Weekly Tidbits July 2, 2026

• The June/July Issue is NOW online. Read it here.
• 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/.
• Looking ahead, don’t miss the Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks Craft Festival happening July 11–12 along Dodecanese Boulevard. This free, family- and pet-friendly event is a great chance to browse handmade jewelry, pottery, art, home décor, and specialty foods while supporting local and visiting artisans. It’s the perfect excuse to stroll the waterfront, shop a little, and soak in the unique charm of the Sponge Docks. Learn more at https://www.paradisenewsfl.com/sponge-docks-craft-fest-july-2026/
• 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.

NEW TIDBITS:

UPCOMING EVENTS:

• Red, White, & Blue On The Bay- July 4 INFO
• The Fourth at the St. Pete Pier- July 4 INFO
• 4th of July Pops Spectacular- July 4 INFO
• American Stage in the Park Summer Cabaret Series- July 11, 18, 25 TICKETS
• Brookesville Watermelon Festival- July 13th INFO
• PAVA Cool Art Show- July 18-19 INFO
• Annual Suncoast Ladies Classic- July 23-25 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Current Issue