Tag: Pinellas County
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The decision to replace the roof at Tropicana Field, which was damaged last October during Hurricane Milton, has been postponed until next month. According to the Tampa Bay Times, the City Council vote originally scheduled for this week has been rescheduled for April 3. The roof repairs are estimated to cost $22.7 million, and council…
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Pinellas County has secured over $813 million in federal funding to aid long-term recovery efforts from recent hurricanes—and officials want your input on how to allocate the funds. The funding, provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), will support recovery efforts following Hurricane Idalia (2023) and Hurricanes Helene and Milton (2024).…
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A report released Friday by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) identified the Sunshine Skyway Bridge among 68 over-water bridges nationwide that require immediate vulnerability assessments. The recommendation is part of an NTSB report on the March 26, 2024, incident in which the container ship Dali struck and collapsed the Francis Scott Key Bridge in…
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Resilience defines Pinellas County’s tourism industry, which has bounced back impressively after the devastation of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. In January, visitors contributed a record $8.29 million to local tax revenue, just three months post-storm. With over 1,400 rooms set to reopen by summer, officials expect further growth. St. Petersburg played a vital role in…
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The City of St. Petersburg is allocating $7 million to upgrade two wastewater treatment facilities after severe flooding during the 2024 hurricane season forced their shutdowns. Hurricanes Helene and Milton inundated the Maximo Moorings neighborhood in South St. Pete, leading to the closure of the Southwest Wastewater Treatment Facility. Floodwaters in the area were contaminated…
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St. Pete is in the final phase of repairing its parks, playgrounds, recreation centers, and city-owned buildings battered by the consecutive hurricanes of 2024. Mike Jefferis, the city’s Community Enrichment Administrator, reports that the Lake Vista Recreation Center in South St. Pete endured some of the heaviest destruction. A bustling hub, the center has been…
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Pinellas County is once again seeking to develop the 235-acre site of the former Toytown landfill, this time with plans to transform it into a premier youth sports complex. Located near Interstate 275 and Roosevelt Boulevard, the proposed project by Sports Facilities Companies outlines a vision for 20 baseball and softball fields, five multi-purpose fields,…
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St. Petersburg officials are standing by their decision to reduce insurance coverage on Tropicana Field, despite facing widespread criticism after Hurricane Milton severely damaged the stadium’s roof just months later. The aging ballpark remains the city’s most expensive asset, with St. Petersburg set to spend roughly $56 million on repairs while uncertainty looms over its…
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As Treasure Island continues to rebuild after last year’s devastating hurricanes, both visitors and local businesses are adjusting to the first spring break since the storms. Many tourists anticipated some changes, but they were still taken aback by how much the area has transformed. Meanwhile, business owners are working to recover, hoping for a boost…
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As three new city commissioners take office in Treasure Island Tuesday night, city leaders will decide whether to advance the proposed Terrain Modification Program. The newly elected commissioners—Tammy Vasquez, Chris Clark, and Arthur Czyszczon—join Mayor John Doctor, who secured re-election. City officials describe the Terrain Modification Program as a long-term strategy to address rising sea…
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City Council members recently convened with consultants to ensure St. Petersburg meets federal requirements to secure $160 million in disaster recovery funding. The city must allocate $139 million to unmet storm recovery needs and $20.85 million to mitigation efforts, with at least 70% of the funds benefiting low-to-moderate-income (LMI) households. To assist in developing the…
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Spring breakers are once again flocking to the barrier islands, months after Hurricanes Helene and Milton devastated the area, leaving homes and businesses struggling to rebuild. Monday marked the start of spring break for many Tampa Bay students. “Crabby’s on the Pass, gone,” Landis Wilson told WFLA. “PCI’s gone.” “It just feels really different,” she…
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As spring break kicks off, students and families are flocking to the beaches of Tampa Bay for the next few weeks, with Treasure Island among the destinations eager to receive them. While some local beaches are still bouncing back from the recent hurricane season, Treasure Island is prepared to host guests once again. City officials…
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Progress may be slow, but it’s still progress—St. Petersburg’s highly anticipated Trails Crossing project is finally taking shape. Initially introduced in November 2021, Trails Crossing aims to revitalize neglected areas beneath I-275, converting them into dynamic park and event spaces that bridge divided neighborhoods. On March 6, the City Council approved civil engineering firm LandDesign…
