Tag: Pinellas County
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On Tuesday evening, Pinellas County commissioners voted 5-2 in favor of funding the new $1.3 billion Tampa Bay Rays Stadium. Despite the approval, questions remain about whether the team will follow through with the deal. Commissioners Vince Nowicki and Chris Scherer voted against the funding, while Chris Latvala and Dave Eggers, who had previously opposed…
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Last week, Tampa Bay Rays officials expressed optimism that the $312 million in bonds would be approved to keep the new stadium project on track. However, the outcome remains uncertain as the Pinellas County commission convenes on Tuesday. Before the 2 p.m. meeting on Tuesday, the commission has requested confirmation that the Rays will fulfill…
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The Tampa Bay Times reports that efforts to repair the hurricane-damaged Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida, have stalled, casting doubt on the Tampa Bay Rays franchise’s future in the city. The 35-year-old stadium, which suffered significant damage during Hurricane Milton, was initially slated to receive $24 million in funding for repairs. However, a last-minute reversal…
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Ft. DeSoto Park, a cherished recreational spot for many, faces an uncertain future despite significant efforts to restore it after severe damage from recent Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The park has already seen $12 million invested in tree removal alone, yet challenges remain as it strives to return to normalcy, one county employee, familiar with…
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Residents of Largo, who were flooded out during recent Hurricanes Helene and Milton, are set to voice their concerns to city leaders later today. Some homeowners claim that the city’s actions have led to their properties being flooded. Felicia Ogilby, a 19-year resident of the McKay Creek neighborhood, described the devastation: “Everybody lost everything. You…
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St. Pete’s Hometown Recovery Haulers made significant strides in clearing the city’s massive debris from recent storms. Participants noted the program’s impact went far beyond just cleaning up after the hurricanes. This short-term initiative involved 100 local business owners and residents who collected storm debris throughout St. Pete. Beyond cleaning up, the program aimed to…
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Homeowners in St. Pete Beach are experiencing prolonged frustration as they attempt to rebuild in the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, with permit processing creating significant roadblocks to recovery. Doug Engle, a four-and-a-half-year resident, has been living in a trailer on his property since a storm surge destroyed his home’s interior. His house remains…
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Pinellas County has announced an extension to the application deadline for emergency storm repairs to docks and seawalls damaged by Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton. The new deadline is February 10, 2025. Residents and business owners affected by these hurricanes now have additional time to request applications and complete necessary repairs to their waterfront structures.…
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Hurricanes Helene and Milton caused widespread and costly destruction. So, representative Linda Chaney (R.) from St. Pete Beach is pushing for legislative changes to adjust aspects of FEMA’s 50% rule, aiming to facilitate recovery for homeowners. Chaney represents an area where many residents experienced significant damage from the consecutive October storms. Her proposed bill seeks…
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During the December 3 City Commission meeting, Mike Howard, an accountant with Clifton Larsen Allen, informed elected officials that several of Treasure Island’s parking fines must be reduced to comply with changes in state statutes. Earlier budget discussions highlighted that parking revenue is one of the city’s largest income sources after ad valorem taxes. Howard…
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As the Tampa Bay area continues its rebuilding efforts, the permitting process has become a challenging part of the journey for everyone involved—from residents eager to return to their homes to city officials overwhelmed with thousands of applications. In St. Petersburg, some residents have experienced long wait times for permit approval. “[Residents are] frustrated with…
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St. Petersburg has made significant progress in clearing debris from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, collecting an unprecedented 1,844,137 cubic yards of vegetative and construction debris as of December 9. Mayor Ken Welch anticipates the total will exceed 2 million cubic yards, surpassing the debris volumes from Hurricanes Idalla, Ian, and Irma combined. To put the…
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On Thursday, the St. Petersburg City Council unanimously voted to initiate repairs for Tropicana Field, which suffered significant damage from Hurricane Milton. City leaders approved $1.4 million for pre-construction activities and an additional $206,000 to hire a firm to plan the necessary repairs. In early October, Hurricane Milton severely damaged The Trop, home of the…
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Unsurprisingly, Hurricanes Helene and Milton have left Gulfport’s volleyball courts in ruins. These courts were central to community activities, serving leagues, tournaments, and casual players alike. However, very little of the original structure remains. Tyler Penberthy, a long-time volleyball player and coach, has felt the impact directly. “Not having the Gulfport courts has really hindered…
