Deadline Alert: Hurricane Damage Permits for City of Madeira Beach
The City of Madeira Beach is reminding property owners affected by hurricane damage to act now—permits must be issued by September 25, 2026. To stay compliant, you’ll need to secure both a demolition permit and a repair permit before moving forward with any work. Missing the deadline could mean losing the ability to make future improvements unless your property is brought fully up to current zoning and floodplain regulations. The City also receives all flood insurance claims, so unpermitted work won’t go unnoticed. Don’t delay—start the process here: https://www.mgoconnect.org/cp/portal
Earth, Wind, & Laughter for Keep Pinellas Beautiful
Get ready for a night of laughs with a nature-loving twist at this interactive comedy-hypnosis show featuring award-winning hypnotist Denise Oatley Hall. Taking the stage June 25 at the Pinellas Park Performing Arts Center, this unique experience blends audience participation, humor, and a feel-good message about reconnecting with the natural world. Tickets are $35 and include a drink—come for the comedy, leave smiling.
Bella Voce: A Night with St. Pete Opera at The James
Step into the golden age of Hollywood with St. Petersburg Opera’s Bella Voce on April 19 at The James Museum. This elegant evening begins at 5:30pm with red carpet cocktails and appetizers, followed by a seated dinner, open bar, and a spectacular live performance celebrating the iconic music of the Silver Screen. Led by Maestro Sforzini and featuring a lineup of SPO favorite vocalists with pianist Teresa Ancaya, the night promises cinematic nostalgia and unforgettable entertainment—all in support of local opera.
Tickets are $350 and limited to just 200 guests, so early purchase is encouraged. Attire is Old Hollywood glamour—think classic film-inspired looks from romance to westerns. On-site and garage parking are available, with valet optional. Guests will receive follow-up details, including menu selections, ahead of the event.
Get your tickets at https://stpeteopera.org/bellavocegala/.
John Prine Documentary at The Beach Theatre on April 10th
Six years ago, folk singer-songwriter John Prine died following complications from COVID-19. But soon his memory will return to one of his favorite spots on St. Pete Beach.
“How Lucky Can One Man Get,” a rare concert documentary about the folk singer, will be shown April 10 at the Beach Theatre. Due to a licensing arrangement with Warner Music, only about 10 screenings will take place around the United States across 2026 and 2027; This may be the only event in Florida. The film is not available on streaming and likely won’t be for several years.
Prine lived part-time in Gulfport for years. According to his wife, the Beach Theatre was the site of many beloved dates for the couple.
“John said it was some of the best popcorn he’d ever had,” Fiona Prine said over the phone. “The first person that I thought of when it reopened was John.”
Get tickets at https://www.thebeachtheatre.org/.
Reach Locals & Visitors with a Print Ad in Paradise News
Paradise News will print & distribute 30,000 copies monthly this winter, mailing 20,000 to some of the most affected homeowners & businesses In the Tampa Bay Area. Email Peter Roos at sales@paradisenewsfl.com about placing an ad in Paradise News for 2026. Learn more about the benefits of placing an ad in Paradise News in print or online at paradisenewsfl.com/reach-pinellas-county-locals-this-november/.
NEW TIDBITS:
- The April Issue is NOW online. Read it here.
- Peter Roos updates you monthly on what is happening on Pinellas County beaches and in St. Petersburg. Check out our April Tidbits at https://www.paradisenewsfl.com/tidbits-april-2026/.
- The Morean Arts Center will host an opening reception for “State Flower Ladies,” a new exhibition by St. Petersburg illustrator June Bunch, on April 11 from 5–8pm at 719 Central Avenue. The show transforms all 50 state flowers into colorful “botanical ballerinas,” blending botany, figure drawing, and dance-inspired movement. A gallery talk with the artist and live music is also planned for April 23, and the exhibition will remain on view through May 2.
- Severe drought conditions and declining water supplies have led the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) to issue a Modified Phase III “Extreme” Water Shortage Order. This elevated restriction level emphasizes the urgent need for customers throughout Pinellas County and surrounding areas to take immediate action to conserve water. Learn more about what this shortage means for you and how you can help at https://www.paradisenewsfl.com/modified-phase-3-extreme-water-shortage/.
- The City of Seminole Recreation Department will host Taco Fest on Saturday, May 2, 2026, from 4PM- 9PM. Taco Fest will be held at Seminole City Park. Enjoy an unforgettable evening celebrating everyone’s favorite street food, tacos! This vibrant event brings together a robust lineup of taco vendors serving up bold flavors and chef-inspired creations for all to enjoy. RSVP on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/events/950641074090555/.
- Paradise News will print & distribute 30,000 copies monthly this winter, mailing 20,000 to some of the most affected homeowners & businesses In the Tampa Bay Area. Email Peter Roos at sales@paradisenewsfl.com about placing an ad in Paradise News this summer. Learn more about the benefits of placing an ad in Paradise News in print or online at https://www.paradisenewsfl.com/reach-pinellas-county-locals-this-november/.
