Author: stpeteclearwatersun
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City documents reveal that repair costs for Tropicana Field are exceeding initial estimates. On Thursday, St. Petersburg City Council members will consider approving a cost adjustment of approximately $55,000 for the field’s roof demolition services. According to a change order form from Global Rope Access—a construction firm specializing in unique repair projects—the increase is due…
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Lorraine Anderson, a spokesperson for the City of Venice, has stated that although some progress has been made, the South Jetty’s recovery from the damages inflicted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton will be a prolonged effort. The city’s insurance contractor has finished demolishing and clearing the debris of the concession building at Humphris Park on…
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Employees at two popular Gulf Boulevard hotels are facing an even longer wait to return to work than expected. The Bellwether Beach Resort and The Beachcomber, both severely damaged by Hurricane Helene, are now projected to remain closed until summer. “It’s pretty devastating,” said Bill Pruitt, a longtime bartender at Jimmy B’s, the Beachcomber’s bar,…
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On Tuesday, citrus growers appealed to state lawmakers to continue funding research and advertising as the industry’s production has plummeted by over 90% in less than thirty years. Without this support, many of the 1,500 remaining citrus growers in Florida may abandon the industry. During a session with the Senate Agriculture Committee, Matt Joyner, CEO…
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On Tuesday, a cherished restaurant in Cortez Village welcomed customers back after being closed for four months due to the onslaught of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Slicker’s Eatery, which opened during the height of the COVID-19 crisis, has weathered numerous challenges, including red tide and now these recent hurricanes. “The first storm brought three feet…
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Residents of Tampa Heights are voicing their frustration after receiving code violation notices from the city regarding damage to their homes caused by recent storms. Mary Wynn discovered a violation notice on her property Tuesday afternoon, stating that an inspection conducted on February 3, 2025, found necessary repairs to her floors, walls, ceilings, and roof…
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In an effort to mitigate the impact on Tampa Electric Co. customers, state regulators on Tuesday approved plans for Tampa Electric and Duke Energy Florida to recover more than $1.55 billion for hurricane-related expenses and to refill storm reserves. Starting in March, customers of both utilities will face higher bills as Tampa Electric and Duke…
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Hillsborough County is offering a course on hurricane preparedness for homeowners. It’s only been a few months since the Bay Area endured the wrath of back-to-back hurricanes Helene and Milton, which caused significant damage to Florida’s trees. Although the 2025 hurricane season doesn’t officially begin until June, now is the ideal time to assess the…
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The Public Service Commission is scheduled to vote today regarding rate increases for Tampa Electric Company (TECO) and Duke Energy. On December 27, 2024, both TECO and Duke Energy submitted a petition for a limited proceeding, seeking approval to implement an interim storm restoration recovery charge. Reports indicate that TECO aims to recover $463.6 million…
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Mayor Jane Castor has officially announced the commencement of renovations at Herman Massey Park, located in downtown Tampa. The Tampa Community Redevelopment Agency is funding the project with a $2 million budget, according to a press release. The renovation will feature several upgrades, including a new raised deck with moveable furniture, improved electric and plumbing…
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Inflation has tightened many Americans’ budgets, with rising car insurance rates playing a significant role. According to a report by Insurify, an insurance comparison company, car insurance rates saw an average increase of 15% in 2024, bringing the average annual cost of full coverage to $2,313 for U.S. drivers. Here’s where the rates surged the…
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A massive red tide bloom, stretching over 200 miles from Tampa Bay to Key West, has moved ashore along much of Southwest Florida’s coastline. The concentration of Karenia brevis, the organism responsible for red tide, varies across the region—weak in some areas but dense enough in others to stain the blue-green waters a burnt orange…
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Hurricane Helene struck over 125 days ago. And 10 small towns across Pinellas County beaches have seen significant delays in rebuilding efforts, with many homeowners only recently learning if they can reconstruct their homes. Barb Adams, a Treasure Island resident, finally received a permit to elevate her house last week after applying two-and-a-half months ago…
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A homeowner in St. Petersburg was stunned to receive a water bill for $6,000, a dramatic increase from his usual $100 monthly charge. “It’s quite stressful when you’re expected to pay $5,900 in just six days,” said Tony Bracci. Local station FOX13 highlighted his situation, along with others, to the city’s officials. This week, WTVT…