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Nearly six months ago, 98-year-old Regina May watched in disbelief as waves crashed outside her South Pasadena home when Hurricane Helene struck the Tampa Bay area. “All the water came here like a waterfall—it was rushing in so fast,” May recalled to WTVT. Floodwaters surged into her first floor, destroying many of her belongings. Her…
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A retail plaza and boat yard near the Pinellas Bayway Bridge at the entrance to Tierra Verde may soon be demolished to make way for a private boat club and expanded boat storage facility. On Monday, Michael Coffey, Executive Vice President of Greenleaf Capital, introduced preliminary redevelopment plans for Tierra Verde Marina, located at 100…
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Every year, thousands of families flock to Pinellas County’s beaches for spring break, making it the busiest season for local businesses. At Larry’s Ice Cream and Gelato, owner Alison Herman showcases an array of sweet treats, but business has been sluggish since hurricanes Helene and Milton hit. “Being closed for weeks took a big financial…
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Numerous hurricane survivors remain in limbo, dependent on FEMA’s temporary housing aid. Caught in a permit backlog, many are still unable to start rebuilding their homes. Yet, they now face an unexpected deadline that has taken them by surprise. With spring break underway, Plaza Beach Hotel’s rooms are fully booked, leaving dozens of guests uncertain…
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Following Hurricanes Helene and Milton, FEMA has disbursed over $1.5 billion to assist Floridians. Yet, nearly six months later, WTSP reports that some survivors, expecting ongoing temporary housing payments, are suddenly finding that important support cut off. Terri Orr of St. Pete Beach is among them. In a single night, he lost his home, car,…
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Since October, Plaza Beach Resorts in St. Pete Beach has opened its doors exclusively to storm survivors, a commitment owner Rob Czyszczon plans to maintain even through the profitable spring break season. “Every guest here was impacted by the hurricanes,” Czyszczon told Bay News 9. “We’re doing what’s right for our community—providing shelter to those…
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What seemed like a negotiating tactic has become a reality: the Tampa Bay Rays have abandoned a $1.37 billion stadium deal in downtown St. Petersburg after years of talks. The team’s partner, Hines, has scrapped plans to convert Tropicana Field’s sprawling lots into a lively mixed-use area honoring the displaced Black community. Still, Rays owner…
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With spring break in full swing, parking at Treasure Island’s beaches is more challenging than ever. One of the city’s major lots, located at 112th Avenue and Gulf Boulevard, remains closed due to damage from Hurricane Helene, removing 112 crucial spaces from an already limited selection. Visitors like Alice Ingman, visiting from Scotland, and Andrew…
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Homeowners facing storm damage are left with a tough choice: elevate their homes or tear them down. Many residents affected by recent hurricanes are struggling to comply with federal rebuilding requirements, and the decision isn’t getting any easier. This week, the Florida Department of Emergency Management is holding meetings to discuss the new Elevate Florida…
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The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) is hosting workshops this week in Pinellas County to help residents navigate ‘Elevate Florida,’ a pioneering statewide residential mitigation program. Designed to accelerate property protection efforts, the program aims to minimize damage from natural disasters such as hurricanes and flooding. The first workshop takes place on Wednesday at…
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Treasure Island’s beach is primed for spring break, but the hurricanes’ aftermath lingers. Many hotels, bars, restaurants, and shops remain in shambles, still reeling from storms Helene and Milton. Jason Beisel, a city official, explains that a 10-foot storm surge engulfed the island, leaving no building unscathed. “Recovery isn’t quick—it could take years,” he says.…
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After last year’s hurricanes, coastal residents faced confusion and frustration due to permitting and recovery delays. With a new hurricane season looming, Tampa Bay lawmakers are proposing legislation to cut through bureaucratic obstacles and help Floridians return to their homes. State Senator Nick Diceglie, R-Indian Rocks Island, emphasized the ongoing struggle: “Even now, some residents…
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Pinellas County is once again exploring development opportunities for the 235-acre “Toytown” landfill in north St. Petersburg, seeking a partner to turn the long-vacant site into a state-of-the-art youth sports complex. Located at 10540 16th Street North, near Interstate 275 and Roosevelt Boulevard, Toytown operated as a landfill from the 1960s until its closure by…
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St. Petersburg remains under a local state of emergency, even five months after Hurricanes Helene and Milton struck, as Mayor Ken Welch’s declaration has been extended through June 30. This extension grants the mayor the authority to bypass typical city procedures when necessary to protect public health, safety, and welfare. It also allows him to…
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Pinellas County officials are pushing ahead with the Sand Key Beach Nourishment initiative, aimed at replenishing sand to form dunes and planting seagrass to stabilize it. According to the county, the Army Corps of Engineers mandates that all property owners grant easements for public access and use in areas where sand is deposited. Local authorities…
