October Tidbits
October’s Tidbits are full of things Pinellas County residents need to know, from Taste of the Beaches and International Coastal Cleanup opportunities to early registration for Gulfport’s November events and December’s lighted boat parades. We also have important updates on the region’s extended “Extreme” Water Shortage Order, a chance to weigh in on Florida’s future hazard plan, and a special Veterans Day celebration honoring service and America’s 250th. Get the local news and updates you need to know in this month’s Tidbits at https://www.paradisenewsfl.com/tidbits-october-2026/.
Taste of the Beaches Returns October 3–11
Get ready to eat your way along the beaches during Taste of the Beaches, a nine-day culinary tour taking place October 3–11 at participating restaurants throughout the beach communities. Each $10 ticket is good for one featured Taste, giving locals and visitors a chance to sample specialty dishes while discovering new restaurants and supporting local businesses. Restaurant hours vary, so plan your stops accordingly. The fun gets started with a Kickoff Event on Friday, October 2, from 6–9pm at Horan Park in St. Pete Beach, featuring live music by Big Brother. Tickets must be purchased in advance and picked up at one of several participating locations. Get tickets at https://bit.ly/tob-2026
Madeira Beach Seeks Input on John’s Pass Improvements
Madeira Beach residents, business owners and community members can weigh in on proposed resiliency improvements to the John’s Pass Boardwalk during a public meeting Wednesday, October 7, at 2pm at Madeira Beach City Hall. Proposed work includes protecting boardwalk pilings, repairing structural supports and handrails, and replacing existing lighting with solar-powered systems designed to better withstand storms and marine exposure. The City plans to seek up to $200,000 in state grant funding for the project, and public feedback will be included in the application.
Learn more at https://www.paradisenewsfl.com/johns-pass-special-meeting-oct-2026/.
“Extreme” Water Shortage Order Extended
The Southwest Florida Water Management District has extended its “Extreme” Water Shortage Order for Pinellas County and surrounding areas through March 31, 2027. Despite summer storms, the region’s average 12-month rainfall remains 15.4 inches below normal, and local water levels remain very low. Pinellas County Utilities customers should check their watering days and reduced watering hours, which are now limited to 12:01–4 a.m. or 8–11:59 p.m. Violations can result in a $193 fine. See the complete watering schedule: https://www.paradisenewsfl.com/extreme-water-shortage-2026/
Pinellas Steps Up Mosquito Control as Dengue Cases Rise
Pinellas County has declared a State of Local Emergency as mosquito-borne dengue fever continues to spread in the Tampa Bay region. As of September 24, Pinellas has seven confirmed cases, while the region has 179 across Pinellas, Pasco and Hillsborough counties. The county has increased mosquito treatments, surveillance and door-to-door inspections, with crews helping residents identify and eliminate potential breeding areas. Residents can also help by dumping standing water, wearing long sleeves and using an insect repellent with a CDC-recommended ingredient such as DEET or Picaridin. View treatment areas and prevention information at Pinellas.gov/mosquito.
The Mattering Effect Book Launch Comes to St. Pete
St. Petersburg will host the launch celebration for The Mattering Effect: Creating a Life of Meaning and Work on Tuesday, October 6, at the St. Petersburg Museum of History. The evening begins at 6pm with drinks and light bites, followed by a live conversation with author and Emmy Award-winning FOX13 Tampa Bay anchor Linda Hurtado-Figueredo, audience Q&A, reception and book signing. The discussion will explore what it means to truly feel seen & the role of “mattering” in our personal & professional lives. Tombolo Books will have copies available to buy. Space is limited; RSVP at https://lnkd.in/ePq_AEUA.
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 August/September Issue is online. Read it here.
- American Stage’s A Night With Janis Joplin runs through October 11th. Written by Randy Johnson and directed by Celine Rosenthal, the musical celebrates the legendary Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll and the powerful women who influenced her, including Aretha Franklin, Etta James, Odetta, Nina Simone and Bessie Smith. Recommended for ages 13+. Get tickets at https://www.americanstage.org/shows/janis.
- The City of Seminole Recreation Department is wrapping up pool season with its annual Pooch Pool Party on Saturday, October 3. Presented by FLUFF Animal Rescue, the event gives dogs a chance to swim, play and socialize while enjoying treats and toys on the pool deck. Sorry, humans—the pool is reserved for the pups! Learn more at https://www.myseminole.com/165/Recreation.