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The Seminole City Council finalized an ordinance on December 3 to reduce permit and plan review fees for residents impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. City Manager Ann Toney-Deal confirmed that the fee reductions would remain in effect until January 13, 2025. Although an earlier proposal suggested December 31, 2024, as the end date, the…
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Crews in St. Petersburg are currently working to repair a broken water pipe that has blocked the northbound lanes of 66th St. North. Police report that an 8-inch pipe broke just north of the intersection of 66th St. North and Tyrone Blvd. shortly after 4 a.m. on Wednesday. As a result, all northbound lanes of…
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The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s latest water sampling reveals the region’s red tide continuing to move southward in the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Experts suggest seasonal weather conditions largely influence the shifting pattern. Professor emeritus Bob Weisberg from the University of South Florida, a leading researcher in red tide dynamics, explains…
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Just one month before his scheduled jury trial, John Hartnett, former owner of Gulf Coast Boat Sales, has admitted to a felony charge of scheming to defraud. Arrested two years ago following a 2017 News Channel 8 investigation that highlighted issues at his business, the case took years to progress through the legal system. Hartnett…
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A significant weather event, involving a squall line of rain, is set to complicate travel and herald a swift drop in temperatures. Local meteorologists are closely watching a powerful cold front expected to sweep through the region on Wednesday. Residents of Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco Counties should brace for the heaviest rainfall and strongest wind…
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Fans of Trader Joe’s in the Tampa Bay area have a reason to celebrate as the popular grocery chain is set to open its newest location in Palm Harbor on Thursday, December 12, at 9 a.m. The new store is located in the Highland Lakes Plaza at 33597 US Hwy 19 N., near the intersection…
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For Pinellas residents trying to rebuild after the devastation of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, navigating the permitting process has been a confusing and time-consuming ordeal. One of the biggest hurdles is the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) “50% rule,” which mandates that any home requiring repairs or renovations exceeding half of its value must be…
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Law enforcement officials are cautioning the public about a new scam involving fake QR code stickers on parking payment signs. Parking in downtown St. Pete, Tampa, or any of our beautiful beaches can be challenging. Parking apps and online payment options have eased the process once you find a spot. Many signs provide a QR…
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Homeowners across Tampa Bay, especially those living on Pinellas County beaches, are becoming increasingly frustrated and impatient after Hurricanes Helene and Milton. They find themselves unable to start rebuilding their homes due to lengthy waits for permits. “They want to make sure everybody does things the right way, and I’m in full agreement with that,…
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Two months after Hurricane Milton devastated the Tampa Bay area, many residents of St. Pete Beach are still struggling to rebuild due to delays in obtaining necessary repair permits from the city. Property Owners Left in Limbo Robinson Ang, a local property owner, has been waiting for over six weeks to secure a permit to…
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Following Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the City of Seminole has successfully cleared most debris but acknowledges that significant reconstruction work remains. The local building and permit office has experienced a surge in applications for repair permits. According to Assistant City Manager Vince Tenaglia, Seminole is now offering a $50 reduction on the base fee for…
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The Bilmar Beach Resort in Treasure Island is currently fully occupied by local storm evacuees, with rooms paid for by FEMA. General manager Clyde Smith explained that the resort is providing temporary housing for residents from nearby beach communities who were displaced by Hurricane Helene. Bobby Smith, a 63-year-old evacuee from St. Pete Beach, shared…
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Lake Seminole Park, located in Seminole, Florida, is a 258-acre wildlife habitat and sanctuary. Originally a tidal estuary, the lake was created in the 1940s by closing the upper portion of Long Bayou. This transformation turned it into a freshwater lake, making it the second-largest lake in Pinellas County. Over the years, Lake Seminole Park…
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Pinellas Park officials are set to break ground on a long-awaited public safety complex next week, marking a significant step forward for the city’s police and fire departments. The state-of-the-art facility will house the Pinellas Park Police Department and a brand-new fire station, providing much-needed upgrades for both teams. A Much-Needed Upgrade for Firefighters Fire…
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A St. Petersburg couple is demanding answers after receiving an unexpectedly high water bill, even though they were displaced during the recent hurricanes. Melanie Scheiderman said she and her husband, Richard, were away from their rental home for more than two weeks during Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Yet, they were hit with a $1,147 water…
