New Bookstore Opens in Pinellas Park

Pinellas Park has experienced a bit of a resurgence due to a strong arts scene in the area. The new fourth Saturday Art Night Out, a bevy new murals and highly engaged residents have helped activate the area's potential. As Neil Gaiman once wrote, "a town is not a town without a bookstore." Wordier Than Thou, a group founded by Tiffany Razzano dedicated to bringing literary events to Tampa Bay since 2012, just opened a bookstore in Pinellas Park. The group will host a grand opening of the facility which will take place from August 12 through the 14. The festivties will include a book launch, a nonfiction writer's workshop, a book signing with Sarah Nicolas, Aria Kane and Darlyn Finch Kuhn. 

The bookstore is located at 5741 75th Avenue North. The collection of books was curated through donations by residents in the community. The workshops will be a recurring event at the bookstore. They plan to host one every Saturday focusing on a different genre/style from 10:30am to noon. Those classes will cost $8 in advance and $12 the day of. Click HERE to register.  The bookstore is open from 2-6pm on Fridays, noon to 6pm on Saturdays, and noon to 4pm on Sundays. 

Community Rallies Behind Planet Retro Records

Planet Retro Records was recently broken in to and vandalized. The record store has long connected audiophiles to their sources of inspiration. From classic to contemporary, indie to commercial, Planet Retro serves as a bastion for those looking to elevate their collection. On Friday, August 12, from 7pm to 2am, local bands and Planet Retro customers will gather to celebrate the store and help to recover the owner's losses. Moon Flag, Navin Ave., Kevin K Band, Frost Fang and Old Vices will all perform live. There will be door prizes and a 50/50 raffle. All proceeds from the event will go to Planet Retro. Click HERE to learn more about the event. 

Marketplace Express on Beach Drive Closes 

The quick stop breakfast and lunch spot on Beach Drive has officially closed its doors. Marketplace Express was open in the Burg for over ten years and saw the growth and development of the area hit its zenith. Details about what will replace it at the corner of Beach Drive and 3rd Avenue North have not been revealed.