đď¸ Heritage Village Celebrates 50 Years of Preserving Pinellas History
Heritage Village proudly celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2026 while joining communities nationwide in commemorating Americaâs 250th anniversary. The milestone marks 50 years since the 1976 Bicentennial movement that inspired the creation of historical organizations, preservation societies, and open-air museums dedicated to preserving local stories.
Throughout the year, Heritage Village is honoring both anniversaries with special programs, exhibits, and events celebrating five decades of collecting, preserving, and sharing Pinellas County history.
Fall highlights include:
đ September 19 â National Constitution Week: We the People of Pinellas; Our Split from Hillsborough County
Explore the local history behind Pinellas Countyâs creation and the events that shaped our communityâs identity.
đźď¸ September Exhibit Opening â 50 Years of Collecting, Preserving, and Sharing at Heritage Village
This special exhibit celebrates the people, artifacts, and stories that have helped build Heritage Villageâs legacy over the past half-century.
đď¸ October 11 â Speaking of History: William Bartram, a New Nation, and the Drifting State of Florida Literature
Historian Thomas Hallock explores Floridaâs literary landscape and the legacy of early American naturalist William Bartram.
đď¸ November 8 â Speaking of History: St. Augustineâs Role in the War for Independence
Historian Trevor Bryant examines Floridaâs unique role during the American Revolution.
Learn more about Heritage Villageâs 50th anniversary programs and events:
https://www.pinellas.gov/heritage-village/
đ˘ 2026 Sea Turtle Nesting Season Off to a Record-Setting Start
Floridaâs 2026 sea turtle nesting season is already making waves, with several species showing impressive numbers. Statewide, loggerheads have recorded 94,667 nests, the highest June total in five years and a possible record-setting season, while leatherbacks have reached 2,152 nests, potentially making 2026 their strongest year on record if confirmed.
Green turtles are also having a standout season with 10,603 nests, despite expectations for a lower nesting year, while rare visitorsâincluding 15 Kempâs ridley nests and Floridaâs first confirmed olive ridley nestâare adding to an exciting year for conservation teams and volunteers working to protect these amazing coastal visitors.
đ Save the Date: A Celebration of St. Pete
Mark your calendar for February 6, 2027, as St. Petersburg prepares to celebrate its 135th birthday with Sunshine City SoirĂŠe – a special evening benefiting the St. Petersburg Museum of History.
The event will feature a chef-inspired menu from the iconic The Vinoy Resort & Golf Club, along with live and silent auctions, music, local history highlights, and the Sunshine City Civic Awards.
Proceeds will support the museumâs ongoing mission to preserve and share the rich history of the Sunshine City.
More details and registration information will be announced soonâbut for now, save the date.
âž Fergâs Owner Invests in Downtown Trail Project
After decades in St. Petersburg, Fergâs owner Mark Ferguson is doubling down on downtownâs future. The St. Petersburg City Council approved a deal for the Booker Creek Trail project, with Ferguson contributing $6 million toward the cityâs purchase of a former rail corridor, portions of which will be leased back to Fergâs Sports Bar.
The planned trail will transform nearly a mile of unused railroad into a walking and biking path connecting key parts of downtown. Ferguson says the investment reflects his long-term confidence in the areaâs growth, especially as redevelopment continues around the EDGE District and Tropicana Field area.
Read more:
https://stpetecatalyst.com/fergs-bets-on-downtown-with-6-million-trail-investment/
đ August Events at the Kerouac House
August brings a lively mix of music, writing, and community gatherings to the Jack Kerouac House, with something for everyoneâfrom intimate concerts to hands-on workshops.
The month kicks off with acclaimed songwriter Jim Lauderdale performing two house concerts on August 7, followed by a rare (and already sold-out) appearance by Chuck Prophet on August 12. Mid-month, poetry takes center stage with a creative workshop led by Victoria Dym, alongside a reflective gathering hosted by eâLayne Kelly.
Community favorites return later in the month, including Storytelling @ the Kerouac House on August 29 featuring Walt Belcher, and Coffee & Poetry on August 30 with local favorite Tim Huff.
All events take place at the historic Kerouac House in St. Peteâyour neighborhood hub for creativity, connection, and a little literary magic.
⨠Florida Resident Summer Special
Now through August 30, Florida residents can enjoy special admission to this immersive glass art experience, with tickets just $10 for adults, seniors, and veterans and $5 for ages 7â17, college students, and educators.
