Tag: Pinellas County
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The Gulf Beaches Historical Museum in Pass-a-Grille stands as a resilient testament to the barrier islands’ endurance, now navigating the aftermath of Hurricane Helene’s devastating impact. Located in a building over a century old, the museum has weathered significant challenges, drawing parallels to the historic hurricane of 1921. Christine Oertle, President of the Friends of…
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Tampa Bay Rays officials have addressed Pinellas County Commission Chairwoman Kathleen Peters’ inquiry about the team’s intentions regarding the stadium deal. This follows the county and St. Petersburg’s decision to delay votes on bond funding for the stadium. RELATED: County Fires Back at Tampa Bay Rays’ Claims, Demands Clarity on Stadium Deal In a statement,…
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After enduring back-to-back hurricanes, Sweet Life Bistro has reopened its doors, marking a major milestone for owner Sami Salami. The beloved café celebrated its grand reopening on Friday, two months after Hurricane Helene caused severe damage. Behind the counter, Salami crafts one of his signature lattes—a simple yet meaningful task that seemed nearly impossible just…
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The state of Florida is stepping in to assist beach communities overwhelmed by a surge in permit requests following back-to-back hurricanes Helene and Milton. State Representative Linda Chaney revealed that nearly 700 requests for state support have been submitted, with 83% already fulfilled and the remainder in progress. St. Pete Beach was one of the…
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Suppose the structure value listed on the Property Appraiser’s website (or FEMA letter) does not meet FEMA requirements for repairing your property. Are there alternatives to getting a private appraisal? Yes, depending on your local regulations and policies, you may have other options. Here’s what you can consider: In any case, it’s a good idea…
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Residents in unincorporated Pinellas County will soon receive letters regarding their property’s substantial damage determination. Those living in a flood hazard area who are awaiting their letters can still apply for permits to repair their homes. If residents have a permit application ready and live in the unincorporated part of the county, they are eligible…
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The City of St. Pete may have cleared the 49-story hotel-branded condominium Waldorf Astoria in early November, but that was more of a formality than an obstacle. The real challenge is gaining approval at the federal level for the much-touted project, which is tentatively located at 150 2nd Avenue South in downtown St. Pete. The…
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Pinellas County Commission Chair Kathleen Peters has forcefully rebutted claims by the Tampa Bay Rays that the county derailed plans for a new baseball stadium, calling the accusation “categorically false.” In a public letter sent Monday to Rays executives Brian Auld and Matt Silverman, Peters requested that the team clarify their intentions regarding the $1.3…
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The site at 5805 Park Blvd. in Pinellas Park, once a manufacturing facility, is set to undergo a major transformation into a mixed-use complex, led by Mastry’s Brewing Co. The project, known as Park Junction, will include a 5,000-square-foot brewery and a 36,000-square-foot market house. The market house will feature office space, studios, event areas,…
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Pinellas County Commission Chair Kathleen Peters has pressed the Tampa Bay Rays to declare their intentions regarding the $1.3 billion stadium project by December 1, 2024. In a letter sent Monday to Rays Presidents Brian Auld and Matthew Silverman, Peters called for clarity on whether the team plans to proceed with the agreement amid stalled…
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Two months after Hurricane Helene devastated parts of Tampa Bay’s coastline, the City of Largo hosted a community meeting on Friday to help residents navigate the rebuilding process. “Our goal is to provide as much information as possible to help neighbors rebuild in compliance with state, local, and federal regulations,” said Largo City Manager John…
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During a meeting on November 7, City Commissioner Moe Freaney shared a lighthearted moment involving her niece’s daughter, who found joy in watching a video of a claw truck picking up storm debris. “She thought that was the coolest thing,” Freaney remarked, contrasting the child’s reaction with those who found the video distressing. Freaney commended…
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St. Petersburg is set to vote on a bond issuance to finance the city’s contribution to a new Tampa Bay Rays stadium, but it might not make a difference. Before the delayed bond vote on Tuesday evening, the Rays sent a stern letter to Pinellas County commissioners. Rays presidents Brian Auld and Matt Silverman stated…
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Fort De Soto Park suffered significant damage from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, with storm surges flooding nearly the entire park. Despite the extensive destruction, Pinellas County officials are diligently working to clean up the park and prepare it for reopening. The park is currently bustling with contractors, volunteers, and employees, all dedicated to restoring the…