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Pinellas County and the City of St. Petersburg are set to receive a combined $973.7 million in federal storm recovery funding, contingent on meeting strict criteria and a tight deadline. On January 27, St. Petersburg issued a request for proposals (RFP) to companies with the expertise to develop and write a Community Development Block Grant…
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If you’ve never visited Cedar Key, Florida, you’re missing out on one of the state’s most breathtaking coastal spots. Surrounded by sandbars and towering mangroves, its waterways are a true natural gem. However, in recent years, hurricanes have devastated this small community and the aquaculture farms in the Gulf of Mexico. Now, a major cleanup…
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In St. Petersburg, special assessments and increasing association dues are significantly impacting condo owners, prompting a group of residents to take action. “Insurance rates increase annually,” said Diana Smith. “However, we’re uncertain about what insurance will cover.” Residents of the Point Brittany community express concerns about being priced out of their condos, as their funds…
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Mote Marine Laboratory is advancing the fight against red tide with cutting-edge mitigation tools, moving from lab research to real-world application. On Wednesday, researchers showcased three newly developed technologies designed to tackle harmful algae blooms. “This has been a long journey—four years in the making,” said Dr. Dana Wetzel, senior scientist and program manager of…
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As businesses along the beaches of Treasure Island begin to reopen following the devastating hurricanes, the community is organizing events to draw people back to the area. The “Back to the Beach: Sand & Kites & Coastal Delights” festival has been announced, set for March 8th and 9th from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each…
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The beloved St. Petersburg market, known for promoting underrepresented vendors, will return to Tropicana Field following a near five-month absence due to storm damage. Renee Edwards-Perry, who founded the Saturday Shoppes, told the St. Pete Catalyst that she plans to bring back the lively market to the stadium’s expansive parking lots in March. The initiative…
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On Tuesday, Pinellas County commissioners will review proposals from four local businesses to determine if county sales tax dollars can support their expansion plans. The Employment Sites Program, funded by the voter-approved Penny for Pinellas one-cent sales tax renewed in 2017, historically allocates funds for capital improvements like roads, stormwater upgrades, and public safety equipment.…
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Treasure Island’s recovery from recent hurricanes has stalled, prompting Mayor John Doctor to take a decisive step to expedite the process. In a letter addressed directly to President Donald Trump this week, Mayor Doctor requested disaster relief similar to what North Carolina and California received, citing FEMA’s red tape as a significant hindrance. “I don’t…
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Cleanup of debris left by Hurricanes Helene and Milton at Albert Whitted Airport in St. Petersburg started on Monday, over three months following the storms. “This marks the first day of cleanup, primarily involving demolition and debris removal,” Rich Lesniak, the Airport Manager, told Bay News 9r. “Each time I see this, it’s still somewhat…
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After four months of reconstruction, the Coquina Beach Cafe has reopened its doors in Manatee County. The reopening this weekend was a heartfelt moment for many, as diners said it felt like reuniting with an old friend after last year’s hurricane damage. “We’ve waited for this for so long, and it’s so great to see…
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Following last year’s hurricanes, the iconic “crown jewel” of Florida’s Gulf Coast is preparing to welcome guests back to its luxurious and timeless retreat. Just days after celebrating its 97th anniversary, the Don CeSar — famously known as the “Pink Palace” — announced on Facebook that it plans to reopen in late Q1 this year,…
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A recent WalletHub study has declared Florida the best state for retirement in 2025, citing its favorable tax environment for retirees. Despite a higher cost of living, Florida offers no estate, inheritance, or income taxes, making it an attractive place for those in retirement. “Retirement should be a time for relaxation, not financial stress, especially…
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Experts from the University of South Florida predict that 2025 will be a “major” year for Sargassum seaweed, which forms dense mats that often inundate Florida’s shores. These researchers monitor Sargassum levels and publish monthly updates on bloom locations. They reported that the quantity of Sargassum in the tropical Atlantic saw a significant increase in…
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If you’ve received text messages claiming you need to make an urgent payment to SunPass, you’re not alone. These fraudulent messages, part of a recurring scam, seem to be increasingly common. Thousands of SunPass users have reported receiving these texts, but the organization emphasizes that it never requests payments via text or demands immediate action…
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A man from St. Petersburg is baffled by receiving a water bill amounting to hundreds of dollars for a Shore Acres home he hasn’t occupied since Hurricane Helene. When he contacted the city for clarification, he received no response. According to a city spokesperson speaking to WTSP, the billing department is currently working extra hours…
