Tag: Tampa Bay
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Florida, particularly the Tampa Bay region, has some of the highest auto insurance rates in the nation. With rising costs impacting drivers, exploring solutions to bring these rates down while maintaining necessary coverage is essential. Several factors contribute to Florida’s high insurance rates, including fraud, uninsured drivers, and litigation costs. Here’s what can be done…
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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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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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Nearly six months after hurricanes Helene and Milton caused widespread destruction, five Parks and Recreation facilities across Tampa are on track to reopen by May. The storms left significant damage in their wake—submerged HVAC units, downed light poles, toppled fences, uprooted trees, and shingles torn from roofs. Among the affected sites, the DeSoto Community Center…
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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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Tampa is introducing a fresh effort to revive its tree canopy, focusing on underserved areas. Dubbed “Plant Your Heart Out,” the initiative is a collaboration among the city, Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful, and Suncoast Credit Union, which contributed $50,000. It takes inspiration from Tampa’s “Paint Your Heart Out” program, where citizens, businesses, clubs, and groups…
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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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As the 2025 hurricane season approaches, organizations across the region are seeking innovative ways to support their communities. In Lakewood Ranch, the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is elevating its preparedness efforts with the launch of a groundbreaking initiative—The Drone Program. David Esslinger, a member of the new CERT drone team, will pilot drones to…
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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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Following the devastation caused by recent hurricanes, officials in St. Petersburg and local maritime businesses are intensifying efforts to mitigate storm surge impacts and safeguard the city’s future. Saildrone, a maritime defense and oceanographic survey company headquartered at the Maritime Defense and Technology Hub in the Innovation District, has launched two 10-meter, solar-powered Saildrone Voyager…
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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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Hillsborough County Schools has implemented the BusPatrol program, using artificial intelligence to identify drivers who illegally pass stopped school buses. Recent footage shows alarming incidents, including a black car passing a stopped bus and nearly hitting a student crossing the road. “These close calls are jarring for the average person, parents, and school administrators,” says…
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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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Manatee County Commissioners have voted to demolish a 70-year-old bait and tackle shop in Cortez Village, paving the way for a new two-story shop and marina. Bruce Shearer, the owner of Annie’s Bait and Tackle, had hoped to save the building, believing it was still salvageable. However, the county, which recently acquired the property, decided…
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A group based in Tampa has revealed its interest in acquiring the Tampa Bay Rays, according to the Tampa Bay Times. Leading this effort is Tampa businessman Joe Molloy, who aims to purchase the team and move forward with the proposed stadium deal in St. Petersburg, which remains available. The current ownership of the Rays…
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Hurricane Milton devastated coastal communities across the greater Tampa Bay region, but inland areas were hit just as hard. Tracy Boyette has lived near Lakeland for 17 years—but her home, or what’s left of it, is almost unrecognizable. “Everything was damaged,” Boyette told WUSF. “I’ve never seen mold grow so fast, spreading up the walls.…
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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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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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A cherished Hernando Beach staple is making a resilient return after facing back-to-back challenges. Brian’s Place, a beloved local restaurant, was forced to close temporarily following severe damage from Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Just as recovery efforts were nearing completion, a fire dealt another blow. But through it all, the restaurant’s spirit—and its team—emerged stronger…
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In October, Hurricane Milton battered the Tampa Bay area, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. Now, nearly six months later, some Zephyrhills residents continue to grapple with persistent flooding, lacking access to basic necessities like running water and electricity. Don Ferguson, a resident of nearly 20 years, saw his entire home inundated during…
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In a unanimous decision, the Lakeland City Commission voted to cease adding fluoride to the city’s water supply, effective immediately on Monday. The fluoridation system was deactivated shortly after the vote. The decision followed public comments from several residents. Justin Harvey advocated for individual choice, stating, “Let’s keep it simple. Let’s give people a choice…
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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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Some St. Petersburg residents can soon receive a full reimbursement to fix faulty sewer laterals, which officials say contribute significantly to flooding and sewage overflows. Private laterals connect a home’s plumbing to public sewer systems, and a new initiative will eventually offer up to $5,000 rebates citywide. Administrators believe the program could reduce inflow from…
