By Peter Roos
REMEMBER WHEN
Preserve The Burg has launched a new PlaceMattersSP: A Community Lecture Series, in partnership with USF’s Nelson Poynter Memorial Library. Our expert speakers will highlight the places, people and stories that define St. Pete’s past and future. 3/22@ 7pm “St. Pete Below the Surface: Archaeology in our City Parks” with Dr. Rachael Kangas and 4/25 @6pm “Shine On: Street Art and Urban Revitalization” with Dr. Elizabeth Strom and Jenee Priebe.
TPA UPDATES
Vacay in San Diego and Puerto Rico just got easier. On Oct. 5, Alaska Airlines will begin nonstop service this fall between TPA and San Diego (SAN), while Frontier Airlines is helping expand routes between Tampa to Puerto Rico with nonstop flights to Aguadilla (BQN) this spring. TPA also has a tick list of upgrades including moving walkways in the Long-Term Parking Garage and demolishing the outdated Monorail in the Long- and Short-Term garages, adding 500 new spots. To help address rising costs, there will be a parking rate adjustment for TPA’s Economy Parking Garage beginning April 4. The maximum daily rate for Economy parking will go up by $2, increasing the total for 24 hours of parking there from $12 to $14. Hourly rates will not be affected.
FLORIDA NEWS
Thanks to Gov. DeSantis, Florida health officials will accept applications for 22 medical marijuana licenses in late April. An emergency rule about the licenses generated an immediate buzz in the cannabis industry, as the number of licenses in the state will double. The rule came more than six years after Florida voters approved a constitutional amendment broadly authorizing medical marijuana and after lawmakers in 2017 approved a framework for the industry. Gov. Ron DeSantis rolled out a health care budget proposal that would pump hundreds of millions of dollars to increase payments for treatment of complex maternal and pediatric care, as well as supply innovative cancer care and research. DeSantis’ suggested spending plan for the fiscal year 2023-2024 directs $47.5 billion to the state’s six health and human services (HHS) related agencies. Also, it includes increases for community mental health providers, Alzheimer’s research, and providers working with young children with developmental or intellectual disabilities.
The Florida Small Business Development Center Network at Pinellas County offers business training, consulting, referrals and resources. Learn to start a business 3/7, 4/4, 5/2 and 6/6 or to write a business plan 4/18. Workshops fill quickly; register in advance at www.PCED.org/sbdc. Pinellas County Economic Development works tirelessly to support business owners. From the robust manufacturing base and flourishing tech sector, to record low unemployment rates, this past year, as One Pinellas County, they helped deliver a business-friendly environment, assistance with business growth, new manufacturing space and good jobs.
THE FUN ZONE
History Channel’s show Pawn Stars will film in Tampa, St. Petersburg and 13 other cities in the second season of Pawn Stars Do America. Cardio Sport St. Pete takes its popular workouts to the St. Pete Pier on the second Sunday of each month at 9:30am at Family Park at The Pier; register for the free pump!
COMMUNITY LEADERS
The Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce held their 2023 Annual Meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 8. They thanked their outgoing board, welcomed the new 2023 board of directors, and handed out their annual awards.
Business of the Year was Sunshine Scenic Tours. Husband and wife, Dustin and Renee O’Neal, have worked together for 14 years and purchased Sunshine Scenic Tours in 2019 and are owners of Royal Conquest Pirate Ship, the Dolphin Quest and the Shark Boat. Dustin and Renee work to stay involved in growing tourism in their communities through creative projects and the promotion of Final Fridays in John’s Pass. Community Hero was Sarah Laracuente, Sail Market Boutique & Gallery. A small business owner that works to support local artists and fellow small business owners all while donating a portion of the proceeds to a personal mission. Sarah takes 10% of those sales and donates to St. Vincent de Paul Cares, a solutions-based nonprofit aimed at ending homelessness.
