Tag: Pinellas County
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The city of St. Petersburg is considering expanding its residential parking permit program beyond the current downtown core area to address growing parking issues in other neighborhoods. The city’s transportation and parking management director, Evan Mory, noted that the regulations have seen little update since the program launched in 1992. Councilmember Lisset Hanewicz requested the…
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St. Petersburg Police Chief Anthony Holloway shared a mix of good and bad news with city council members during a recent quarterly crime update. From July 1 through September 30, criminal offenses decreased by 4.8%. Over the past five years, crime has dropped by 7.1%. However, homicides have risen by 30% year over year, increasing…
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The Clearwater Marine Aquarium reported Friday that while sea turtle nests increased along a 21-mile stretch of Florida’s Gulf Coast, a series of hurricanes devastated many of them. This year, aquarium teams documented 271 nests—an increase from last year’s 227—though many were ultimately washed out by Hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton. Sea turtle nesting season…
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Treasure Island residents eager to rebuild their storm-damaged homes are facing significant delays due to a backlog of city permits. Without these permits, many contractors are unable to start reconstruction, leaving residents frustrated. Some have attributed the delays to bureaucratic hurdles and lack of clear communication from City Hall. At a recent meeting, frustrated homeowners…
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Hurricane Milton inflicted damage on nearly 16,000 homes in St. Petersburg, leaving residents with a complex and potentially costly rebuilding process. City officials are working diligently to assist storm victims and prevent them from having to decide between moving, elevating their homes, or undoing completed work. Floodplain manager Hannah Rebholz provided important clarifications for city…
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The real estate development firm behind St. Petersburg’s tallest tower has agreed to reimburse the city for all expenses incurred after Hurricane Milton sent a construction crane crashing into a nearby office building. The subcontractor responsible for the 500-foot tower crane may also face daily fines of $1,500 if they fail to reopen nearby roads…
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Members of the St. Petersburg City Council learned Thursday about the damage Hurricane Milton caused to the St. Pete Pier. There was both good news and bad news. Chris Ballestra, the City’s Managing Director of Development, reported that the Glazer Family Playground was completely submerged by Hurricane Milton’s heavy rain, following Hurricane Helene’s storm surge.…
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Einstein Bros. Bagels and Rita’s Italian Ice are set to open new storefronts along St. Petersburg’s bustling 66th Street corridor. Einstein Bros. Bagels will be located at 2216 66th Street North in an outparcel retail strip outside the Tyrone Square Mall. Across the street, Rita’s Italian Ice will open at 2141 66th Street North in…
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A heavily trafficked section of downtown St. Petersburg’s sidewalk and seawall was left dangerously compromised after Hurricane Milton. The area has posed a public safety hazard for nearly a month. On Thursday, the city council approved a $3.48 million proposal to replace the waterfront infrastructure. However, the Vinoy Yacht Basin’s sidewalk and seawall will remain…
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Happy holidays, Pinellas County! This season, Largo Central Park transforms into a festive wonderland with the return of the Holiday Lights and Carnival Rides celebration from November 28 to December 29. Presented by the City of Largo, this free event features over 2.5 million LED lights, creating a magical display perfect for a family-friendly night…
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More than 40 individuals faced over 50 charges in a two-day operation targeting unlicensed contractors working in beach areas affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, according to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office. Dubbed “Flood of Fraud 2,” the operation took place from Tuesday to Thursday on Clearwater Beach. “Our primary focus is on protecting residents…
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As Hurricane Rafael moves westward into the Gulf of Mexico after sweeping across Cuba as a Category 3 storm, Florida’s Gulf Coast is expected to experience coastal flooding, rip currents, and minor impacts, forecasters report. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) notes that Rafael caused widespread power outages, downed trees, and infrastructure damage in Cuba before…
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Hurricanes Helene and Milton left many Pinellas County residents in need. So, the city of St. Petersburg is ramping up efforts to provide critical recovery resources to residents. The city has organized two upcoming events to guide residents through the permitting process, available financial aid, and strategies for building future disaster resilience. Virtual Session on…
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Most of Madeira Beach’s city commissioners endured significant personal losses when Hurricane Helene’s record-breaking storm surge flooded Pinellas County. This week, they shared their powerful stories of resilience and commitment to the community. “We’re strong, we’re resilient, and we will rebuild,” said District 3 Commissioner Eddie McGeehan, 55, told Bay News 9. McGeehan lost his…