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Tropicana Field isn’t just home to the Tampa Bay Rays—it’s a hub for numerous events. Now, with storm damage forcing the stadium to close for repairs, over 50 scheduled events, including high school graduations, are relocating. St. Petersburg Council Member Copley Gerdes revealed during a recent Tourist Development Council meeting that 40 to 75 events…
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A new collaboration aims to enhance Florida’s ecosystem. Duke Energy has joined forces with the Coastal Conservation Association of Florida (CCA Florida), unveiling their new Mariculture Center in Crystal River on Thursday morning. The two organizations have committed to a four-year partnership to support environmental restoration efforts. The marine farming facility focuses on bolstering Florida’s…
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Dylan Hubbard described Boca Ciega Bay as a “doody-brown color” in the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. “I mean, it was really ugly,” he said. The fishing charter captain and fourth-generation owner of Hubbard’s Marina explained that the water, which “looked like a sewer” rather than its typical blue-green hue, made it difficult to…
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The Tampa metro area now boasts one of the lowest inflation rates among major U.S. cities. Over the past year, prices in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater area grew by just 1.6%, significantly below the national inflation rate of 2.9%, according to the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) data. Between September 2023 and November 2024, Tampa’s inflation…
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A proposed bill could grant municipalities the authority to prohibit wakes caused by vehicles on flooded streets. This initiative stems from a collaboration between the St. Pete City Council and state legislators. The resolution highlights examples from Louisiana and South Carolina, where local governments have restricted motor vehicles and watercraft to speeds under 5 mph…
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The Tampa Bay Rays are demanding that Tropicana Field be fully repaired and ready for opening day of the 2026 season. However, leaders from the City of St. Petersburg have clarified that their agreement does not include a specific deadline for these repairs. The damage caused by a hurricane and the shredded roof of Tropicana…
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An exceptional hurricane season inflicted over $2.4 billion in damages to approximately 1,100 businesses and 41,000 homes in the region, impacting the local economy and workforce significantly. On Wednesday, the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce outlined several storm-recovery strategies for business owners and employees still recovering from Hurricanes Helene and Milton. They organized a…
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After several weeks of medium and high toxin concentrations, red tide is showing signs of decline in Sarasota, Manatee, and Pinellas counties. Sarasota County has experienced a significant improvement, with toxin levels dropping to background concentrations for the first time in weeks. County-specific observations reveal: During the past week, Sarasota County’s coastal waters continued to…
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A workshop held Tuesday by the Sarasota County Commission marked the beginning of a series of discussions and meetings planned for 2025. These events aim to review and potentially revamp the county’s $27 million stormwater department and its policies. Key concerns include the buildup of sediment in Phillippi Creek, which some residents believe should be…
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St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) saw a remarkable milestone in December, accommodating 222,132 passengers. Exciting new travel opportunities are on the horizon for PIE. Starting in February, nonstop flights to scenic Colorado Springs will become available. Additionally, in November, the airport launched nonstop service to the charming city of Savannah, GA. New Flights and Major…
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On Wednesday, community members without access to transportation received E-Bikes to aid their mobility. The University Area CDC, along with other partners, organized an initiative to support hurricane victims in the community. Six residents from the University Area were provided with E-bikes, which they’ve described as their new primary means of transport. The aim of…
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A camera set up by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) recently recorded an extraordinary sight: a bobcat carrying a small alligator in its jaws. While bobcats are known to prey on smaller gators, this is the first time such behavior has been documented on video by the FWC. The footage, captured in…
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Nearly four months after Hurricanes Helene and Milton displaced thousands of residents along Florida’s Gulf Coast, the City of St. Petersburg has partnered with the Bay Area Apartment Association (BAAA) to provide housing solutions for those affected. The partnership will host a Hurricane Recovery Rental Housing Fair on Wednesday, Jan. 22, from 3 to 7…
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Homeowners in St. Petersburg are expressing frustration and disbelief over unexpectedly high water bills in the weeks and months following Hurricanes Helene and Milton, which wreaked havoc across the region. Miles Hitchcock, a local resident, was taken aback when he received a water bill amounting to $4,500, an amount he described as a “shock” to…
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