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ALERT Pinellas
The Atlantic Hurricane Season is here. Make sure you are ready. Alert Pinellas Emergency and Community Notification Service enables the County to provide residents with critical information quickly in a variety of delivery methods. For information or to sign up for this FREE service visit https://pinellas.gov/alert-pinellas/.
Save a Little with VSPC’s FUN-Shine Pass
Soak up a little extra sunshine—and savings—around St. Pete-Clearwater with the free FunShine Savings Passport, an easy way to explore more than 50 local deals on attractions, tours, dining, and shopping. From discounted admission to spots like the Dali Museum and Clearwater Marine Aquarium to deals on dolphin tours, boat cruises, and local favorites like Hubbard’s Marina, it’s a simple way to stretch your plans a little further. There’s no app to download—just sign up, save the pass to your phone, and start browsing nearby offers. https://www.visitstpeteclearwater.com/funshine-savings-passport
Water Restrictions in Effect Through July 💧
Modified Phase III “Extreme” water shortage restrictions are now in place across the region, limiting lawn and landscape irrigation to once per week on assigned days, with watering only permitted during early morning or evening hours. The City of Gulfport encourages residents to follow these guidelines and conserve water as drought conditions persist, with restrictions currently set to remain in effect through July 1, 2026.
Questions? Contact SWFWMD at Water.Restrictions@WaterMatters.org or call 1-800-836-0797.
Hurricane Recovery Grants Still Available 🏠
Pinellas County is continuing its People First Hurricane Recovery Programs, offering financial assistance to homeowners, renters, and landlords impacted by Hurricanes Idalia, Helene, and Milton. Funded through a federal disaster recovery grant, the program helps with home repairs, rebuilding, and housing stability for those still recovering from recent storms.
Eligible residents can apply online at https://recover.pinellas.gov or call (727) 606-3307, with case managers available to assist at offices and community events.
Help Local Kittens Thrive This Summer
SPCA Tampa Bay is looking for Pinellas County residents to step up as foster volunteers during peak kitten season, when shelters see a surge of young kittens needing extra care. Many of these kittens require bottle feeding and close monitoring, making temporary foster homes essential to their survival. Ideal foster parents are 18+, have reliable transportation, feel comfortable following care guidance, and are open to helping animals with a variety of needs. The organization provides all supplies, medical care, and support—making it easy to lend a hand and make a real difference.
Learn more or apply: https://spcatampabay.org/foster/
Pinellas Commissioner Kathleen Peters Pushes to Protect Local Water Resources 💧
Pinellas County Commissioner Kathleen Peters is raising concerns about the potential impact of data center development on local water and energy supplies, particularly the heavy daily water use required for cooling systems. While no formal proposal has been submitted, county staff have reportedly been approached about a possible facility along Gandy Boulevard, prompting discussion about long-term resource demands and infrastructure strain. Peters says she will continue working within state law to oppose incentives for data centers and advocate for protecting Pinellas County’s water and power resources. Find her full interview with St. Pete Catalyst at https://stpetecatalyst.com/peters-seeks-to-block-data-centers-despite-state-law/.
Liquid to Land: History Boat Tours 🚤🌅
Explore St. Pete’s evolving waterfront from a whole new perspective with the St. Petersburg Museum of History’s Liquid to Land boat tours. These engaging two-hour experiences dive into the land changes and cultural influences that shaped downtown’s shoreline—offered in both daytime and scenic sunset editions. Cost is $40-45pp.
Daytime Tours:
• June 13, 2026
• July 11, 2026
• August 8, 2026
• September 12, 2026
• October 10, 2026
• November 14, 2026
• November 28, 2026
• December 12, 2026
Sunset Tours:
• May 14, 2026
• June 25, 2026
• July 23, 2026
• August 20, 2026
• September 24, 2026
• October 22, 2026
Info: historystpete.org/events
More Comedy Is Coming to St. Petersburg 🎤
St. Petersburg is getting a new spot for live laughs as local club owner and former standup Kenny Garcia prepares to open his next location, the Sunshine Comedy Café, this summer inside the historic Princess Martha building downtown. Garcia—who already operates clubs in St. Pete Beach and Clearwater—is intentionally going smaller this time, with a 35–45 seat setup designed for a more personal, up-close experience.
The new downtown venue will follow a familiar format, with local showcases during the week and touring comedians on weekends, while also giving up-and-coming performers a chance to build their stage presence. With other comedy venues also in the works nearby, it’s a good time to be a fan of live comedy around town.
Volunteer Spotlight: American Stage in the Park 🎭🌿
This season’s American Stage in the Park production of Into the Woods was made possible by more than 70 volunteers contributing over 600 hours of service, helping bring the magic of live theatre to life under the stars. Special recognition goes to volunteers like Chris Strong, Peg Atamian, and Jim Duffy, whose dedication helps sustain this beloved community tradition each year. From front-of-house roles to outreach and admin support, there are many ways to get involved with American Stage, with flexible scheduling and perks like complimentary tickets and discounts. Learn more: volunteer@americanstage.org
American Stage Summer Cabaret Series 🎤☀️
The summer cabaret series at American Stage brings three themed nights of music and entertainment to the American Stage Theater, each $35 and full of fan-favorite performances. Beach, Please! (July 11) kicks things off with yacht rock and summer classics from ABBA, Hall & Oates, and more; Black Girl Magic (July 18) celebrates iconic women of Broadway; and Sammy & Dino (July 25) channels Rat Pack-era charm with music, dance, and comedy inspired by Sammy Davis Jr. and Dean Martin.