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Bradenton Beach officials have reached a consensus on demolishing 16 structures severely damaged by the 2024 hurricanes. During a Feb. 20 commission meeting, Police Chief John Cosby, who leads the city’s emergency management team, reported that he had notified property owners on Feb. 10 about the need for demolition. According to FEMA guidelines, if a…
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Florida Power & Light Co. (FPL) has submitted a proposal for new rates, which, if approved, could lead to a nearly $20 increase in electricity bills for most residents over the next five years. The comprehensive four-year proposal, filed on Friday with the Florida Public Service Commission, outlines new rates to take effect after the…
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Pinellas County is pushing to launch a beach nourishment project before hurricane season hits, but resident backing is still needed. Time is ticking for Pinellas County officials to secure construction easements for part of the San Key Beach nourishment effort, covering Indian Rocks Beach, Indian Shores, and Redington Shores. They’re short about 180 signatures and…
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Tampa Bay rarely sees smooth regional transit teamwork, and the Cross Bay Ferry saga proves why. Pinellas County has bold ideas to expand the ferry, which since October has run year-round between Tampa Convention Center and St. Petersburg’s port. Operated by a private Boston firm and funded by Tampa, St. Pete, and their counties, the…
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Rules Outline Open-Container Policy, Operating Hours, and Noise Restrictions For years, Largo’s city officials, residents, and business owners have dreamed of a vibrant downtown district to draw visitors for shopping, dining, and entertainment. That vision took a significant step forward on February 18 when the City Commission unanimously approved an ordinance to establish the West…
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Tampa Bay crafters are facing a tough reality as Joann, formerly Joann Fabrics and Crafts, prepares to close all 800 locations nationwide. The shutdown, driven by shifting shopping habits, leaves many searching for new sources of fabric and supplies. On Thursday, customers flocked to the Brandon store after word spread that the beloved chain would…
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Generac, a top generator manufacturer, anticipates growing residential demand in storm-prone regions and is expanding its workforce by hiring hundreds to meet the need as hurricane season approaches. In the Tampa Bay area, local companies and Pinellas County building officials report a 50% jump in approved residential permits for generators in 2024 compared to the…
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A St. Petersburg lawmaker is proposing a bill to tackle wastewater and sewage spill concerns. This is because Floridians are all too familiar with the devastating impacts of storm surge and flood waters. Now, a new piece of legislation aims to address sewage and wastewater needs across the state. With the legislative session just around…
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The Pinecrest-Leto community is one of several North Tampa neighborhoods that, despite not being designated as FEMA flood zones, suffered extensive flood damage from Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Many homeowners in the area lack flood insurance and are relying on federal assistance—some of which, they claim, has yet to arrive. Codie Parkinson has already spent…
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Florida has kicked off a major project to ease traffic congestion on Interstate 75 near the Turnpike. Governor Ron DeSantis announced the groundbreaking of over 30 miles of new lanes on Tuesday. These lanes will stretch from SR-44 in Wildwood to SR-326 in Ocala, aiming to reduce traffic backups where the Florida Turnpike splits from…
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Pinellas County is exploring a plan to ease the burden on hurricane victims by eliminating permit fees for rebuilding efforts. For families in parts of Pinellas County, the aftermath of recent storms lingers, with homes still in disrepair months later. County commissioners are looking at a proposal to waive building permit fees for repair and…
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Tampa Bay continues to lead the nation in attracting new residents, according to two recent economic studies. The 2025 Regional Competitiveness Report and the 2025 Tampa Bay E-Insights Report, released on February 14, compare Tampa Bay with 19 similar metropolitan areas. Key findings include: Overall, the Regional Competitiveness Report highlights continued progress, with Tampa Bay…
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With rent hikes and inflation squeezing profits, small restaurants in the Tampa Bay area are finding it increasingly difficult to stay in business—forcing some to turn to food trucks for survival. Skyrocketing rent costs have reached a tipping point for many local eateries, leaving small business owners struggling to keep their doors open in an…
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Sarasota County is confident that hurricane recovery funds will continue to flow despite shakeups in the federal bureaucracy. Local officials are depending on the U.S. government’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program to address the housing and infrastructure needs caused by the trio of hurricanes—Debby, Helene, and Milton—that struck the area in 2024. This program…
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When Hurricanes Helene and Milton struck the Sarasota area, Longboat Key was among the hardest-hit islands. The devastation forced many businesses to close, including the beloved SeaHorse Beach Resort. After months of repairs, the resort fully reopened earlier this week, and eager visitors wasted no time returning. Paul Will, a longtime guest, was relieved to…
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The St. Petersburg City Council continues to investigate why some residents’ water bills skyrocketed to as much as six times the normal amount following last year’s hurricanes. After Hurricanes Helene and Milton subsided, several St. Petersburg residents were left with astonishingly high water bills. “Imagine my shock when I received my December utility bill for…
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