Author: stpeteclearwatersun
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It’s an unusual snow day in Florida, the famous Sunshine State, where a new snowfall record has been officially established. Wednesday morning saw North Florida blanketed in snow, with Milton recording an astounding 9.8 inches. This beats the previous Panhandle record of four inches, set back in 1993. Temperatures dipped into the upper 20s in…
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A beloved fishing retreat in Ruskin, Pirate’s Pointe Resort, has reopened its doors to guests after enduring severe damage from Hurricane Helene. A Dream Realized: Tom and Tammie Saxon have been the proud owners of Pirate’s Pointe Resort since 2015, situated on West Shell Point Road. The couple envisioned this two-acre property on the Little…
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The enormous fallout of last year’s hurricanes, particularly Hurricane Milton, continues to be felt, with volunteers dedicating themselves to long-term support for those affected. At The Standard Apartments in Clearwater, the need remains high as Graciela Rheben, founder of Standard Community Help, explains, “Right now, we’re in urgent need of donations like food, diapers, and…
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An unprecedented and lethal winter storm is enveloping the South, blanketing Houston and other cities along the I-10 corridor with heavy snow, leading to the issuance of the first-ever Blizzard Warning for parts of the Gulf Coast. A tragic accident was reported by Uvalde County Constable Emmanuel Zamora early Tuesday near La Pryor, Texas, on…
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St. Petersburg officials and local legislators have teamed up to reduce the number of vehicles that push floodwaters into otherwise dry homes. A new bill, crafted locally, seeks to bypass state preemption and allow local governments to regulate vehicle speeds on flooded roads. The proposed legislation would also enable law enforcement to cite drivers who…
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Due to the extensive damage caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) has implemented significant cost-cutting measures. Among these, 50 employees, comprising 22 full-time and 28 part-time workers from a total staff of 175, have been placed on temporary furlough. Additionally, CEO Joe Handy and other leaders have agreed to salary…
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After Hurricane Milton struck Brandon on October 9, Vietnam veteran Charles “Dan” Jackson found himself living without electricity when a fallen tree damaged his home’s electrical box. For over 15 weeks, he relied on the kindness of neighbors and recently received crucial help from local organizations to move toward full power restoration. “I was existing,…
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The Beach Theater in St. Pete Beach is marking its 85th anniversary, despite having been closed for over a decade. Renovations are progressing, with the theater still a few months from reopening. Over the weekend, visitors were treated to a preview of the ongoing work. Owner Hannah Hockman shared her passion for the project, highlighting…
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The Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority (THEA) has been awarded a $4 million federal grant aimed at reducing traffic congestion and emissions on the Selmon Expressway. This grant will fund smart technology designed to detect traffic delays and provide timely notifications to drivers. THEA CEO Greg Slater stated that the initiative will enhance understanding of traffic…
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Hurricanes Helene and Milton did far more than damage homes and businesses. The storms also ravaged other things. For instance, the grassroots organization, Take MAR, is on a mission to restore greenery to Bay Area communities by replanting trees lost to the storms. Take MAR President Tara Hubbard says their efforts have been ongoing for…
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The Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater metropolitan statistical area (MSA) dropped 19 spots in Zillow’s 2025 hottest market forecast. A hot real estate market, or buyer’s market, is when buyers have more negotiating power, while a cold market does the opposite. In 2024, Zillow ranked the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater MSA as the 10th hottest housing market among the 50…
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As California battles devastating wildfires, Hillsborough County is taking preventive action through an extensive prescribed burn program that manages approximately 6,000 acres annually. The initiative is particularly crucial this year, with recent hurricanes leaving behind substantial vegetation that could fuel potential wildfires. “If a wildfire encounters an area we’ve just burned, it naturally extinguishes due…
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The Anna Maria Island Historical Society and Museum suffered significant damage to several invaluable artifacts due to floodwaters from Hurricanes Helene and Milton last year. The museum’s board is now evaluating each artifact while also focusing on repairing the building itself. “This place is a mess, but it’s where we’re keeping the treasures we’ve managed…
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As Florida celebrates Arbor Day on Friday, Duke Energy is taking proactive steps to prepare for hurricane season by trimming trees near power lines. The utility is also giving away 1,000 trees to emphasize the importance of planting “the right tree in the right place” to maintain reliable power. Duke Energy customers may have noticed…
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Next week, parts of the Florida Panhandle might experience snow and ice, followed by extremely cold temperatures, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). Meteorologists are tracking a winter weather threat that could bring a “wintry mix” to north Florida, followed by a polar vortex blast of cold air. NWS forecasters in Mobile posted on…
