Tag: Tampa Bay
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Pinellas County and the City of St. Petersburg are set to receive a combined $973.7 million in federal storm recovery funding, contingent on meeting strict criteria and a tight deadline. On January 27, St. Petersburg issued a request for proposals (RFP) to companies with the expertise to develop and write a Community Development Block Grant…
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As the next hurricane season approaches, the City of Tampa is taking proactive steps to address flooding challenges experienced during recent storms. During a recent workshop, city officials outlined a comprehensive plan to improve the city’s stormwater management infrastructure and emergency preparedness. Key Flooding Mitigation Strategies Water Pump Station Upgrades Some water pump stations lost…
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There are visible signs of recovery in Madeira Beach, with live music at the Saltwater Hippie Beach Bar and restaurants bustling on Thursday nights. While some businesses have reopened, others remain closed and boarded up, as do several homes due to extensive hurricane damage. Many residents, like those in nearby areas, are unable to begin…
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Jason Rule and his girlfriend lost nearly everything when Hurricanes Helene and Milton devastated their South Pasadena home—except for a few clothes. “It was absolutely heartbreaking,” Rule said. “My girlfriend had just beaten breast cancer, and her garden was her therapy. It was completely wiped out. Nothing was salvageable.” The owners of their rental home…
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In St. Petersburg, special assessments and increasing association dues are significantly impacting condo owners, prompting a group of residents to take action. “Insurance rates increase annually,” said Diana Smith. “However, we’re uncertain about what insurance will cover.” Residents of the Point Brittany community express concerns about being priced out of their condos, as their funds…
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Mote Marine Laboratory is advancing the fight against red tide with cutting-edge mitigation tools, moving from lab research to real-world application. On Wednesday, researchers showcased three newly developed technologies designed to tackle harmful algae blooms. “This has been a long journey—four years in the making,” said Dr. Dana Wetzel, senior scientist and program manager of…
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As businesses along the beaches of Treasure Island begin to reopen following the devastating hurricanes, the community is organizing events to draw people back to the area. The “Back to the Beach: Sand & Kites & Coastal Delights” festival has been announced, set for March 8th and 9th from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each…
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Staff from the Florida Public Service Commission have recommended approving proposals that would increase monthly bills by about $21 for Duke Energy customers and $30 for Tampa Electric Co. (TECO) customers starting in March. Next week, Florida utility regulators could vote to allow Duke Energy Florida and Tampa Electric Co. to recover over $1.55 billion…
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The Clearwater Marine Aquarium has been forced to furlough staff and cut salaries following significant hurricane damage. CEO Joe Handy explained that the drastic cost-cutting measures stem from the low attendance numbers caused by last year’s storms, which heavily impacted the nonprofit’s primary revenue source: ticket sales. If you’re a Tampa Bay resident, you’ve likely…
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On Tuesday, Pinellas County commissioners will review proposals from four local businesses to determine if county sales tax dollars can support their expansion plans. The Employment Sites Program, funded by the voter-approved Penny for Pinellas one-cent sales tax renewed in 2017, historically allocates funds for capital improvements like roads, stormwater upgrades, and public safety equipment.…
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This week, the City of Treasure Island is diligently working to clear a backlog of approximately 320 permits before transitioning to a new system during the first week of February. To focus on this task, the City’s Community Development Department will be closed to the public on Tuesday and Thursday of this week. Currently, over…
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Treasure Island’s recovery from recent hurricanes has stalled, prompting Mayor John Doctor to take a decisive step to expedite the process. In a letter addressed directly to President Donald Trump this week, Mayor Doctor requested disaster relief similar to what North Carolina and California received, citing FEMA’s red tape as a significant hindrance. “I don’t…
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Cleanup of debris left by Hurricanes Helene and Milton at Albert Whitted Airport in St. Petersburg started on Monday, over three months following the storms. “This marks the first day of cleanup, primarily involving demolition and debris removal,” Rich Lesniak, the Airport Manager, told Bay News 9r. “Each time I see this, it’s still somewhat…
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Following last year’s hurricanes, the iconic “crown jewel” of Florida’s Gulf Coast is preparing to welcome guests back to its luxurious and timeless retreat. Just days after celebrating its 97th anniversary, the Don CeSar — famously known as the “Pink Palace” — announced on Facebook that it plans to reopen in late Q1 this year,…
