By Peter Roos
Our Children Have Rights announces a charitable gift of $10,000 from the Achieva Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Achieva Credit Union. The funds create educational workshops on financial well-being for low-income single, separated and divorced parents navigating child custody and co-parenting. Open to the public and offered at no cost to families, each workshop features topics ranging from “Addressing Expenses in Parenting Plans,” “Managing Co-Parent Expenses,” “Parenting Plans For a Professional Career” and more email info@ourchildrenhaverights.com.
The Wharf waterfront restaurant has live music with rocking Rob Tyre Wed.-Sat. 6-9:30pm. and happy hour daily Mon.-Fri. 3:30-6pm – plus the best grouper sandwich on the beach make this a great spot for locals and visitors. On Taco Wednesday, enjoy two tacos served with rice and beans with grilled or blackened grouper, mahi or shrimp or go traditional with ground beef tacos or a taco salad served with chips and Baja ranch. Sensational seafood, daily specials, wonderful wings and shrimp six ways garner rave reviews from guests: “Cannot say enough good things about The Wharf. Great people and the ceviche is fantastic!” Tuesday is the Wharf’s famous fish fry with fries, slaw and hush puppies and on most Friday-Saturday, ceviche is a special. There are burgers and Reubens, gumbo, seared ahi, seafood chowder and salads plus baby back ribs, fried oysters or scallop baskets. Don’t miss the specialty desserts, especially the key lime pie or cheesecake! Full bar, new boat docks. Kitchen open till 10pm Friday-Sunday. Located at 2001 Pass-A-Grille Way, St. Pete Beach. www.wharfpag.com
Volunteers of America of Florida (VOAF) is proud to partner in Project C.O.P.E. (Caring for Our People in Emergencies), with funds from Central Florida Behavioral Health Network (CFBHN), FEMA, and the Florida DCF. Community Engagement began Oct. 27, 2025, with outreach through workshops at several regional libraries. A new series of free Hurricane Recovery Workshops designed to support Pinellas County residents still feeling the emotional and practical effects of hurricanes Helene and Milton. Their goal is to connect the homeless and hopeless to help, hope and homes whenever possible.
Pinellas County is hosting a Virtual Flood Vulnerability Assessment Public Meeting on Jan. 13 from 6-7:30pm This Zoom meeting will present findings from a recently completed Flood Vulnerability Assessment and flood modeling used to reduce risks for critical infrastructure in the county such as roads and emergency facilities. All residents, business owners, and other interested parties are invited to attend. The Assessment focused on areas at risk of flooding during storms and heavy rainfall to better understand and mitigate risks to
critical county assets and infrastructure. Register at www.Pinellas.gov/projects/vulnerability-assessment.
Freefall Theatre presents The Titan & The Muse, Jan. 16. Acclaimed vocalists Raleigh Mosely II and Jazzmin Carson in a richly textured concert experience that moves effortlessly between cabaret and concert stages. Known for their commanding voices, lush harmonies, and undeniable onstage chemistry, the duo weaves classic soul, contemporary favorites, and thoughtfully reimagined selections into performances that feel both luxurious and deeply personal. Grounded in emotional honesty and refined musicianship, Raleigh and Jazzmin invite audiences into an intimate shared space of connection, elegance, and storytelling – where song becomes conversation and every performance is both electrifying and unforgettable. Tickets are $35 for adults, $20 under 18, or subscribe for $29/month.
Did you take a financial hit from the 2024 hurricanes? If you completed documented home repairs after the storms, you may qualify for up to $50,000 in reimbursement for those costs, including repairs, demolition, or reconstruction. Homeowner Reimbursement Programs are open to Pinellas residents who earn up to $87,600 for individuals and $125,150 for a household of four. • Repairs must be fully complete before applying.
- The property must not be in the city of St. Petersburg. (they have their own)
- You must have owned and lived in the home at the time of the disaster and still own it now.
Learn more online at www.recover.pinellas.gov/homeowner-reimbursement-program.
Sip, Chat & Paint at the Gulfport Senior Center, Monday, Feb. 2, 6-7pm, will feature “On the Rocks” with area artist John Doyle. For only $30, you will paint an 11”x14” rocky shore. Supplies, snacks & wine included. Questions? Call Amy at 727-893-1244.
