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MAY 2021
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PEDAL INTO SUMMER WITH THESE BIKING SAFETY TIPS (PLUS, 2 GREAT PLACES TO RIDE!)
W e feel lucky to live and work in Pinellas County for many reasons. With beach access just miles away and exciting local businesses, there’s always something to do! And the best way to get around and explore what this community has to offer is on a bicycle. In honor of National Bike Month this May, the Denmon Pearlman team wants to highlight some great local trails and important reminders for bicyclists and motorists eager to hit the road. Florida can be one of the most dangerous states for bicyclists. According to a recent study by the third-party insurance education group CarInsurance.org, Florida reports anywhere from 300 to 400 cyclist fatalities per 100,000 riders. Our goal at Denmon Pearlman is to foster a safer community for all our residents, and in doing so, we hope to see that statistic plummet.
is just one way to enjoy our fantastic weather this summer! In fact, our marketing manager, Angela Timko, loves to ride her bike at the beach and says it’s a great way to get in some extra exercise.
Take Angela’s advice and be sure to check out some of these great local trails, too.
BOYD HILL NATURE PRESERVE Where: 1101 Country Club Way South Website: StPeteParksRec.org
Escape the bustle of city life and pedal (or hike) through this gorgeous nature preserve. Boyd Hill Nature Preserve offers bikers multiple loops and connecting trails for miles of exploration. Visitors may see one of the hundreds of birds, alligators, and tortoises that call Boyd Hill home! Most trails are disability-friendly, and kayaks, canoes, and shelters are available to rent as well.
You can do your part by following these safety tips — regardless if you travel on two wheels or four (or more).
NORTH SHORE PARK Where: 901 N. Shore Drive Northeast Website: StPeteParksRec.org
For Bikers … Because your vehicle of choice is much smaller than many of the vehicles on the road, it’s vitally important that you are visible to all motorists. Wear bright or neon colors when riding and equip your bicycle with working lights. Before taking off, be sure to test all components of your bicycle and gear. Make sure the brakes work, your helmet is snug on your head, and your shoes are laced properly. (You should always wear tennis or clip-in shoes when biking.) Once on your bike, use hand signals at all intersections to alert other drivers of your intentions and be vigilant when checking blind spots. Keep your bike to the right of the road and use bike lanes. For Motorists … It’s important that motorists respect bicyclists and are vigilant when they see one. Florida law dictates that all moving motor vehicles remain 3 feet away from moving bicycles at all times. Regularly check your blind spots, especially when you’re near a bike lane, and never tailgate a bicyclist.
Head to the beach and enjoy scenic ocean views at North Shore Park. This spot offers bicyclists an asphalt trail for smooth riding. It’s easy to relax among the white beaches, and it’s a great spot for a family ride. Bike with the kids to the jungle gym or get a quick sweat in as you ride to the North Shore Exercise Zone. North Shore Park also features a dog park and picnic shelter, so make a day out of it! No matter where your bike takes you this season, the entire Denmon Pearlman team encourages you to practice safe riding techniques and get out and explore. Happy trails! P.S. Did you know that Denmon Pearlman represents bicyclists who have been injured in accidents? Call us today to learn more about your right to compensation or visit us online for more details.
With these safety tips, we can ensure Florida’s roadways are safe for all drivers, but road biking
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THE LEGACY OF DALE EARNHARDT CONTINUES WITH SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS IN RACING
Known as “The Intimidator” to sportswriters who loved his rowdy personality and “Ironhead” to opponents who loathed racing against him, Dale Earnhardt Sr. forever changed racing in both his life and tragic death on Feb. 18, 2001, during the final lap of the Daytona 500. Today, Earnhardt’s legacy lives on through the racing triumphs of his descendants, like Dale Earnhardt Jr., and the safety protocols his death inspired. Earnhardt was born into a racing family in 1951 and made his NASCAR debut in 1975. He went on to win 34 races at the sport’s most popular track in Daytona, Florida, and record 76 career wins. Earnhardt’s style of racing was unparalleled, and most fans will never forget the 2000 race at Talladega Superspeedway where he barreled from 18th into first place over the final six laps.
