Tag: Tampa Bay
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Imagine beginning your day beside the serene waters of Tampa Bay. The rhythmic lapping of waves and the gentle rustling of palm trees create a symphony of tranquility that whispers, “Relax, you’re home.” Beyond its scenic beauty, Tampa Bay offers a sanctuary for mental well-being, blending natural serenity with therapeutic benefits. The Power of the…
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The farm-to-table movement is thriving in Tampa Bay, where a growing number of restaurants are championing locally sourced ingredients. This dining trend not only brings fresher flavors to your plate but also supports sustainability and strengthens the local economy. What is Farm-to-Table Dining? Farm-to-table dining involves sourcing ingredients directly from local farms and producers. By…
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For the first time in nearly 15 years, the Pinellas County Commission has approved a parking rate increase that takes effect on January 1, 2025. The new rate applies to all county parking spaces, beach access points, boat ramps, shelters, and campgrounds. The daily flat rate has increased to $6, a change from the previous…
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Navigating FEMA’s ‘Substantially Damaged’ Designation Appeals Numerous residents on barrier islands and coastal areas have received notifications from local community development officials stating that their homes are deemed irreparable within flood zones due to extensive damage from Hurricanes Helene and Milton. RELATED: What Is a Substantial Damage Determination Letter and Is It Necessary for a…
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The Dunedin Marina remains closed following significant damage caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Repairs are estimated to exceed $10 million, and city leaders are considering the possibility of modernizing the marina as part of the restoration process. Currently, much of the marina is fenced off, including areas with a collapsed seawall that require replacement.…
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Madeira Beach’s iconic John’s Pass Village and Boardwalk, known for its quaint turn-of-the-century charm and bustling tourist scene, might see significant changes in the near future. According to recent whispers and confirmed developments, a hotel project has been given the go-ahead by the city, potentially displacing six shops, while the popular Caddy’s restaurant faces an…
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In a striking new video released by FOX 13 News Tampa, viewers can now witness the full scope of the damage caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton across the Tampa Bay area from an aerial perspective. The footage, captured by Tampa police helicopters, showcases significant flooding and structural impacts in neighborhoods like Shore Acres and…
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Following the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the City of St. Petersburg will commence the final citywide debris pickup on Friday, January 3rd. All remaining storm debris should be placed in the right of way by this date. City leaders made the announcement on Friday. Residents are advised to bring any remaining debris items…
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Pinellas County residents are increasingly frustrated as they endure prolonged waits for permits and approvals to rebuild their homes following the devastation of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. In Crystal Beach, a community nestled beside the Gulf of Mexico, many homes remain in disrepair. Some residents, whose properties are just steps away from the water, are…
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Homeowners and renters who experienced damages or losses due to Hurricanes Milton or Helene can apply for FEMA Individual Assistance. If you’ve already applied for assistance after Hurricane Helene but have sustained additional damage from Hurricane Milton, you must submit a separate application for Milton, including the dates of the new damage. FEMA can assist…
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At the Dec. 11 commission meeting, numerous residents from Madeira Beach and nearby areas advocated for the reopening of the John’s Pass jetty. The sentiment has continued since then, especially among local businesses who benefit from it. The jetty was closed due to safety concerns after sustaining damage from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, with the…
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Many Gulfport residents are making progress in returning to their hurricane-damaged homes with the help of new “minor repair” permits issued by the city. In line with FEMA regulations, the city is providing these permits to help property owners make their homes livable, even while they await permits for major repairs and rebuilding. Starting Monday,…
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Hundreds of Pinellas County residents are receiving letters stating their structures are substantially damaged, forcing them to make crucial decisions about their properties. County officials urge homeowners to challenge these letters and seek a new evaluation, especially with the FEMA 50% rule in play, which determines repair limits based on damage extent. John Richter, among…
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The Tampa Bay Rays find themselves without a permanent home after Hurricane Milton severely damaged Tropicana Field, tearing off its roof. While talks of a new stadium have gained momentum in recent days, nothing has been finalized, leaving uncertainty about the team’s future in Tampa Bay. Potential Relocation Cities According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, several…
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St. Pete Beach city commissioners were taken aback by the revelation of significant budgetary shortfalls in the wastewater, reclaimed water, and stormwater funds, which will require the city to find millions of dollars. Interim Public Works Director Camden Mills presented a grim overview of the Enterprise Funds, leaving Mayor Adrian Petrila “livid” that former city…
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The Waterfront Restaurant in Anna Maria has resumed operations after a closure initiated by Hurricane Helene. “I was more devastated for the family and friends dealing with this ordeal. It’s been tough, and many of us were in shock,” shared waitress Noel Burke, who has served at the restaurant for over six years and started…
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Pinellas County’s tourism industry demonstrated remarkable resilience in 2024, welcoming 15.4 million visitors and generating $11.2 billion in revenue despite facing significant weather challenges. Visit St. Pete-Clearwater reports that the destination recorded 4 million visitors and 4 million hotel room nights booked throughout the year. “St. Pete-Clearwater proved that it is one of the top…
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Many homeowners in the Tampa Bay area are still displaced following recent hurricanes, stuck in a frustrating wait for property appraisals on their damaged homes. For those who’ve gotten their assessments, the outcome is often disappointing, with valuations coming in far lower than expected, sometimes by hundreds of thousands of dollars. Jeff Fuller, a homeowner…
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The combined impact of Hurricanes Helene and Milton has inflicted an estimated $136 million in damages across Pinellas County, according to local officials. This figure is expected to rise as detailed assessments continue. More than two months after the devastating storms, thousands of residents remain displaced, awaiting final damage evaluations and approval for rebuilding. Pinellas…