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There’s no denying Pinellas County has a traffic problem – a big traffic problem. As more and more people move into the state, the number of vehicles on the road continues to rise. And that presents many problems, not the least of which are auto collisions – with the number of incidents steadily rising. One…
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The Florida Aquarium in Clearwater is honoring veterans and active-duty military this Veterans Day by offering free admission from Friday, November 8th through Monday, November 11th. The free admission is available to any active-duty, veteran, retired, or honorably/medically discharged service member, including drilling reservists and National Guardsmen. A valid U.S. Military ID or DD Form…
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After almost 10 years of serving raw oysters and crab legs in downtown St. Petersburg, the beloved seafood restaurant Sea Salt will be closing its doors. The restaurant’s parent company, Aielli Group, announced in a press release on Tuesday that the lease on the second floor of The Sundial is coming to an end. “The…
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In St. Pete Beach, the path to recovery from Hurricanes Helene and Milton has been slow and difficult. Sandy streets and debris-covered lawns are daily reminders of the storms, while residents struggle with lengthy insurance claims and rebuilding efforts. One such resident is Reza Razavi, who owns several waterfront properties, all damaged by Hurricane Milton.…
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More indoor courts are on their way as a growing pickleball club franchise is set to expand into the Sunshine City. St. Pete residents, Kevin and Lisa Goettel, have teamed up to bring Dill Dinkers, a Columbia, Maryland-based chain of pickleball clubs, to Pinellas County. Born out of necessity in 2022 by pickleball aficionados Will…
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This December, the annual St. Petersburg Holiday Lighted Boat Parade will return to delight spectators along the downtown waterfront. On December 7th at 6:30 pm, a colorful procession of boats decked out in holiday lights will wind its way through the city’s picturesque harbor. Organized by local sponsors including Pier Dolphin Cruises, Nautical Sounds, and…
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In one flood-prone St. Petersburg neighborhood, recent storms Helene and Milton left residents relying on a single-lane, half-constructed bridge as their only exit from an island cul-de-sac. Originally scheduled for completion in December 2023, the $3.6 million project faced significant delays when American Empire Builders (AEB) defaulted on their contract. Consequently, city council members unanimously…
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Pinellas County crews are actively collecting hurricane debris in areas with narrow roads, including Ozona, Indian Bluff Island, and Crystal Beach. Residents in these neighborhoods should move private vehicles off the roadway and place storm debris in the right-of-way (not in the street) to help collection crews reach as much material as possible. Please note,…
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The Florida Botanical Gardens (12520 Ulmerton Rd) invites you to its 24th annual holiday lights celebration, a cherished Pinellas County tradition that continues to draw families and holiday enthusiasts from across the region. Recently ranked ninth in the nation by USA TODAY, this event promises even more enchantment this year, featuring over one million LED…
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After the unfortunate cancellation of Clearwater Jazz Fest due to Hurricanes Helene and Milton, jazz fans can still enjoy an incredible weekend of live music at the Suncoast Jazz Festival on Sand Key. Running from November 22 to 24, the festival will take place at the Sheraton Sand Key Resort, featuring performances by acclaimed local,…
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Megan Chora, 40, of Largo, has won $4 million in the June 11 Mega Millions drawing, the Florida Lottery announced. Chora’s ticket, purchased with Megaplier at the Publix on 10500 Ulmerton Road in Largo, matched all five white ball numbers but missed the Mega Ball. The Publix location will receive a $5,000 bonus commission for…
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The Big Lots stores in St. Pete’s Fossil Park and Tyrone neighborhoods will permanently close by early January. The Ohio-based discount retailer is shutting down its locations at 1055 62nd Avenue North in Rutland Plaza and 950 58th Street North in Tyrone Gardens as part of a broader company restructuring. Earlier this year, Big Lots…
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St. Petersburg’s Parks and Recreation Department released staggering damage assessments Thursday, revealing the extensive impact of recent Hurricanes Helene and Milton on the city’s nationally recognized park system. Storm Damage By the Numbers: Major Facility Impacts: Closed Playgrounds: Recovery Efforts: Community Enrichment Administrator Mike Jefferis reported that while all city parks and athletic facilities have…
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For Madeira Beach and Tampa Bay residents and visitors who have long cherished the convenience of the dock at 650 150th Ave, nestled between McDonald’s and Publix, its absence has left a noticeable void. Once a unique spot for boaters to pull up, grab groceries, or stop for a quick meal, the dock is gone…
