Sand is on the move! Pinellas County starts emergency Beach Nourishment Project
Sand placement started this week in Indian Shores as we work to restore beaches eroded by the 2024 hurricanes. Crews are working 24/7, one section at a time, placing 2.5M cubic yards of sand on most areas from Clearwater Beach to Upham Beach. Most of the beach will remain open during the work, but there will be occasional closures where work is actively happening. See the schedule & map at pinellas.gov/PCBeaches or text PCBEACHES to 888777 for project updates. Learn more about the project from our Public Works Director on Facebook, Instagram or the video below.
MOTE GRAND OPENING SET FOR OCTOBER 8TH
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium is proud to announce that the new Mote Science Education Aquarium (SEA) will officially open to the public on Wednesday, October 8, 2025. Learn more about how you can be among the first to experience Mote SEA at an exclusive grand opening event at https://mote.org/.
Celebrate Pinellas at Florida Botanical Gardens
Join local chambers of commerce on September 25th at Florida Botanical Gardens for an unforgettable evening of recognition, community, and celebration at Celebrate Pinellas — a collaborative event hosted by multiple chambers of commerce across Pinellas County. This inspiring gathering shines a spotlight on the strength, spirit, and resilience of our local businesses, entrepreneurs, and residents who continue to thrive, support one another, and shape a vibrant future for our region. Learn more at https://www.paradisenewsfl.com/celebrate-pinellas/.
Sponge Docks Craft Fest Returns October 11-12th
Craft vendors and enthusiasts get an early start on your holiday shopping and décor when the Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks Craft Festival returns Saturday, October 11-12th. Support local small businesses and explore pottery, crafts, handmade jewelry, artisan products and so much more atthe historic Sponge Docks of Tarpon Springs. This event is presented by The Tarpon Springs Merchant’s Association and produced by SIK Promotions, Inc. Discover the creativity and community and get ready for this upcoming holiday season while you shop the curated showcase of handmade arts and crafts, unique gifts, and artisan goods from regional and national makers. Learn more at https://www.paradisenewsfl.com/tarpon-springs-sponge-docks-craft-fest-2025/.
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 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/.
NEW TIDBITS:
- The August/September Issue is NOW online. Read it here.
- Find the tidbits from our August/September issue at https://www.paradisenewsfl.com/tidbits-as-2025/.
- The 35th Annual Suncoast Jazz Festival will return to Clearwater, Florida at the beach on Sand Key, November 21-23, 2025. Music fans can spend the day or check in for the entire weekend to enjoy live performances, a gala dinner and dancing, parasol parade and a Swing Dance party. Over 80 musicians will perform on three stages – day and night – inside the Sheraton Sand Key Resort, which sits directly on the Gulf. Learn more at https://www.paradisenewsfl.com/35th-annual-suncoast-jazz-fest/.
- Celebrate the 40th anniversary of the ICC with Keep Pinellas Beautiful (KPB) and the Ocean Conservancy by volunteering at one of KPB’s events from September 1st to October 31st! For more information or to host a cleanup during the ICC, contact Megan Jackson at mjackson@kpbcares.org. Last year, 4,943 volunteers removed 65,806 lbs. of litter at 357 community projects. Click here to register for an ICC Event.
- 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:
- Gulfport Night Market- First Friday & Third Saturday Every Month INFO
- Drop Dead Dangerous Beach Bash 3- September 25 INFO
- St. Pete Beach October Concert Series- Fridays in October INFO
- Pinellas County Wildflowers & Pollinators Festival- October 4 INFO
- Fall Fest Food Forest Benefit- October 4 INFO
- St. Pete Opera Broadway Cabaret- October 4 INFO
- Piertoberfest- October 4 INFO
- Mote Science Education Aquarium (SEA) Grand Opening- October 8 INFO
- St. Pete Pier Pumpkin Patch- October 10-19 INFO
- IRB Oktoberfest on the Beach- October 11 INFO
- Tarpon Springs Sponge Dock Craft Festival- October 11-12 INFO
- Peace Memorial Big Band Concert- October 12 INFO
- Movies On the Pier: A Minecraft Movie- October 17 INFO
- **NEW DATE** 727 Day Drone Show at the Pier- October 18 INFO
- Treasure Island Trick or Treat Trail- October 24 INFO
- Johns Pass Seafood Festival- October 24-26 INFO
- Pass-a-Grille Party Under the Lights- October 25
- Sueños de Dalí- October 25 INFO
- Night in Italy Gulfport– An Elegant Evening of Italian Dining and Live Music- October 25 INFO
- Treasure Island’s Barktoberfest- October 26 INFO
- Pass-a-Grille Halloween Golf Cart Parade- October 31
- Gulfport Halloween Bash- October 31 INFO
- Fall King of the Beach- November 6-8 INFO
- Spooky Night Blow: Performance Art Glass Blowing at Morean- November 8 INFO
- St. Pete Opera presents Pinocchio – The Musical- November 15 & 16, 22 & 23 INFO
- flavors of spain dinner featuring café gala- November 18 INFO
- Sanding Ovations- November 19-23 INFO
- Treasure Island Holiday Lighted Boat Parade- December 20 INFO
REMINDERS
- The August/September Issue is NOW online. Read it here.
- Reach snowbirds, locals & tourists in 2025 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 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 begun accepting resident registration for the Freebee ride service. As of 8/6/25 they have registered 159 residents for the service. To continue receiving the service free of charge, residents must pre-register in person at the Community Center. Residents can register at the St. Pete Beach Community Center year-round, so long as they register prior to taking their first FreeBee ride to avoid the $3.00 charge. Learn more at https://www.paradisenewsfl.com/st-pete-beach-freebee-faq/.
- LocalShops1 is offering more opportunities for businesses to be a part of this year’s Halloween on Central festival taking place Sunday, October 26 from noon to 5pm. The Voodoo Vendor Village is expanding from four blocks to five blocks which means more opportunities for creativity, shopping and for local businesses to take part in this spooky celebration. The Voodoo Vendor Village will cover Central Avenue between 16th and 21st streets, featuring local makers and small businesses, food trucks, candy stations and more. Learn more at https://www.paradisenewsfl.com/voodoo-vendor-village-expands/.
- The Fresh Market offers visitors the opportunity for a relaxing day trip in a small town full of “Old Florida” charms every Tuesday this summer 9am-2pm. The Gulfport Tuesday Fresh Market is open year-round. Parking in the village is free. Learn more at https://visitgulfportflorida.com/event/gulfport-fresh-market-2/.
- Stay up-to-date with the latest Pinellas County news by signing up for their new monthly newsletter- The Wave. From beach restoration to countywide road construction, The Wave will the most important news from Pinellas County Government to your inbox each month. Sign up now at https://pinellas.gov/the-wave.
- 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.
- Connect with the City of Gulfport through their app! CLICK HERE to learn more and download it.
- The City of St. Pete Beach is now using See Click Fix for residents to submit issues to the city. Click here to learn more.
