Enjoy some relaxing beach time from wherever you are with VSPC’s 7 Hours of Beach Sounds.
Friends of Strays Wags and Whiskers Gala
Join Friends of Strays at Lealman Exchange on March 14th for their 7th Wags & Whiskers Gala. The 2026 gala theme is based on the classic tale, Alice in Wonderland. Join Friends of Strays at the Cheshire Cat Ball for a night of fun, fantasy, and on-theme surprises throughout the night! Feel free to dress for the theme and add to the fun! The Wags and Whiskers Gala is Friends of Strays largest fundraiser of the year and is vital to our organization, providing much needed support for daily operations and special projects. Thank you in advance for supporting their mission to end pet homelessness in Pinellas County, Tampa Bay, and throughout Florida.
Get tickets at https://www.friendsofstrays.org/wags2026.
Pinellas County Contractor to Begin Dune Planting
In order to stabilize the dunes that were recently installed on properties that signed off, Pinellas County’s contractor, Earth Balance, will begin planting sea oats. This stage of the renourishment will take approximately two weeks to complete for Indian Shores. For more information or if you have any questions or concerns on the project visit 2025 Pinellas County Beach Nourishment Project – Pinellas County, email SignForSand@pinellas.gov, or call: (727) 464-7799. To receive project updates by phone text PCBEACHES to 888777.
Gasparilla Arts: Women’s History Mural Reveal
Join Gasparilla Arts on January 22nd 2-4pm, for the official unveiling of a new public mural at the Chloe Coney Urban Enterprise Center (1907 E. Hillsborough Avenue). This free community celebration honors the women who have shaped East Tampa’s history through a powerful display of public art. Designed by artist Michelle Sawyer with historical guidance from the Tampa Bay History Center, the mural is a true community collaboration. It features contributions from students at the Pace Center for Girls, who helped paint the piece to ensure a vibrant, intergenerational perspective.
Please RSVP to https://gasparillaarts.salsalabs.org/rsvpeasttampamural
Manatees Gather at Three Sisters Springs
Hundreds of manatees gathered at Three Sisters Springs in Crystal River to stay warm and welcome the New Year. Volunteers counted approximately 300 manatees at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, as air temperatures dipped to around 35 degrees. Manatees rely on the springs during cold winter mornings because the water maintains a consistent, warmer temperature, offering a vital refuge from chilly conditions. Three Sisters Springs is co-owned by the Southwest Florida Water Management District and the City of Crystal River, and is managed in partnership with the City of Crystal River and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Learn more about the ongoing restoration efforts at https://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/.
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 January Issue is NOW online. Read it here.
- Peter Roos catches us up on what is happening in Pinellas County beach communities and St. Petersburg in our January tidbits. In it you will learn more about Pinellas County hosting a Virtual Flood Vulnerability Assessment Public Meeting on Jan. 13, Freefall Theatre’s newest production The Titan & The Muse, the return of PAGWC’s Pass-a-Grille Home Tour, the rebuilding of the popular Merry Pier Bait Shack, The Florida Orchestra’s new Soundwaves Chamber Concerts and MORE! Read Paradise News’ January tidbits online now at https://www.paradisenewsfl.com/tidbits-january-2026/.
- 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.
- 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- First Friday & Third Saturday Every Month INFO
- Gulfport Community Players present “Beyond Therapy”- January 8-18 INFO
- MANIA: The ABBA Tribute at The Mahaffey- January 16 INFO
- Spirit Fest St. Pete: Holistic, Metaphysical, and Crystal Expo- January 17-18 INFO
- American Stage: The Scarlet Letter- January 21- February 15 INFO
- Gasparilla Arts: East Tampa Women’s History Mural Reveal- January 22 INFO
- The Great Plate Fundraiser Dinner- January 23 INFO
- Pinellas TacoFest- January 24-25 INFO
- MAD LIBS LIVE! | Class Acts at The Mahaffey- January 27 INFO
- The Rocket Man Show at The Mahaffey- January 31 INFO
- Pink Floyd Laser Show at The Mahaffey- February 1 INFO
- Florida State Fair- February 5-16 INFO
- Shen Yun at The Mahaffey- February 7-8 INFO
- Annual Best Damn Race Safety Harbor- February 7 INFO
- How to Survive Middle School at The Mahaffey- February 9 INFO
- Helly Hansen Sailing World Regatta 2026- February 13-15 INFO
- Rays Fan Fest- February 14 INFO
- St. Pete’s LOCALTOPIA- February 14 INFO
- Tampa Bay Collard Green Festival- February 14 INFO
- Festivals of Speed St. Petersburg- February 15 INFO
- Winter PRIDE St. Pete- February 15-22 INFO
- St. Petersburg Seafood & Music Festival- February 20-22 INFO
- Tasty Tampa Bay at Coachman Park- February 21 INFO
- Art & Seafood on the Waterfront- February 21-22 INFO
- Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg- February 27- March 1 INFO
- Gulfport’s Annual Get Rescued Festival- February 28 INFO
- The Sleeping Beauty by International Ballet Stars- March 5 INFO
- Embracing Our Differences Art Exhibition Grand Opening- March 7 INFO
- American Stage: Into the Woods- March 25- April 26 INFO
- Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival- Marhc 27- April 12 INFO
- Mindful Movement with Embracing Our Differences at Poynter Park- March 28 INFO
- A Night at the Brewseum- April 10 INFO
- Tampa Bay Blues Festival- April 10-12 INFO
REMINDERS
- The January 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.
- 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/.
- Here in Pinellas County, we’re known for sunshine, beaches, and a strong sense of community. But even in our beautiful corner of Florida, many individuals and families quietly struggle with something most of us take for granted — having enough to eat. Food insecurity affects thousands of our neighbors, from children and working parents to retirees living on fixed incomes. Learn ways you can help & who to donate to at https://www.paradisenewsfl.com/facing-food-insecurity-in-pinellas/.
- Stay up-to-date with the latest Pinellas County news by signing up for their new monthly newsletter- The Wave. From beach restoration to countywide road construction, The Wave will the most important news from Pinellas County Government to your inbox each month. Sign up now at https://pinellas.gov/the-wave.
- 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.