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In March, the City of St. Petersburg made a key change to Tropicana Field’s insurance, lowering the coverage limit for wind and flood damage claims from $100 million to $25 million. The adjustment, intended to save the city $275,000 annually in premiums, significantly reduces the payout potential from insurance for storm-related damages. This change now…
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Discover the vibrant heart of Largo at The Largo Evening Market, where food trucks, artisans, and local vendors come together to offer a diverse array of culinary delights, handcrafted goods, and lively entertainment. This event promises an evening of delectable bites, captivating crafts, and the enchanting sounds of live music. Event Details: Experience the joy…
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Hurricanes Helene and Milton caused extensive damage to thousands of properties and the cost to restore them isn’t cheap, especially when homes must be rebuilt to the latest construction codes. So, many Floridians are opting to sell their storm-battered properties “as-is” rather than face the costly and lengthy process of repairs. For some, this decision…
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St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch announced Friday a series of temporary relief measures to help residents and businesses struggling with utility payments in the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The relief package includes: These measures apply to bills due between September 25 and December 31, 2024. “The damage and destruction from back-to-back hurricanes has…
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This Saturday, a stretch of St. Petersburg’s Beach Drive NE will transform into a hub of community support as six local businesses host a Hurricane Relief Block Party. The event, running from 4 to 8 p.m. on the 300 block, aims to raise funds for those affected by recent hurricanes in the Tampa Bay area.…
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Reluctantly, St. Petersburg’s City Council has approved two contracts totaling up to $6.5 million to prevent further deterioration of Tropicana Field after Hurricane Milton left the stadium’s roof severely damaged. Since the city is responsible for maintaining Tropicana Field, officials must address damage promptly to comply with insurance terms. In a 6-2 vote on Thursday,…
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Clearwater is gearing up to celebrate its Tampa Bay veterans and community spirit at the annual Clearwater Patriot Fest on November 9th at Coachman Park. This year’s event takes on special significance as the community recovers from recent hurricanes. The festival, running from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at 300 Cleveland St., Clearwater, promises a…
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Sembler, a leading retail developer based in the area, has acquired a long-vacant Walmart in St. Petersburg. Sembler purchased the 115,900-square-foot property at 3993 Tyrone Blvd. for $6.7 million on January 25, according to Pinellas County records, which values the property at $5.26 million for tax purposes. Walmart, which owned the site since its opening…
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Pinellas County Commissioners expressed frustration over the slow pace of hurricane recovery efforts during Tuesday afternoon’s meeting. Both city and unincorporated areas in Pinellas County are facing delays, including FEMA Stop Work Orders that prevent homeowners from making repairs. County Administrator Barry Burton attempted to explain the complexities of FEMA’s Substantial Damage Assessment strategy, admitting…
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Publix at Bardmoor Promenade is set to undergo a makeover in 2025, after nearly five years of delays. Originally, the store located at 10801 Starkey Road, Suite 200, in Seminole, was supposed to receive a refresh back in the first few months of 2020, but extenuating circumstances caused headquarters in Lakeland to push back its…
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Clearwater Beach is open and inviting visitors to enjoy its white sandy shores again, despite ongoing restoration efforts following Hurricane Milton’s impact. While most of the beach is accessible, sand cleaning and recovery work continues. The Pier 60 parking lot and South Beach Lot 32 remain closed as crews work to restore the area. Visitors…
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Olympus Property, a Fort Worth-based residential real estate management firm, has purchased the luxury apartment complex 930 Central Flats in Downtown St. Petersburg’s EDGE District for $81 million. The transaction, recorded on October 28th, represents a significant increase from the property’s previous sale price of $64 million in 2020 when it was acquired by White…
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Residents at Silver Lake Mobile Home Park in Pinellas County are still waiting for electricity nearly three weeks after Hurricane Milton knocked down power poles. While a few homes have had power restored after media outreach on Monday, many remain in the dark at Silver Lake in Lealman. Duke Energy explained that it couldn’t reconnect…
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FEMA has mobilized an unprecedented $2 billion in federal assistance for Hurricane Helene and Milton victims, establishing multiple disaster recovery centers to support affected communities. One such location is at the Florida Botanical Gardens in the Magnolia Room, at 12520 Ulmerton Road in Largo, which operates Monday through Sunday 9 am to 7 pm. FEMA,…
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