Tag: Tampa Bay
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Dunedin’s lively Celtic tradition returns as the 2024 Dunedin Celtic Music Festival takes center stage with an exciting lineup and a fresh venue. This year’s festival will be held at Our Lady of Lourdes, 750 San Salvador Dr, on Saturday, November 23, celebrating Celtic music, dance, and community. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a…
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As Halloween approaches, the excitement in the air thickens. If you’re in the Tampa Bay area and love a good scare, you’re in luck! This city is packed with haunted spots that tell ghostly tales and stir up chills. Here’s a list of the most haunted places to visit in Tampa Bay to get your…
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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 Tampa Bay Lightning’s newly expanded ownership team, led by Doug Ostrover and Marc Lipschultz, has committed $1 million to support recovery efforts for families impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The donation, which will go to five local nonprofits, is earmarked for essentials like housing, food, clothing, and other resources. “This is a challenging…
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The Tampa Bay Rays could potentially play their 2025 home games at the Toronto Blue Jays’ player development complex in Dunedin, Florida, ESPN’s Jesse Rogers reports. This possibility has emerged after Hurricane Milton caused significant damage to the Rays’ home stadium, Tropicana Field, potentially rendering it unusable for the upcoming season. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred…
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The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is providing temporary roof repairs for Tampa Bay area residents affected by recent hurricanes through its Operation Blue Roof program. The free service helps homeowners protect their properties while navigating insurance claims and permanent repairs. “This isn’t your typical tarp installation,” explains Maj. Matthew Westcott, Deputy Commander of…
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The Florida Department of Health (FDH) in Hillsborough County has reported a fourth human case of dengue fever, a mosquito-borne illness, sparking aerial spraying efforts to curb the spread. Flooding from Hurricanes Milton and Helene left behind extensive standing water in Tampa Bay, creating ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes. Both Hillsborough and Polk counties are…
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As Tampa Bay continues recovering from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, “For Sale” signs are appearing in storm-affected neighborhoods, with many properties listed “as-is” and seeking cash offers with no contingencies. Flooded homes are being sold across the region, from Sarasota to Pasco, often at prices significantly below their original purchase value. Some owners are even…
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As residents navigate the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, many face an unexpected challenge: FEMA’s “50% rule,” a federal regulation that could force costly home rebuilding requirements on flood-damaged properties. Understanding the 50% Rule The regulation requires homeowners in flood zones to completely rebuild their homes at a higher elevation if repair costs exceed…
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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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St. Pete Beach officials are orchestrating a comprehensive beach cleanup operation across Pinellas County, implementing a methodical process to restore beaches affected by recent storms. The restoration follows a three-step protocol: 1. Initial collection of displaced sand from sidewalks and roadways, with temporary storage in designated “dirty” sand collection points 2. Processing through industrial sifting…
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Following the impact of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, several Tampa Bay area restaurants, including Caddy’s, Capogna’s, Frenchy’s, and Rod & Reel Pier, face ongoing closures due to extensive storm damage. The back-to-back hurricanes hit the region with severe flooding, high winds, heavy rain, and power outages, significantly affecting local businesses and residents. While many restaurants…
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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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Florida condo owners are already facing higher fees due to new safety regulations, but many are now questioning whether the state’s fragile property insurance market can handle back-to-back hurricane damage. “This year, with these two big hurricanes [Helene and Milton], we’re anticipating a big increase,” said Pat Hutson, a condo owner in Tampa. “I’m very…
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Pasco County leaders have announced the launch of a new community in Holiday, offering temporary housing to approximately 100 storm victims. In July, the county purchased a two-acre property on Grand Boulevard with plans to create a temporary homeless shelter. However, following Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the need for housing became more urgent. Cathy Pearson,…
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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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As recovery efforts continue across the Bay Area following Hurricanes Helene and Milton, several local beaches are beginning to reopen. Manatee County Public Beach reopened earlier this week, though parking may be limited due to ongoing sand and debris clearance. Several businesses, including Anna Maria Island Beach Café, have also reopened. County officials hope to…
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Pasco County Government has implemented an interactive online debris management map to help residents track hurricane cleanup efforts following Hurricanes Milton and Helene. The system provides real-time updates on debris collection progress and estimated pickup times throughout the county. Current Progress Free Debris Drop-Off Locations East Pasco Transfer Station West Pasco Resource Recovery Center Important…
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With the end of Daylight Saving Time on November 3, Florida will transition back to standard time. This means sunrise and sunset will occur an hour earlier, and we will continue to lose daylight until the winter solstice. In the Tampa-St. Pete region, we’ll lose about a minute and a half of daylight each day…
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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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Nearly 70% of Tampa Bay’s Generation Z renters are spending over 30% of their income on housing, reflecting a broader national crisis affecting young Americans, according to a new Zillow and StreetEasy analysis of 2022 Census data. The study reveals that nationwide, almost 60% of Gen Z renters (ages 18-25) qualify as “rent-burdened,” meaning housing…
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Downtown Tampa’s waterfront is set to sparkle once again as Winter Village returns to Curtis Hixon Park, bringing six weeks of holiday magic from November 22 to January 5. The beloved seasonal attraction transforms the Tampa Riverwalk into a festive wonderland, complete with twinkling lights, seasonal shopping, and the city’s signature outdoor ice rink. Visitors…
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Two weeks after restoring power to hundreds of thousands of customers, Tampa Electric (TECO) is under fire for its plan to raise rates. The latest proposal suggests a rate increase of over 20 percent over the next three years, sparking criticism and new court filings from consumer advocates. Paul Paduano, who didn’t lose power during…
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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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Ybor City is gearing up for the holidays! The 14th annual Ybor City Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place on November 20 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at 1600 E. 7th Ave. This cherished event in Hillsborough County officially kicks off the festive season in one of Tampa’s most historic districts, made even more…
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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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MLB and the Tampa Bay Rays are evaluating extensive damage to Tropicana Field’s fiberglass dome from Hurricane Milton, raising concerns about the stadium’s availability for Opening Day 2025. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred indicates the league is actively seeking alternative venues in the Tampa Bay area. “We’re hoping to find a solution within the market and…
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Local governments along Florida’s Gulf Coast are strictly enforcing FEMA regulations on hurricane repairs, causing tension with homeowners eager to rebuild after Hurricanes Helene and Milton. While the rules may seem restrictive, they protect community-wide flood insurance savings. The situation is exemplified by Brian Leggett, who moved to St. Pete Beach just four days before…
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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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Tampa has earned its place among the nation’s top 25 Halloween cities in WalletHub’s latest rankings, cementing its reputation as a premier destination for spooky season celebrations. The city’s diverse mix of family-friendly events and haunting attractions helped secure its position in this prestigious list. The financial website evaluated America’s 100 largest cities using 20…
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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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