Category: News
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It’s been 48 days since Hurricane Helene swept through Tampa Bay, leaving widespread and severe damage. For residents in Indian Rocks Beach, that’s also how long they’ve been unable to return to their homes as they await necessary paperwork to start repairs. Lori Hurley, a resident of E. Gulf Boulevard, felt the absence of her…
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The highly anticipated Asian Mega Night Market is returning to St. Petersburg from November 22-24, 2024, offering three evenings packed with live entertainment, local eats, and family-friendly activities. Taking place at 855 28th Street S, the event series will run from 5:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and from 3:00 p.m. to…
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The Tampa Bay Rays may open the 2026 season at Tropicana Field if St. Petersburg city officials commit over $55 million to repair the stadium damaged by a recent storm. A 412-page report obtained by the Catalyst outlines $55.275 million in necessary repairs. These estimates do not include all expenses or the $6.5 million that…
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Many Hillsborough County communities are still recovering from significant storm damage after back-to-back hurricanes. Now, local neighborhoods have a chance to revitalize and beautify their outdoor spaces with the help of neighborhood mini-grants offered by Hillsborough County. These grants open doors for communities to restore and enhance their outdoor areas, damaged by recent storms. Resident…
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St. Pete Parks and Recreation is excited to present the “Holiday Movies in the Park” event series, part of the “Holidays in the Sunshine City” celebration. This free, family-friendly entertainment series offers a cozy outdoor movie experience and a festive kickoff to the holiday season. Each movie night begins with delightful activities before the main…
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For the past nine months, Channel 8 News Tampa has investigated a St. Petersburg non-profit embroiled in a scandal involving millions of dollars meant for people with disabilities. A federal judge recently ordered the permanent shutdown of the Center for Special Needs Trust Administration, which reportedly lost substantial funds that were intended to support disabled…
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Hurricanes Helene and Milton inflicted so much damage that Madeira Beach Mayor Anne-Marie Brooks is concerned about the future of the city’s roughly 4,000 full-time residents, as many struggle to afford the cost of rebuilding. “The impact on our city is immense,” Mayor Brooks told 10 Tampa Bay. “It’s clear Madeira Beach will never look…
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Forecasters report that an area in the central Caribbean Sea is likely to develop into Tropical Storm Sara, coinciding with an expected cold front arriving in Florida mid-week. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) stated that the tropical wave, currently producing disorganized showers and thunderstorms, has an 80% chance of developing into a tropical depression or…
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The city of St. Petersburg is considering expanding its residential parking permit program beyond the current downtown core area to address growing parking issues in other neighborhoods. The city’s transportation and parking management director, Evan Mory, noted that the regulations have seen little update since the program launched in 1992. Councilmember Lisset Hanewicz requested the…
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The American Automobile Association (AAA) reports that gas prices in Florida are trending lower after a 15-cent increase. Last week, Florida’s average gas price nearly fell below the $3 per gallon mark, according to a new AAA report. The average dropped to $3.01 per gallon last Monday before rising by an average of 14 cents.…
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FEMA recently announced a policy update to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), offering a more manageable payment option that could make flood insurance more affordable for many Floridians. Under this change, homeowners can now opt to pay their flood insurance premiums in monthly installments instead of a single annual lump sum. “Traditionally, premiums were…
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Florida’s unique ecosystem is under constant threat from invasive species, and the latest addition to this list is the caecilian, a legless amphibian native to South America. These peculiar creatures, often mistaken for worms or snakes, have recently been discovered in the Tamiami Canal in South Florida1. Here’s how they became a problematic invasive species:…
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St. Petersburg Police Chief Anthony Holloway shared a mix of good and bad news with city council members during a recent quarterly crime update. From July 1 through September 30, criminal offenses decreased by 4.8%. Over the past five years, crime has dropped by 7.1%. However, homicides have risen by 30% year over year, increasing…
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When Michele Peck moved to Auburndale in 1998, the town had a quiet, laid-back feel. “It was a very peaceful, sleepy town back then,” Peck shared with Bay News 9. Today, however, Polk County has become one of the nation’s fastest-growing areas, with nearly 30,000 new residents arriving last year, according to the U.S. Census…
