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As Hurricane Milton intensifies, Pinellas County officials have announced the opening of two additional emergency shelters to accommodate evacuees. The newly activated facilities are located at Lealman Innovation Academy in St. Petersburg and Clearwater Fundamental Middle School. With these additions, the county now offers eight shelter locations for residents seeking safe haven from the impending…
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The regional air hub serving St. Petersburg and Clearwater has announced a temporary suspension of operations beginning Tuesday afternoon. The terminal will cease activities following the departure of its final scheduled flight. Key points for travelers: Travelers are strongly advised to contact their respective airlines directly for the most up-to-date information regarding flight cancellations and…
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Red tide, initially found in low concentrations around Pinellas County before Hurricane Helene, has surged following the storm’s aftermath. (image credit FWC) Chris Robbins, the associate director of science for the Ocean Conservancy, confirmed a strong link between storms and red tide. Meteorologists predict Hurricane Milton, now a Category 5, will hit the area by…
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With Category 5 Hurricane Milton advancing across the Gulf towards Florida, evacuation orders have been issued throughout the Tampa Bay area. (photo credit Shutterstock) As Hurricane Milton, expected to impact Florida’s west coast mid-week, churns through the Gulf of Mexico, evacuation directives are already being enforced in the broader Tampa Bay region. If you’re unsure…
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Pinellas County officials have issued mandatory evacuation orders for special needs residents in Zones A, B, and C, effective at noon today. Evacuations for long-term care facilities are also underway. To find your evacuation zone, click here. Voluntary evacuations are encouraged for residents in Zones A, B, and C, and for those in mobile homes,…
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Milton rapidly intensified into a Category 5 hurricane on Monday in the Gulf of Mexico, heading toward Florida. This has prompted evacuation orders, long gas lines, and an increased urgency to clear debris from Hurricane Helene, which affected the same area less than two weeks ago. A hurricane warning is in place for parts of…
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Hurricane Milton has just been upgraded to a major hurricane with top winds reaching 120 mph. (image credit NOAA) Hurricane and storm surge watches are now in effect for our west coast. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) forecasts an 8 to 12-foot storm surge from the Anclote River to Englewood, but this could change as…
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With Tropical Storm Milton spinning and soon forming into Hurricane Milton in the Gulf of Mexico and on a path to the west coast of Florida, residents of the Sunshine State, still reeling from Hurricane Helene, must prepare for another powerful tropical weather event and many projected to be potential victims will board up windows,…
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As of 11 a.m., the latest tracking information shows Tropical Storm Milton, which is anticipated to develop into a hurricane soon in the Gulf of Mexico. While our area is likely to experience effects, the exact nature of these impacts is still uncertain. Now is the ideal time to prepare your home and devise a…
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Tropical Storm Milton is projected to become a hurricane tonight as it moves eastward over the Gulf of Mexico, tracking toward the central Florida Peninsula by Sunday morning. Early Sunday, the storm was intensifying with winds reaching 60 mph. Heavy rain is expected on Sunday and Monday, well before Milton’s arrival, as noted by the…
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Pinellas County Mosquito Control has observed a rise in mosquito-borne West Nile Virus cases through its sentinel chicken illness detection program. They are urging residents to take measures to protect themselves and prevent mosquito breeding. (photo credit Live Science) Due to the surge in West Nile Virus cases, the Florida Department of Health in Pinellas…
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The recent tropical system that swept through Tampa Bay left a wake of destruction, particularly affecting the tight-knit Davis Islands community. As the area begins to rebuild, a heartening display of solidarity has emerged, with residents, business owners, and local leaders coming together to support those hardest hit. From providing essential supplies to offering shelter…
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Tampa Battles is gearing up to launch in November, inviting locals to explore new spots through monthlong “Battles” in various categories, all accessible via a single website. November’s inaugural event is the Tampa Brewery Battle. (photo credit Chad Kwiatkowski) Participants will receive a free pint of beer or a beer flight at over 10 local…
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This morning’s satellite imagery shows that INVEST 92L is looking robust. It wouldn’t be surprising if advisories are issued soon, naming it “Milton.” A hurricane will likely form in the Gulf over the next few days. The storm’s projected path is unusual; few storms originate in the Bay of Campeche and head towards Florida. Typically,…