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Pinellas County reports its contractor is on track to complete the first pass of storm debris collections in unincorporated areas before Thanksgiving. Following the holiday, the contractor will begin its second and final pass. Once a road is cleared, a separate monitoring contractor will take photos. If no debris remains, the County will consider the…
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The 2024 hurricane season left its mark on Pinellas County, with many property owners facing significant damage. As the 2025 hurricane season approaches, it’s crucial to take proactive steps to safeguard your property and ensure you’re prepared for any future storms. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help Pinellas property owners brace for the upcoming season.…
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Frustration reached a boiling point in St. Pete Beach this week as residents and business owners demanded city leaders accelerate the permitting process for storm-damaged properties after suffering huge losses from Hurricanes Helene and Milton. While the gathering at city hall on Tuesday night wasn’t labeled a protest, it was clear that attendees came with…
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Thanksgiving break has arrived, providing the perfect opportunity to take a pause and create cherished family memories. The St. Pete area is brimming with activities for all ages, whether you seek outdoor adventures, cultural exploration, or just a delightful escape from home. Gather the kids and enjoy these local Thanksgiving break highlights! 1. Unchant: A…
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The Tampa Bay Rays’ stadium situation has created significant tension in St. Petersburg, with employees and local businesses anxiously awaiting resolution. Michele Dyson, a 10-year Tropicana Field employee, embodies the human impact of the ongoing stadium drama. “It’s more than just a stadium; it’s a home for a lot of us,” Dyson explained to WFLA,…
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Hurricane recovery efforts dominated discussions at the Madeira Beach City Commission workshop and regular meeting on November 13. The city’s October meetings were canceled due to ongoing recovery efforts following recent storms. Damaged Jetty Sparks Debate City Manager Robin Gomez reported significant damage to the John’s Pass jetty, which had been battered first by Hurricane…
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The City of Treasure Island is actively working to address the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, focusing on debris management and permit processing to aid recovery efforts. Debris Management Efforts Treasure Island’s debris management contractors are now concentrating on collecting sand from the city’s right-of-ways. The cleanup will start in residential areas before moving…
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Residents of Indian Rocks Beach (IRB) are expressing frustration over the announcement that all City Hall offices will be closed for an extended period next week. The closure spans from Wednesday, November 27, through Friday, November 29, covering Thanksgiving and the day after. This means that no progress will be made on critical permitting processes…
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Popular eateries on Central Avenue in downtown St. Petersburg are dealing with unexpected costs and frustrations after recent acts of vandalism. At Poppo’s Taquería, General Manager Kyle Frantz described how their outdoor seating area was damaged early on November 10. Surveillance footage showed a man casually flipping a table and crushing the umbrella atop it.…
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The aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton has left widespread destruction, and boats are no exception. At Clearwater Marine on U.S. 19, an influx of boats has been brought in for inspection—many with hidden damage. Lead technician Justin Siew says some sellers are trying to pass off storm-damaged boats as seaworthy. “People are cleaning things…
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The Tampa Bay Rays have announced a halt to their stadium project following delays in securing funding from Pinellas County commissioners. In a letter from Rays presidents Brian Auld and Matt Silverman, the team stated that the county’s failure to finalize bonds last month eliminated the possibility of completing the stadium by 2028. They added…
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Residents and short-term rental owners are frustrated by bureaucratic delays that are preventing them from starting the rebuilding process after Hurricane Helene. Matthew Barrowclough, who owns five properties primarily in Indian Rocks Beach, reported severe flood damage to all his units. For 50 days, he has been unable to generate income as he awaits FEMA’s…
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The beaches along Pinellas County’s coastline, a cornerstone of the area’s economy, bore the brunt of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Local leaders are now calling on the Army Corps of Engineers to fast-track critical beach renourishment efforts. “Our beaches are what people come to Florida for,” State Representative Linda Chaney told Fox 13 Tampa Bay.…
