GECKOFEST Theme Revealed: Gecko Music Awards
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. Adding to the festival’s vibrant rhythm, the streets will double as a stage for up-close-and-personal performances by a bevy of acrobats, magicians, daredevils, aerialists, fire eaters, balloon artists & more. Learn more at paradisenewsfl.com/gecko-music-awards/.
The Beach Theatre Celebrates One Year
The Beach Theatre is celebrating its first anniversary on St. Pete Beach with the launch of a new membership program! For $50 per year, members receive $3 off regular movie tickets, early access to select special events, members-only screenings, and exclusive theatre updates.
Paradise News publishers Peter and Renee Roos joined the celebration as the community gathered to mark one year of the beloved neighborhood theatre’s return. Learn more and become a member: https://www.thebeachtheatre.com/
Photo by Peter Roos is from The Beach Theatre’s 1 Year Anniversary Celebration with St. Pete Beach’s Mayor playing lead for The Horny Toads band.
🎨 The Art of Banksy Extended at the Straz
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. This internationally celebrated collection has drawn more than a million visitors worldwide.
Tickets start at $29.99, with discounts available. Learn more:
https://www.paradisenewsfl.com/banksy-at-the-straz/
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
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/.
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 online. Read it here.
- 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. Learn more at https://www.paradisenewsfl.com/hooters-serves-up-homes/.
- St. Pete Beach Fire & Rescue is hosting a Back to School Supply Drive through August 7th. You can help local school-age children by donating the following preferred school supplies: backpacks, pencils, pens, paper, headphones, binders, highlighters. crayons, glue, notebooks, and rulers. Supply donations can be dropped off at St. Pete Beach Fire Rescue Station 23 during business hours.Click here to learn 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.
- 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
- Annual Suncoast Ladies Classic- July 23-25 INFO
- Punchline on the Pier at SPMOH- July 25 INFO
- St. Pete World Oddities Expo- July 25-26 INFO
- Burning Love: Celebrating Elvis & the Sunshine City- August 7 TICKETS
- St. Pete Beach Fire Rescue Back to School Supply Drive- August 7 INFO
- Hurricane Ice Cream Social with Bobby Deskins, Chief Meteorologist with 10 Tampa Bay- August 11 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
- South Pasadena Holiday Lighted Boat Parade- December 11 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.