On March 21, 1-5pm Pass-a-Grille Home Tour returns to the beach with guided tours of a few of Pass-a-Grille’s historic and unique homes. Wander through charming local residences, soak in incredible architecture, and enjoy the warm community vibes. Whether you’re a home enthusiast or just looking for a fun day out, this tour is sure to inspire. Don’t miss out on experiencing the beauty and character of Pass-a-Grille. Enjoy guided tours of historic and distinct homes of Pass-a-Grille, hospitality of the Pass-a-Grille Womanʼs Club, refreshments, and info on this vibrant community. Enjoy a local artist fair inside the fully renovated Woman’s Club (PAGWC) Clubhouse featuring canvas works created in celebration of Pass-a-Grille Beach, plus a silent auction benefiting the PAGWC and its chosen charities.
Tickets $35 are limited. Get yours at Eventbrite www.eventbrite.com/e/pass-a-grille-home-tour-2026-tickets-1976965802935
Rebecca Penneys brings three dozen carefully screened aspiring concert pianists to RPPF the Rebecca Penneys Piano Festival at USF each summer. The amazing non-profit provides what is essentially a tuition-free finishing school for select college age pianists. Their summer schedule has kept them out of the limelight during the prime winter and early spring season, so they are truly excited to present a number of concerts on the 88th day of 2026, Sunday March 29thin honor of World Piano Day.
The Rebecca Penneys Piano Festival (RPPF) announces the launch of 88 Keys. 88 Days., a community-wide fundraising campaign inviting supporters to symbolically “claim” one of the 88 keys of a piano. The campaign will culminate on World Piano Day, March 29, with multiple concerts throughout Tampa Bay, kicking off with a live radio performance (WSMR 89.1) by Rebecca Penneys herself on March 24. Funds raised will directly support RPPF, a tuition-free experience for the most talented collegiate pianists in the world, including but not limited to student sponsorships – covering accommodations, meals, transportation, and excursions; artist faculty honorariums and essential festival operations – from university facility fees to piano tuning, critical to the Festival’s success.
- Fundraiser runs: Jan. 1-March 29
- Celebration Concerts: March 24–29
- World Piano Day: March 29
- Fundraiser: Online at: www.rebeccapenneyspianofestival.org/support-contact
- Concert Locations: WSMR (89.1), Steinway Gallery (Clearwater and Tampa), Imagine Museum (St. Petersburg) and New Tampa Performing Arts Center (Tampa). Schedule details are available online at www.rebeccapenneypianofestival.org.
- Performances featuring award-winning RPPF pianists: Janna G. Pena, Chen Liang, E-Na Song, Spencer Myer and Rebecca Penneys.
Metaphysically Me on Corey Ave. in St. Pete Beach invites you to join them for a guided morning meditation. Each week they focus on a new theme or intention, aligning with the supportive energy of the crystals that fill the space. Whether you’re new to meditation or a seasoned practitioner, this is an opportunity to relax, recharge, and immerse yourself in an atmosphere designed to nurture mind, spirit and body.
- Crystal Infused Guided Meditation ($10) Jan. 14 6-8pm
- Gallery Reading with Psychic Medium Tracey | $45
Through psychic insight and mediumship, Tracey delivers messages from spirits that offer comfort, clarity and affirmation. Gallery readings weave individual messages into a collective experience, reminding us that we are never truly alone. This evening invites you to listen, feel, and receive whatever wisdom is meant to meet you.
Florida West Coast Orchid Society a Rainbow of Orchids Show and Sale will be Jan. 31 and Feb. 1 from 10am-4pm. Seminole Recreation Center,9100 113th St. N Seminole. There will lots of orchids with displays. They will have raffle baskets each day and vendors selling their plants.
The Morean Center for Clay gets fired up with fresh 10/10: Wood Fire Again kiln creations and Berit Hines’ Wondrous Vessels on Jan. 10, from 5-9pm. Berit Hines shares her Wondrous Vessels in the gallery that come from coil and slab building, which creates one-of-a-kind ceramic vessels depicting a break from symmetrical objects. Hines manipulates the clay body to emphasize the plasticity and gestural qualities of the material while achieving asymmetry. The exhibitions are free and open to the public Wed.-Sat., 10am-5pm. through March 7 and Wondrous Vessels will be on view through Feb. 7. The Morean Center for Clay is in the Warehouse Arts District at 420 22nd St S. Visit www.MoreanArtsCenter.org for more info.