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Many Floridians are still working to rebuild their lives after recent hurricanes, with FEMA providing critical support to those affected. For survivors of Hurricane Debby, the deadline to apply for FEMA assistance is quickly approaching on November 12, according to FEMA External Affairs Officer Brady Penn. For those impacted by Hurricane Helene, the deadline is…
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As the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season enters its final weeks, forecasters are monitoring a new area of low pressure in the western Caribbean Sea that could strengthen into a tropical depression or storm later this week. According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC), the environmental conditions in the region appear conducive for gradual development of…
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With hurricanes becoming a frequent reality for Tampa Bay, homeowners are increasingly focused on safeguarding their properties from the destructive ravages of storm surge, flooding, downed trees, and property and water damage. Living here means enjoying beautiful beaches, vibrant communities, and sunny weather—but it also entails preparing for the powerful hurricanes that can strike at…
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The Clearwater Marine Aquarium reported Friday that while sea turtle nests increased along a 21-mile stretch of Florida’s Gulf Coast, a series of hurricanes devastated many of them. This year, aquarium teams documented 271 nests—an increase from last year’s 227—though many were ultimately washed out by Hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton. Sea turtle nesting season…
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As Thanksgiving approaches, secure your holiday plans now with these dining and takeout options across Tampa Bay. Note: Reservations and preorders are filling quickly for these restaurants. Dine-In Reservations Juno & the Peacock (St. Petersburg) Flor Fina (Hotel Haya, Ybor City) Bern’s Steak House (South Tampa) Take-Home Feast Options Rooster & the Till Naked Farmer…
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As 2025 approaches, you might see a slight boost in your paycheck, even if your salary stays the same—and you can thank the IRS for it. The IRS recently released updates to around 60 tax provisions that will affect the 2025 tax year (the ones we file in 2026). Among these changes, the standard deduction…
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Treasure Island residents eager to rebuild their storm-damaged homes are facing significant delays due to a backlog of city permits. Without these permits, many contractors are unable to start reconstruction, leaving residents frustrated. Some have attributed the delays to bureaucratic hurdles and lack of clear communication from City Hall. At a recent meeting, frustrated homeowners…
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Despite approaching the final weeks of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, two weather systems continue to draw forecasters’ attention: a diminishing Tropical Storm Rafael over the Gulf of Mexico and Invest 98L near the Bahamas. Rafael, which first impacted Cuba last week, has been lingering in the Gulf but poses no significant threat to the…
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Hurricane Milton inflicted damage on nearly 16,000 homes in St. Petersburg, leaving residents with a complex and potentially costly rebuilding process. City officials are working diligently to assist storm victims and prevent them from having to decide between moving, elevating their homes, or undoing completed work. Floodplain manager Hannah Rebholz provided important clarifications for city…
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Disney World is kicking off the holiday season with the return of two fan-favorite events: Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Disney Jollywood Nights, both opened this weekend. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Held at Magic Kingdom Park on select nights from Nov. 8 to Dec. 20, this festive celebration lets guests stroll through a…
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Florida hurricane victims have until November 14 to apply for Operation Blue Roof, the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) has announced. The program assists property owners affected by recent hurricanes by installing temporary protective roofing at no cost. Eligible properties include owner-occupied homes and permanent rental properties damaged by recent storms. The program provides…
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The real estate development firm behind St. Petersburg’s tallest tower has agreed to reimburse the city for all expenses incurred after Hurricane Milton sent a construction crane crashing into a nearby office building. The subcontractor responsible for the 500-foot tower crane may also face daily fines of $1,500 if they fail to reopen nearby roads…
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Members of the St. Petersburg City Council learned Thursday about the damage Hurricane Milton caused to the St. Pete Pier. There was both good news and bad news. Chris Ballestra, the City’s Managing Director of Development, reported that the Glazer Family Playground was completely submerged by Hurricane Milton’s heavy rain, following Hurricane Helene’s storm surge.…
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The Coffee Pot Riviera NE home of Kenny Wilson, former CEO of Jabil, a $14 billion global electronics manufacturer, has hit the market for $4.95 million. Built in 1996, the home was listed last month with Wilson described as a “Motivated Seller.” Wilson, who joined Jabil nearly 20 years ago, was appointed CEO in 2022…
