Best Hardscaping –– Tampa Bay Ponds and Rocks
Tampa Bay Ponds and Rocks, owned by George and Melody
Ruiz since 2001, is known for its landscape rocks and ponds.
Their store is filled with landscaping needs and natural
looking ponds with waterfalls, misters, aquatic plants, turtle,
koi and goldfish. 2001 Bayshore Blvd., Dunedin,
(727) 738-4974.
Best Hawaiian Restaurant –– The Honu
This restaurant is named for the endangered Green Sea Turtle.
Chef Kimberly Platt delights in reproducing the flavors of the
Hawaiian Islands in her quaint converted bungalow. Try her
Loco Moco entrée and her homemade Macadamia Nut Ice
Cream. Most dishes can be made vegetarian or vegan upon
request. They also have a doggie dining menu. 516 Grant St.,
Dunedin, (727) 333-7777.
Best Health Care Provider –– Empath Health
As a nonprofit, integrated network of care, Empath Health
and its Suncoast Hospice support anyone facing chronic or
advanced illness, as it helps patients to live as comfortably
and meaningfully as possible, while offering assistance
to families in need and caregivers. 5771 Roosevelt Blvd.,
Clearwater, (727) 467-7423.
Best Hideaway
–– Cappuccino’s Fine Wine & Espresso Bar
This intimate European-style cafe serves great homemade
food and coffees. It’s a dog-friendly place where you can
count on finding interesting, great wines. 733 Broadway,
Dunedin, (727) 738-8009.
Best History Museum –– Dunedin History Museum
The Dunedin Historical Society’s displays of local and Florida
history, including access to the Dunedin Times newspaper
from 1924-1965, are housed in a former train station that is the
museum’s home. 349 Main St., Dunedin, (727) 736-1176.
Best Homestyle Italian Dining
–– Julian’s Little Italy
From pasta dishes to baked Italian entrées, Dunedin’s bestkept
secret offers reasonable prices for its delicious Italian
cooking. Chef Julian has been serving his traditional menu
items for more than 10 years at this location.
916-A Patricia Ave., Dunedin, (727) 734-8989.
Best Hotel Dining
–– Luna in the Hilton St. Petersburg Carillon Park
From breakfast through dinner, this hotel’s dining room can
satisfy your appetite. Its gourmet breakfast and lunch buffets
are quick and delicious, with a large variety of choices that
change daily. At night, the dining room transforms into an
elegant and stylish full-service restaurant. 950 Lake Carillon
Drive in the Hilton St. Petersburg, (727) 954-2140.
Best Ice Cream
–– Strachan’s Homemade Ice Cream
Their creamy frozen confections have created an almost “cult”
following since their 1999 opening. In addition to ice cream,
they also make “the best” carrot cake, fudge brownies, Key
lime pie, coconut cake and fudge. There are three locations
–– at 2332 State Road 580, Clearwater, (727) 351-7260; at the
corner of Alternate U.S. Highway 19 and Tampa Road in Palm
Harbor, (727) 781-0997; and at 310 Main St. in downtown
Dunedin, (727) 733-3603.
52 TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE | MAY/JUNE 2018
Best Community Leaders -
David and Catherine Straz
Best Innovative Seafood
–– Guppy’s on the Beach Seafood Grill & Bar
This warm, casual mecca across the street from the beach
has been serving trendsetting fresh seafood prepared in
imaginative ways since 1992. Whether you choose to dine
alfresco or indoors, Chef/Owner Scott Bebell’s Potato Crusted
Salmon is a favorite for many Guppy’s regulars.
1701 Gulf Blvd., Indian Rocks Beach, (727) 593-2032.
Best Interior Designer
–– Suzan Decker Ross at Decker Ross Interiors
Suzan Decker Ross opened Decker Ross Interiors in 1993.
Since then, it has been recognized as an award-winning, fullservice
interior design firm specializing in residential and
WIN WOLLOFF
commercial design. Suzan is our area’s “Design Guru” for
projects of any size. 1445 Court St., Clearwater, (727) 442-9996.
Best Local TV Show –– Great Day Tampa Bay
Kendall Kirkham and former football star Michael Clayton are
co-hosts of the show that airs weekdays from 9 to 10 a.m. on
CBS News’ WTSP-Channel 10. The show’s varied segments
range from music to nature to general interest topics,
(727) 577-1010.
Best Ladies’ Lunch –– Wildflower Café
In addition to its popular indoor and outdoor dining,
Wildflower Café’s delicious signature soups, entrée salads,
sandwiches, baked goods and more are available for take-out
at their adjacent Marketplace. 1465 S. Fort Harrison Ave.,
Suite 105, Clearwater, (727) 447-4497.
Best Landscaper –– Belleair Palms
Florida native landscaper extraordinaire Bob Deegan has been
designing and installing the area’s best residential foliage for
more than a decade. He offers a variety of services, including
computer-assisted designs, along with maintenance and
installation of projects of all sizes. (727) 442-9872.