March 2025 Tidbits
The Gulfport Senior Center Foundation’s Golf Classic on April 5 aims to raise $50K for a much-needed expansion. The St. Pete Mad Dogs Triathlon Club keeps growing, now 4,067 strong! Beloved member Jackie Yost turns 97 on March 19—cheers to her! The Gulf Beaches Historical Museum has fun on the horizon, from a Sunset Voyage (March 22) to a Pass-a-Grille tour (April 19). Over in St. Pete Beach, The Wharf is keeping it fresh with live music & seafood galore, and Malio’s Beach House is now open. Lots to love this spring!
Find more local tidbits in our March issue or at https://www.paradisenewsfl.com/tidbits-march-2025/.
Elevate Florida Workshops this March in Pinellas County
The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) has planned a series of events for the Elevate Florida program to protect homes and communities by reducing damage caused by natural disasters like hurricanes and floods.
These events aim to inform property owners about the program and provide application assistance to those that have not started an application or who need help with an existing application. Learn more at www.paradisenewsfl.com/elevate-florida-workshops-march//.
18th Annual Pinellas Pepper Fest Brings the Heat this April
Get ready for a flavor explosion during the 18th annual Pinellas Pepper Fest on Saturday, April 12 and Sunday, April 13 from 10 am to 5 pm at England Brothers Park. England Brothers Park is located at 5010 Dave McKay Way in Pinellas Park. Both admission and parking are free.
The 18th Anniversary of Pinellas Pepper Fest will be HOTTER than ever before. This hot n’ spicy food show is painfully delicious, big in flavor and cooked up to be one of the hottest events of the season. The festival of flavorful explosion includes specialty exhibitors and Food Trucks that will tantalize your taste buds with special dishes and desserts, fiery sauces, salsas, rubs and more. The event will also feature hundreds of samples, from mild to wild, will set your taste buds on fire in the best way possible. The live music will sizzle your soul while you explore pepper plants, local arts and crafts, gadgets and kitchenware.
Learn more at https://www.paradisenewsfl.com/2025-pinellas-pepper-fest/.
The Grouper-NEW Shuttle from PIE to Clearwater Beach
The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) launched the Grouper, a brand new, on-demand shuttle service connecting St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) to anywhere on Clearwater Beach, including Sand Key hotels, Sheraton, and Marriott.
As beachside businesses recover from back-to-back Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the Grouper offers a convenient and affordable way to make tourists’ trips to Tampa Bay even easier, as they arrive to support our economy and depart with fantastic memories.
Priced at just $8 for one person, $20 for a group of 2-4, or $30 for a group of 5-8, a trip on the Grouper typically costs much less than many other ride options—at peak times, a one-way ride on other rideshare services can top $115. Plus, the Grouper is staffed by professional drivers in dedicated vehicles that can handle up to nine passengers, luggage, and wheelchairs. The Grouper will also book taxis at the same rates when shuttles are fully booked. Learn more at https://www.paradisenewsfl.com/catch-the-grouper/.
Volunteers Needed for the 2025 John’s Pass Seafood Fest
The City of Madeira Beach and the Rotary Club of Gulf Beaches present the 43rd Annual John’s Pass Seafood Festival. This much anticipated annual celebration returns to John’s Pass Village on March 28-30, 2025. We need volunteers to serve in the beer/alcohol tents. No experience necessary but you must be at least 21 years old. Learn more at https://www.paradisenewsfl.com/volunteers-2025-johns-pass-seafood-festival/.
Get Your Local Business Noticed in Paradise News!
Reach snowbirds and locals in Paradise News this fall! Snowbird season & holiday issues of Paradise NEWS are read by 100,000 locals and visitors online and in print. Deadline for ads & advertorials in our October issue is September 10th. To place your ad, contact PETER ROOS by email at sales@ParadiseNewsFL.com or call 727.363.6888!
NEW TIDBITS:
- The March Issue is NOW online. Read it here.
- Stay updated on March 2025 events, festivals, concerts, and local news in St. Pete and Pinellas County in our tidbits from the March 2025 issue. Find them online now at https://www.paradisenewsfl.com/tidbits-march-2025/.
- The Town of Indian Shores and Keep Pinellas Beautiful are joining forces to host a 2025 Great American cleanup on Saturday, April 5th. This event is free and open to all, so gather your friends and join us! CLICK HERE to register.
