Category: News
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Nearly 70% of Tampa Bay’s Generation Z renters are spending over 30% of their income on housing, reflecting a broader national crisis affecting young Americans, according to a new Zillow and StreetEasy analysis of 2022 Census data. The study reveals that nationwide, almost 60% of Gen Z renters (ages 18-25) qualify as “rent-burdened,” meaning housing…
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Pinellas County Schools will hold a special board meeting Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. to discuss making up 46.5 hours of instruction time lost during Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The meeting, set for the administration building’s conference hall, will consider several proposed schedule adjustments across all grade levels. Confirmed Changes: Proposed Schedule Adjustments by Grade Level:…
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Downtown Tampa’s waterfront is set to sparkle once again as Winter Village returns to Curtis Hixon Park, bringing six weeks of holiday magic from November 22 to January 5. The beloved seasonal attraction transforms the Tampa Riverwalk into a festive wonderland, complete with twinkling lights, seasonal shopping, and the city’s signature outdoor ice rink. Visitors…
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Two weeks after restoring power to hundreds of thousands of customers, Tampa Electric (TECO) is under fire for its plan to raise rates. The latest proposal suggests a rate increase of over 20 percent over the next three years, sparking criticism and new court filings from consumer advocates. Paul Paduano, who didn’t lose power during…
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Corey Avenue’s beloved Sunday Market returns on October 27th, breathing new life into the heart of St. Pete Beach. The highly anticipated reopening follows extensive community preparation and promises to reconnect residents with their favorite local vendors. The Corey Area Business Association has orchestrated a thorough revitalization of the avenue, partnering with city officials and…
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The City of Gulfport is committed to providing property owners, developers, and builders with the resources they need to navigate floodplain regulations and make informed decisions regarding property improvements. A new webpage has been launched to help residents understand the FEMA 50% Rule, also known as the “Substantial Improvement/Substantial Damage Rule.” This rule is crucial…
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Residents of Gulfport have reported that their water bills have dramatically increased this month, doubling or even tripling, despite not being home to use water due to recent storms. Patrick Barrett noted that his water usage last month was 2,200 gallons, which surged to 4,200 gallons this month. “Which doesn’t make any sense because I…
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According to new data from the Allbritton Journalism Institute, Citizens Property Insurance denied 77% of homeowners’ claims following Hurricane Debby, the first major hurricane to hit Florida in August. The storm caused an estimated $1.4 billion in damages: Why Claims Were Denied Citizens Property Insurance confirmed to News4JAX that the high denial rate was due…
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To spite two back-to-back hurricanes, life continues, and Halloween is around the corner on Oct. 31, ready or not. St. Petersburg will host a large, free event this Sunday, October 27, to remind kids of the joys of costumes, family time, and trick-or-treating. The fourth annual Halloween on Central will take place this Sunday from…
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The City of St. Petersburg’s elected representatives will convene Thursday for the first time since October 3 to discuss issuing bonds to help finance a new Tampa Bay Rays stadium. This meeting marks the city council’s second since September 19 and Hurricane Helene, and the first since Hurricane Milton caused significant damage to St. Pete,…
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Ybor City is gearing up for the holidays! The 14th annual Ybor City Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place on November 20 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at 1600 E. 7th Ave. This cherished event in Hillsborough County officially kicks off the festive season in one of Tampa’s most historic districts, made even more…
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The Pinellas County School Board has finalized plans to recover approximately 50 hours of instruction time lost due to Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The board approved the following calendar changes at a Tuesday workshop: New School Days Additional Changes “Our staff have thoughtfully balanced academic excellence with compassion for what our community has experienced during…
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As Clearwater rebounds from the impact of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the city introduces a monthly event series, Clearwater’s Last Friday, to unite families. This free series begins with a “Fall-O-Ween” celebration on Friday, Oct. 25, from 3 to 10 p.m. at Coachman Park in Downtown Clearwater. Acknowledging our community’s current challenges—from debris cleanup to…
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Back-to-back hurricanes Helene and Milton have pushed many Florida residents to their breaking point, with homeowners in flood-prone areas rushing to list their properties and relocate to safer ground – or leave the state entirely. “We’re not going to move back into this house, it was very traumatic, and I don’t want to go through…