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The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has awarded more than $800 million to Pinellas County for long-term hurricane recovery efforts. This federal grant is aimed at enhancing prolonged hurricane resilience and addressing the unmet needs of residents. St. Petersburg, within Pinellas County, was also granted $159.9 million, making it the only city…
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Signs are already on the horizon and pointing to an unsettling reality. As unpleasant as it may be to think about, Tampa Bay residents are indeed facing the prospect of higher auto and homeowners insurance rates in 2025 due to the impacts of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Here’s a detailed breakdown of why auto insurance…
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A man from St. Petersburg is baffled by receiving a water bill amounting to hundreds of dollars for a Shore Acres home he hasn’t occupied since Hurricane Helene. When he contacted the city for clarification, he received no response. According to a city spokesperson speaking to WTSP, the billing department is currently working extra hours…
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Tropicana Field isn’t just home to the Tampa Bay Rays—it’s a hub for numerous events. Now, with storm damage forcing the stadium to close for repairs, over 50 scheduled events, including high school graduations, are relocating. St. Petersburg Council Member Copley Gerdes revealed during a recent Tourist Development Council meeting that 40 to 75 events…
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Homeowners in St. Petersburg’s Shore Acres neighborhood are facing unexpected challenges with their water bills after their homes were gutted due to recent hurricanes, leaving them both puzzled and frustrated. ‘It’s Really Frustrating’ What They’re Saying: Jack Cleary’s Shore Acres residence is currently vacant and stripped to the studs. His faucets are completely dry. “Where’s…
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Dylan Hubbard described Boca Ciega Bay as a “doody-brown color” in the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. “I mean, it was really ugly,” he said. The fishing charter captain and fourth-generation owner of Hubbard’s Marina explained that the water, which “looked like a sewer” rather than its typical blue-green hue, made it difficult to…
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The Tampa metro area now boasts one of the lowest inflation rates among major U.S. cities. Over the past year, prices in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater area grew by just 1.6%, significantly below the national inflation rate of 2.9%, according to the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) data. Between September 2023 and November 2024, Tampa’s inflation…
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The City of St. Petersburg has faced expenses exceeding $247.3 million from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, with more than half of that sum attributed to debris removal. City officials are optimistic about securing necessary funds from various sources to cover these costs. However, the city is still pending a $3 million reimbursement for damages from…
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In November, St. Pete achieved a milestone by collecting over $1 million in monthly tourist development taxes for the first time. The Pinellas County Tourist Development Council is now analyzing the impact of last year’s intense hurricane season on tourism during the holiday period. Tamara Journeau described downtown Treasure Island as unusually cold and quiet. …
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A proposed bill could grant municipalities the authority to prohibit wakes caused by vehicles on flooded streets. This initiative stems from a collaboration between the St. Pete City Council and state legislators. The resolution highlights examples from Louisiana and South Carolina, where local governments have restricted motor vehicles and watercraft to speeds under 5 mph…
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The Tampa Bay Rays are demanding that Tropicana Field be fully repaired and ready for opening day of the 2026 season. However, leaders from the City of St. Petersburg have clarified that their agreement does not include a specific deadline for these repairs. The damage caused by a hurricane and the shredded roof of Tropicana…
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An exceptional hurricane season inflicted over $2.4 billion in damages to approximately 1,100 businesses and 41,000 homes in the region, impacting the local economy and workforce significantly. On Wednesday, the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce outlined several storm-recovery strategies for business owners and employees still recovering from Hurricanes Helene and Milton. They organized a…
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After several weeks of medium and high toxin concentrations, red tide is showing signs of decline in Sarasota, Manatee, and Pinellas counties. Sarasota County has experienced a significant improvement, with toxin levels dropping to background concentrations for the first time in weeks. County-specific observations reveal: During the past week, Sarasota County’s coastal waters continued to…
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St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) saw a remarkable milestone in December, accommodating 222,132 passengers. Exciting new travel opportunities are on the horizon for PIE. Starting in February, nonstop flights to scenic Colorado Springs will become available. Additionally, in November, the airport launched nonstop service to the charming city of Savannah, GA. New Flights and Major…