On that fateful day in 2001, Earnhardt was racing toward the finish line on the final lap — a first-place finish in his sights — when he collided with three other vehicles, rammed into the concrete barrier, and slid to a stop in the infield. Earnhardt was pronounced dead at the hospital that evening, the result of a skull fracture that happened within 80 milliseconds of the initial impact. Almost immediately, NASCAR made sweeping changes to the sport, including requiring drivers to wear a head and neck support (HANS) device along with their helmet to stabilize the body in an accident. It was a device that Earnhardt refused to wear due to its restraint and one that potentially could have saved his life had he been wearing it. The organization also instituted improved outer barriers and seat belts. (It was previously believed that a seat belt malfunction led to Earnhardt’s death.) Along with those improvements, NASCAR continues to update its safety measures. According to ESPN, the sport has also required drivers to wear
full-face helmets, and vehicles are now outfitted with shock-absorbing foam to protect drivers’ bodies from the energy produced in an accident. The work NASCAR did to improve driver safety was on full display at the 2020 Daytona 500, when racer Ryan Newman’s vehicle hit the wall, flipped upside down, and was then propelled into the air before landing in the infield. The accident was horrific, and Newman had to seek treatment at a nearby hospital — but he lived. “Those people,” Newman said to ESPN about those who made safety regulations a standard in the sport, “collectively saved my life.”
GET YOUR BURGER FIX
AT THESE 3 POPULAR ST. PETE BURGER JOINTS!
Is there ever a bad time for a burger? We don’t think so, but we do know when it’s a great time to have one: during May, when it’s National Hamburger Month! Instead of firing up your grill and trying your hand at this American staple, check out some of St. Pete’s best burger joints.
While The Avenue provides a local sports bar vibe, Brick & Mortar is a go-to for food lovers, date night, and to impress your out-of-town guests. The owners of Brick & Mortar opened their popular restaurant after years in the catering business and vow to create seasonal menus that feature fresh, local ingredients. That means one trip to Brick & Mortar will be different than the next! Check them out to see which locally sourced burger (or two) graces their menu today. ENGINE NO. 9 Where: 56 Martin Luther King Jr. St. North Hours: Open daily from 11:30 a.m. to midnight Website: No9Burgers.com Good luck finding a burger you don’t want to try at Engine No. 9! Owner and operator Jason Esposito — whom hockey fans may recognize as the son of Tony Esposito and nephew of Phil Esposito, founders of the Tampa Bay Lightning — has created a menu featuring 23 different burger options. The restaurant can even claim fame as having some of the best burgers in the region after their creations were named “Best Burger” for seven years in a row from 2013–2019. See what the fuss is about today!
THE AVENUE DTSP Where: 330 1st Ave. South Hours: Open daily, hours vary Website: TheAvenueDTSP.com
A Denmon Pearlman favorite, The Avenue DTSP is the perfect place for after-work happy hours and Sunday brunches. Regardless of when you stop by, you have to try the DTSP burger — a classic burger takes on a juicy twist with peppered bacon and bourbon bacon onion jam. You won’t want to put it down! The Avenue also has a variety of other burger specialties, like the Black + Blue, Yoga Pants, and Firecracker. Stop by to get your hands on these great burgers and more! BRICK & MORTAR — KITCHEN & WINE BAR Where: 539 Central Ave. Hours: Open Monday–Saturday, hours vary Website: Facebook.com/BrickAndMortarKitchen
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MEET THE PETS OF DENMON PEARLMAN!