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MLB and the Tampa Bay Rays are evaluating extensive damage to Tropicana Field’s fiberglass dome from Hurricane Milton, raising concerns about the stadium’s availability for Opening Day 2025. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred indicates the league is actively seeking alternative venues in the Tampa Bay area. “We’re hoping to find a solution within the market and…
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Local governments along Florida’s Gulf Coast are strictly enforcing FEMA regulations on hurricane repairs, causing tension with homeowners eager to rebuild after Hurricanes Helene and Milton. While the rules may seem restrictive, they protect community-wide flood insurance savings. The situation is exemplified by Brian Leggett, who moved to St. Pete Beach just four days before…
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This weekend in St. Pete, learning isn’t just fun—it’s free, hands-on, and taking local children on an exciting exploration of knowledge. Shorecrest Preparatory School is hosting its annual St. Pete STEAMfest this Saturday, October 26, from 10 am to 2 pm on its campus at 5101 1st Street Northeast. Free registration is available here. This…
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Tampa has earned its place among the nation’s top 25 Halloween cities in WalletHub’s latest rankings, cementing its reputation as a premier destination for spooky season celebrations. The city’s diverse mix of family-friendly events and haunting attractions helped secure its position in this prestigious list. The financial website evaluated America’s 100 largest cities using 20…
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Hurricanes Helene and Milton wrought extensive damage, including Tropicana Field and, St. Petersburg’s Albert Whitted Airport, which has selected four consulting and design firms to oversee extensive repairs and improvements. The evaluation committee, originally planning to choose three firms, expanded their selection due to widespread storm damage that included compromised lighting systems, runway erosion, and…
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Tropical Storm Oscar is expected to dissipate by Sunday, according to FOX 13 News Tampa Bay Meteorologist Jim Weber. Meanwhile, what was formerly Tropical Storm Nadine, which lost its center of circulation and became a remnant low, has reorganized itself in the Pacific under a new name. Now dubbed Tropical Storm Kristy, it’s projected to…
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A special “Concert in the Park” this Friday, will bring hope and help to beach communities impacted by recent hurricanes. The Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber and City of St. Pete Beach are hosting this free event at Horan Park (7701 Boca Ciega Dr) from 6 to 9 pm on October 25th. The evening features live…
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Florida health officials reported Tuesday that 13 people have died this year from Vibrio vulnificus infections, following flooding from hurricanes Helene and Milton. The state has documented 74 cases of the potentially lethal bacteria, matching the record set during Hurricane Ian in 2022. Vibrio vulnificus, which thrives in warm seawater, can cause necrotizing fasciitis—a severe…
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The beloved Stone Crab Festival, a Clearwater Beach tradition for nearly four decades, is moving to Dunedin this year after recent hurricanes forced the closure of five Frenchy’s and Clear Sky restaurant locations. The festival will be held at Frenchy’s Seafood Market on the Dunedin Causeway (501 Causeway Blvd.) on Friday, October 25th, from 4-10…
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Hurricane shutters are handy for home protection. They are usually simple to install and when customized, are ready to go on short notice. These storm-proofing shutters are made from a variety of materials and when danger is nigh, can help protect residential and commercial properties alike from extensive damage. However, such utilitarian items are intended…
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The Dalí Museum is launching an extraordinary new exhibition: “Pink Floyd: The Dark Side of the Moon.” This immersive audiovisual journey debuts Friday, November 1st in The Dalí Dome, celebrating the legendary band’s groundbreaking 1973 album. The 42-minute experience combines mesmerizing 360-degree visuals with surround sound, creating a unique fusion of modern life themes and…
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A grassroots rescue organization has formed in Pinellas County following the devastating impacts of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. What began as a Facebook group of local boating enthusiasts coordinating rescue efforts has evolved into “Rescue Pinellas,” a developing nonprofit organization dedicated to helping storm victims. Founded by Jenn Greacen, the group initially mobilized to rescue…
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The Indie Flea is set to make a grand return to St. Petersburg this winter with a sprawling Holiday Festival at Albert Whitted Park on December 15. This waterfront extravaganza promises to be a showcase of local talent and holiday cheer, featuring over 300 small businesses, beer gardens, live music, and entertainment. Sponsored by the…
