SEVENDUST is Coming to Ferg’s this December
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 29, 2026. For more than three decades, Sevendust has built a remarkable career by combining crushing guitars, powerful grooves, unmistakable vocals and an intensely loyal connection with its fans. Since forming in Atlanta in 1994, the band has sold nearly eight million albums, earned a GRAMMY Award nomination, placed three albums in the Top 15 of the Billboard 200 and generated hundreds of millions of streams worldwide. Learn more about Ferg’s Fall Music Lineup at https://www.paradisenewsfl.com/sevendust-coming-to-fergs-pavilion/.
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 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. Operating seven days a week from 5am to 11pm, the route makes nine stops throughout downtown St. Pete before heading to the airport via the Howard Frankland Bridge Express Lanes. Buses include luggage racks and connect with the SunRunner and the wider PSTA network.
Learn more at https://www.paradisenewsfl.com/new-727-service/.
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/.
Holiday Lights in the Garden Returns Next Month
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. Proceeds support garden maintenance, horticulture, children’s education and year-round programming. Find details at https://flbgfoundation.org/holiday-lights.
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
- 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.
