Weekly Tidbits September 17, 2026

NEW TIDBITS:

• The August/September Issue is online. Read it here.
• 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.
• The St. Petersburg Opera Guild kicks off its 2026-27 season on Friday, September 25, from 11 a.m.–2 p.m. with a luncheon featuring mezzo-soprano Jacqueline Pileckas at Oakhurst United Methodist Church in Seminole. Tickets are $40 and include a full buffet lunch. The Guild supports opera, arts education, and youth programs throughout Tampa Bay. Reservations and membership information: www.stpeteoperaguild.org
• 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/
• 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
• Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean In Concert at The Mahaffey- September 18 & 19 INFO
• ARTS ALIVE Free Museum Day- September 19 INFO
• Living Shoreline & Restoration with TBW at Gulfport Library- September 24 INFO
• Pinellas Beaches Chamber Celebrates Pinellas- September 24 INFO
• Eliza Neals Brings Electrifying Blues-Rock to Gulfport- September 25 INFO
• Oktoberfest Hosted by Crooked Thumb Brewery- September 25-26 INFO
• Oktoberfest Pinellas at the German-American Society- Sept 25-26, October 2-3 & 9-10 INFO
• Treasure Your Health – Lealman Exchange- September 26 INFO
• 19th Annual Superhero Fun Walk- September 26 INFO
• Latin Night at Clearwater Marine Aquarium- September 26 INFO
• Nan Colton as Georgia O’Keeffe- September 27 TICKETS
• Art & Nature Sunset Tours with the MFA & Tampa Bay Watch- September 27 TICKETS
• Biodiversity Lecture: The Kite & the Snail at Stetson- September 29 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.
• $16.5 Million Grant to Bring New Ferry to Tampa Bay — The Federal Transit Administration has awarded PSTA $16.5 million to purchase a new vessel for the Tampa Bay Ferry service, adding capacity and strengthening connections between downtown St. Petersburg and Tampa. The new ferry is expected to arrive by 2029 or 2030, while the existing Bay Breeze and Bay Clipper undergo refurbishment. Learn more at https://www.paradisenewsfl.com/psta-awarded-federal-grant-for-ferry-service/.
• Biodiversity Lecture: The Kite & the Snail — Discover the surprising story of the Everglade snail kite during the Foreman Biodiversity Lecture on Tuesday, September 29, from noon to 1 p.m. at Stetson University College of Law’s Mann Lounge, 1401 61st St. S., Gulfport. Author and scientist Hilary Flower will share highlights from her Florida fieldwork and explore how the once-endangered bird adapted to an invasive species and changing habitats. Lunch will be served. Click here to register.
• 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 annual Art “Yard” Sale returns to the Morean Arts Center on Saturday, September 12, from 9–11 a.m., bringing local artists and colorful bargains together inside the gallery at 719 Central Ave. Browse artist booths and find original works ranging from $1 to $100—a fun chance to meet local artists and take home some affordable art. More info: https://moreanartscenter.org/art-yard-sale/
• 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 Madeira Beach invites residents and visitors to gather at Patriot Park on Friday, September 11, 2026, at 8:45 a.m. for the 25th annual 9/11 Day of Remembrance Ceremony as the community comes together to honor those lost, recognize first responders, and reflect on the enduring spirit of unity and resilience. Learn more at https://www.paradisenewsfl.com/madeira-beach-invites-community-to-9-11-day-of-remembrance-ceremony/
• 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.
• With drought conditions continuing and rainfall below average, the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) has extended its Modified Phase III Water Shortage Order through October 1. Reduced watering hours remain in effect from 12:01–4 a.m. or 8–11:59 p.m. to limit evaporation. For what exactly these shortages mean for your yard please CLICK HERE.
• Due to popular demand, The Art of Banksy has been extended through September 27 at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts, giving art lovers more time to experience this globally acclaimed exhibition. Featuring more than 160 authenticated works by Banksy, the exhibit includes iconic pieces like Girl with Balloon and Flower Thrower, along with rare works and never-before-seen pieces now on public display in the U.S. for the first time. Learn more: https://www.paradisenewsfl.com/banksy-at-the-straz/
• 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.

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