St. Pete-Clearwater is set to make sailing history as a host port for The Ocean Race, one of the world’s most prestigious offshore sailing competitions. For the first time in the race’s 50+ year history, Florida’s Gulf Coast will serve as the starting point for a transatlantic leg, with boats departing for Cascais, Portugal across roughly 4,500 nautical miles of open ocean.
The local stopover is scheduled for May 4–16, 2027, with a public race village planned along the downtown waterfront at the St. Petersburg Yacht Club. Visitors can expect an international atmosphere, interactive exhibits, and a close-up look at the high-performance IMOCA racing yachts, making this a unique opportunity to experience a global sporting event right here in Pinellas County. Learn more at https://www.theoceanrace.com/.
Modified Phase III “Extreme” Water Shortage
Severe drought conditions and declining water supplies have led the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) to issue a Modified Phase III “Extreme” Water Shortage Order. This elevated restriction level emphasizes the urgent need for customers throughout Pinellas County and surrounding areas to take immediate action to conserve water. Learn more about what this shortage means for you and how you can help at https://www.paradisenewsfl.com/modified-phase-3-extreme-water-shortage/.
Give Your Easter Eggs a Second Life!
Did the Easter Bunny leave behind more than just memories this year? Instead of tossing those plastic eggs into the trash, consider participating in our KPB Plastics Fabrication recycling opportunity! We are currently accepting plastic Easter eggs to be transformed into unique items like coasters, sunglasses, or even “plastic poetry.” To participate, please ensure all eggs are clean, dry, and free of any labeling, tape, or goodies. This alternative recycling program is a fantastic way to divert plastic waste from our local landfills and contribute to a more circular economy. Drop-off appointments are available at our office Monday through Friday, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. To schedule your visit, please email volunteer@kpbcares.org or call 727-533-0402.
“Magic Grasshopper” Lands at MFA St. Pete
A striking new public artwork is arriving at the Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Magic Grasshopper set for March 26 at 6pm. Created by artist Yvette Mayorga, the 30-foot, pink-hued kinetic sculpture blends 90s nostalgia, lowrider culture, and themes of migration and identity. The piece introduces Mayorga’s signature “Latinxoco” style—merging ornate Rococo influences with contemporary Latinx culture—and will be installed outside the museum following its recent run in Times Square.
Learn more at https://mfastpete.org/exhibition/magic-grasshopper/.
Get Involved with Keep Pinellas Beautiful this Spring
Looking for a way to give back to the places we all enjoy? Keep Pinellas Beautiful has a full calendar of volunteer opportunities and educational programs this spring—from beach and park cleanups to tree-focused talks, environmental presentations, and hands-on beautification projects across the county. Many events are family-friendly and a great way to meet neighbors while helping care for our parks, waterways, and shorelines. It’s also part of the annual Great American Cleanup, a nationwide effort that runs each spring and brings volunteers together to remove litter and improve local green spaces. Learn more and find upcoming events at https://www.kpbcares.org/upcoming-events.
Heritage Village Celebrates 50 Years
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.
The celebration continues March 28 at 11am with the “From Dedication to Designation” ceremony, when the Plant–Sumner House (1896) and the House of Seven Gables (1907) will be formally recognized as local historic landmarks. Guided tours will follow, and more anniversary events are planned throughout the year.
Explore their packed calendar of anniversary events at heritagevillagefl.org/50thanniversary.
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 March Issue is NOW online. Read it here.
- 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/
- The City of St. Pete Beach voters elected Scott Tate as the new Mayor. His term will run for three years beginning Tuesday, March 24th, 2026. Mr. Tate said his focus as Mayor will be enhancing accountability at City Hall and ensuring that city government works efficiently for residents and businesses. Learn more at https://www.paradisenewsfl.com/scott-tate-spb/.
- Each year, the Morean Arts Center invites emerging artists living in Florida to submit their work for potential space in our Fresh Squeezed exhibition. Now in its tenth year, Fresh Squeezed continuously aims to provide emerging artists with resources needed to develop a sustainable artistic practice. The exhibition nurtures and advances the careers of emerging visual artists while also giving our community the opportunity to discover exciting new art being made in our region. Learn more at moreanartscenter.org/exibition/fresh-squeezed-10-emerging-artists-in-florida/
- The City of South Pasadena, in partnership with Forward Pinellas, will host a community meeting on March 31 at 6pm to gather input on the future of the city’s commercial corridor. The meeting will take place at City Hall (7047 Sunset Drive South), and residents and business owners are encouraged to share their ideas and feedback to help guide future planning. Click here to register.
