Two Families Receive Keys from Hooters to their New Habitat Townhomes
Several employees from the Tampa Bay area Hooters locations and corporate office attended Habitat’s townhome dedication block party on Monday, June 22 in Clearwater. The Original Hooters sponsored townhomes for the Sanchez Family and Xhokli Family making this their 11th home build with Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside. This year’s project marks the first townhomes they sponsored. Representatives from Original Hooters presented this year’s donation of $151,500 to Habitat at The Original Hooters in Clearwater. HMC Hospitality Group’s Regional Training Coordinator Chelsea Vazquez presented the keys to the two homeowners. Learn more at https://www.paradisenewsfl.com/hooters-serves-up-homes/.
SPMOH Introduces Punchline on the Pier
Looking for a fun night out? Punchline on the Pier: Comedy Night is coming to the St. Petersburg Museum of History on July 25, mixing stand-up comedy with a little local flair. Doors open at 6:30pm, with laughs rolling from 7:30–9pm, plus your ticket includes a complimentary signature cocktail (and a cash bar if you’re feeling festive). It’s a great excuse to head down to the Pier, enjoy some solid laughs, and support the museum while you’re at it. CLICK HERE for tickets.
Water Shortage Order Extended
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. Pinellas County Utilities customers can check updated watering schedules, conservation tips, and Florida-Friendly Landscaping guidance at pinellas.gov/water-conservation, while others should confirm restrictions with their local water provider. For what exactly these shortages mean for your yard please visit https://pinellas.gov/news/extreme-water-shortage-order-extended-for-pinellas-county/.
St. Pete Beach Library Now Delivers Books, DVDs & more
St. Pete Beach Library is now offering monthly home delivery of books, CDs and jigsaw puzzles to those in need due to short or long term illness or disability. Help support this great newer community resource by volunteering to deliver library materials or sign up to get materials delivered to your home by leaving a message at 727-363-9238.
Learn more about all SPB Library offers at https://spblibrary.com/780/Public-Library.
John’s Pass Seafood Fest Returns this October
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. It’s a favorite for both locals and visitors, with plenty to see, taste, and explore along the Pass.
Interested in being part of it? Vendor applications are open now: https://link.orlo.us/u8a59
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 June/July Issue is NOW online. Read it here.
- The City of St. Pete Beach is proud to announce that it has been awarded $5.325 million in new state appropriations to support three critical community projects: the reconstruction of Fire Station 22, Pass-A-Grille wastewater maintenance improvements, and the Boca Ciega Drive Reconstruction Project. Learn more at paradisenewsfl.com/st-pete-beach-receives-5-million-for-infratructure/.
- Join the St. Petersburg Arts Alliance for a Mayoral Candidate Meet & Greet Happy Hour on Tuesday, July 21, from 5–7 PM at Bayboro Brewing Co. Artists, creatives, arts supporters, and community members are invited to meet local mayoral candidates and engage in conversations about the future of arts and culture in St. Petersburg. Participating candidates will share brief remarks about their vision for supporting artists, arts organizations, creative businesses, and the city’s creative economy, followed by an opportunity for attendees to connect and continue the conversation in an informal setting. The event is open to the public, but advance registration is encouraged.
- There’s been a lot going on around Pinellas lately. St. Pete Beach is tightening up rules on beachfront “no trespassing” signs to keep access clearer, and Treasure Island just landed funding to help upgrade its aging wastewater system before bigger problems pop up. Gulfport is already gearing up for another GECKO-filled summer leading into Geckofest, and there’s no shortage of things to do—from American Stage’s summer cabaret series to a growing mix of live comedy downtown. Add in a new local graphic novel and the FunShine Savings Passport for discounted outings around the beaches, and it’s one of those stretches where there’s a little bit of everything happening at once. Read our full June/July tidbits at https://www.paradisenewsfl.com/jj-2026-tidbits/.
- Rebecca Penneys Piano Festival returns this summer. This summer, the internationally acclaimed Rebecca Penneys Piano Festival (RPPF) celebrates its 14th season. From June 27 – July 17, some of the world’s most promising collegiate pianists will gather in Tampa for one of the only tuition-free piano festivals of its kind in the world. Learn more at https://www.paradisenewsfl.com/rppf-2026/.
- 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 in the Park Summer Cabaret Series- July 11, 18, 25 TICKETS
- PAVA Cool Art Show- July 18-19 INFO
- Annual Suncoast Ladies Classic- July 23-25 INFO
- Pasadena Community Church Craft & Treasure Sale- August 15 INFO
- FloridaRAMA Literary Festival- August 22 INFO
- Fourth Annual Clearwater Jazz Holiday- October 15-18 INFO
- Ar Harvest in Dunedin- November 7-8 INFO
REMINDERS
- The June/July 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.
- 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.