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While many Florida homeowners, like Barbara Leon of Apopka, continue to face rising insurance premiums, state officials are reporting signs of improvement in the property insurance market. Leon, who has lived in her home for nearly 40 years, reflects on the dramatic rise in costs. “I remember when the rates were low,” Leon said. “I…
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Even months after Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the psychological impact on children could still be significant, according to Dr. Steve O’Brien, a Clinical Child Psychologist in Tampa Bay. “Children really grasp that this is now a part of their reality, and unfortunately, they’ll see these events as even more likely than they might have before,”…
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After Hurricane Milton forced the City of St. Petersburg to shut down two major sewer treatment plants proactively, officials have taken steps to strengthen the city’s wastewater infrastructure against future storms. The city has approved a $600,000 investment to purchase an AquaFence to safeguard a critical lift station near Albert Whitted Airport in downtown St.…
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As Gasparilla events kick off later this week, Tampa’s law enforcement will be patrolling on foot, on the water, and by air. Tampa police highlight that the aviation unit, which provides a bird’s-eye view of areas year-round, will be active during Gasparilla as well. Tampa Police Chief Pilot Chris Shepherd stated that aircraft will monitor…
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As work begins on the Westshore Interchange, drivers are eager to see if the project will alleviate the traffic problems in the area. The Westshore Interchange is a crucial juncture where the Veterans Expressway, State Road 60 (Memorial Highway/Kennedy Boulevard), the Howard Frankland Bridge, and I-275 converge near Tampa International Airport. Sean O’Flannery, who drives…
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St. Petersburg is set to commence repairs on Albert Whitted Airport, over three months after Hurricane Milton caused significant damage to the publicly owned facility. On January 9, City Council members unanimously approved a $1.2 million contract to start the demolition and removal of damaged hangars. Crews are scheduled to begin constructing the 2025 Firestone…
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Congresswoman Kathy Castor (D-Tampa) is urging the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) to expedite the reopening of two post office locations in her district that have remained closed for months following damage from Hurricanes Helene and Milton. In a letter to Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, Rep. Castor called for action to restore operations at the Ruskin…
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The Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County (DOH-Hillsborough) has issued a health alert following the detection of red tide near Skyway Beach. Water samples collected on January 8 confirmed the presence of red tide in the area. Residents and visitors are advised to check for posted signs at public beaches or visit the “Protecting…
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Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced Monday plans for a special legislative session to begin January 27, focusing on hurricane recovery efforts and other policy priorities. Key Agenda Items The special session will address multiple issues: Hurricane Recovery Condominium Reform Education Policy “We don’t have the ability to just sit around and wait with a new…
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In October, home prices in Florida saw a nearly 1 percent increase compared to the same month last year, as revealed by a recent home price index. The cost of purchasing a house is anticipated to peak in early 2025 before beginning to slow down, according to the new CoreLogic Home Price Index analysis released…
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Kohl’s announced on Friday it will shut down 27 underperforming retail stores across 15 states by April. This decision affects only a small portion of their 1,150 stores as the chain, based in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, struggles with 11 consecutive quarters of declining sales. Ashley Buchanan, a retail veteran and CEO of Michaels, is due…
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The Tampa City Council is poised to review a $3 million initiative aimed at supporting hurricane victims, including residents like Belina Trask, who has been struggling to restore her home in Forest Hills since the hurricanes hit. In 2025, Trask recounted her ordeal to WFLA News, “Half the house flooded.” Like many others, Trask turned…
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Mayor Ken Welch has emphasized the necessity for agile resilience since consecutive hurricanes wreaked havoc in September and October. St. Petersburg has decided to invest in a deployable flood wall and waterproof sewer infrastructure. The City Council unanimously endorsed these measures during their Thursday afternoon session. The city aims to have a custom-made AquaFence, an…
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As drones become increasingly prevalent worldwide, the Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI) has launched a new exhibit aimed at introducing both children and adults to this exciting technology. “Our role is to ensure we’re introducing and staying current with what’s happening globally,” said Janet White, MOSI’s Director of Education. The exhibit, titled Flight Club…
