We will always love you too Dolly.
Celebrate Pinellas this September
The Pinellas Beaches Chamber invites locals to Celebrate Pinellas on Thursday, September 24, from 5–8 p.m. at the STAR Building, 4590 Ulmerton Road in Clearwater. This multi-chamber gathering brings together local businesses, residents and organizations for an evening of networking, tastings, small bites from local restaurants, local brews and raffles. Tickets are $20 and everyone is welcome.
Learn more at https://pinellasbeacheschamber.org/clebrate-pinellas/.
Fall Corey Craft Fest Returns this October
The Corey Avenue Art & Craft Festival returns to St. Pete Beach on Saturday, October 3 and Sunday, October 4, from 10 a.m.–5 p.m., turning the historic shopping district into a free, open-air gallery. Stroll between Gulf Boulevard and Blind Pass Road to browse art and handmade treasures while enjoying Corey Avenue’s boutiques, galleries and locally owned restaurants. It’s a great way to spend a fall weekend supporting local artists and the businesses that make the district special.
Learn more at https://www.paradisenewsfl.com/fall-corey-craft-fest-2026/.
RPPF 2026 Has Been One for the Books
The 2026 RPPF was a stellar festival, welcoming a record 230 applicants from 29 countries and selecting 45 participants, supported by a faculty of 25. Students presented 15 separate performance programs at venues throughout the area, along with plenty of time to enjoy the beach, spot dolphins, and explore local museums.
RPPF is already looking ahead to its 15th Anniversary Season in 2027. See photos, stories and highlights in the 2026 Program Book and 2026 Souvenir Video.
Youth Jazz Jam Returns
The Al Downing Tampa Bay Jazz Association’s Youth Jazz Jam returns Saturday, August 29, from 1–3 p.m. at Pinellas Community Church, 5501 31st St. S., St. Petersburg. Open to elementary through high school musicians, the monthly jam pairs young players with experienced mentors for two hours of hands-on jazz. The sessions continue every last Saturday of the month and are open to students from across the Tampa Bay area. Sign up at https://www.aldowningjazz.com/events/youth-jazz-jam-2.
St. Pete Opera Guild Kicks Off 26-27 Season
The St. Petersburg Opera Guild kicks off its 2026-27 season on Friday, September 25, from 11 a.m.–2 p.m. with a luncheon featuring mezzo-soprano Jacqueline Pileckas at Oakhurst United Methodist Church in Seminole. Tickets are $40 and include a full buffet lunch. The Guild supports opera, arts education, and youth programs throughout Tampa Bay. Reservations and membership information: www.stpeteoperaguild.org
Major Step Forward for PSTA Ferry Service
The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority’s (PSTA) Ferry service between downtown St. Petersburg and Tampa is one step closer to launch, with the first of two vessels arriving at a Pinellas County boatyard today. The Bay Breeze arrived in Tarpon Springs Monday and now begins refurbishment for passenger service. The second vessel, Bay Clipper, is expected to arrive in Pinellas County in the coming weeks and will undergo refurbishment at the same facility. Learn more at https://www.paradisenewsfl.com/pstas-ferry-service-first-vessel-arrives/.
August/September Tidbits
As summer winds down, the beach communities are gearing up for a lively season of food, fun, and local happenings. Madeira Beach Burger Week (Aug. 21–30) kicks things off with creative bites from local favorites, followed by Taste of the Beaches (Oct. 3–11), where $10 tickets let you sample dishes from restaurants stretching from Tierra Verde to Clearwater Beach—all while supporting a local nonprofit. Along the way, residents are reminded to follow watering restrictions through Oct. 1 and the fertilizer ban through Sept. 30 to help protect our waterways. There’s also a touch of nostalgia with newly released Gulfport time capsule photos, plus something to look forward to as St. Pete plans its 135th birthday celebration this February. Explore the full August/September Tidbits at https://www.paradisenewsfl.com/tidbits-as-2026/.
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 August/September Issue is online. Read it here.
- The annual Art “Yard” Sale returns to the Morean Arts Center on Saturday, September 12, from 9–11 a.m., bringing local artists and colorful bargains together inside the gallery at 719 Central Ave. Browse artist booths and find original works ranging from $1 to $100—a fun chance to meet local artists and take home some affordable art. More info: https://moreanartscenter.org/art-yard-sale/
- The Ybor Arts Tour returns Thursday, October 15, from 4–9 p.m., with a free, self-guided walking tour showcasing visual art, live performances, and literary expression throughout historic Ybor City. The biannual event features galleries, performance spaces, and other venues, including Tempus Projects, Kress Contemporary, Florida Museum of Photographic Arts, and more. Explore the neighborhood’s creative side and discover the artists and spaces helping shape Ybor’s arts community. More info:
- The City of Madeira Beach invites residents and visitors to gather at Patriot Park on Friday, September 11, 2026, at 8:45 a.m. for the 25th annual 9/11 Day of Remembrance Ceremony as the community comes together to honor those lost, recognize first responders, and reflect on the enduring spirit of unity and resilience. Learn more at https://www.paradisenewsfl.com/madeira-beach-invites-community-to-9-11-day-of-remembrance-ceremony/
- Gulfport’s 26th annual GECKOFEST promises a full day of family-friendly fun on Saturday, September 5 10am-8pm. The streets of this historic waterfront village will come alive with a stellar lineup of live music, delicious food and beverage vendors, and curated art and craft booths. Learn more at paradisenewsfl.com/gecko-music-awards/.
- 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:
- Gulfport Night Market- 1st Friday & 3rd Saturday Monthly INFO
- Al Downing Jazz Youth Jazz Jam- Last Saturday Monthly INFO
- Madiera Beach Burger Week- August 21-30 INFO
- GECKOFEST- September 5 INFO
- Madeira Beach 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony- September 11 INFO
- SPMOH History in a Bottle- September 12 TICKETS
- Pinellas Beaches Chamber Celebrates Pinellas- September 24 INFO
- Clearwater’s Fall Y’all Festival at Coachman Park- October 3 INFO
- Fall Corey Avenue Craft Festival- October 3-4 INFO
- Taste of the Beaches- October 3-11 INFO
- Fourth Annual Clearwater Jazz Holiday- October 15-18 INFO
- Ar Harvest in Dunedin- November 7-8 INFO
- South Pasadena Holiday Lighted Boat Parade- December 11 INFO
REMINDERS
- The August/September Issue is NOW online. Read it here.
- Reach snowbirds, locals & tourists in 2026 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.
- The City of Seminole Recreation Department invites the community to enjoy its annual Music in the Park concert series, presented in part by McDermott Law Firm, P.A., on Fridays from September 11 through October 9 at Seminole City Park. Click here to learn more.
- With drought conditions continuing and rainfall below average, the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) has extended its Modified Phase III Water Shortage Order through October 1. Reduced watering hours remain in effect from 12:01–4 a.m. or 8–11:59 p.m. to limit evaporation. For what exactly these shortages mean for your yard please visit https://pinellas.gov/news/extreme-water-shortage-order-extended-for-pinellas-county/.
- 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. Learn more: https://www.paradisenewsfl.com/banksy-at-the-straz/
- Save the date—one of Madeira Beach’s biggest and most anticipated weekends is coming back. The John’s Pass Seafood Festival returns October 23–25, 2026 at John’s Pass Village & Boardwalk, bringing fresh seafood, live music, local vendors, and a full weekend of waterfront fun. Interested in being part of it? Vendor applications are open now: https://link.orlo.us/u8a59
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