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On Wednesday, community members without access to transportation received E-Bikes to aid their mobility. The University Area CDC, along with other partners, organized an initiative to support hurricane victims in the community. Six residents from the University Area were provided with E-bikes, which they’ve described as their new primary means of transport. The aim of…
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Treasure Island residents are frustrated with the city commission, blaming them for delays in the permitting process. Without permits, residents can’t repair their homes, which were damaged months ago in back-to-back hurricanes. The commission decided to send substantial damage letters to people without permits, using all available data for the permitting process. Residents pointed out…
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Nearly four months after Hurricanes Helene and Milton displaced thousands of residents along Florida’s Gulf Coast, the City of St. Petersburg has partnered with the Bay Area Apartment Association (BAAA) to provide housing solutions for those affected. The partnership will host a Hurricane Recovery Rental Housing Fair on Wednesday, Jan. 22, from 3 to 7…
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Homeowners in St. Petersburg are expressing frustration and disbelief over unexpectedly high water bills in the weeks and months following Hurricanes Helene and Milton, which wreaked havoc across the region. Miles Hitchcock, a local resident, was taken aback when he received a water bill amounting to $4,500, an amount he described as a “shock” to…
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A beloved fishing retreat in Ruskin, Pirate’s Pointe Resort, has reopened its doors to guests after enduring severe damage from Hurricane Helene. A Dream Realized: Tom and Tammie Saxon have been the proud owners of Pirate’s Pointe Resort since 2015, situated on West Shell Point Road. The couple envisioned this two-acre property on the Little…
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The enormous fallout of last year’s hurricanes, particularly Hurricane Milton, continues to be felt, with volunteers dedicating themselves to long-term support for those affected. At The Standard Apartments in Clearwater, the need remains high as Graciela Rheben, founder of Standard Community Help, explains, “Right now, we’re in urgent need of donations like food, diapers, and…
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St. Petersburg officials and local legislators have teamed up to reduce the number of vehicles that push floodwaters into otherwise dry homes. A new bill, crafted locally, seeks to bypass state preemption and allow local governments to regulate vehicle speeds on flooded roads. The proposed legislation would also enable law enforcement to cite drivers who…
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Due to the extensive damage caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) has implemented significant cost-cutting measures. Among these, 50 employees, comprising 22 full-time and 28 part-time workers from a total staff of 175, have been placed on temporary furlough. Additionally, CEO Joe Handy and other leaders have agreed to salary…
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The 47th annual St. Petersburg Power and Sailboat Show showcased over 400 vessels last weekend, drawing crowds to the Mahaffey Theater Yacht Basin and Albert Whitted Park from January 16–19. However, vendors noted a shift in consumer behavior following the Gulf Coast’s severe hurricane season in September and October, with high-end boat sales reportedly dipping…
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After Hurricane Milton struck Brandon on October 9, Vietnam veteran Charles “Dan” Jackson found himself living without electricity when a fallen tree damaged his home’s electrical box. For over 15 weeks, he relied on the kindness of neighbors and recently received crucial help from local organizations to move toward full power restoration. “I was existing,…
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The Beach Theater in St. Pete Beach is marking its 85th anniversary, despite having been closed for over a decade. Renovations are progressing, with the theater still a few months from reopening. Over the weekend, visitors were treated to a preview of the ongoing work. Owner Hannah Hockman shared her passion for the project, highlighting…
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Increasing numbers of St. Petersburg residents are reporting unusually high water bills. Since the hurricanes, dozens have complained about receiving bills that are five to twenty times higher than their usual amounts. Olga, a 95-year-old local, noticed her bill surge right before the hurricane hit. “I’ve lived in Florida for 80 years, and this kind…
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The Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority (THEA) has been awarded a $4 million federal grant aimed at reducing traffic congestion and emissions on the Selmon Expressway. This grant will fund smart technology designed to detect traffic delays and provide timely notifications to drivers. THEA CEO Greg Slater stated that the initiative will enhance understanding of traffic…
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Hurricanes Helene and Milton did far more than damage homes and businesses. The storms also ravaged other things. For instance, the grassroots organization, Take MAR, is on a mission to restore greenery to Bay Area communities by replanting trees lost to the storms. Take MAR President Tara Hubbard says their efforts have been ongoing for…
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