PLAY AND GROWAT ST. PETE’S ROMP N’ ROLL! DENMON PEARLMAN ATTORNEYS CREATE A SPACE FOR FAMILIES AND YOUNG CHILDREN
EMMA’S DOG, CHARLIE MURPHY
In addition to being dedicated attorneys at Denmon Pearlman, husband and wife duo Lee Pearlman, a partner at the firm, and Nicole Pearlman, who serves as a family law attorney, are also committed to helping families in St. Pete’s. In October 2017, the Pearlmans opened a branch of Romp n’ Roll, recognizing the need for fun, quality classes and play opportunities for local young children. The first Romp n’ Roll was opened in 2004 by Babz and Michael Barnett. The activities center has since franchised out into various communities, including St. Pete’s. The St. Pete’s Romp n’ Roll offers children under age 5 and their families opportunities to play and learn through gym, art, and music classes. Children can engage in learning and play together, and parents can join them for one of Romp n’ Roll’s various parent and kids classes. Furthermore, Romp n’ Roll has birthday party packages to offer families a safe option while living in a climate at the mercy of rain and unrelenting heat.
EMMA’S DOG, MOUSE
The goal, says operations manager Ashley Wilson, is to create a space where children can use their imaginations and grow.
KIKIMO’S CAT, SHADOW
“[Parents] definitely get the benefit of bringing their child to a place where they know everything is clean and safe. Our entire gym is covered with mats, and all the equipment is covered and padded,” Wilson says. “Parents know they can bring their child to a place that is clean and safe while also working on important milestones, not to mention a great place to work on their socialization and listening skills.” The emergence and spread of COVID-19 caused some challenges for Romp n’ Roll, but with the understanding of parents and dedication of the Romp n’ Roll team, children don’t have to miss a moment of fun and learning! Like many businesses, Romp n’ Roll remained closed for in-person activities in spring 2020. During that time, kids and parents could find support through online gym, art, and music classes. When Romp n’ Roll welcomed eager families back again, all adults wore masks, temperature checks were taken, and hand sanitizer was required when entering or leaving. Class offerings were also reduced to allow for more time for cleaning. Despite the challenges, Romp n’ Roll was able to still provide its families with a safe, supportive environment for their children to learn and grow — and that continues today.
TAKE A BREAK!
To learn more about the St. Pete’s Romp n’ Roll, sign up for a trial class, or book your child’s birthday party, please visit RompNRoll.com/St-Petersburg.
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Stay Safe on Your Bike This Summer
The Man Who Changed Racing Forever 3 Burger Places in St. Pete You Have to Try!
We Are Committed to Childhood Development and Play The Pets of Denmon Pearlman
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5 Ways to Increase Your Family’s Fitness
5 EASY WAYS TO GET EVERYONE MOVING
GET FIT WITH YOUR FAMILY
M ay is National Physical know exercise is important for your children’s physical development. It helps build healthy bones, muscles, and joints and reduces the risk of developing diabetes and other diseases later in life. Fitness and Sports Month. As a parent, you probably But did you know that physical activity also has many mental and behavioral health benefits? It’s been shown to improve children’s cognitive skills and concentration, boost their self-esteem, and reduce symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression. One of the best ways to encourage healthy behaviors in your children is by modeling them yourself. Studies have found that more than 80% of adolescents and adults are not getting enough aerobic activity, showing that children often follow in their parents’ footsteps and that exercising together can benefit everyone.
You may be thinking it’s hard enough just to get yourself to the gym, but Stephen Virgilio, author of “Active Start for Healthy Kids,” encourages parents not to limit themselves to traditional forms of exercise. Instead, think of exercise more broadly as “leading an active lifestyle.” And remember that exercise can be fun and a great way to get in more family time.
Here are five easy ways to incorporate more movement into your family’s day.
1. CREATE A WALKING RITUAL. Start walking around the neighborhood before or after dinner each night. Aim for a 20-minute stroll. 2. HAVE A DANCE PARTY. Clear some space in the living room, make a playlist with everyone’s favorite tunes, and boogie down for as long as you have the energy. 3. TURN CHORES INTO GAMES. Dirt has invaded from outer space and must be eliminated. Set the scene with your kids, grab your tools, and get to work removing the enemy while having fun. 4. INCORPORATE SIMPLE EXERCISES INTO SCREEN TIME. Start by making up fun names for exercises like situps or jumping jacks. Then, challenge each other to see who can do the most during your favorite show’s commercial breaks. 5. GET FIT IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS. Cleaning up the yard, planting and maintaining a garden, or just running around outside are all great ways to get in more movement.
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