The legal community of St. Petersburg joins St. Pete Beach friends in mourning the loss of Chris Marone, a respected attorney, certified circuit court mediator and qualified arbitrator whose influence on Florida’s legal landscape extended far beyond the courtroom. Mr. Marone lost his 3-year battle with cancer and passed on Dec. 3, leaving a legacy defined by unwavering professionalism, mentorship and service to justice. Chris and his widow Lisa Ann Marone have been treasured members of their Pass-a-Grille community, Chris serving the city of St. Pete Beach as commissioner and Lisa supporting the Gulf Beaches Historical Museum and City Theatre, amongst other interests. Those who feel moved to honor his memory are asked to donate to Pet Pal, a meaningful way to reflect Chris’ compassion, kindness and lifelong belief that animals deserve care, safety and love.
Fifteen years ago this month, the St. Petersburg Times reported that Gov. Charlie Crist, in one of his last official duties, named St. Pete Beach the “Sunset Capital of Florida.”
Having St. Pete Beach named the Sunset Capital was the idea of Renee Roos, owner and publisher of Paradise News magazine. A St. Pete Beach resident for more than 23 years, Roos saw the opportunity to give St. Pete Beach international recognition by acknowledging one of the features residents and visitors love so much.
St. Pete Beach will rebuild the popular Merry Pier Bait Shack at 801 Pass-a-Grille Way after hurricanes Helene and Milton left it substantially damaged, but commissioners chose a scaled-down version to conserve. City commissioners unanimously voted to restore the 123-year-old Pass-a-Grille landmark despite it not being designated historic or eligible for historic classification.
“I think this is an important building,” Commissioner Karen Marriott said. “It’s important to the community and a little bit iconic for Pass-a-Grille to have the Merry Pier Bait Shack.”
Tripadvisor says the two top places to dine in Tierra Verde are The Vistas at the top of the Marriott Residence Inn and right next door The Island Grille and Raw Bar. Built on the site of Guy Lombardo’s iconic Port O’ Call Resort, a hand painted mural preserved from the resort with the history of Tierra Verde hangs high in the restaurant’s lobby. The Island Grille and Raw Bar is where locals hang out, for their premium full liquor bar, food, live music and the nicest pool around. Their mostly seafood and steak menu is frequently tweaked by owner Steve Westphal and includes a HUGE rack of melt-in-your-mouth ribs, Old Bay Shrimp, fajitas, bowls and salads, as well as the best bread pudding on the island, all at affordable family prices. From 3-5pm weekdays a 3-course early dinner is under $25 per person.
Kolter Multifamily has submitted a much-anticipated site plan to the city for Alton Skyway, an upscale, garden-style apartment community at 3200 34th St. S. The 17.25-acre property was formerly the St. Petersburg College Allstate Campus.
City council members unanimously approved a critical land use change in October that allows the Delray Beach-based developer to build 776 housing units. However, if approved by the Development Review Commission in February, Alton Skyway would feature eight five-story buildings with 619 apartments. Kolter will complete the project in two phases, each with four buildings, with the first featuring 342 units and 484 parking spaces. The second would add 277 apartments and 399 parking spaces, according to the application.
The Florida Orchestra starts their new Soundwaves Chamber Concerts in January with concerts at both USF campuses.
El Amor Brujo
Chelsea Gallo, conductor, Michael Francis, narrator
Enter the fiery passion of Manuel de Falla’s ballet El Amor Brujo (Love, The Sorcerer), a spellbinding Spanish masterpiece brought to life by a vocalist and dancers that embody the spirit of flamenco. With captivating narration by Music Director Michael Francis. The program also features music by movie mastermind Danny Elfman, with his whimsical yet dark Suite for Chamber Orchestra, along with Piazzolla’s sultry Libertango.
- Fri, Jan. 30, 7:30pm, Church of the Ascension
- Sat, Jan. 31, 7:30pm, Peter and Cynthia Zinober Concert Hall at USF, Tampa
- Sun, Feb. 1, 2pm, USF St. Pete Student Center Ballroom