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Homeowners often face the daunting task of repairing damaged properties after suffering natural disasters like hurricanes. One tool that can help expedite this process is the minimal repair permit. This permit allows property owners to make essential repairs to make their homes temporarily habitable while awaiting a full assessment of the damage. What is a…
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In a narrow 4-3 vote on Thursday, St. Petersburg city councilors approved bonds to help fund a new stadium for the Tampa Bay Rays in Pinellas County. The decision marks a significant step forward in the effort to keep the team in the area but comes amid ongoing disputes and delays. Key Vote Follows Hurricane…
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Pinellas County is pursuing a federal grant to replace the aging Dunedin Causeway Bridge, which has been a critical connection between Dunedin and Honeymoon Island since 1963. The current bridge, constructed in two spans over six decades ago, no longer meets modern engineering standards, prompting county officials to take action. The county has submitted a…
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The St. Pete City Council is set to vote today on bonds to finance the city’s portion of the $1.3 billion stadium deal, as the Tampa Bay Times reported. Why It Matters Delays have already jeopardized the stadium plan, with the Tampa Bay Rays indicating the agreement reached during the summer is nearly defunct. Approval…
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Rebuilding efforts for Madeira Beach residents, including Yarisi Valero, remain at a standstill more than a month after Hurricane Helene caused widespread destruction. Valero’s home, flooded with over three feet of water, now sits gutted to the studs. Although she removed 45 inches of drywall throughout the house, she’s been unable to move forward without…
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The future of the Tampa Bay Rays in downtown St. Petersburg remains uncertain as tensions rise over financing for a new stadium at the Tropicana Field site. A stalemate between the team and Pinellas County has left the project in limbo, raising the question: could the site be redeveloped without the Rays playing there? The…
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John Henry experienced the full impact of Hurricane Helene’s unprecedented storm surge in St. Pete Beach. “I live on the first floor of the condo,” he shared. “I had almost 5 feet of water in there, so it almost wiped everything out.” Now, more than two months later, Henry is eager to rebuild but finds…
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Since September, Diane Burrill has been unable to serve customers at Wahoo’s Bayside Pub and Grill in Redington Shores. “It’s been the worst thing I’ve ever been through,” Burrill said. “I’ve been without a paycheck for two months now.” Like many businesses on Pinellas County’s beaches, Wahoo’s is still rebuilding after Hurricanes Helene and Milton,…
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FEMA has allocated an additional $114 million in funding for debris removal in the aftermath of the recent hurricane season. This funding is designated for several areas in the Tampa Bay region, including: According to FEMA, the agency has provided $927.6 million for Hurricane Milton, $378.3 million for Hurricane Helene, and $102.4 million for Hurricane…
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Santa Claus is making his way to St. Petersburg, and families have plenty of opportunities to see him this Christmas season. Here’s where you can catch the jolly man in red: Special Events with Santa Santa at the Mall Santa will also be greeting visitors at shopping malls: Virtual Visit with Santa Families with children…
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The Tampa Bay Rays’ celebrated deal with the city of St. Petersburg and the Pinellas County Commission to build a new stadium may face challenges with the recent election of new Pinellas County Commission members. Hillsborough County Commissioner Ken Hagan, a longtime advocate for relocating the team to Tampa, sees an opportunity if the Pinellas…
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Pinellas Public Works has begun the second phase of debris collection in unincorporated areas of the county, following the completion of the first round. So far, contractors have removed over 54,000 cubic yards of debris—equivalent to filling more than 160 Olympic-sized swimming pools. Debris Manager Sean Tipton remarked, “It’s a sense of partial completion. We…
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Residents of several communities say that being without power since Hurricane Helene struck two months ago was inconvenient at first. However, now that temperatures are dipping into the 50s and 40s, they say the situation has become dire as they continue to await power restoration. At some properties, the delay in restoring power involves replacing…
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After over two months of displacement caused by Hurricane Helene, students at Madeira Beach Fundamental K-8 will return to their campus on Monday. This marks the initial phase of the school’s reopening. In a Thanksgiving letter to the school community, Principal Chris Ateek expressed gratitude and optimism: “Gratitude and thanks are the perfect reflection of…
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beaches. When hurricanes sweep through, they do more than disrupt a beach day—they leave a chaotic mess that requires a community effort to restore. While cleanup crews tackle the big tasks, there are plenty of ways locals and visitors can pitch in. 1. Clean Up the Right Way After a hurricane, beaches are often strewn…
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