- Explore the Sunshine City on foot with the St. Petersburg Museum of History’s guided walking tour on Saturday, October 3. Starting at the Museum of History, the tour winds through downtown St. Pete, with stories of local landmarks and the city’s evolution from Central Avenue and City Hall to Straub Park and Maas Brothers’ Sunshine Corner. Comfortable shoes, water and sun protection are recommended. For details and tour times, visit http://historystpete.org/events.
- 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:
- International Coast Cleanup- Various Dates in September & October INFO
- Gulfport Night Market- 1st Friday & 3rd Saturday Monthly INFO
- Sip & Stroll on Corey Avenue in St. Pete Beach- Last Friday Monthly INFO
- Al Downing Jazz Youth Jazz Jam- Last Saturday Monthly INFO
- Oktoberfest Pinellas at the German-American Society- October 2-3 & 9-10 INFO
- St. Pete Beach October Concert Series- Fridays in October INFO
- Fearville at DK Farms- Friday & Saturday Nights in October INFO
- Fall Fest at DK Farms- Saturdays & Sundays in October INFO
- Stroll Epic Halloween Decor in Old Northeast Neighborhood- Nightly in October INFO
- Clearwater’s Fall Y’all Festival at Coachman Park- October 3 INFO
- SPMOH St. Pete Walking Tour- October 3 TICKETS
- Seminole Pooch Party- October 3 INFO
- Gulfport Community 5K Run/Walk- October 3 INFO
- PIERTOBERFEST- October 3 INFO
- Fall Corey Avenue Craft Festival- October 3-4 INFO
- Taste of the Beaches- October 3-11 INFO
- Relics & Lore: A Radley Experience at FloridaRAMA- October 3- November 2 INFO
- Putt the Pier: Fall Pumpkin Edition- October 8-25 INFO
- Monsters & Makers Market at Imagine Museum- October 9 INFO
- Pumpkin Patch at the St. Pete Pier- October 9-25 INFO
- Oktoberfest on Indian Rocks Beach- October 10 INFO
- The Great Glass & Clay Pumpkin Patch- October 10 INFO
- Nature Journaling with Alyssa Vinson at Florida Botanical Gardens- October 10 INFO
- St. Pete Pier Fall Fest- October 10-11 INFO
- Island Fest at Honeymoon Island- October 10-11 INFO
- Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks Fall Craft Art Festival- October 10-11 INFO
- Peace Concert -The Bay String Quartet- Classics to Pops- October 11 INFO
- Morean October Art Camp- October 12 INFO
- Fourth Annual Clearwater Jazz Holiday- October 15-18 INFO
- Our Lady of Lourdes Fall Festival- October 15-18 INFO
- Gulfport Millennium Time Capsule Unearthing & Community Luminary Labyrinth Walk- October 16 INFO
- WMNF Halloween Ball- October 16 INFO
- Jason Ricci & The Bad Kind: New Orleans Style Blues, Rock & Jazz- October 21 TICKETS
- Treasure Island Halloween Spooktacular- October 23 INFO
- John’s Pass Seafood Festival- October 23-25 INFO
- St. Pete Opera’s The Medium/Stories from the Other Side- October 23 to November 1 TICKETS
- Hearts for the Arts: Back to Broadway is the 30th Anniversary Gala- October 24 INFO
- Annual Pumpkin Fest at Florida Botanical Gardens- October 24 INFO
- St. Pete Boos & Booze Halloween Bar Crawl- October 24 INFO
- Old Southeast Artist Enclave Studio Tour- October 24 INFO
- Run for All Children- October 24 INFO
- Out of the Darkness Walk at Vinoy Park- October 24 INFO
- Suneos de Dali- October 24 INFO
- Halloween On Central- October 25 INFO
- Treasure Island Barktoberfest- October 25 INFO
- Art & Nature Sunset Tours with the MFA & Tampa Bay Watch- October 25 INFO
- The Salvation Army Trunk or Treat Fall Festival- October 27 INFO
- St. Pete Beach Trick-or-Treat Trail & Pumpkin Carving- October 29 INFO
- Improv Sandwich: Aliens at the Hickman- October 30 TICKETS
- STrange PETERSBURG Halloween Film Festival- October 30 INFO
- American Stage Presents: Meteor Shower by Steve Martin- November 4-22 TICKETS
- Dalí Disruption + Devotion Exhibit: Opening Celebration- November 6 INFO
- Dunedin’s Premier Art Weekend- November 6-8 INFO
- Gulfport’s Art in the Yard- November 7 INFO
- Steeped in Sunshine: A Day of Florida-centric Art & Experiences- November 7 INFO
- St. Pete Reads! Lit Fest 2026- November 7 INFO
- Ar Harvest in Dunedin- November 7-8 INFO
- SAVOR St. Pete Food + Wine Festival- November 7-8 INFO
- Heroes Weekend Veterans Parade in Gulfport- November 8 INFO
- Christmas Under the Oaks Holiday Market & Craft Show- November 8 INFO
