyes with Christmas joy." 12623 111th Lane N (Orange Wood). Life-size Nativity between two oak trees, deer and Santas, snowman, train, other lighted displays. 11172 106th Ave. N. An orange Florida snowman, carolers, candy canes, Santa's flagpole with imaginary tree, thousands of lights. 11340 113th Ave. N. "Lots of lights on and around the house. Adding more every week." 9163 93rd St. N (Clearwood). "Magical delight," a solid yard of lights. 11345 114th Ave. N. "Too much to list. Must see with own eyes." 11352 117th Ave. N. (One block south of Walsingham between Ridge Road and 113th Street. It's a dead-end street; must enter off Ridge Road.) Entire block lights up. Each home has a commercial-sized bell and candle. Lights, illuminated figures, flying reindeer and sleigh, animated figures, "much too much to mention it all." Santa in red shorts, tropical shirt and sandals will be lounging in a lawn chair pulled by eight tiny flamingos. 12962 Pineway Drive. Handmade cartoon characters: Flintstones, Pokemon, Tweety, Taz, Bugs, etc. "Kids really get a kick out of it." The Lights of Lake Park Estates (see directions below). This neighborhood's annual gift to the community, benefiting Hospice of the Florida Suncoast, in loving memory of the late Ruby Dow. About 200 homeowners decorate in over-the-top style. This year they claim "the biggest lighted tree in Pinellas." New features include a railroad, church, merry-go-round, more than 1-million lights. Santa will be surfing; look for the lighted alligator. Donations of food and cash for Hospice are welcome. Directions: From Starkey Road, travel west on Bryan Dairy Road. Cross the first bridge and turn right at the first traffic light at 109th Avenue N. At the bottom of the hill and follow arrows. From Seminole Boulevard, drive east on 102nd Avenue N. Cross the Lake Seminole Bridge. Go to second traffic light at 109th Avenue and turn left. Follow arrows. Pinellas Park8561 52nd St. N. "Every type of light: rope lights, icicle lights, net lights, chasing and twinkling lights with color. Animated and 3D figurines on the roof and in the yard, including Santa's sleigh being pulled by reindeer with Rudolph leaping into the air. Trees, shrubs, plants and a koi pond all decorated with lights. 59th Street N from 70th to 71st avenues. "The 'burbs are at it again with even more lights and scenes than ever! Please drop by for a look at our world of Christmas." 7055 79th Ave. N. Lights on house, shrubs, yard trees with figures (among them a Florida Gator?gator). "Just very colorful." 6190 84th Ave. N. Animated displays (Santa with sleigh and reindeer, elves filling a stocking, diving dolphins, flying cardinals); angels, Santa on a motorcycle, Nativity, spiral tree, candy canes, arches. 8300 block of Burgundy Drive (Vendome Village). Most of the street decorates with lights. 5590 102nd Ave. N. Animation, lights "sure to put you in the holiday spirit." 5000-5100 blocks of 96th Terrace N (Skyview Terrace). Take 95th Avenue N off 49th Street and "enjoy house after house of nice displays and beautiful lights." 5211 82nd Ave. N. "Everything full-size made by two seniors, ages 77 and 79, and set up by us." Painted windows, decorated patio, yard full of snow people, much more. Florida touches: Santa on the roof under a palm tree; sleigh, Santa and Rudolph led by a big pink flamingo. 8285 56th Way N. "Candy Cane Lane" neighborhood project, eight to 10 blocks starting at 58th Street and 82nd Avenue N. Just watch for the glow! Driveway arches, trees, all lit up. Santa in person Thursday through Sunday; week before Christmas every night except Christmas Eve. 5220 97th Terrace N. About 3,500 lights, two bay windows with animated dolls, lawn sculptures, two trees. "Neat and not overdone." 9679 41st Way N (Mainlands 2). House and shrubs covered with lights, plus reindeer. "A fairyland." 8291 55th Way N. The lights start at that address. "The whole street lights up, and you just might see Santa Claus himself." 8210 65th St. N. Mr. and Mrs. Santa kissing, toy shop with elves, Nativity, snowman and wife. "Hand-crafted decorations done as a family thing." 8270 68th St. N. 5,000-plus lights, trees, Santa, revolving swing, Ferris wheel, candy canes, Mad Hatter's teacup with bears and stocking caps. 6311 103rd Ave. N (Dunrovin). "Red and white lights, candy canes and polar bears are awesome!" Rooftop to driveway edged in lights. Takes two to three weeks to set up. Whole block of 103rd Avenue decorates, about 50,000 lights. "Viewing this neighborhood would give even the Grinch a warm, fuzzy, tingling feeling in his toes!" 6341 Elmhurst Drive (Autumn Run). 