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A slice of the Big Apple is coming to the Sunshine State as H&H Bagels, the iconic New York institution, prepares to open its doors in Tampa this January. The legendary bagel shop will make its Florida debut at 1155 South Dale Mabry Highway, with doors expected to open within the next four weeks. A…
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Concern is rising among various agencies regarding the population surge of the invasive Asian swamp eel in Florida. The University of Florida, in collaboration with the U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and other agencies, is urging the public to report any sightings of this invasive species. Scientifically named “Monopterus albus,” the Asian…
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Kim Zetta claims she received only $52,000 for her insurance claim, despite a public adjuster estimating the damages to exceed $300,000. The struggle to return home after Hurricanes Helene and Milton continues for many in the Tampa Bay area, including a St. Petersburg resident who feels her insurance company has underpaid her claim. She contacted…
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Visitors to SeaWorld Orlando will soon have the chance to enjoy a Chick-fil-A sandwich and waffle fries while marveling at Shamu and his aquatic companions. Chick-fil-A signs have been spotted behind a construction barrier near Voyager’s Smokehouse, signaling the arrival of the popular fast-food chain at the park. Although an official opening date has not…
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Aid might soon be available for Tampa residents still reeling from Hurricanes Helene and Milton. During Thursday’s meeting, the Tampa City Council is set to discuss updates on funding that could assist with mortgage payments, insurance deductibles, and other recovery expenses. Councilman Luis Viera highlighted that this aid would be particularly beneficial for residents in…
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Parents with young children may soon have more flexibility throughout the day. Florida state senator Lori Berman has introduced new legislation to extend voluntary Pre-K programs from four hours a day to eight. Currently, parents must pick up their children after four hours or pay for the second half of the day. “Right now, if…
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It’s not just Florida. Hurricane Helene inflicted widespread damage across other states. North Carolina was hit hard in particular. Some communities in the Tar Heel State. Much like the Sunshine State, the southern territory suffered enormous losses. Sebastian Sarellano Paez was eating Cheerios when the floodwaters began rising around his family’s Swannanoa home. The 17-year-old…
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Tampa General Hospital has agreed to a $6.8 million settlement to resolve a class-action lawsuit stemming from a May 2023 data breach that exposed the personal information of approximately 2.1 million individuals. Eligible individuals who received written notification of the breach can file claims to recover documented losses or opt for a lump sum payment…
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This week, a major Florida citrus grower announced it will discontinue its citrus operations, highlighting the challenges faced by the state’s iconic crops due to hurricanes and tree diseases. Alico Inc. revealed on Monday that it plans to wind down its citrus operations after harvesting the current crop later this year. Approximately 3,400 acres (1,376…
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When Hurricane Milton struck Palm Harbor, it damaged 15 screens at Dave Hoffmann’s home. In early December, he and his wife hired Steve Bourget Rescreening to fix the damage, with assurances the work would be completed the following week. However, they were required to pay a 50% deposit upfront, totaling $750, which Hoffmann paid by…
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Thousands of Tampa Bay area residents are still navigating the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, grappling with significant challenges, including confusion over damage assessment letters issued by local municipalities. These letters are critical because if a home is deemed more than 50% damaged, the homeowner is typically required to either demolish or elevate the…
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Robocalls aren’t just an annoyance; they’re costing Americans billions every year through fraud and more. Florida is at the center of this issue, with St. Petersburg standing out as one of the most impacted cities in the country, according to a 2024 study by NumberBarn, a phone number management company. Florida’s Robocall Problem In 2024,…
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The Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail boasts a rich history that dates back to the late 19th century. Kent Cleveland, the Chief Park Ranger, describes life on the trail as anything but routine. The trail is part of the larger Pinellas Trail Loop, stretching 75 miles throughout Pinellas County. “Our main duties as park rangers are…
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Is your technology spying on you? A lawsuit against Apple alleges that some users’ devices were recording conversations when Siri was accidentally activated. Despite Apple denying any wrongdoing, they’ve agreed to a $95 million settlement. The lawsuit, which began in 2019, claimed that Apple devices were capturing confidential talks without permission. Users argued that these…
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As Florida enters the new year, a significant issue on the legislative agenda is the potential elimination of high school exit exams. Florida is among just six states that still mandate these exams, and there’s growing criticism from educators who argue that they are ineffective and can hinder students’ education and graduation. “Our exit exams…
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