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The City of Gulfport will be closing the Hurricane Helene Donation Center at the Gulfport Senior Center, located at 5501 27th Ave S. This essential resource for collecting supplies to support those impacted by Hurricane Helene will shut down on Monday, October 7, 2024. The City expresses its deep gratitude to the community for their…
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By early next week, there’s a strong likelihood of a tropical cyclone forming in the Gulf of Mexico. Current forecast models suggest that either a tropical or subtropical cyclone could develop between Saturday evening and Monday. (photo credit WTOK) Although some wind shear could impede its formation, there’s a chance it could develop just south…
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The recent tropical system that battered St. Petersburg has left in its wake an environmental crisis, as nearly 1.5 million gallons of untreated wastewater surged through city neighborhoods. The storm’s powerful surge overwhelmed the city’s infrastructure, leading to widespread sewage discharges. At the heart of this environmental emergency was the Northeast Water Reclamation Facility (NWRF),…
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The Saturday Morning Market is back at Al Lang Stadium for its 2024-25 season, kicking off on Saturday, Oct. 5 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Over 100 vendors will be on hand, offering fresh and organic produce, meats, seafood, fresh breads, prepared food items, ready-to-eat meals, and much more. In addition, local artists and…
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There’s been a lot of back-and-forth about the potential for a Gulf storm recently. (image credit National Hurricane Center) Unlike Hurricane Helene, the current situation is much different. The National Hurricane System and other forecast models have had a hard time deciding if a standalone storm will develop or if we’ll see a low-pressure area…
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This Sunday, October 6th, a popular beachside bar is transforming into a hub of hope and support for those impacted by the recent tropical system. Starting at noon, the Tiki Tim’s Pub and Grille, located at 923 72nd St N, will host a vibrant fundraiser aimed at uplifting local enterprises and residents still reeling from…
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The aftermath of last week’s devastating tropical system continues to unfold across the southern Appalachians, with western North Carolina bearing the brunt of the catastrophe. As of Friday, search and rescue operations persist in their grim task of locating hundreds of missing individuals amidst a rising death toll that has surpassed 200, making this the…
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Ready to make the most of your weekend in Tampa Bay? From community volunteer opportunities to fun-filled festivals, there’s no shortage of events to keep you entertained and engaged from October 4 to 6. Whether you’re looking to lend a helping hand in hurricane recovery efforts or just unwind with some local delights, our top…
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Florida has once again solidified its status as a hub for the ultra-wealthy. A recent Forbes report revealed that 54 billionaires from the Sunshine State made the prestigious Forbes 400 list of the richest Americans. (photo credit Forbes) Leading the pack is Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, who holds the title of Florida’s wealthiest…
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Flood damage stands as the most prevalent natural disaster in the U.S. and among the most expensive. Florida, being highly susceptible, saw only about 18% of homeowners with flood insurance in 2022 – just two years ago. This figure is expected to rise since Citizens Property Insurance mandated flood insurance for policyholders in special flood…
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Josephine’s Italian Market has just swung open its doors in Tampa Bay, with its new spot at 730 W Brandon Blvd. Inside, you’ll find an array of Italian delicacies like Roman-style pizza, specialty roast coffee, take-and-bake bread, beer, wine, and decadent desserts. (photo credit Josephine’s Italian Market) Whether you want to whip up an Italian…
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Get ready for a baseball experience like no other! The Savannah Bananas are bringing their viral Banana Ball phenomenon to St. Petersburg in 2025. The team will play at Tropicana Field on March 15th and 16th. (photo credit Savannah Bananas) If you’re unfamiliar with the Bananas, they’ve taken the baseball world by storm with their…
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A prominent Tampa Bay area food bank has mobilized an extraordinary relief effort, providing over 725,000 meals to affected communities. Feeding Tampa Bay’s quick response included delivering 2,500 hot meals to emergency personnel, vulnerable residents, and care facilities in dire need. (photo credit Feeding Tampa Bay) The outpouring of community support has been remarkable, with…
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Beginning today, residents affected by recent storms can access a centralized “insurance village” to streamline their insurance claim processes, hosted by the Florida Department of Financial Services’ Division of Consumer Services. The Florida Division of Consumer Services has coordinated with over 40 insurance providers to offer on-site support at this temporary facility. Its primary goal…