- RISE: The Rock Musical at Florida Holocaust Museum- November 8 INFO
- Salute to Service – A Celebration of Service & America’s 250th in SPB- November 8 INFO
- Pinellas County Theatre Week- November 9-22 INFO
- Mannheim Steamroller Christmas Show at The Mahaffey- November 11 TICKETS
- Fall King of the Beach Kingfish Tournament- November 12-14 INFO
- St. Pete Run Fest- November 13-15 INFO
- Permit Free – Gulfport’s City-Wide Yard Sale- November 14 INFO
- FloridaRAMA Fest: 5th Anniversary Celebration- November 14 INFO
- Clearwater World Music Heritage Festival- November 14 INFO
- St Pete Fools Charity Ride- November 14 INFO
- Florida West Coast Orchid Society Member Plant Sale at Florida Botanical Gardens- November 14 INFO
- Vettes for Vets at Horan Park- November 14 INFO
- St. Pete BikeFest- November 19-22 INFO
- Sanding Ovations Master Cup- November 19-22, 28-29 INFO
- A Magical Cirque Christmas Show at The Mahaffey- November 20 INFO
- Candlelight & Strings: A Coastal Arts Weekend in Dunedin- November 20-21 INFO
- St. Pete Country Fest- November 20-22 INFO
- Suncoast Jazz Festival- November 20-22 INFO
- Enchant Christmas at The Trop- November 20- December 27 INFO
- Dunedin Celtic Music & Craft Beer Festival- November 21 INFO
- The Early Elf Art Market in Tarpon Springs- November 21-22 INFO
- Holiday Lights & Carnival Rides in Largo Central Park- November 26- December 27 INFO
- Holiday Lights in the Gardens at Florida Botanical Gardens- November 27- January 2 INFO
- Shopapalooza Festival- November 28-29 INFO
- Art & Nature Sunset Tours with the MFA & Tampa Bay Watch- November 29 INFO
- St. Pete Beach Holly Jolly Christmas Trolley- December 9 INFO
- South Pasadena Holiday Lighted Boat Parade- December 11 INFO
- Merry Beach Market & Holiday Festival 2026- December 11 INFO
- Flamingo Float Returns to John’s Pass- December 12 INFO
- 60th Annual Madeira Beach Festival of Lights Holiday Boat Parade- December 12 INFO
- St. Pete Beach Breakfast With Santa- December 14 INFO
- St. Pete Beach Holiday Lighted Boat Parade- December 18 INFO
- Treasure Island Holiday Lighted Boat Parade- December 19 INFO
- Art & Nature Sunset Tours with the MFA & Tampa Bay Watch- December 27 TICKETS
REMINDERS
- The August/September 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.
- The Morean Arts Center will host a one-day art camp for kids on Monday, October 12, at 719 Central Ave. Campers will spend the day creating fall-themed crafts, making new friends and taking their artwork home. Bring a packed lunch, water bottle and snack. More info: moreanartscenter.org/camp/october-art-camp-2026/
- The Corey Avenue Art & Craft Festival returns to St. Pete Beach on Saturday, October 3 and Sunday, October 4, from 10 a.m.–5 p.m., turning the historic shopping district into a free, open-air gallery. Learn more at https://www.paradisenewsfl.com/fall-corey-craft-fest-2026/.
- The Al Downing Tampa Bay Jazz Association’s Youth Jazz Jam returns every last Saturday of the month at Pinellas Community Church. Open to elementary through high school musicians, the monthly jam pairs young players with experienced mentors for two hours of hands-on jazz. Sign up at https://www.aldowningjazz.com/events/youth-jazz-jam-2.
- The Ybor Arts Tour returns Thursday, October 15, from 4–9 p.m., with a free, self-guided walking tour showcasing visual art, live performances, and literary expression throughout historic Ybor City. The biannual event features galleries, performance spaces, and other venues, including Tempus Projects, Kress Contemporary, Florida Museum of Photographic Arts, and more. Explore the neighborhood’s creative side and discover the artists and spaces helping shape Ybor’s arts community. More info:
- The City of Seminole Recreation Department invites the community to enjoy its annual Music in the Park concert series, presented in part by McDermott Law Firm, P.A., on Fridays from September 11 through October 9 at Seminole City Park. Click here to learn more.
- 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. Interested in being part of it? Vendor applications are open now: https://link.orlo.us/u8a59
- 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.
