ELECTIONS
The March 14th city elections resulted in some unexpected results, especially in the St. Pete Beach mayor’s race where Alan Johnson was defeated by challenger Adrian Petrila, denying him a third term. In Indian Rocks Beach, Vice Mayor Denise Houseberg was re-elected and newcomer Lan Vaughan joins the Commission. In Indian Shores, newcomer Ellen Bauer finished first and voters re-elected Michael Petruccelli. In Madeira Beach, Jim Rostek beat current vice-mayor Doug Andrews to replace John Hendricks. Redington Shores elected Lisa Hendrickson and in Treasure Island, voters re-elected District 1 City Commissioner Deborah Lynn “Deb” Toth. In Gulfport, Council Member Ward 2, Christine Anne Brown was elected and in Ward 4, Ian O’Hara. Congrats to all winners and losers for their participation in civic affairs and making sure our neighborhoods have good leadership.
MOTHER NATURE NEWS
According to Florida Trend, the Everglades predators are making their way north into Ft. Myers and West Palm Beach. A study from the U.S. Geological Survey called the state’s python problem “one of the most intractable invasive-species management issues across the globe.” On a happier note, the winter’s warmer temperatures are a bonus for tomatoes, best found at local farmer markets.
DTSP MILESTONES
The city of St. Pete landscape continues to rise this winter according to Mayor Ken Welch’s newsletter. The last structural beam was placed atop The Moxy Hotel in late January. The hotel, located at 1234 Central Ave., will connect Central Avenue to the Historic Gas Plant site. Mayor Welch signed the last structural beam in late January, marking the final step in the vertical construction of the ARK Innovation Center, located at 1101 4th St. S. It is expected to open in July. The Maritime and Defense Technology Hub celebrated its one-year anniversary in February and is managed by the St. Pete Innovation District. In the Warehouse District, furniture manufacturing company Haddy is now open. This innovative business utilizes 3D printing technology to create fully recyclable and at-scale furniture.
CALL FOR NOMINEES
The Business of Pride program aims to shine a spotlight on outstanding LGBTQ+ business leaders, LGBT companies, allies, or advocates in the Tampa Bay area making a difference in the corporate world. Nomination deadline is April 10 and is sponsored by Tampa Bay Business Journal, in partnership with the Tampa Bay LGBT Chamber.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING
This winter, Pinellas County government and the city of St. Petersburg celebrated the opening of a new affordable apartment community that is providing high-quality homes for people struggling with the high cost of housing. The Shores Apartments at 2605 31st St. S, St. Petersburg, is already housing more than 50 individuals and families in one-, two- and three-bedroom units set aside for those who earn less than the area’s median income. The Shores marks another successful public-private partnership supported by the Advantage Pinellas Housing Compact, an agreement by local governments to create lasting solutions for countywide housing.
LIFEGUARDS NEEDED
Pinellas County is seeking seasonal lifeguards to ensure the public health and safety of the community at Pinellas County beach parks. Lifeguards will be stationed on county beaches at Fort De Soto, Sand Key and Fred Howard parks from April to September. Positions are available for full-time or part-time seasonal employment and pay starts at $18 per hour for new lifeguards and up to $19.57 per hour for returning senior-level lifeguards. Lifeguards with Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification and returning senior lifeguards with EMT certification can make even more per hour. Lifeguards may work 10-hour shifts. pinellas.gov/careers
LEADERSHIP ST. PETE’S
Class of 2023 has selected Allendale Equity & Justice Center for their Class Project. By the end of May, they will convert the former preschool classrooms into flexible, technology-supported workspaces for local non-profit leaders to work, collaborate and provide services to the community. With LSP’s assistance, the rooms become collaborative spaces for nonprofits to exchange ideas, build partnerships, coordinate rapid responses to emerging or immediate community needs, and plan actions that solve social issues. More than 30 local nonprofit organizations, including Girls Rock St. Pete, PTSD Awareness, and Found Family Collective, already use the space.
The Humane Society of Pinellas County has started building their new Adoption Center on the site of the old center. At over 14,000 square feet, the new center will provide a state-of-the-art facility capable of housing 46 adoptable dogs (and, in emergency situations, up to 76 dogs) in indoor, environmentally controlled kennels, plus a puppy playroom and indoor and outdoor play yards for the big kids! Looking for a forever friend? Pets of the Week airs on Great Day Live Tampa Bay April 4 and 18 from 8-10am on Channel 10.
