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The Family Center on Deafness (FCD), the only non-profit of its kind in Pinellas County, is reaching out to the community for support after suffering an estimated $100,000 in damages due to Hurricane Milton. FCD has long been a cornerstone for hundreds of families across the county, serving a significant portion of the 800,000 deaf…
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Nearly a month after Hurricane Helene, Tampa Bay’s coastal restaurant and hospitality sectors remain hard-hit, and countless residents who lost jobs on the beaches are still searching for work as businesses struggle to reopen. The Saltwater Hippie bar in Madeira Beach reopened a week ago, but across the street, its sister property, the Brass Captain…
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St. Pete Beach officials are orchestrating a comprehensive beach cleanup operation across Pinellas County, implementing a methodical process to restore beaches affected by recent storms. The restoration follows a three-step protocol: 1. Initial collection of displaced sand from sidewalks and roadways, with temporary storage in designated “dirty” sand collection points 2. Processing through industrial sifting…
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Following the impact of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, several Tampa Bay area restaurants, including Caddy’s, Capogna’s, Frenchy’s, and Rod & Reel Pier, face ongoing closures due to extensive storm damage. The back-to-back hurricanes hit the region with severe flooding, high winds, heavy rain, and power outages, significantly affecting local businesses and residents. While many restaurants…
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The City of St. Petersburg has partnered with the Pinellas Community Foundation to create the “We Are St. Pete Fund,” a new initiative aimed at supporting local recovery efforts in the wake of Hurricane Helene’s devastating impact. The fund provides targeted assistance to affected residents, small businesses, and city employees. In launching the initiative, Mayor…
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Backstreets Capital has finalized a $5 million acquisition of prime Mirror Lake real estate, unveiling plans that blend historic preservation with new luxury development. The purchase includes a historic 4,047-square-foot building at 250 Mirror Lake Drive North and adjacent vacant lots, previously owned by attorney Matt Weidner. The development plan features three distinct components: Working…
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Florida condo owners are already facing higher fees due to new safety regulations, but many are now questioning whether the state’s fragile property insurance market can handle back-to-back hurricane damage. “This year, with these two big hurricanes [Helene and Milton], we’re anticipating a big increase,” said Pat Hutson, a condo owner in Tampa. “I’m very…
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Pasco County leaders have announced the launch of a new community in Holiday, offering temporary housing to approximately 100 storm victims. In July, the county purchased a two-acre property on Grand Boulevard with plans to create a temporary homeless shelter. However, following Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the need for housing became more urgent. Cathy Pearson,…
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Recent research in Southwest Florida has revealed that Burmese pythons possess even more remarkable feeding capabilities than scientists previously understood. The Conservancy of Southwest Florida’s study found that these invasive snakes can open their jaws about two inches wider than earlier observations suggested, enabling them to consume surprisingly large animals. The breakthrough came when researchers…
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Following the widespread destruction wrought by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, Pinellas County is bouncing back and taking steps to restore normalcy. The Pinellas County Government has announced the reopening of several parks, providing much-needed respite and recreational opportunities for residents. This move signals a significant milestone in the county’s recovery efforts, offering a glimpse of…
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As recovery efforts continue across the Bay Area following Hurricanes Helene and Milton, several local beaches are beginning to reopen. Manatee County Public Beach reopened earlier this week, though parking may be limited due to ongoing sand and debris clearance. Several businesses, including Anna Maria Island Beach Café, have also reopened. County officials hope to…
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Pasco County Government has implemented an interactive online debris management map to help residents track hurricane cleanup efforts following Hurricanes Milton and Helene. The system provides real-time updates on debris collection progress and estimated pickup times throughout the county. Current Progress Free Debris Drop-Off Locations East Pasco Transfer Station West Pasco Resource Recovery Center Important…
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With the end of Daylight Saving Time on November 3, Florida will transition back to standard time. This means sunrise and sunset will occur an hour earlier, and we will continue to lose daylight until the winter solstice. In the Tampa-St. Pete region, we’ll lose about a minute and a half of daylight each day…
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Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri announced a major crackdown on post-hurricane crime during a Thursday press conference at Madeira Beach City Hall, highlighting two separate operations targeting looters and fraudulent contractors. In the first operation, law enforcement arrested 63 individuals for various crimes in barrier island communities between October 2-23. The charges included armed robbery,…
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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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