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As the peak of spring break approaches, tens of thousands of visitors are expected to flock to local beaches, even as communities continue to recover from last year’s hurricanes. In Clearwater Beach, the historic Palm Pavilion has undergone significant renovations, with new floors, chairs, tables, and other upgrades after being gutted by recent storms. “We’ve…
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The City of St. Pete has introduced Sunrise St. Pete, a new initiative to guide the use of $159.8 million awarded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The funds, part of the Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) program, will support the city’s long-term recovery from Hurricane Idalia (August 2023) and…
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Pinellas County officials recently visited the White House to advance plans for restoring beaches severely impacted by hurricanes. The trip, described as “productive” by County Commission Chair Kathleen Peters, aimed to address the hurdles posed by new federal requirements. The county is seeking an exemption from rules mandating all beachfront property owners to sign easements…
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Months after being battered by back-to-back hurricanes, several beach businesses—including the Don CeSar hotel, Ricky T’s, and Caddy’s Treasure Island—are reopening or preparing to welcome guests once again. The historic Don CeSar will begin a phased reopening in March, with overnight stays available starting April 1, according to a news release. The nearly century-old resort,…
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Caddy’s in Treasure Island has reopened after months of closure due to the extensive damage caused by the 2024 hurricanes, which left its main building unusable. Thanks to a recently approved city ordinance, the restaurant has found a new way to operate. “We have just about the same amount of tables that we did outside,…
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This weekend, Treasure Island Beach will welcome visitors for a special event called “Back to the Beach: Sand & Kites & Coastal Delights,” organized in collaboration with Visit St. Pete-Clearwater. The event sends a clear message: the beach is open again. It also provides an opportunity for local businesses to highlight their offerings and engage…
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On Thursday, the St. Pete City Council will tackle the pressing issue of exorbitant water bills plaguing residents. Outraged locals, claiming overcharges in the hundreds, are demanding refunds and action over extremely high utility bills. The council plans to schedule a public hearing for March 27 during the meeting. Many St. Pete residents still reel…
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Come April, Pinellas County may launch a new initiative to tighten oversight, regulation, and monitoring of short-term rentals (STRs) in unincorporated areas, with steep fines awaiting those who flout the rules. At a packed public hearing on February 25, residents urged county commissioners to address noise and disruptions eroding their quality of life. They recounted…
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As storm recovery efforts continue across Tampa Bay, the city of St. Petersburg has shared updates on key initiatives, including the commencement of repairs at Tropicana Field. Under the terms of the residency agreement with the Tampa Bay Rays, the city is responsible for the repairs, which are projected to cost approximately $56 million. The…
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Spring breakers and vacationers are once again heading to Florida’s Gulf Coast, bringing a much-needed boost for local businesses still recovering from last year’s hurricanes. March, the peak month for tourism revenue, couldn’t come at a better time. While some vacation rentals, restaurants, and tourism-dependent businesses are still struggling to reopen, most are ready to…
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Local officials made a final plea to beachfront property owners to sign construction easements before a Feb. 28 deadline, but their efforts fell short of gaining enough support. Pinellas County is now moving forward with the Sand Key Beach Nourishment project, despite missing over 150 signed easements. At a Feb. 27 event, Commission Chair Brian…
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In fiscal year 2024, the City of St. Petersburg allocated $13.5 million to certified small business enterprises (SBEs). City officials are optimistic that this number will grow thanks to new programs and partnerships. During a Feb. 27 committee meeting, city council members received an encouraging annual business enterprise report. Although there was a slight year-over-year…
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Six months after Hurricane Helene inundated Redington Shores with floodwaters, some residents are just now obtaining detailed damage assessments. Kellie Sipos received a report indicating her home sustained less than 49% damage. She’s now in a frantic rush to reconstruct before the next storm season. “There’s widespread panic,” Sipos told Bay News 9. “Our greatest…
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As the March 31 deadline approaches, the Tampa Bay Rays face a critical decision about their proposed $1.3 billion stadium and the surrounding $6.5 billion Historic Gas Plant District development in St. Petersburg. Despite prior agreements and enthusiasm, recent events have created significant obstacles that may derail the project. The Current Situation The Rays must…
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