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Tropicana Field was left heavily damaged on October 9th by Hurricane Milton, prompting the Tampa Bay Rays to find a new field for their 2025 season. The ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World is one of the top options, with the Rays having previously played two series and part of spring…
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USA Today has unveiled its list of the top 20 haunted houses in the country, and two attractions from the Tampa Bay area have not only made the cut but are vying for the top spot. Scream-A-Geddon Horror Park in Dade City boasts six terrifying haunted houses. Visitors can encounter deranged patients at Ravenhill Asylum,…
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The Palladium Theater in downtown St. Petersburg has temporarily closed its doors due to water damage sustained during Hurricane Milton. Executive Director Paul Wilborn wants to reassure the community that the situation, while disruptive, is not as dire as some may fear. “We weathered Hurricane Helene without issue, but Milton brought water into the building,”…
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Pinellas County has another chance to support local vendors with the debut of the Lealman Farmers Market. Fresh food and local goods are coming to Lealman starting Sunday, October 27th, from 10 am to 2 pm at the Lealman Exchange, 5175 45th St N. Following its inaugural event, the market will take place every third…
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Get ready for a spooktacular evening at Armature Works’ Halloween Movies on the Lawn event on October 30th. The outdoor screening kicks off at 7:30 pm with two classic films: Hocus Pocus and Scream. This festive event promises a fun-filled atmosphere for fans of all ages, and the best part? Admission is completely free! For…
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Pinellas County is still shining after Hurricanes Helene and Milton. From the sponge docks to historic 8th Avenue in Pass-a-Grille, businesses are reopening and celebrating the Sunshine State. Tarpon Springs is bouncing back and has announced the return of its annual Seafood Festival from November 8-10. The Tarpon Springs Seafood Festival, located at the Sponge…
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The St. Petersburg City Council approved an incentive package to help ensure Foot Locker selects the city as the location for its new global headquarters. This decision came amidst the brief window between Hurricanes Helene and Milton. In a 7-2 vote, the council agreed to provide up to $475,000 to the Fortune 500 company. Foot…
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The massive touring electronic music festival, Breakaway, will return to Raymond James Stadium on April 25-26, 2025 as one of the biggest events in Tampa Bay. Early bird tickets are now available, and the official lineup will be revealed this winter. Last spring, the event drew enormous crowds to the area. Breakaway began in 2016…
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The Galaxy Hotel, located at 101 3rd Ave. N. in downtown St. Pete, has soft-opened and is set for an official opening in November or December. The guest rooms are simple, modern, and brightly colored, featuring clean, minimalist art. The first-floor Grain Restaurant and Bar will soon offer fresh Italian cuisine, while the rooftop bar…
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According to city authorities, the accumulation of storm-related refuse is obstructing access to water meters, preventing accurate readings…
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The county offers a dashboard to track pickup locations and crew progress. Residents can also find a list of debris drop-off sites throughout the county on the Pinellas government website…
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Sunken Gardens, located at 1824 4th St N in St. Petersburg, has reopened after a brief closure due to Hurricane Milton. This 100-year-old botanical haven, nestled in the Historic Old Northeast Neighborhood, offers a lush escape from city life. Key Features: Visitor Information: Snowcat Ridge Is Florida’s Winter Wonderland While Tampa Bay won’t see real…
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1. Support Local Businesses, Shops & Restaurants Recovering from Hurricanes Helene & Milton Local businesses, shops, and restaurants are working hard to re-open after Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Show your support by shopping, dining, and supporting local this weekend right here in Tampa Bay. 2. Volunteer to Help Looking for ways to assist in community…
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Following Hurricane Milton, United Parks & Resorts is offering free tickets to first responders and lineworkers. These heroes can redeem up to two free tickets, valid through Dec. 31. “As a token of our immense gratitude, we are proud to welcome first responders and lineworkers to our parks to enjoy a well-deserved day of entertainment…
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The beloved St. Pete Saturday Morning Market has made its triumphant return to Downtown St. Pete, bringing together over 100 vendors from across the Tampa Bay area. This weekly event stands as a cornerstone of St. Petersburg’s community life, offering a diverse and lively experience for both locals and tourists. Market Highlights What to Expect…
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As of Oct. 17 at 4 p.m., contractors have collected over 18,000 cubic yards of storm debris (1,070+ loads) in unincorporated Pinellas County…
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