- Let us know what you are thinking about what is happening on our local beaches and St. Petersburg by submitting a Letter to the Editor at https://www.paradisenewsfl.com/letter/. Letters will be considered for inclusion in an upcoming issue of Paradise News.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
- American Stage: Into the Woods- March 25- April 26 INFO
- Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival- March 27- April 12 INFO
- St. Pete Jazz Festival- April 8-11 INFO
- Annual Suncoast Kingfish Classic- April 9-11 INFO
- SPB Spring Concert Smooth D and the Boyz – April 10 INFO
- A Night at the Brewseum- April 10 INFO
- Oldsmar Days & Nights Festival- April 10-12 INFO
- Tampa Bay Blues Festival- April 10-12 INFO
- Soiree by the Bay- April 11 INFO
- Largo Playcon: Gaming and Comic Convention- April 11 INFO
- Dunedin Highland Games & Festival- April 11 INFO
- 5K by the Bay- April 11 INFO
- Florida Foodies Festival- April 11-12 INFO
- Gulfport Plein Air Festival- April 13-18 INFO
- MFA Art in Bloom- April 16-19 INFO
- Tampa Bay Empanada Festival- April 18-19 INFO
- Clearwater Craft Festival- April 18-19 INFO
- Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks Craft Festival- April 19-19 INFO
- St. Pete Opera’s Bellas Voce- April 19 INFO
- Bucs Beach Bash at Tradewinds Island Resort- April 23-25 INFO
- SPB Spring Concert Beside Myself – Elton John and Billy Joel Tribute Band – April 24 INFO
- American Legion Post 294 Spring Car Show- April 25 INFO
- Dunedin Craft Festival- April 25-26 INFO
- 40th Annual Green Thumb Festival- April 25-26
- Sunscreen Film Festival- April 30- May 3 INFO
- Spring King of the Beach Fishing Tournament- April 30- May 2 INFO
- Tampa Bay Chalk Fest- May 2 INFO
- Derby Day at The Pier- May 2 INFO
- Pass-a-Grille Party Under the Lights- May 2 INFO
- 19th Annual Pinellas Pepper Fest- May 2-3 INFO
- Cinco de Mayo on the St. Pete Pier- May 9 INFO
- MFA Painting in the Park- May 16 INFO
- Sharkapalooza at Coachman Park- May 16 INFO
- Tampa Bay BBQ Festival- May 23-24 INFO
- St Pete Pride Festival- June 1-30 INFO
- American Stage: The Hot Wing King- June 3-28 INFO
- The Fourth at the St. Pete Pier- July 4 INFO
- 4th of July Pops Spectacular- July 4 INFO
- PAVA Cool Art Show- July 18-19 INFO
- Annual Suncoast Ladies Classic- July 23-25 INFO
REMINDERS
- The April Issue is NOW online. Read it here.
- Reach snowbirds, locals & tourists in 2025 with a print ad in Paradise News! Email Peter Roos at sales@ParadiseNewsFL.com to place your ads in Paradise News in Print.
- Pinellas County Sheriffs Offices wants you to please lock your car doors and stow valuables out of sight.
- CLICK HERE to signup for ALERT PINELLAS to get vital updates during hurricane season.
- A striking new public artwork just arrived at the Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg. Created by artist Yvette Mayorga, the 30-foot, pink-hued kinetic sculpture blends 90s nostalgia, lowrider culture, and themes of migration and identity. The piece introduces Mayorga’s signature “Latinxoco” style—merging ornate Rococo influences with contemporary Latinx culture—and will be installed outside the museum following its recent run in Times Square. Learn more at https://mfastpete.org/exhibition/magic-grasshopper/.
- Looking for a way to give back to the places we all enjoy? Keep Pinellas Beautiful has a full calendar of volunteer opportunities and educational programs this spring—from beach and park cleanups to tree-focused talks, environmental presentations, and hands-on beautification projects across the county. Many events are family-friendly and a great way to meet neighbors while helping care for our parks, waterways, and shorelines. It’s also part of the annual Great American Cleanup, a nationwide effort that runs each spring and brings volunteers together to remove litter and improve local green spaces. Learn more and find upcoming events at https://www.kpbcares.org/upcoming-events.
- St. Pete-Clearwater is set to make sailing history as a host port for The Ocean Race, one of the world’s most prestigious offshore sailing competitions. For the first time in the race’s 50+ year history, Florida’s Gulf Coast will serve as the starting point for a transatlantic leg, with boats departing for Cascais, Portugal across roughly 4,500 nautical miles of open ocean. The local stopover is scheduled for May 4–16, 2027, with a public race village planned along the downtown waterfront at the St. Petersburg Yacht Club. Visitors can expect an international atmosphere, interactive exhibits, and a close-up look at the high-performance IMOCA racing yachts, making this a unique opportunity to experience a global sporting event right here in Pinellas County. Learn more at https://www.theoceanrace.com/.
