Author: stpeteclearwatersun
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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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Tampa Bay Rays officials now state they “support and expect” the City of St. Petersburg to complete repairs to the hurricane-damaged Tropicana Field in time for Opening Day of the 2026 season. In a letter to City Administrator Robert Gerdes, Rays President Matthew Silverman outlined the organization’s revised stance, emphasizing the importance of the city…
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The state of Florida is defending itself in a lawsuit over House Bill 3, a new law aimed at preventing minors from accessing harmful online content. Championed by Republican State Representative Chase Tramont of District 3, the legislation empowers the Florida Attorney General to impose civil penalties of up to $50,000 per violation on websites…
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Travelers at Tampa International Airport (TPA) faced disruptions on Monday as winter storms across the country caused delays and cancellations. As of Monday morning, 117 flights were delayed, and 22 were canceled, adding to a weekend of widespread travel challenges. The severe weather’s impact extended beyond commercial flights. Notably, the Kansas City Chiefs experienced delays…
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Currently, Tampa Bay residents are enjoying comfortable temperatures in the 70s, but a dramatic shift is approaching. A powerful cold front will sweep through the area Monday afternoon, bringing precipitation, gusty winds, and a sharp temperature drop by evening. Tuesday morning will usher in the season’s most frigid temperatures yet, with some locations plunging into…
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Determination, dedication, and debris removal. Coastal communities are on the mend, and a dedicated group of volunteers is addressing the incessant issue of debris that arrives with each tide. In Pinellas County, a new wave of environmental activists is on the rise, led by 16-year-old Caymus Maxson, who is turning local beach cleanups into a…
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Florida children ages 5 and under can get free admission to theme parks SeaWorld Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, and their water parks (Aquatica Orlando and Adventure Island) throughout 2025. Key details: Parents must register online for the Preschool Card for their preferred park locations: Follow the St. Pete-Clearwater Sun on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Google,…
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In Hillsborough County, innovative technology is now tracking vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians at intersections in real-time. This system delivers crucial data to traffic engineers within minutes, enhancing traffic management. If you’ve experienced a traffic light that always seems to catch you at red or stays red too long, relief might soon be on the way.…
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After years of housing shortages across the U.S., the inventory is finally increasing. However, the underlying reasons for this rise paint a less optimistic picture for the real estate market’s future momentum. According to a recent report by Redfin, the number of homes for sale reached a four-year high in November, marking a 12.1% increase…
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The forecasted temperature drop might be an inconvenience for some, but it’s a recipe for disaster for an entire industry right here in Florida. A slight drop below 28°F for just a few hours can cause significant damage to citrus, leading growers to consider emergency harvesting. In the Tampa Bay area, including Dade City, citrus…
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The financial toll from the unprecedented hurricane season in the area is staggering, equivalent to spending $100,000 daily for nearly 67 consecutive years. Cathie Perkins, emergency management director for Pinellas County, provided preliminary year-end cost estimates, reporting a total damage bill of $2.434 billion from Hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton. However, Commissioner Kathleen Peters expects…
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The north and south Coquina boat ramps in Anna Maria are once again open to the public. The north end of the ramps just reopened this Tuesday. Manatee County officials stated that hurricanes Helene and Milton significantly impacted both ramps. The county has completed repairs to the ramp infrastructure to ensure safety and usability. Scott…
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As we step into 2025, fresh perspectives on Tampa Bay’s housing market are emerging. Local agents and analysts have shared with WTSP that this year might present the best buying opportunities in recent times. Nick Gerli, CEO of Reventure App, a tool for real estate analytics, commented, “The significant insight is that the Tampa housing…
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To qualify for a $30,000 grant aimed at hurricane-related home repairs, Pinellas County homeowners must submit their claim to FEMA by January 7. The Hurricane Home Repair Program, designed to assist with storm damage not covered by insurance or FEMA, has no application deadline itself but requires homeowners to have processed their insurance claims and…
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Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) troopers are using January to remind drivers that moving over for disabled vehicles isn’t just a courtesy—it’s the law. What Is Florida’s Move Over Law? The Move Over Law, first enacted in 1971, requires drivers to yield the right-of-way to emergency vehicles. Over the years, it has been expanded to improve…
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According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, 2024 saw the highest number of Florida panther deaths in eight years, with a total of 36 panthers killed, surpassing the 42 deaths recorded in 2016. The year’s final reported death was a 2-year-old male struck by a vehicle in Lee County on December 26, marking…
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Clearwater residents have recently raised concerns about an unpleasant odor emanating from the Northeast Water Reclamation Facility. City officials have attributed the issue to the failure of an anaerobic digester at the plant. In a social media update, the City of Clearwater acknowledged the situation and reassured residents that efforts are underway to address and…
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Imagine beginning your day beside the serene waters of Tampa Bay. The rhythmic lapping of waves and the gentle rustling of palm trees create a symphony of tranquility that whispers, “Relax, you’re home.” Beyond its scenic beauty, Tampa Bay offers a sanctuary for mental well-being, blending natural serenity with therapeutic benefits. The Power of the…
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Red tide, originating from naturally occurring ocean organisms, can be exacerbated by human activities. Although Lake Okeechobee is far from Sarasota, the release of its freshwater to manage flood risks can intensify red tide blooms along the Sarasota coast, about 100 miles away. A study published in The Florida Scientist highlights how nitrogen-rich water from…
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A captain is offering his sailboat for $1 after it washed ashore during rough waters off Florida’s east coast. Allan Askar, headed from St. Augustine to the Dominican Republic, had to anchor the boat after 16 hours to rest, but it ended up washing ashore on New Smyrna Beach. Now, Askar has listed his 1977…