RAYS THROWBACK
The Tampa Bay Rays will celebrate the team’s 25th anniversary season with a 25th Anniversary jersey patch, regular use of the throwback Devil Rays uniform which they will wear Opening Day and all Friday home games, the establishment of the Rays Hall of Fame and more. The Rays Hall of Fame will celebrate the former players, managers, coaches, broadcasters, and executives who made exemplary contributions to the franchise. The Rays Hall of Fame will induct an inaugural class of Don Zimmer (Sunday, April 2, vs. Detroit Tigers), Wade Boggs (Sunday, July 9, vs. Atlanta Braves) and Carl Crawford (Saturday, Aug. 26, vs. New York Yankees). Each date will include pregame ceremonies and a special giveaway for fans, namely a Don Zimmer Zim Bear Bobblehead, a Wade Boggs Can and a Carl Crawford Mystery Bobblehead. Visit www.RaysBaseball.com.
ECO WARRIOR Pinellas County Commissioner Charlie Justice was recognized by Keep Pinellas Beautiful as their “Outstanding Environmental Civil Servant” at the organization’s annual luncheon in February.
Justice has helped enact policy to protect the Tampa Bay estuary system and was the catalyst behind the formation of the Stormwater/Wastewater Partnership which includes Pinellas County staff as well as elected officials and city staff from the 24 municipalities, working together to improve our infrastructure, and teaming up for the occasion of a catastrophic storm or wastewater event.
Commissioner Justice continues to champion environmental service through his work on the Tampa Bay Estuary Program where he has served as chairman of the board.
BIZ BITES A national urgent care clinic dedicated to pets will expand its footprint in the Tampa Bay area with a new location in St. Petersburg. UrgentVet opened in the Tyrone area in mid-February (1470 66th St. N) and is the company’s 31st clinic nationwide and its 12th in Florida. It’s an affordable alternative to vet ER open on holidays, weekends, and after-hours.
The Sunshine State is on the cusp of a recession according to Sean Snaith, an economist, and director of the University of Central Florida’s Institute for Economic Forecasting. Canadian snowbirds have resumed their travels to hot and sunny locales like Florida, but they’re worried they may not be able to afford such a lifestyle for much longer.
ST. PETE BEACH
Rainy season is fast approaching, and the city of St. Pete Beach announced a new Adopt-A-Drain program. St. Pete Beach is partnering with residents to help make sure storm drains are free of debris. This improves the ability of the drain to move stormwater and protects our wildlife as well as overall water quality. To participate in the city of St. Pete Beach Adopt-a-Drain program, read the program information, watch a training video and learn more: www.stpetebeach.org/724/Adopt-A-DrainOn Feb. 23, the city of St. Pete Beach invited the community to provide input on its visioning study for complete streets and multimodal transportation in the Downtown Corey area.
BAY AREA RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL Get thee to Camelot on Saturdays and Sunday through April 2 (10am-6pm rain or shine) with 60,000 of your cosplay pals. More than 1,000 local businesses and organizations participate in this popular Tampa Bay Festival, which moved to Dade City three years ago.
Step back in time – the 16th Century, in fact – for the adventure, excitement and spirit of the Renaissance! Thrill to the exploits of jousting knights on thundering steeds. Roam the village shoppes for unique crafts as artisans demonstrate period skills like blacksmithing and woodworking. Delight in comedy, music, magic, and more on nine stages of non-stop entertainment! Delight in the food and drink (unicorn cake, corn dogs, turkey legs). New this year is a Petting Zoo, Children’s Realm and for adults, a Swordmaster Challenge.
Every weekend has a different theme. Enjoy Wine, Chocolate & Romance March 4-5, Viking Invasion March 11-12, Shamrock & Shenanigans March 18-19, Once Upon A Time March 25-26 in magical Fittlesworth with princesses, princes, faeries, elves and fantastical inhabitants and High Seas Adventures April 1-2. Children under 4 and parking are free. www.bayarearenfest.com 12838 Auton Road, Dade City. P.S. Hop over for the 2023 Bay Area Kegs N Eggs April 8 11am-5pm at the same location.
TIERRA VERDE Paradise just got more famous. Tierra Verde was named the No. 5 most trending destination in the United States in 2023 by Trip Advisor in its latest ranking of places soon to be “hot spots.” Home to Shell Key, Fort De Soto Park (seen here), The Island Grille and Raw Bar, Vista at the Top cocktail lounge, Billy’s Crab Shack and million-dollar homes, the island community is a spot behind scenic but pricey Sonoma, Calif. From fishing to kayaking, this outdoor sports mecca and laid-back neighborhood earned this well-deserved accolade.
