Even the pouring rain couldn’t dampen the spirits of our fellow Pirates as we gathered here at my historic venue NOVA 535 in beautiful downtown St. Petersburg, Florida to celebrate the Boca Ciega Class of 1985 30th Reunion. Legendary Joe Pequeno, my brother and close dear friend for over 30 years, was the driving force behind tonight’s successful celebration. His hard work, passion and love for his fellow classmates culminated tonight in a truly delightful, epic evening.
As friends made their way into NOVA, shaking off the rain and brightening to see our fellow classmates, some of those faces which hadn’t been seen in decades. Sometimes the recognition was immediate, both people’s faces lighting up instantly.
Occasionally it took the awkward “So what’s your name again please?”, though both resulted in smiles and welcomes and hugs, kisses and rekindled comradery. Of course the yearbook was out, reminding ALL of us how we looked 3 decades ago.
A true class of the 1980s, one before the internet, before Facebook and cellphones, before texting, a black (2 term) president and gay marriage. A time when things were a bit different, certainly we’ve evolved and improved in many ways as humans, yet those days were special and unique, something never to be recreate – only glory days for our individual and collective memories to enjoy.
Dan and John looking sharp with their razor close shaves and welcoming smiles!
Above Doug Heidi and Joe, and below Sir Larry surrounded, as always, by the ladies.
A common thread that you’ll see here in every photo is our genuine smiles and love for each other. That joy of reconnecting with people which whom you’ve shared a special journey and now, 30 long years later, we had a brief time to communally enjoy the reconnection of that journey, here together.
Eric and his lovely wife with Joe, and below it was fabulous seeing Jennifer, Susan and Dean. It’s been way too long my friends!
Entertainment was provided by the incredible DJ ICH, who as always, had everyone dancing and grooving, and was kind enough to stay a bit longer after tiring of my begging for him to “keep it rolling!” THANKS ICH!!
Also the blackjack and roulette tables were provided by DanMar Productions who we have used here at NOVA for years and years. Mary and Dan are great to work with, fun and professional, and our first call for any type of gaming experience. The delicious subs, fresh salads and yummy desserts were provided by the always amazing Murray’s Chicago Deli, LOVE YOU MURRAY!
So thanks again to everyone who made the trip, some all the way from New Jersey, others from right up the road, yet ALL OF YOU WHO ATTENDED offered our group your time and love which made Friday July 24, 2015 on of my favorite parties I’ve hosted here at NOVA 535. And I did promise Lori that I’d use her birdie photo ’cause she teased me about taking too many photos. Love you Lori!
Super star stud Larry Weisbaum always great to have around! Larry!
Heidi using her infamous no Paparazzi move!
Joe did welcome and thanks everyone plus offer respect and love to those who we’ve lost along the way.
Our delightful ladies getting the dancing started, while “Shelli” posing, looking gorgeous, as always, and Jennifer kindly bringing drinks to her pals. 
If you, a friend or colleague is looking to host an event in the Tampa St. Pete area, here at NOVA 535, we host fabulous weddings, receptions, parties, seminars, awards banquets, anniversaries parties, Sweet 16, and so on. Team NOVA is “married” to excellence and providing 5 Star experiences for everyone. I offer the vision and set the bar high, often saying “think of NOVA as like Ritz Carlton meets Disney World”. We believe that we are only as good as our last event – like a comedian or fighter – and we use that subtle paranoia and clearly focus on only one event at a time…yours!
If you had a great time and want to say THANKS then PLEASE write us a nice 5 star review online, it’s MOST APPRECIATED and super helpful for our small business. https://nova535.com/recommend
Below are all of the photos I took on my Cannon 6D. I’m no pro, just a guy with a good camera, getting better every every event, though remember Pirates, you get what you pay for! ENJOY!!
To get started with your special event go to http://novacoment.com and answer a few quick questions, and if you haven’t already scheduled your tour via our online scheduler.
Prefer to talk or text instead? 949-873-6682 Thanks and good luck to us all!