- Tampa Bay Watch needs helping hands to help build oyster reef balls in March! Join Tampa Bay Watch on one (or more!) of the following dates to mix concrete, assemble molds, and create vital habitats for future living shoreline projects. More oysters mean a cleaner Tampa Bay! Volunteer dates are March 11th, 13th, 18th & 25th 9 AM – 12 PM at their location in Tierra Verde. Register online at https://tampabaywatch.org/calendar/volunteer-calendar/.
- Get ready to declutter and discover treasures! The Gulfport City-Wide Yard Sale is scheduled for March 8th and registration is now open for sellers! Whether you’re cleaning out your attic or hunting for hidden gems, this event is the perfect opportunity to connect with the community. Don’t wait, sign up by the deadline, Friday, February 28, 2025 at 3 p.m., and be part of this fun, city-wide event! Sign up now at https://mygulfport.us/gulfport-city-wide-yard-sale/.
- Join The Dalí Museum for their 12th annual Los Vinos de Dalí, a spectacular evening of art, flavor and philanthropy, on April 26th 7-10pm. Stroll through The Dalí while savoring exquisite wines from around the world, perfectly paired with signature bites from top local restaurants. Immerse yourself in live music and surreal entertainment, all while enjoying exclusive gallery access with the iconic masterpieces of Salvador Dalí. Get your tickets now at https://thedali.org/event/los-vinos-de-dali-2025/.
- 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 November. 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:
- St. Petersburg Opera’s A Little Night Music– March 7, 9, 11 INFO
- St. Pete CommUNITY Festival- March 8 INFO
- Gulfport Nautical Flea Market- March 8 INFO
- Gulfport Permit Free City-Wide Yard Sale- March 8 INFO
- Awakening in the Sun Festival- March 8-9 INFO
- St. Pete Fine Art Show by Hot Works– March 8-9 INFO
- Back to the Beach: Sand & Kites & Coastal Delights- March 8-9 INFO
- KPB’s Spring PedalPub Friend-raiser- March 9 INFO
- Reggae Rise Up Music Festival- March 13-16 INFO
- SPB Spring Concert Series Bob Segar Tribute Band- March 14 INFO
- Paddy Fest St. Pete- March 15 INFO
- St. Patricks Day Bar Crawl in St. Pete- March 15-16 INFO
- PGA Valspar Championship- March 17-23 INFO
- Gulfport Art in the Yard- March 22nd REGISTER
- Rays 2025 Season Opener- March 28 TICKETS
- John’s Pass Seafood Festival- March 28-30 INFO
FIND EVENT MORE SPRING EVENTS AT https://www.paradisenewsfl.com/spring-2025/
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.
- Coyotes call Pinellas County home too! CLICK HERE for safety tips for you & your pets.
- The MICHELIN Guide expands to include St. Pete/Clearwater in 2025! The MICHELIN Guide announced it will expand its selection in Florida with three new destinations in 2025, including St. Pete-Clearwater. The inclusion of St. Pete-Clearwater as a destination partner of the MICHELIN Guide Florida 2025 provides another level of attention to the destination – home of America’s Favorite Beaches – and provides a spotlight on the wide range of dining options from local fish shacks to fine dining. Learn more at https://www.paradisenewsfl.com/st-pete-clearwater-joins-michelin-guide-florida/.
- CASA Pinellas is hosting One Night in Paris, an exclusive, black-tie event with limited seating, on March 29th at the Museum of the American Arts & Crafts Movement. Contact Tim Murphy at TMurphy@CASAPinellas.org or 516.805.8873 today to secure your ticket or sponsorship to the City of Lights.
- Want to make your mark on South Pasadena? Consider sponsoring a Sun Bench! For a one-time cost of $400, a personalized plaque will be added to the available bench of your choosing. For more information, visit: www.mysouthpasadena.com/community/sun_benches.php.
- The Gulfport Tuesday Fresh Market welcomes visitors & locals every Tuesday to Gulfport’s historic Waterfront District 9 am to 3pm. Learn more at https://www.paradisenewsfl.com/gulfport-market-expands-hours/.
- Explore more than 50 deals and discounts with Visit St. Pete/Clearwater’s new FREE FunShine Savings Passport, featuring museums, attractions, tours, local restaurants and shops. Click here to learn more.
- 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.
- Connect with the City of Gulfport through their app! CLICK HERE to learn more and download it.
- The City of St. Pete Beach is now using See Click Fix for residents to submit issues to the city. Click here to learn more.
Aug/Sept Issue
