Weekly Tidbits, May 7, 2026

NEW TIDBITS:

• The May Issue is NOW online. Read it here.
• Peter Roos updates you monthly on what is happening on Pinellas County beaches and in St. Petersburg. Check out our April Tidbits at https://www.paradisenewsfl.com/tidbits-may-2026/.
• Pinellas County records highest-ever hotel bed tax collections to start 2026. Pinellas County is off to a strong start in 2026 with record-breaking Tourist Development Tax collections in both January and February—the highest ever for those months. Fueled by continued visitor demand, these milestones highlight the strength of the St. Pete-Clearwater destination and its growing appeal. January brought in over $8.3M, while February surged past $10.8M, marking a significant year-over-year increase and setting the tone for another standout year in local tourism. Information courtesy of Visit St. Pete-Clearwater.
• 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:

• 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 CANCELLED Next date 10/17
• 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
• Free Symphony by the Sea at The Baycare Sound- June 6 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 May 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.
• St. Petersburg City Theatre is marking a major milestone with All Together Now!, a special benefit concert honoring 100 years of community theatre while raising funds for future renovations following Hurricane Milton. Auditions take place May 17–18 at 7pm, with performances set for July 30 through August 2—bringing together local talent to celebrate a century of storytelling on stage. Learn more and get tickets at https://spcitytheatre.org/.
• Lace up for the 12th Annual Madeira Beach Sunset 5K on Friday, June 26th, and race along the shoreline as the sun dips over the Gulf. Starting and ending at John’s Pass Park, this chip-timed beach run welcomes runners, joggers, and walkers for a scenic and fun evening event. Registration is limited to 350 participants and includes a race-themed beach towel or socks, finisher medal, and access to a post-race party! $40+. Register at https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/MadeiraBeach/MadeiraBeach5KSunsetSeries.
• Get ready for a night of laughs with a nature-loving twist at this interactive comedy-hypnosis show featuring award-winning hypnotist Denise Oatley Hall. Taking the stage June 25 at the Pinellas Park Performing Arts Center, this unique experience blends audience participation, humor, and a feel-good message about reconnecting with the natural world. Tickets are $35 and include a drink. CLICK HERE to get tickets now.
• 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/.
• 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 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.

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