10,000 lights, figurines, motion lights. Seminole9133 Ridge Road. More than 75,000 lights; animated reindeer, toys, angels, bubble blowers. "Walk around and enjoy! Christmas music every night. Santa and his helpers here live every Friday and Saturday after 7 p.m." Look for pink flamingos kissing under the mistletoe. 11533 69th Ave. N. Four garden railroads with different tracks. Santa rides in one with a Christmas tree. "The children love it." Whole yard and house decorated. 13323 87th Place N. Reindeer, Santa's sleigh, archways, stuffed bears. "There is a new granddaughter in the family, and we will all be together to share this joyful time of year." 13850 88th Ave. N. Santa and reindeer on cable strung between two palm trees; "SANTA STOP HERE" sign over the garage. 8499 137th Lane N. Five lighted reindeer (two animated); animated dolls in window, lighted manger scene, lighted Santa and snowman, lighted Mickey and Minnie on fence; two dolphins pulling Santa's sleigh on the roof. 8517 109th St. N. Santa, reindeer, Frosty, angels, trees. What makes it special: "The person who owns it because of the thought and time devoted to it. All the kids love the house." 12353 Imperial Drive (Boca Ciega Ridge). Manger, Santa and Mrs. Claus and elves, choir children, snowmen, Garfield and Odie, many handmade wooden lawn decorations. St. Petersburg173 SE Lincoln Circle N, between Fourth and First streets and 54th and 62nd avenues N. Reindeer taking off into the sky, 32-foot live ash tree with 10,050 lights, total of 15,000 lights. The homeowner installed additional electrical lines last summer to accommodate lights. Neighboring houses each have 8-foot illuminated candle in front, many other displays. 2730 54th St. N. More than 25,000 lights, including 18 trees, lighted and decorated driveway arches, Nativity, lighted garland and bows around house. Front windows: large village display, three trees. "Nothing left undecorated inside or out!" 2420 Seventh Ave. N (Historic Kenwood). Small gingerbread house with twinkle lights highlighting architectural features. Florida touch: Holiday bears spending Christmas at the beach. 6522 34th Ave. N. Three animated window displays with Disney and Warner Bros. characters and "who are those doggies in the window?" Lighted lawn figures including animated reindeer and sleigh, life-sized Santa, elves, train, lots of lights. 8390 40th Ave. N. These homeowners create displays in 4-by-4 or 4-by-8 plexiglass boxes. This year they've got Santa in the bathtub, Nativity, carolers, snowball fight with Mickey, Minnie and Goofy, a girl sledding with dalmatians. Check out the elves playing beach voleyball or the reindeer doing the same thing wearing shorts, sunglasses and sun visors. An animated Santa goes fishing with a pelican and elves. In the garage, see what Santa does to relax: He and the elves play with trains. 5244 58th Ave. N. "Thousands of lights and more than 50 blowmolds. Manger scene picture-window display, over 30 manger scenes." 6738 Criswell Ave. N. Many outside lights. Window figures: penguin and polar bear cub, teddy bears on ice, figures in windows. "Gotta see for yourself." 6854 Criswell Ave. N (off 46th Avenue and 67th Way N). 3,000 lights, wooden grazing reindeer, "Merry Christmas" candles, lighted Nativity. 6040 Lee St. NE (Edgemoor Estates). Icicle lights on a corner lot with two Florida deer, Sunny and Sandy, under the oak tree. 3247 Park St. N. Two snowmen, 10 and 5 feet tall, made by the homeowner. "They are hoping the temperature does not get any higher so they can be around for Christmas." 54th Avenue N east of Park Street. Five Towns condo: 31 buildings decorated. 8301 Seventh St. N. Lights all over, slide and Snoopy on roof, figures, reindeer, decorations around umbrella and deck. 5757 36th St. N (Lealman). Many lights, animated dolls, village, Christmas moose, Nativity, snowman, soldiers, candy canes, schoolhouse, church, sleigh and reindeer, Tigger, Pooh, gingerbread man. Santa will hand out candy Dec. 22-23. 6492 17th St. N (Meadowlawn). Animated Disney characters, animals, boy and girl dolls fill the garage. Yard full of lighted figures and an animated deer. Mrs. Claus will greet children nightly 7-9 p.m. Dec. 10 until Christmas Eve. 6441 28th St. N (Washington Terrace). 6,000 lights, 6-foot angel, 6-foot Santa, trees, Santa, snowman, Noel candles. On house: candle, snowman, three stars. Tall tree with star on top, lighted soldiers on doorstep. 