so, i realized that i may be giving a bit of the wrong impression through my "so florida" posts. yes, i do crack up when the tropical stereotypes are confirmed, but really, truly, there is so much more. aside from the access to the ocean on of the things that drew me to this place is its hidden quirkiness - especially in more "youth"-centered areas such as downtown sarasota and st. pete. let me show you some of what i'm talking about (and yes, columbia, these wacky spots make me miss you and 9th street very much).
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| the artist, anna hamilton, creates these to raise money for animal welfare. |
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| four coins family restaurant in clearwater - fabulous food and awesome vintage signage (a combo you can't beat for sure) |
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| detail of chalk graffiti discovered walking in downtown sarasota one day |
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| a much better message than a regular tag, don't you think? |
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| window display of a graphic design/branding firm in downtown st. pete - 600 block of central area. many quirky shops and galleries to explore here. |
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| this one goes out to my sister mallory - we must check this out when you get a chance to visit. |
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| adorable car at the station next to the flower shop. victoria said the driver is a real hoot as well. |
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| i have to throw out there that this is the same station i saw jerry springer at. not kidding. |
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| okay, really, how cute would i be driving this? |
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| evidently both myself and florida have a thing for little vehicles - look at this teeny ambulance! refers to the gator (on right) for scale. too cute - but not if you are a tall person with a medical emergency. |
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| i am quite attracted to sticker bombing and anything cleverly subversive... (downtown st. pete) |
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| awesome license plate and great bumper sticker message - "wag more. bark less." |
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| banyan tree motel in st. pete (picture from flickr) |
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| what is that off in the distance? a pbr mural?!! why yes, yes it is! (600 block downtown st. pete) |