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Pinellas County officials provided an update on recovery efforts for beaches and parks weeks after Hurricanes Helene and Milton caused extensive damage along the Gulf Coast. During the briefing, Chief Resiliency Officer Dr. Wes Brooks joined Commission Chair Kathleen Peters and Florida Representatives Linda Chaney and Nick DiCeglie to discuss the county’s commitment to beach…
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After severe hurricanes like Helene and Milton, property owners across Florida are dealing with damaged homes, businesses, and properties. Among the many steps to rebuild, one crucial process is obtaining the required permits to begin repairs. For owners facing substantial damage—where the cost of repairs is estimated to be 50% or more of the property’s…
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Hurricanes Helene and Milton not only damaged residential properties, the storms left hundreds without a place to stay. Families and individuals, still reeling from the widespread destruction, remain without basic necessities, including everyday household items and food. But nonprofits and volunteer organizations have stepped up to fill gaps and provide common items. Project Hope is…
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More than a month after Hurricane Milton struck, several parks and beaches in Pinellas County, including Ft. DeSoto Park, remain closed. State and local officials are expected to provide updates on the recovery process this Friday. David Harshbarger, the park manager at Ft. DeSoto, described the devastation as unprecedented. “We’ve had flooding before, but nothing…
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Treasure Island, in collaboration with Pinellas County, has made significant progress in the cleaning and restoration of Sunset Beach following the impacts of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. According to a recent Instagram post by the City of Treasure Island, contractors have screened nearly 40,000 cubic yards of sand and returned it to the beach. This…
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The Mirror Lake neighborhood in downtown St. Petersburg, Florida may soon become a historic district, preserving its low-rise, pedestrian-friendly character. The city’s Community Planning and Preservation Commission unanimously approved a citizen-initiated application to designate the area as a local historic district. The proposed designation, led by the preservation group Preserve the Burg, must be approved…
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Treasure Island commissioners recently decided to delay two significant initiatives: the creation of a living shoreline at Treasure Bay and a policy requiring residents to indemnify the city before obtaining building permits if a substantial damage assessment hasn’t been conducted. On Nov. 7, Commissioner Bob Minning made a surprising motion to remove a $3 million…
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A St. Petersburg-based think tank has highlighted how Florida’s outdated traffic signals contribute to pedestrian-involved crashes, longer commutes, and increased greenhouse gas emissions. The report, “Best Practices: Signalized Intersection Investments,” emphasizes the urgent need to enhance signal timing and responsiveness using artificial intelligence (AI) and new technologies. The Florida Policy Project (FPP) released the study…
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The 58th annual Madeira Beach Festival of Lights Holiday Boat Parade is set to light up the waters this December. The parade will commence at 6:30 p.m. on December 14 at ROC Park in Madeira Beach. This year, due to hurricane-related damage, the parade route will be shortened for the safety of all participants, as…
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Following the success of its ninth annual Belleair Bluffs Wine Walk, the Bluffs Business Association is now organizing a free concert to aid hurricane relief efforts on Indian Rocks Beach. The Rising Tide Music Festival will take place on Sunday, Nov. 17, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. at the Original Crabby Bill’s on Gulf…
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The fate of a proposed mixed-use development in downtown Largo remains in limbo after the City Commission voted to deny an amendment to the project’s development agreement. In August, the Largo Planning Board unanimously approved an amendment that would have increased the residential units to 284 and reduced the required parking to a single garage.…
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Pinellas County is applying for a $79 million grant from the Federal Highway Administration to replace the Dunedin Causeway Main Bridge. County commissioners unanimously authorized staff on October 29 to pursue this grant for the long-discussed project among officials, stakeholders, and users. According to the county’s August project overview, the main bridge will be replaced…
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Over a month has passed since Hurricane Milton struck the Tampa Bay area, marking the third significant storm to hit this season. Hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton all left their mark on the coastline, leading to substantial damage and cleanup costs for St. Petersburg. The city views the St. Pete Pier as its “front porch,”…
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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 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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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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