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Red tide from the Gulf of Mexico has extended into Tampa Bay, with low concentrations of the marine toxin detected in multiple locations off the St. Petersburg coastline, according to a report issued Wednesday by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Affected Areas The report highlights four key locations in St. Petersburg where…
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On Thursday, state regulators approved a plan to increase base electric rates for Tampa Electric Co. customers, totaling $184.9 million next year. The Florida Public Service Commission approved the rate hikes, which will take effect in January, with minimal discussion. Chairman Mike La Rosa noted that the decision was largely a result of underlying decisions…
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Hillsborough County has issued a mosquito-borne illness alert following the report of six locally acquired cases of dengue fever, according to the Florida Department of Health (DOH). What is Dengue Fever? Dengue fever is a mosquito-transmitted disease that can cause significant discomfort and pain but is rarely fatal. Symptoms typically appear 3–14 days after being…
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Residents of Treasure Island filled a town hall meeting Wednesday night, expressing their frustration over the delays in returning to their homes since Hurricane Helene struck in September. Many attendees voiced their concerns about the slow issuance of substantial damage letters and repair permits. “This is completely unacceptable that 90 days after the hurricanes, we’re…
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A new study has named two destinations in the Tampa Bay region as the top spots for U.S. travelers seeking to escape the winter chill, often referred to as “snowbirds.” Englewood and Wauchula have been ranked No. 1 and No. 2, respectively, in HomeToGo’s 2025 Snowbird Escapes Report. These locations were selected based on their…
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The hustle and bustle at Tampa International Airport isn’t solely due to the holiday travel surge this season. The airport is embarking on a significant expansion with the groundbreaking of its new Airside D terminal set for today. Looking ahead, the new airside is slated to open in 2028. Airport officials have unveiled renderings showcasing…
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Florida’s first drive-thru Shake Shack is set to open on December 20 in Wesley Chapel, located at 25600 Sierra Center Blvd. and many people are looking forward to cruising through and grabbing some crispy crinkle-cut fries and that tantalizing mushroom burger. The Tampa Bay Business Journal first reported the news, which quickly spread among Pasco…
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In a significant move to enhance emergency response times, the Pinellas County School Board has approved a new panic alert system for all 132 schools in the district. The multi-million-dollar initiative will roll out early next year, ensuring schools can respond more swiftly to emergencies. The new ‘Crisis Alert Wearable Solution’ will equip staff with…
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Davis Islands, which suffered significant storm surge damage from Hurricane Helene, is slowly but surely returning to normalcy. Island Pizza, owned by John Harr, resumed operations shortly after the hurricanes passed. Harr, a local businessman for 15 years, has owned the pizzeria for the past 12 years. “The people here are super nice. It’s its…
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The Tampa Bay real estate market, which has seen explosive growth in recent years, may experience a slight dip in home prices next year, according to a recent report by Zillow. The report forecasts a roughly 2% drop in home values for 2025. However, local realtors, like Sunny Alexander, broker and owner of Red Sash…
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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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Numerous families in the Tampa Bay region are experiencing significant delays in returning to their residences post-Hurricanes Helene and Milton, caught between waiting for permits and grappling with a scarcity of rebuilding supplies. The demand has left contractors scrambling for basic construction materials such as drywall, paint, and framing supplies. “We’re forced to visit multiple…
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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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Parents and students at Seminole Heights Elementary School in Tampa are expressing concerns over recent changes to intersections on Central Avenue. The intersections at Hanna Avenue and Lake Avenue, which previously had traffic lights, have been converted into four-way stops as part of a new bikeway project by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). Safety…
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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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Procrastinating holiday shippers take note: This week marks the critical window for ensuring gifts and cards reach their destinations by Christmas. The United States Postal Service has outlined key shipping deadlines to help customers plan their mailings: Tampa’s Postmaster James Chambers reports an increase in mail volume compared to last year, with the postal service…
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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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Hillsborough County has extended the local state of emergency initially declared after Hurricane Milton. On Sunday, County Administrator Bonnie Wise signed an executive order to prolong the state of local emergency. This emergency declaration empowers the County Administrator and emergency managers to swiftly take necessary actions to ensure the community’s health, safety, and welfare. It…
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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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If you’re feeling frustrated waiting to repair your home after Hurricanes Helene and Milton, you’re not alone. Many are still in limbo, waiting for permits to begin their home repairs and return to normalcy. State Representative Linda Chaney, a resident of St. Pete Beach, warns that starting repairs without the proper permits can have serious…
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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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As the Tampa Bay area works to recover from this year’s historic hurricane season, many homeowners are opting to sell their damaged properties “as is” rather than rebuild. This trend has caught the attention of large investors, who are snapping up these homes in increasing numbers. RELATED: Desperate Floridians Sell Gutted, Storm-Damaged Homes Instead of…
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The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is rolling out new technology at select airports nationwide, including Tampa International Airport (TPA), to minimize runway close calls. TPA is among approximately 18 airports selected for this initiative, with the system becoming operational there just a few weeks ago. The technology, part of the Surface Awareness Initiative, involves sensors…
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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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