3330 14th St. N. "A tradition for 13 years!" Lights are on now; Dec. 10-24 7-9 p.m., Santa will talk with children from his sleigh, and Mrs. Claus will give tours of the home. 7710 Justin Court N (Westchester), near Park Street and 54th Avenue N just off Westchester Boulevard. More than 10,000 lights; animated display of Santas, Pooh, Tigger, Piglet, Eeyore, Mickey and Minnie, snowmen, kittens, dogs. Yard display of Santas, snowmen, lots more. "Please come see all our hard work." 2719 Oakdale St. S. Would it be Christmas in St. Petersburg without the Kresges' display, now in its 23rd year? Ten truckloads of lights and displays cover a half-acre: 650 moving or animated figures, 250 stuffed bears and animals, 200 lighted figures, 100 snowmen, 70-foot tree with 6,400 lights, 18-train HO-scale railroad, animated Jurassic Park display, mirrored balls, spotlights. Directions: From I-275 take Exit 9 (I-175E). Turn right on Fourth Street, heading south. Travel about 1 mile, crossing 22nd Avenue S. The next street on the left is Oakdale. Go two blocks, park and look. Information line: (727) 896-6500. 795 42nd Ave. S. Close to 2,000 lights, Nativity, statues, Santas, snowman, lighted fence and arches, wreaths, angel. What makes it special: "For people of all ages to enjoy a great holiday and to put them in a happy mood." 4627 Sunrise Drive S (Bayou Bonita Park). "Palms, palms, palms! We salute the tropical nature of the neighborhood by wrapping several different varieties of palms with thousands of white lights. Multicolored spotlights illuminate other tropical plantings: white bird of paradise, areca palm, the mighty traveler's palms." Neighbors at the intersection of Sunrise and Paradise (sounds Biblical, no?) "have gone all out again this year to provide wanderers with an enjoyable holiday light show." 6280 Fairfield Ave. S. 3,300 lights, Nativity, house and shrubs lined in lights in front and around pool; drive and walkways lined in candy canes and lights. Four-level stage in two-car garage with continuous music and 52 dolls, 41 of them animated. Visit the homeowner's holiday Web page at http://home.tampabay.rr.com/k4lk/ holiday/index.htm 2650 22nd Ave. S. "A variety of lights on house, pool, house next door, fence, garage and yard. Each year, more and more lights and scenes. A door awning is used for the Nativity scene; lighted train in the yard." 1859 Oregon Ave. NE (Shore Acres). Life-size Grinch and his dog, Max, handmade by the homeowners, with audio support for the Grinch story. Animated window displays. A thousand red and green lights, half of them in motion, and more. 2001 Bayou Grande Blvd. NE (Shore Acres). Special guest appearance this year by the Grinch and Max. 6,000 lights, many animated characters, including Mickey Mouse and friends. "Last year we won the Best Decorated Home award from the Shore Acres Civic Association and hope to win again this year with the added figures and lights." 2086 Tanglewood Way NE (Tanglewood). Animated Disney characters around the tree and train. "Winter wonderland" scene with animated snowmen, penguins, much more. The Grinch and Max are appearing here too. 5210 39th Ave. N. More than 3,000 lights, different from any other on the block, the owner says. "A dazzling light display on a century-old oak tree; lighted motion snowflakes in the tree. Must see this tree." 930 40th Ave. N (Allendale). House trimmed in white lights, bushes dotted with white lights, white angel on lawn, Santa figure at the door. 8535 42nd Ave. N. (Parc Narvaez). Entire front yard is year-round garden railway with mountain scene with village, waterfall, pond, animated nativity; 7,500 lights. All should be ready Dec. 14. Train schedule: 7 to 10 p.m. Thursday-Sunday, weather permitting; Monday-Wednesday not yet determined; lights on nightly 7 to 10 p.m. Enter on 40th Avenue from Park Street or 83rd Street from Bay Pines Boulevard southbound. "Not the easiest to find, but we have many visitors each year with very positive comments."} 6817 Mount Orange Drive NE (Mobel Americana). Revolving 12-foot lighted tree, revolving soldiers and elves, reindeer, gingerbread men. 860 43rd Ave. N (Euclid Manor). Lights on house frame, holly bushes, palm tree; icicle lights in window. Two lanterns, angel, snowman, Christmas tree in window. "First Christmas in our new home. We plan to add more each year. Display was created by a St. Petersburg native whose mother was Miss Florida in 1947 and whose father named his B-29 bomber The Spirit of St. Petersburg in World War II." Lights on "various nights" starting Dec. 10, every night starting Dec. 18. 6600 13th St. N (Meadowlawn). PVC candy canes along driveway, spotlight on Santa on roof; Santa in a johnboat being pulled by sharkfins. "We are Jimmy Buffett fans: "Fins to the left! Fins to the right!' " 2029 67th Ave. N. Chapel and manger, tree and house lights, cross, Santa and flying reindeer, popsicles. "Neighbors wait each year for me to light my yard; they claim I have enough lights for everyone." 3811 Sixth Ave. N. Disney window scene, gingerbread window scenes, lawn snow village with igloo, penguins, polar bear and deer, gingerbread scene.
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