Get tickets: https://www.americanstage.org/summer-cabaret
Local Author Christopher Ward Releases The Hottest Fires of Hell 📖🔥
St. Petersburg Press has released The Hottest Fires of Hell, a historical graphic novel by University of Tampa professor and Emmy Award-winning writer Christopher Ward, illustrated by AM Case. Set in Nazi-occupied Poland during World War II, the story follows a covert network of lesbian resistance fighters working to disrupt the Nazi regime. Blending historical depth with striking visuals, the book highlights often-overlooked stories of courage and resilience.
Learn more: https://www.paradisenewsfl.com/the-hottest-fires-of-hell
Tierra Verde Marina Expansion Approved After Heated Public Debate ⚓🌴
A proposed expansion of the Tierra Verde Marina was approved by the St. Petersburg Development Review Commission following hours of public comment and discussion over compatibility with the island’s community overlay district. The project includes a large dry-storage facility for boats, drawing concern from residents about scale, traffic, noise, and impacts to neighborhood character, while supporters argued it meets regulatory requirements and modernizes marina operations. Commissioners ultimately voted 4–3 to approve the project, with added conditions addressing noise and operating hours.
$1.6M Boost for Treasure Island Infrastructure 💧
Treasure Island is receiving $1.6 million in federal funding secured by Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna, presented on May 12, 2026, to support a wastewater system lining project. The work will reinforce aging pipes, reduce stormwater infiltration, and improve system reliability during heavy rains and storms. Instead of full replacement, the City is extending the life of infrastructure dating back to the 1940s–70s, helping prevent backups and costly service disruptions while improving long-term performance.
👉 Read more: https://www.paradisenewsfl.com/treasure-island-wastewater-improvements/
Orchid Sale + Care Class in Largo 🌸
Looking to add something special to your garden? The Florida West Coast Orchid Society is hosting a plant sale on June 13 from 8–11am at the Florida Botanical Gardens (Walsingham entrance), with a great selection of orchids—come early for the best picks. Stick around for a free general orchid care class at 11am, plus Q&A with experts throughout the morning. Questions? Call 727-475-0750.
Beach Access Gets a Reset on St. Pete Beach 🏖️
If you’ve noticed more “no trespassing” signs popping up in the sand, that’s about to change. On April 28, St. Pete Beach officials approved a 4–1 emergency ordinance tightening where those signs can go—prohibiting them within 50 feet of the mean high-water line to help keep public beach access clear and less confusing. The move follows growing concerns that signage placed in the wet sand was blurring the line between public and private property.
St. Pete Beach Fire Station 22 Set for Demolition 🚒
The City of St. Pete Beach demolished Fire Station 22 on May 11 following severe storm damage from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, along with decades of wear. Plans are already underway for a new, modern, storm-resilient facility estimated at $9 million, with $5 million in state funding secured so far.
Fire crews will continue operating from a temporary station as the city works to close the funding gap and move forward with construction, ensuring reliable emergency response for the community.
Read the full story: https://www.paradisenewsfl.com/spb-fire-station-demo/
St. Pete Beach Classic Returns January 2027 🏃♀️🌴
The St. Pete Beach Classic returns January 16–17, 2027, marking its 21st year with a refreshed “new beginning” and a very limited field of runners for this exclusive weekend on the sand and streets of St. Pete Beach. The event features the Wendy Johnson 5K and Al Johnson 10K on Saturday, the 5K/10K Challenge and Super 3 Distance Challenge for multi-race runners, the scenic Half Marathon from Pass-A-Grille to North Beach on Sunday, plus free Kids’ Classic Fun Dash races for ages 8 and under.
This is a new and returning community tradition designed as a shared adventure—with a capped number of participants—so early registration is encouraged. Register here: https://www.stpetebeachclassic.com/register
Gulfport Community Players Present End of the Rainbow 🎭
The Gulfport Community Players bring End of the Rainbow to the Catherine Hickman Theater June 11–21, a moving and intimate look at legendary entertainer Judy Garland during a pivotal chapter of her life. Set in 1968 London, the acclaimed drama weaves humor and heartbreak with powerful performances of Garland’s most beloved songs.
Learn more: https://www.paradisenewsfl.com/
Gulfport Hurricane Guides Now Available 🌀
The City of Gulfport has released its 2026 Pinellas County Hurricane Guides, now available for pickup at City facilities including City Hall, the Library, Recreation Center, and more. These helpful guides cover storm prep, evacuation zones, and key safety info—worth grabbing as hurricane season approaches.
More info: https://mygulfport.us/hurricane/
Hubbard’s Marina Named #1 Fishing Charter in the U.S. 🎣🏆
Hubbard’s Marina has been voted the #1 Best Fishing Charter in the Country in the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards for the fifth consecutive year. Family-owned since 1928, the Madeira Beach business continues to earn national recognition for its fishing trips, cruises, and on-the-water experiences built on generations of expertise and service. Captain Dylan Hubbard credited guests and staff for the continued honor, calling the support “incredibly humbling.”
Read the full story: https://www.paradisenewsfl.com/hubbards-named-best-fishing-charter/