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The farm-to-table movement is thriving in Tampa Bay, where a growing number of restaurants are championing locally sourced ingredients. This dining trend not only brings fresher flavors to your plate but also supports sustainability and strengthens the local economy. What is Farm-to-Table Dining? Farm-to-table dining involves sourcing ingredients directly from local farms and producers. By…
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Florida’s Department of Emergency Management has introduced an innovative artificial intelligence alert system called Beacon just in time for the upcoming hurricane season. Communication is crucial before, during, and after storms, and this system is designed to keep the public informed even when traditional power sources fail. Florida is now home to a pioneering alert…
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For the first time in nearly 15 years, the Pinellas County Commission has approved a parking rate increase that takes effect on January 1, 2025. The new rate applies to all county parking spaces, beach access points, boat ramps, shelters, and campgrounds. The daily flat rate has increased to $6, a change from the previous…
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The Dunedin Marina remains closed following significant damage caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Repairs are estimated to exceed $10 million, and city leaders are considering the possibility of modernizing the marina as part of the restoration process. Currently, much of the marina is fenced off, including areas with a collapsed seawall that require replacement.…
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Following the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the City of St. Petersburg will commence the final citywide debris pickup on Friday, January 3rd. All remaining storm debris should be placed in the right of way by this date. City leaders made the announcement on Friday. Residents are advised to bring any remaining debris items…
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In 2024, there was a significant rise in store closures nationwide, with many brands deciding to shut down physical locations, particularly in Florida. According to retail data provider CoreSight, there’s been a 24% increase in store closures compared to the previous year, influenced by the move towards online shopping, inflation, and company bankruptcies. Here’s a…
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As the holiday season winds down, knowing the 2024 gift return policies for popular retailers like Kohl’s, Target, Walmart, Nordstrom, Macy’s, and Amazon can help you easily navigate post-Christmas exchanges and returns. Whether it’s clothing in the wrong size or tools that don’t quite fit your needs, holiday gift returns are often unavoidable. Thankfully, many…
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Nearly a million condo owners in Florida face a significant deadline at the end of the year. A 2022 law mandates most condominium associations to submit inspection reports for their buildings and collect funds from owners to pay for necessary repairs. These new regulations, while stirring controversy, aim to address long-standing issues of building safety…
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At the Dec. 11 commission meeting, numerous residents from Madeira Beach and nearby areas advocated for the reopening of the John’s Pass jetty. The sentiment has continued since then, especially among local businesses who benefit from it. The jetty was closed due to safety concerns after sustaining damage from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, with the…
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The Tampa Bay Rays find themselves without a permanent home after Hurricane Milton severely damaged Tropicana Field, tearing off its roof. While talks of a new stadium have gained momentum in recent days, nothing has been finalized, leaving uncertainty about the team’s future in Tampa Bay. Potential Relocation Cities According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, several…
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The Waterfront Restaurant in Anna Maria has resumed operations after a closure initiated by Hurricane Helene. “I was more devastated for the family and friends dealing with this ordeal. It’s been tough, and many of us were in shock,” shared waitress Noel Burke, who has served at the restaurant for over six years and started…
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Pinellas County’s tourism industry demonstrated remarkable resilience in 2024, welcoming 15.4 million visitors and generating $11.2 billion in revenue despite facing significant weather challenges. Visit St. Pete-Clearwater reports that the destination recorded 4 million visitors and 4 million hotel room nights booked throughout the year. “St. Pete-Clearwater proved that it is one of the top…
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Many homeowners in the Tampa Bay area are still displaced following recent hurricanes, stuck in a frustrating wait for property appraisals on their damaged homes. For those who’ve gotten their assessments, the outcome is often disappointing, with valuations coming in far lower than expected, sometimes by hundreds of thousands of dollars. Jeff Fuller, a homeowner…
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A new system to improve the way Floridians are alerted to natural disasters – such as hurricanes – was launched today. Known as BEACON, this innovative technology delivers safety alerts and emergency information from official government sources directly to the public in their native languages. BEACON utilizes data from state agencies and emergency managers to…
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The Florida Department of Lottery has taken decisive action against an unauthorized third-party operation selling Florida Lottery tickets on the internet. Per a Florida Lottery press release, an online courier service called “The Lotter” was found selling lottery tickets in partnership with the retailer “ZaZa Accessories.” “The Florida Lottery actively closes down rogue operators who…
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Red tide from the Gulf of Mexico has extended into Tampa Bay, with low concentrations of the marine toxin detected in multiple locations off the St. Petersburg coastline, according to a report issued Wednesday by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Affected Areas The report highlights four key locations in St. Petersburg where…
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On Thursday, state regulators approved a plan to increase base electric rates for Tampa Electric Co. customers, totaling $184.9 million next year. The Florida Public Service Commission approved the rate hikes, which will take effect in January, with minimal discussion. Chairman Mike La Rosa noted that the decision was largely a result of underlying decisions…
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Hillsborough County has issued a mosquito-borne illness alert following the report of six locally acquired cases of dengue fever, according to the Florida Department of Health (DOH). What is Dengue Fever? Dengue fever is a mosquito-transmitted disease that can cause significant discomfort and pain but is rarely fatal. Symptoms typically appear 3–14 days after being…
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A new study has named two destinations in the Tampa Bay region as the top spots for U.S. travelers seeking to escape the winter chill, often referred to as “snowbirds.” Englewood and Wauchula have been ranked No. 1 and No. 2, respectively, in HomeToGo’s 2025 Snowbird Escapes Report. These locations were selected based on their…
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The hustle and bustle at Tampa International Airport isn’t solely due to the holiday travel surge this season. The airport is embarking on a significant expansion with the groundbreaking of its new Airside D terminal set for today. Looking ahead, the new airside is slated to open in 2028. Airport officials have unveiled renderings showcasing…
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