45th Annual John’s Pass Seafood Festival
The 45th Annual John’s Pass Seafood Festival returns October 23-25, bringing together fresh Gulf seafood, live music, family-friendly Halloween festivities, and the popular Gather for Grouper kickoff event for one of Madeira Beach’s signature waterfront weekends.
Learn more at https://www.paradisenewsfl.com/45th-annual-johns-pass-seafood-festival/.
St. Pete Beach Flood Resiliency Workshop
St. Pete Beach residents in the Don CeSar, Belle Vista, Lido and Boca Ciega Isle neighborhoods are invited to a flood resiliency workshop Thursday, November 5, from 6–7:30pm at the St. Pete Beach Community Center, 7701 Boca Ciega Drive. City officials and project planners will share preliminary flood-risk findings and discuss potential ways to reduce flooding and prepare neighborhoods for future challenges. Residents can ask questions and offer feedback to help shape the project. To submit comments ahead of the meeting, email info@ResilientStPeteBeach.com by October 29 or use the interactive map at https://resilientstpetebeach.com.
Savor the Bay Chef Series at LUMA
Food lovers can enjoy a four-course Mediterranean and Gulf Coast-inspired dinner at LUMA at SkyBeach Resort on Thursday, October 22, from 7–10pm. Chef Ryan Van Dusen’s menu features fresh coastal ingredients, including seafood, handmade potato gnocchi, slow-braised lamb and blueberry tiramisu. Tickets are $65 per person, with optional wine pairings for $30. Vegetarian options are available with advance selection. This 21-and-older dining experience is part of the SAVOR the Bay Chef Series. Details and tickets at https://www.lumastpete.com/events/savor-the-bay/.
VSPC Launches Art Everywhere Campaign this Fall
Newly launched, to help guide visitors through more than 50 art experiences, the Art Everywhere mobile passport is now available for visitors to download and start making plans to chart their own artistic discoveries around the destination. During the month of November and through the first week of December, creative minds will blanket St. Pete-Clearwater with a variety of dynamic cultural offerings, such as music festivals, art shows, hands-on public art projects, film and theater premieres, literary events, and dance showcases at area beaches, parks, museums and galleries, theaters, local attractions, and more. Art Everywhere is a partnership amongst Visit St. Pete-Clearwater, Creative Pinellas, St. Petersburg Arts Alliance and Clearwater Arts Alliance.
Learn more at https://www.paradisenewsfl.com/art-everywhere/.
October Tidbits from the Issue
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/.
NEW TIDBITS:
- The October Issue is online. Read it here.
- The Morean Center for Clay in St. Petersburg will celebrate two new exhibitions with an opening reception on Saturday, November 14, at 420 22nd St. S. A Mug-Nificent Time of the Year features handmade ceramic mugs by Morean members, while Subtlety showcases the contrasting sculptural and functional works of artists-in-residence Dani Lewis and Lily Denhoff. Together, the exhibitions explore the creativity of clay, from everyday objects to expressive forms. Learn more at https://moreanartscenter.org/morean-arts-center-location/upcoming-exhibits/.
- Enjoy live music and a New Orleans-inspired brunch at Sober Bar & Kitchen in Gulfport every Sunday from 10am–1pm. The Western Gypsies play gypsy jazz, blues and bossa nova while the menu features beignets, chicory café au lait and crawfish eggs Benedict. All drinks are alcohol-free, including handcrafted cocktails, specialty coffee and kombucha. Admission is free at 3062 Beach Blvd. S. Reserve at https://www.sipsoberbar.com or call (813) 586-1660.
- Ferg’s Pavilion is proud to announce that SEVENDUST, one of the most enduring and respected bands in modern hard rock, will perform live at Ferg’s Pavilion in Downtown St. Petersburg on Tuesday, December 29th. Learn more about Ferg’s Fall Music Lineup at https://www.paradisenewsfl.com/sevendust-coming-to-fergs-pavilion/.
- New 727 Airport Express Connects St. Pete to TPA. Getting between downtown St. Petersburg and Tampa International Airport just got easier. The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority has launched the 727 Airport Express, its first premium express service connecting the two destinations. Learn more at https://www.paradisenewsfl.com/new-727-service/.
- A beloved holiday tradition returns to the Florida Botanical Gardens November 27 through January 3, as Holiday Lights in the Gardens transforms the 100-acre property into a winter wonderland. Visitors can stroll among more than one million twinkling lights, laser projections and festive displays, with live entertainment each night and holiday treats available. Find details at https://flbgfoundation.org/holiday-lights.
- 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
- 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
- Relics & Lore: A Radley Experience at FloridaRAMA- October 3- November 2 INFO
- Putt the Pier: Fall Pumpkin Edition- October 8-25 INFO
- Pumpkin Patch at the St. Pete Pier- October 9-25 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
- TFO Pops in the Park at Vinoy Park- 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
- SHINE Mural Festival- November 6-15 INFO
- freeFall Theatre Presents: The Da Vinci Code- November 6- December 6 INFO
- Gulfport’s Art in the Yard- November 7 INFO
- St. Pete Reads! Lit Fest 2026- November 7 INFO
- Masquerade in Motion: A Community Celebration at the MFA- 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
- Pirates, Parrots & Paradise Festival at Coachman Park- November 7-8 INFO
- Ar Harvest in Dunedin- November 7-8 INFO
- SAVOR St. Pete Food + Wine Festival- November 7-8 INFO
- Tarpon Springs Seafood 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
- Native American Heritage Month Celebration at the James Museum- 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
- Fin Fest St. Pete Ocean Conservation & Music Fest- November 13-15 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
- The Sugar Plum Tea- November 22 INFO
- The Coffee Pot Turkey Trot- November 26 INFO
- Acieva Clearwater Turkey Trot- November 26 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
- Christmas at DK Farms- November 28- December 28 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.