- Heritage Village is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, marking five decades as Pinellas County’s 21-acre living history museum. Festivities kicked off recently with the “Preserved with Love” festival, featuring historic demonstrations, hands-on activities, and even wedding vow renewals inside the historic Safety Harbor Church. Explore their packed calendar of anniversary events at heritagevillagefl.org/50thanniversary.
- The City of St. Pete Beach Resident Services Department is excited to announce a series of free spring concerts designed to bring the community together for evenings of live music and waterfront fun. See what they have scheduled at https://www.paradisenewsfl.com/spb-2026-spring-concerts/
- Join Councilmember Marlene Shaw for casual conversation and community connection at Wonder Works, 5314 Gulfport Blvd. S., every first Wednesday from 2-3pm and at SumitrA Espresso Lounge, 2838 Beach Blvd. S., every second Tuesday from 11am-1pm. Whether you have questions, concerns, or ideas to share, she’s here to listen and talk about the issues that matter to you. Councilmember Shaw also holds City Hall office hours every Monday from 2-3pm at 2401 53rd Street South. Appointments are available upon request. Contact mshaw@mygulfport.us or (727) 826-7311 for more info.
- ART HEALS: Honoring Survivors & Supporting Healing will open April 11 from 5–9pm during the Second Saturday Art Walk at the Tully-Levine Gallery inside the ArtsXchange (515 22nd St. S., St. Petersburg). Presented by Suncoast Center, Inc., the exhibit features artwork created by survivors of sexual violence, with written reflections—and in some cases audio storytelling—sharing the meaning and healing behind each piece. The exhibit is part of Sexual Assault Awareness and Child Abuse Awareness Month and will remain on display through the end of April. Learn more at https://www.suncoastcenter.org/art-heals.
- History lovers have several fun ways to explore the Sunshine City this spring with tours from the St. Petersburg Museum of History. Monthly trolley tours travel through different parts of town—including a Historic Downtown tour on the first Saturday, the Rum Runners, Spaniards & Natives tour of West St. Pete on the third Saturday, and a Civil Rights history tour on the fourth Saturday—each offering stories about the people, neighborhoods, and moments that shaped the city. The museum also offers historic boat tours from the St. Pete Pier, giving guests a chance to learn about the city’s waterfront history and evolving shoreline from the water. Most tours run about two hours, and seating is limited, so reservations are recommended. Learn more at https://spmoh.com/.
- The St. Pete Beach Library is turning 75 years old this year, and they are celebrating with a fresh new look for our library card! Now it’s time for a design that reflects both their proud history and bright future! They’ve proposed several exciting design options, and want YOU to help choose the one that will be carried in wallets and book bags across the City of St. Pete Beach. Stop by the library and cast your vote at their designated voting station. Learn more at https://spblibrary.com/.
- Curious about the Sunshine City’s spirited past? The St. Petersburg Museum of History will host “History in a Bottle – Rum & Prohibition” on April 4 from 6–8pm at the museum, 335 2nd Ave. NE. The evening pairs rum tastings and gourmet small plates with stories about how Florida—and St. Petersburg in particular—became entwined with the rum-running trade during Prohibition in the United States. Guests can sample a variety of rums and cocktails while learning about the colorful characters and coastal smuggling routes that helped shape the area’s history.
- The Bayside Bridge has officially been renamed the Dillinger McCabe Bayside Bridge, honoring longtime legal leaders Robert “Bob” Dillinger and Bernard “Bernie” McCabe. County officials and family members gathered recently for a roadside ceremony unveiling the new signs. Though often on opposite sides of the courtroom, Dillinger—who served as Public Defender for the Sixth Judicial Circuit of Florida—and McCabe, the longtime Pinellas-Pasco State Attorney, were both widely respected for their decades of public service and commitment to improving the local justice system.
- The City of Madeira Beach is making it easier than ever to stay connected! MGO Connect is your one-stop online portal for city services accessible anytime, anywhere, from your computer or smartphone. Learn more at https://www.paradisenewsfl.com/mgo-connect/.
- The City of St. Pete Beach has been made aware of a phishing scam targeting individuals who recently submitted planning or zoning applications. The scam involves sending applicants fake invoices requesting payment that appear to come from the City. Learn more at https://www.paradisenewsfl.com/spb-phishing-scam-alert/.
- The Madeira beach social club is an active senior group located in Madeira Beach, Florida. Their club provides a wonderful opportunity for seniors to socialize, participate in various activities, and build lasting friendships within our community. Click here to learn more.
- The City of Gulfport Senior Center’s Telephone Reassurance Program is a free service for Gulfport Residents 50 years of age or older. Volunteers provide daily phone calls to registered members and provide comfort, security, and peace of mind to members and families. Registration is simple and free. If you or someone you know could benefit from this service during this difficult time, please call (727) 893-2237 and register today.
- Reminder to our residents and visitors. No Dogs On The Beach! If you see something, say something. Contact Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Non-Emergency Line at 727-582-6200.