HCA Florida Healthcare affiliated hospitals across the state have earned a 2022 HCA Healthcare Unit of Distinction Award, an annual program that recognizes and rewards exemplary nursing units at HCA Healthcare sites of care. The Unit of Distinction designation is achieved through measurable, exemplary performance in the strategic areas of advocacy and leadership, consistency in nursing practice and operations and leveraging scale to improve patient care. HCA Northside Florida has named Camille Henry as CFO, bringing her experience in health care operations, analytics, and management.
The foundation of a world-class orchestra is built on a vibrant community of support. The Florida Orchestra is pleased to announce a partnership with PNC Bank to be the official bank of The Florida Orchestra. PNC Bank’s partnership with non-profit TFO – the state’s largest professional orchestra – is an investment in the Tampa Bay community through the power of music to inspire, educate, unite, and help the region thrive.
Tampa Bay Water was inducted into Leading Utilities of the World (LUOW) at the American Water Summit in Los Angeles this winter. Supported by the Global Water Leaders organization, LUOW is a network of the world’s most forward-thinking water and wastewater utilities throughout the world. The organization currently includes 65 utilities that represent the gold standard of utility innovation and performance throughout the developed world’s water sector.Chuck Carden, Tampa Bay Water general manager, attended the summit and presented the agency’s accomplishments and outlook.
In the battle over how far cities can go to regulate Airbnbs, VRBOs and other rentals, state Sen. Nick DiCeglie leads a new charge. The bill filed by the Indian Rocks Beach Republican focuses in part on what local governments can tell rental operators to do to get and stay registered with their city, town, or county. Local governments could still require registration and set conditions, but they would be hemmed in by state law. Redington Beach Mayor David Will, whose city has passed an ordinance that includes restrictions on occupancy and is in the midst of a court battle over whether it can apply a 2008 ban on short-term rentals, said the bill represents an attack on cities’ home-rule powers.
TIME Magazine named Tampa one of their 50 “World’s Greatest Places” for 2023, thanks to Water Street, Sparkman Wharf, Armature Works, 2.6-mile Riverwalk, international flights to London and easy access to the art-loving, dog-friendly city of St. Pete; and plenty of sun, sand, and sea in nearby Pass-a-Grille Beach and Clearwater!
ZooTampa ranked high on the best zoo list with the manatee care center in USA Today’s Top 10 best zoo exhibits.
St. Pete Beach Launches Pedestrian Safety Campaign: S.A.F.E. Safety Awareness For Everyone. Visitors to our beaches expect Gulf Boulevard to be a lazy beach road rather than a state thoroughfare. Four to five lanes of traffic moving at 35 miles/hour has meant injury and even death to more visitors than anyone likes to see. In addition to the catastrophic harm to the family of the injured and deceased, a pedestrian collision is something no resident wants to live with the rest of their lives. Generally, collisions occur when visitors step out in front of approaching cars.
There are a series of crosswalks provided up and down the beaches with self-activated warning lights to make drivers aware of pedestrian’s intention to cross. PLEASE use the crosswalks and the lights. Do not assume drivers will stop. If traffic is too close to cross safely, make sure they see you and do not leave the curb until you know for sure. A group of St. Pete Beach residents is partnering with the City of St. Pete Beach in an effort to educate visitors about the hazards and how to stay safe. Their mascot is Pete, the Safety Pelican. Pete, the Safety Pelican says: “Stay Alert, Use Crosswalks, Push Button, Make Eye Contact, Hold Children’s Hands.” Safety cards and brochures are available through St. Pete Beach for handout to visitors at check-in.
Isla Del Sol Yacht & Country Club brings back popular Summer Memberships.
If you always wanted to play golf at Isla del Sol, now’s is your chance. Many of the full-time regular members are seasonal, so the course is quiet in the summer. They have just completed major improvements and the course looks GREAT! It is the best time to sample all they have to offer and decide if a full membership is worth the cost of admission to you. In addition to golf, they have added pickleball courts, host tennis tournaments and fun events. You can enjoy fantastic food and drinks at the Bayside Grille, and Chef Bill does special culinary-themed dinners. Make friends and enjoy the summer more than ever. Call 727-828-0002 or email Star Garcia at membership@ idsycc.com.