Rays Fan Fest Block Party Set to Raise Some Love on February 14th
The Tampa Bay Rays are ready to turn a powerful comeback into a celebration as they return home to St. Petersburg with a Fan Fest Block Party at Tropicana Field on Saturday, Feb. 14, from 1–5 p.m. This free, family-friendly event marks a triumphant homecoming after a season away, inviting fans to reconnect with their team and ballpark. With a brand-new roof, storm repairs nearing completion, and exciting upgrades—including a new all-inclusive seating area—the Trop is reemerging as a symbol of resilience and renewal. Hosted along 16th Street South outside the stadium, the block party is expected to draw thousands eager to celebrate Rays baseball and community pride—a true comeback celebration.
Learn more at https://stpetecatalyst.com/rays-to-shut-down-st-pete-street-for-february-fan-fest/.
Ferg’s 2026 Concert Line Up Swings for the Fences
Fresh off being named USA TODAY’s #1 Local Sports Bar in America, Ferg’s is swinging for the fences as the new year gets underway — and the hits just keep coming. Located directly across from Tropicana Field, Ferg’s Concert Pavilion is kicking off 2026 with a lineup that blends legendary classic rock, high-energy live events, and fan-favorite national acts — reinforcing Ferg’s status as Downtown St. Pete’s premier sports, music and community hangout destination. Headlining the latest announcement: FOGHAT & NAZARETH — a legendary classic rock double bill — went on sale, Saturday, January 17th, for their highly anticipated May 14th appearance at Ferg’s. Learn more at paradisenewsfl.com/fergs-2026-concert-lineup/.
Gulfport’s Get Rescued Returns February 28th
Gulfport’s Get Rescued Animal Rescue Festival & Fun-raiser is returning on Saturday, February 28th 10am to 5pm at 3000 Beach Boulevard S in Gulfport, Florida. You won’t want to miss this community event to help our furry friends find their forever homes. Well-behaved “vaccinated” pets are welcome. There is no admission fee to attend and plenty of complimentary parking will be available throughout the area. Proceeds from the event support participating rescue groups. Last year’s event raised over $5,100 and 27 spaces were donated to local rescue groups to help bring awareness. Learn more at paradisenewsfl.com/2026-gulfports-get-rescued/.
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.
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
- 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.
