By Kaeley Dawson
Gulfport Residents: Register Now for November Events
Gulfport residents planning to participate in two popular November community events should get their registrations in during October. Registration is now open for the permit free City-Wide Yard Sale, taking place Saturday, Nov. 14, from dawn to dusk throughout the city. Residents who want their yard sale address included in the event brochure and Google Maps must register by Friday, Oct. 30, at 2pm. Register at www.mygulfport.us/permit-free-gulfports-city-wide-yard-sale.
Registration is also open for the Heroes Weekend Veterans Parade, set for Sunday, Nov. 8, at 11am. The annual parade brings the community together to honor veterans and those who have served our nation. Participants must register by Monday, Nov. 2, at 3pm at www.mygulfport.us/heroesweekend.
Taste of the Beaches Returns Oct. 3-11
Get ready to eat your way along the beaches during Taste of the Beaches, a nine-day culinary tour taking place Oct. 3-11 at participating restaurants throughout the beach communities. Each $10 ticket is good for one featured Taste, giving locals and visitors a chance to sample specialty dishes while discovering new restaurants and supporting local businesses. Restaurant hours vary, so plan your stops accordingly. The fun gets started with a Kickoff Event on Friday, Oct. 2, from 6-9pm at Horan Park in St. Pete Beach, featuring live music by Big Brother. Tickets must be purchased in advance and picked up at one of several participating locations. Get tickets at https://bit.ly/tob-2026
International Coastal Cleanup Comes to Pinellas
October is a great time to get involved in keeping Pinellas County’s coastlines clean. Keep Pinellas Beautiful and local partner organizations are participating in the 2026 International Coastal Cleanup, a worldwide effort organized by Ocean Conservancy that runs through Oct. 31. Volunteers not only collect litter but also record and document what they find, providing valuable data used to track marine debris around the world. Find a local cleanup or learn how to host one at www.kpbcares.org/upcoming-events.
Salute to Service: A Celebration of Service and America’s 250th
Salute to Service honors those actively serving, our revered veterans, and the brave first responders who protect our communities, alongside the generations who have built our American story over 250 years. Your participation strengthens our shared commitment to our military, first responders, veterans, their families, and our community. Join us on Nov. 8 at Horan Park in St. Pete Beach for an event featuring a Big Band orchestra, and tributes to America’s history and the men and women who have served our country. The event will feature music by Laurie Loyst & Encore IV with special guest speaker Gen. Mike Minihan, USAF (Ret.).
Come out dressed in red, white and blue and enjoy an afternoon of music and patriotic celebration as we come together to honor our veterans during this 250th year of American independence.
Gates open at 2pm. Program begins at 3pm. Tickets are non-refundable. An event to support American Legion Post 305 a 501(c) organization. Tickets: https://bit.ly/spb-salute
Florida Seeks Public Input on State Hazard Plan
Florida residents and businesses are invited to share their experiences and concerns through a public survey helping shape the state’s 2028 State Hazard Mitigation Plan. The survey asks about hazards and risks in local communities, current preparedness efforts, and strategies that could help reduce future risks. The goal is to make sure the updated plan reflects the needs and perspectives of communities across Florida. The survey is open through Oct. 15. Take the survey at https://bit.ly/fl-hazards.
Deck the Hulls: Get Ready for the Holidays
October is a good time for Pinellas County boaters to start planning for December’s beloved lighted boat parades. Several require advance registration, skipper meetings or have limited space, so don’t wait until the holidays are here to get signed up. Know a boater who should join the fun? Send them our way for dates, parade details and registration information: www.paradisenewsfl.com/deck-the-hulls
“Extreme” Water Shortage Order Extended
The Southwest Florida Water Management District has extended its “Extreme” Water Shortage Order for Pinellas County and surrounding areas through March 31, 2027. Despite summer storms, the region’s average 12-month rainfall remains 15.4 inches below normal, and local water levels remain very low. Pinellas County Utilities customers should check their watering days and reduced watering hours, which are now limited to 12:01-4am or 8-11:59pm. Violations can result in a $193 fine. See the complete watering schedule and what you can do to conserve water:www.paradisenewsfl.com/extreme-water-shortage-2026