Experience a dazzling world of light, color, and movementâlearn more:
https://bit.ly/imagine-summer
đŁď¸ Gulfport Connection with Councilmember Marlene Shaw
Gulfport residents have an open invitation to connect directly with Marlene Shaw during her ongoing community engagement series, âWhatâs on Your Mind?â held every first Wednesday from 2â3 p.m. at Wonder Works. Itâs a relaxed setting to share ideas, ask questions, or simply stay in the loop on local issues. Councilmember Shaw also hosts weekly office hours at Gulfport City Hall on Mondays from 2â3 p.m., with appointments available upon request. Contact Marlene at mshaw@mygulfport.us or (727) 826-7311
đ Madeira Beach Burger Week
Bring your appetiteâBurger Week returns to Madeira Beach August 21â30 with a lineup of crave-worthy creations.
More than a dozen local restaurants will be serving up $10 specialty burgers, each offering their own spin on the all-American favorite. Itâs a great chance to explore new spots, revisit old favorites, and taste your way across the beach.
Participants can also use the official Burger Week Passport to track their stops, share their favorites, and get entered to win prizes along the way.
Donât miss this weeklong celebration of burgers, community, and supporting local restaurants.
đŚ Johnâs Pass Seafood Fest Returns This October
One of the biggest and most anticipated weekends in Madeira Beach is backâmark your calendar for October 23â25, 2026. The annual Johnâs Pass Seafood Festival returns to Johnâs Pass Village & Boardwalk, bringing with it a lively waterfront celebration packed with fresh seafood, live entertainment, arts and crafts vendors, and plenty of family-friendly fun.
A longtime favorite for both locals and visitors, the festival transforms the Pass into a bustling hub of activity, where you can sample coastal favorites, browse unique local goods, and enjoy music throughout the weekendâall set against one of the most scenic backdrops on the Gulf.
Whether youâre coming for the food, the music, or just to soak in the atmosphere, itâs a canât-miss fall tradition along the beach.
Interested in being part of the event? Vendor applications are now open:
https://link.orlo.us/u8a59
More details, including entertainment lineups and schedules, are expected to be announced soon.
đ°ď¸ Gulfport Time Capsule Photos Now Online
Curious what Gulfport residents tucked away for the future back in the 1970s? You can now take a look.
Photos from the opening of Gulfportâs 1976 Bicentennial Time Capsuleâunearthed on July 4âare now available to explore online, offering a nostalgic glimpse into the people, keepsakes, and spirit of the era.
The collection is still growing, with more items being added as theyâre cataloged, so itâs worth checking back as this piece of local history continues to unfold.
Take a look:
https://bit.ly/gulfport-timecapsule
To learn more, interested readers can also visit or contact the Gulfport Historical Museum.
đĄ Hooters Helps Two Families Celebrate New Beginnings
Two Clearwater families recently received the keys to their new Habitat townhomes thanks to a continued partnership between Hooters and Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside. The Sanchez and Xhokli families celebrated their new homes during a June 22 dedication block party, where employees from Tampa Bay Hooters locations and corporate representatives gathered to mark the milestone.
The Original Hooters sponsored the townhomesâthe companyâs 11th home build with Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside and its first townhome projectâfollowing a $151,500 donation presented earlier this year. The partnership continues a tradition of helping local families achieve the dream of safe, affordable housing.
đ Read more at Paradise News: Hooters Serves Up Home
The Helm Is Growing on St. Pete Beach
Good news for fans of The Helmâthe popular St. Pete Beach restaurant is getting a bigger home! The Helm is moving next door into the former Verducciâs Trattoria and Pizzeria space at 7800 Blind Pass Road, giving the restaurant nearly twice the room for guests, a larger kitchen, and a private dining area.
But the original Helm location isnât going away. Itâs getting a new life as The Scullery, a community gathering spot featuring cooking classes, private events, workshops, and a curated selection of kitchen goods, home items, and local gifts.
The Helm is expected to reopen this summer, with The Scullery following in late August. Learn more at: https://helmtampabay.com/
â˝ Keep the Soccer Spirit GoingâSupport Tampa Bayâs Home Teams
Still riding the excitement of the World Cup? Keep the energy going by cheering on our own hometown teams! Tampa Bay is home to both a professional womenâs and menâs soccer club, giving local fans plenty of opportunities to catch a match, support athletes, and enjoy a fun night out close to home.