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“The Stage is Set” for the 90th Florida Strawberry Festival, taking place in 2025. The beloved 11-day event, famous for its food, fun, entertainment, and strawberries, unveiled its entertainment lineup on Friday. “For decades, the Strawberry Festival has honored our traditions while continually bringing fresh, exciting experiences to our guests,” Festival President Kyle Robinson said…
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Einstein Bros. Bagels and Rita’s Italian Ice are set to open new storefronts along St. Petersburg’s bustling 66th Street corridor. Einstein Bros. Bagels will be located at 2216 66th Street North in an outparcel retail strip outside the Tyrone Square Mall. Across the street, Rita’s Italian Ice will open at 2141 66th Street North in…
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A heavily trafficked section of downtown St. Petersburg’s sidewalk and seawall was left dangerously compromised after Hurricane Milton. The area has posed a public safety hazard for nearly a month. On Thursday, the city council approved a $3.48 million proposal to replace the waterfront infrastructure. However, the Vinoy Yacht Basin’s sidewalk and seawall will remain…
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Happy holidays, Pinellas County! This season, Largo Central Park transforms into a festive wonderland with the return of the Holiday Lights and Carnival Rides celebration from November 28 to December 29. Presented by the City of Largo, this free event features over 2.5 million LED lights, creating a magical display perfect for a family-friendly night…
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More than 40 individuals faced over 50 charges in a two-day operation targeting unlicensed contractors working in beach areas affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, according to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office. Dubbed “Flood of Fraud 2,” the operation took place from Tuesday to Thursday on Clearwater Beach. “Our primary focus is on protecting residents…
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An 11-year-old girl from Florida, Brooke Mejeur, tragically lost her life after being thrown overboard and fatally struck by a boat’s propeller on Palm Beach County’s Lake Osborne. Brooke was on a 20-foot pontoon boat with two unnamed adults and two unnamed minors when she was accidentally ejected. The boat’s bow suddenly dropped without warning,…
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Tampa’s beloved holiday event, “Christmas in the Wild,” is set to return to ZooTampa at Lowry Park on November 29th, offering families an enchanting way to celebrate the season. Nominated by USA Today’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Zoo Lights, this unique 16-night event is filled with festivities, dazzling displays, and cherished holiday…
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After a major disaster, property owners often rush to repair and rebuild, driven by an urgent need to restore their homes and businesses. However, FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, issues stop work orders to pause certain reconstruction projects, ensuring that all rebuilding efforts meet safety and regulatory standards. But how often are these stop…
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Tampa will host its third-ever Red Bull Flugtag this Saturday, where fans can watch teams attempt flight in homemade aircraft from noon to 5 p.m. outside the Tampa Convention Center. City officials expect around 80,000 spectators to attend, so arriving early is encouraged. Road closures will begin at 8 a.m., impacting areas along Bayshore Boulevard…
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The Savannah Bananas are bringing their famous baseball antics to the Bay Area, despite damage from Hurricane Milton that affected Tropicana Field. Known for their entertaining stunts and unique on-field performances, the Bananas will now play at Raymond James Stadium, home of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, on Saturday, March 15, 2025. Originally set for March…
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As Hurricane Rafael moves westward into the Gulf of Mexico after sweeping across Cuba as a Category 3 storm, Florida’s Gulf Coast is expected to experience coastal flooding, rip currents, and minor impacts, forecasters report. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) notes that Rafael caused widespread power outages, downed trees, and infrastructure damage in Cuba before…
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Hurricanes Helene and Milton left many Pinellas County residents in need. So, the city of St. Petersburg is ramping up efforts to provide critical recovery resources to residents. The city has organized two upcoming events to guide residents through the permitting process, available financial aid, and strategies for building future disaster resilience. Virtual Session on…
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Most of Madeira Beach’s city commissioners endured significant personal losses when Hurricane Helene’s record-breaking storm surge flooded Pinellas County. This week, they shared their powerful stories of resilience and commitment to the community. “We’re strong, we’re resilient, and we will rebuild,” said District 3 Commissioner Eddie McGeehan, 55, told Bay News 9. McGeehan lost his…
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