- Chris MacDonald’s Memories of Elvis brings a full-production tribute to Elvis Presley to Hough Concert Hall on March 29 at 4pm. Tribute artist Chris MacDonald recreates the look, sound, and energy of the King of Rock ’n’ Roll in a lively show celebrating the music and legacy that made Elvis a pop culture icon. Get tickets at https://mypalladium.org/
- 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: Into the Woods- March 25- April 26 INFO
- Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival- March 27- April 12 INFO
- Easter Festival at DK Farms- March 27 & April 3-5 INFO
- Tampa Bay Ukulele Days Festival- March 27-29 INFO
- Monster Energy St. Pete Powerboat P1 Grand Prix- March 27-29 INFO
- Rotary Rocks the Beach- March 28 INFO
- Mindful Movement with Embracing Our Differences at Poynter Park- March 28 INFO
- Mainsail Art Festival- March 28-29 INFO
- Pinellas Botanicals & BrunchFest- March 28-29 INFO
- St. Pete Beach Spring Fest- April 4 INFO
- Sea Turtle Awareness Day at CMA- April 4 INFO
- Corey Area Craft Festival- April 4-5 INFO
- St. Pete Pier Spring Fest & Easter Egg Hunt- April 5 INFO
- Easter Foam Party at The Dog Bar- April 5 INFO
- St. Pete Jazz Festival- April 8-11 INFO
- Annual Suncoast Kingfish Classic- April 9-11 INFO
- SPB Spring Concert Smooth D and the Boyz – April 10 INFO
- A Night at the Brewseum- April 10 INFO
- Oldsmar Days & Nights Festival- April 10-12 INFO
- Tampa Bay Blues Festival- April 10-12 INFO
- Soiree by the Bay- April 11 INFO
- Largo Playcon: Gaming and Comic Convention- April 11 INFO
- Dunedin Highland Games & Festival- April 11 INFO
- 5K by the Bay- April 11 INFO
- Florida Foodies Festival- April 11-12 INFO
- Gulfport Plein Air Festival- April 13-18 INFO
- MFA Art in Bloom- April 16-19 INFO
- Tampa Bay Empanada Festival- April 18-19 INFO
- Clearwater Craft Festival- April 18-19 INFO
- Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks Craft Festival- April 19-19 INFO
- St. Pete Opera’s Bellas Voce- April 19 INFO
- Bucs Beach Bash at Tradewinds Island Resort- April 23-25 INFO
- SPB Spring Concert Beside Myself – Elton John and Billy Joel Tribute Band – April 24 INFO
- American Legion Post 294 Spring Car Show- April 25 INFO
- Dunedin Craft Festival- April 25-26 INFO
- 40th Annual Green Thumb Festival- April 25-26
- Sunscreen Film Festival- April 30- May 3 INFO
- Spring King of the Beach Fishing Tournament- April 30- May 2 INFO
- Tampa Bay Chalk Fest- May 2 INFO
- Derby Day at The Pier- May 2 INFO
- Pass-a-Grille Party Under the Lights- May 2 INFO
- 19th Annual Pinellas Pepper Fest- May 2-3 INFO
- Cinco de Mayo on the St. Pete Pier- May 9 INFO
- MFA Painting in the Park- May 16 INFO
- Sharkapalooza at Coachman Park- May 16 INFO
- Tampa Bay BBQ Festival- May 23-24 INFO
- St Pete Pride Festival- June 1-30 INFO
- American Stage: The Hot Wing King- June 3-28 INFO
- The Fourth at the St. Pete Pier- July 4 INFO
- 4th of July Pops Spectacular- July 4 INFO
- PAVA Cool Art Show- July 18-19 INFO
- Annual Suncoast Ladies Classic- July 23-25 INFO
REMINDERS
- The March 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.
- 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.
- ART HEALS: Honoring Survivors & Supporting Healing will open April 11 from 5–9pm during the Second Saturday Art Walk at the Tully-Levine Gallery inside the ArtsXchange (515 22nd St. S., St. Petersburg). Presented by Suncoast Center, Inc., the exhibit features artwork created by survivors of sexual violence, with written reflections—and in some cases audio storytelling—sharing the meaning and healing behind each piece. The exhibit is part of Sexual Assault Awareness and Child Abuse Awareness Month and will remain on display through the end of April. Learn more at https://www.suncoastcenter.org/art-heals.
- The Morean Arts Center will host an opening reception for “State Flower Ladies,” a new exhibition by St. Petersburg illustrator June Bunch, on April 11 from 5–8pm at 719 Central Avenue. The show transforms all 50 state flowers into colorful “botanical ballerinas,” blending botany, figure drawing, and dance-inspired movement. A gallery talk with the artist and live music is also planned for April 23, and the exhibition will remain on view through May 2.
- The St. Petersburg World Affairs Council will present “Missing Voices: A Concert Project” on April 8 at 5:30pm (doors open at 5pm) at Cathedral Church of St. Peter. French pianist Dimitri Malignan will perform music by Jewish composers whose works were largely lost after the Holocaust, helping restore their stories and compositions to modern audiences. The evening combines music and historical reflection as part of an international project dedicated to remembering artists whose voices were silenced. For more info and tickets: https://www.tixtree.com/e/missing-voices-c21fbf778158
- 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.