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Lithium-ion batteries can catch fire and erupt immediately after water exposure, but fires may break out hours, days, or even weeks. Any size battery poses a potential danger, regardless if it’s powering something as small as a handheld tool or as large as an electric vehicle. (image credit Palm Harbor Fire Dept / Pinellas County…
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Hurricane Helene’s extensive devastation along the Gulf Coast has led researchers at the University of South Florida (USF) St. Petersburg campus to unveil a groundbreaking web application that harnesses the power of crowd-sourced data to forecast future flood risks. (photo credit http://www.flood-report.cris-hazard.org) CRIS-HAZARD: A Collaborative Approach to Flood Mapping The CRIS-HAZARD app, launched in 2023…
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A low-pressure system lurking in the Gulf of Mexico is poised to drench parts of Florida, including the Tampa Bay region, as early as next week. This comes despite the National Hurricane Center’s downgraded forecast, now giving the system only a 30% chance of developing into a named storm over the coming week. (photo credit…
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St. Petersburg’s vibrant coffee scene is about to welcome a unique addition with the imminent opening of Daycation, a specialty coffee and tea shop infused with Asian influences. Situated at 189 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Street North, just north of Central Avenue, this cozy establishment is poised to offer a fresh take on the…
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Mark your calendars for Friday, October 25, as Seminole’s beloved Halloween extravaganza, Field of Screams, makes its eagerly awaited comeback. This free, family-oriented event will transform the Seminole Recreation Center Fields at 9100 113th Street North into a whimsical world of Halloween delights from 6 pm to 9 pm. A Haunting Haven for All Ages…
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Hurricane Helene has etched its name in U.S. history as one of the most catastrophic storms to strike the mainland in half a century. As southeastern states grapple with the aftermath, the toll on human life and infrastructure continues to mount. (photo credit City of Treasure Island) Grim Statistics and Historical Context The latest figures…
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Eight days after Hurricane Helene’s devastating six-foot storm surge swept through downtown St. Petersburg, approximately 200 residents of the Municipal Marina find themselves in a precarious situation. With no electricity and an uncertain future, many feel overlooked by city officials. (photo credit St. Pete Catalyst) A Marina in Distress The once-bustling 640-slip facility, often touted…
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Federal officials have proposed a rule to implement the REAL ID requirements in phases, offering potential flexibility before the final deadline. Under the 2005 REAL ID Act, Florida travelers must have a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, ID card, or other accepted documentation to board domestic flights, enter federal buildings, or nuclear power plants. Though the…
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Citizens Property Insurance Corporation, Florida’s leading home insurer, is taking a firm stance on hurricane damage claims. The state-backed company, which disbursed nearly $3 billion across 200,000 policies in the wake of Hurricane Ian, is now requiring policyholders to demonstrate that these funds were indeed used for home repairs. This move could potentially lead to…
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Looking for ways to get your Halloween fix this year? St. Pete has you covered with a hauntingly good selection of events, from spooky cruises to family-friendly festivals. Calling All Cult Classics: Fright Nights and Haunted Happenings: Family-Friendly Fun: Don’t Forget the Gourds and Ghouls: Something Wicked This Way Comes… No matter how you like…
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Residents of Pinellas County’s barrier islands are grappling with a new reality In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene: life without running water. For approximately 7,500 households and businesses south of John’s Pass, the simple luxury of turning on a tap has become a distant memory. (photo credit ABC Action News Tampa) Treasure Island: A Microcosm…
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The National Hurricane Center is monitoring a low-pressure system forming in the Caribbean and moving into the Gulf of Mexico, which could develop into a tropical storm. In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene’s devastating impact across the Southeastern United States, the confirmed death toll has risen to 182, spanning six states. Reports indicate that Florida…
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Pinellas County, along with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), is actively monitoring red tide levels across various areas in the county. (photo credit WUSF) According to officials, moderate concentrations of red tide have been observed near St. Pete Beach, Madeira Beach, and the Dunedin Causeway, while lower levels were detected off Pass-a-Grille,…
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In the unbelievable aftermath of Hurricane Helene, the Seaside Seabird Sanctuary in Indian Shores has emerged as a testament to nature’s resilience and human dedication. Despite facing extensive damage from the storm surge, the beachfront facility achieved a remarkable feat: all of its feathered residents survived the ordeal. Assessing the Aftermath Upon their return on…
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