The Tampa Bay Sun FC womenâs team brings top-level soccer to the region with an exciting home schedule, while the Tampa Bay Rowdies continue their long-standing tradition of professional soccer at Al Lang Stadium in downtown St. Petersburg.
Whether youâre a lifelong soccer fan or just caught the World Cup bug, thereâs no better time to grab some friends, wear your colors, and support the teams representing Tampa Bay.
Find schedules and tickets:
https://www.tampabaysunfc.com/schedule/
đŹ The Beach Theatre Celebrates One Year with New Membership Program
The Beach Theatre is celebrating its first anniversary on St. Pete Beach with the launch of a new membership program! For $50 per year, members receive $3 off regular movie tickets, early access to select special events, members-only screenings, and exclusive theatre updates.
Paradise News publishers Peter and Renee Roos joined the celebration as the community gathered to mark one year of the beloved neighborhood theatreâs return.
Learn more and become a member:
https://www.thebeachtheatre.com/
đ Beach Safety Reminder: Know Before You Go
Our beaches are one of the best parts of living in Pinellas County, but the Gulf deserves respectâespecially during the peak of summer and hurricane season when conditions can change quickly. Before heading into the water, check for active rip current warnings, pay attention to lifeguard flags and local advisories, and know your own swimming limits.
The most important thing to remember: rip currents pull you out, not under. If you find yourself caught in one, stay calm, keep your head above water, and donât fight against the current. Instead, conserve your energy, float if needed, and swim parallel to the shoreline until you are out of the current before making your way back to shore.
The best beach days start with smart choicesârespect the power of the Gulf, know the conditions, keep a close eye on children, and make sure everyone in your group understands what to do if they encounter a rip current.
Read more:
https://www.paradisenewsfl.com/rip-current-411
đ§ Pinellas Water Restrictions Extended
Ongoing drought conditions mean water conservation remains critical across Pinellas County. The Southwest Florida Water Management District has extended its Modified Phase III âExtremeâ Water Shortage Order through October 1, 2026.
All residentsâincluding those using private wellsâmust continue following the one-day-per-week watering schedule, with irrigation allowed only during limited overnight or evening hours on your assigned day.
Officials encourage everyone to do their part by sticking to the schedule and using water wisely during this extended dry period.
For full details and the current watering schedule, visit:
https://www.pinellas.gov/water-watering-schedule/
Questions? Email Water.Restrictions@WaterMatters.org or call (813) 856-5679.
đą Skip the Fertilizer This Summer
Through September 30, fertilizer use is prohibited across Pinellas County during the rainy season.
Heavy summer rains can wash excess nutrients into storm drains, creeks, and Tampa Bayâfueling harmful algae blooms and degrading water quality.
Help protect our local waterways, wildlife, and coastline by holding off on fertilizing your lawn until October 1.
Learn more:
http://www.pinellas.gov/fertilizer
đ˘ 2026 Sea Turtle Nesting Season Off to a Record-Setting Start
Floridaâs 2026 sea turtle nesting season is already making waves, with several species showing impressive numbers. Statewide, loggerheads have recorded 94,667 nests, the highest June total in five years and a possible record-setting season, while leatherbacks have reached 2,152 nests, potentially making 2026 their strongest year on record if confirmed.
Green turtles are also having a standout season with 10,603 nests, despite expectations for a lower nesting year, while rare visitorsâincluding 15 Kempâs ridley nests and Floridaâs first confirmed olive ridley nestâare adding to an exciting year for conservation teams and volunteers working to protect these amazing coastal visitors.
Follow the FWC on Facebook for more environment wins and wisdom. https://www.facebook.com/FWCResearch
đ¨ The Art of Banksy Extended at the Straz
Due to popular demand, The Art of Banksy has been extended through September 27 at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts, giving art lovers more time to experience this globally acclaimed exhibition.
Featuring more than 160 authenticated works by Banksy, the exhibit includes iconic pieces like Girl with Balloon and Flower Thrower, along with rare works and never-before-seen pieces now on public display in the U.S. for the first time. This internationally celebrated collection has drawn more than a million visitors worldwide.
Tickets start at $29.99, with discounts available. Learn more:
https://www.paradisenewsfl.com/banksy-at-the-straz/