Tag: Pinellas County
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In a surprising announcement Monday afternoon, Treasure Island Mayor Tyler Payne declared his immediate resignation following the recent devastation caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. In a heartfelt letter shared on social media, Payne explained the difficult decision, stating that he and his husband, like many residents, would be leaving the island. “Our home, along…
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Clearwater’s Island Estates residents are increasingly concerned about health and safety as debris piles up in their waterways. New residents Jewell and Michael Ullvens, who recently moved from Tarpon Springs to a canal-front home, prepared as best they could for Hurricane Helene. “We had water going up and down the streets,” Jewell Ullvens shared. “It…
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Local small businesses have received government contracts totaling over $55 million in fiscal year 2024, with this number expected to grow significantly in the wake of back-to-back hurricanes. At an October 24 workshop, Pinellas County Commissioners received an update on the success of the Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Program before discussing the monumental storm recovery…
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Florida health officials once again reported today that 15 people have now died from Vibrio vulnificus, a dangerous bacteria that spread through floodwaters during hurricanes Helene and Milton. The state has recorded 77 cases this year, exceeding the previous record set after Hurricane Ian in 2022. Recent data shows two new fatalities in Pinellas County,…
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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The Palladium Theater in downtown St. Petersburg has temporarily closed its doors due to water damage sustained during Hurricane Milton. Executive Director Paul Wilborn wants to reassure the community that the situation, while disruptive, is not as dire as some may fear. “We weathered Hurricane Helene without issue, but Milton brought water into the building,”…
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Pinellas County has another chance to support local vendors with the debut of the Lealman Farmers Market. Fresh food and local goods are coming to Lealman starting Sunday, October 27th, from 10 am to 2 pm at the Lealman Exchange, 5175 45th St N. Following its inaugural event, the market will take place every third…
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Pinellas County is still shining after Hurricanes Helene and Milton. From the sponge docks to historic 8th Avenue in Pass-a-Grille, businesses are reopening and celebrating the Sunshine State. Tarpon Springs is bouncing back and has announced the return of its annual Seafood Festival from November 8-10. The Tarpon Springs Seafood Festival, located at the Sponge…
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The St. Petersburg City Council approved an incentive package to help ensure Foot Locker selects the city as the location for its new global headquarters. This decision came amidst the brief window between Hurricanes Helene and Milton. In a 7-2 vote, the council agreed to provide up to $475,000 to the Fortune 500 company. Foot…
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The Galaxy Hotel, located at 101 3rd Ave. N. in downtown St. Pete, has soft-opened and is set for an official opening in November or December. The guest rooms are simple, modern, and brightly colored, featuring clean, minimalist art. The first-floor Grain Restaurant and Bar will soon offer fresh Italian cuisine, while the rooftop bar…
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The county offers a dashboard to track pickup locations and crew progress. Residents can also find a list of debris drop-off sites throughout the county on the Pinellas government website…
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1. Support Local Businesses, Shops & Restaurants Recovering from Hurricanes Helene & Milton Local businesses, shops, and restaurants are working hard to re-open after Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Show your support by shopping, dining, and supporting local this weekend right here in Tampa Bay. 2. Volunteer to Help Looking for ways to assist in community…
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The beloved St. Pete Saturday Morning Market has made its triumphant return to Downtown St. Pete, bringing together over 100 vendors from across the Tampa Bay area. This weekly event stands as a cornerstone of St. Petersburg’s community life, offering a diverse and lively experience for both locals and tourists. Market Highlights What to Expect…
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As of Oct. 17 at 4 p.m., contractors have collected over 18,000 cubic yards of storm debris (1,070+ loads) in unincorporated Pinellas County…
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Approximately 6,045 residences in Tampa Bay still have no electric service, 10 full days after Hurricane Milton ravaged the area. Currently, some 3,888 homes in Pinellas County and an additional 2,174 in Hillsborough County remain without power. However, this is an improvement, given that Hurricane Helene darkened around 1.2 million households in Florida, and Milton…
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The recent onslaught of Hurricanes Helene and Milton has left many Tampa Bay area families displaced and searching for housing assistance and resources. The back-to-back storms have caused widespread flooding and damage, preventing numerous residents from returning to their homes. Unprecedented Demand for Housing Assistance Mike Sutton, President and CEO of Habitat for Humanity Tampa…
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The St. Pete Pier Pumpkin Patch Opens this Weekend! Fall fun is back at the St. Pete Pier Pumpkin Patch from October 19 to October 26. Located at Spa Beach Park, this annual celebration transforms the area into a festive wonderland of vibrant, plump pumpkins just waiting for you to find the perfect one. With…
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Red light running is a serious problem across Tampa Bay – especially in Pinellas County. Within just 273.8 square miles, a complex network of major thoroughfares and intersections serves nearly 1 million residents (961,400), or 3,339 people per square mile, and its population is the most dense in the entire Sunshine State. At the last…
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Exciting news! Pinellas County Parks & Conservation Resources will reopen several parks on Saturday, Oct. 19, following Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Reopening Parks: Please be aware that some amenities may still be unavailable during the cleanup process. Watch out for tall grass, debris, and wildlife. Avoid downed trees and restricted areas, and report any issues…
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The Clearwater Marine Aquarium, which sustained significant storm damage, will reopen on October 18, debuting the Aqua Lanterns Festival of Lights. After enduring substantial damage during Hurricane Helene and losing power when Hurricane Milton hit Sarasota County, the aquarium is ready to welcome visitors again. While the facility will reopen to the public on Monday,…
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Hurricane Milton left an indelible and destructive Mark on the state of Florida when it ravaged the peninsula one week ago today. Coming ashore as a strong Category 3 cyclone, storm surge rose to as much as 10 ft in Siesta Key, with shorelines to the north experiencing 5 feet. (Image credit: screenshot of Duke…
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