Weekly Tidbits February 29, 2024

The St. Petersburg Jazz Festival returns this spring! Mark your calendars for this annual music festival- April 1-6, 2024.  If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, check out their BE A SPONSOR LINK HERE. Learn more at https://www.stpetejazzfest.com/.


2024 Pink Flamingo Tour of Homes Cancellation 

MESSAGE FROM THE GULFPORT MERCHANTS CHAMBER: The Gulfport Merchants Chamber of Commerce deeply regrets to announce the cancellation of the highly anticipated 2024 Pink Flamingo Home Tour. Due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control, it is with heavy hearts that we must make this difficult decision.The Pink Flamingo Home Tour has long been a beloved tradition in our community, showcasing the unique charm and character of Gulfport. However, circumstances have arisen that prevent us from moving forward with the event as planned.We understand the disappointment that this news may bring to our loyal supporters, volunteers, homeowners, and attendees. The decision to cancel was not made lightly, and we sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.Despite this setback, the Gulfport Merchants Chamber of Commerce remains committed to our mission of promoting and supporting our local community. We are immensely grateful for the continued support of our sponsors, partners, and residents.Regarding any tickets purchased: All credit card purchases for Pink Flamingo Home Tour tickets will be refunded automatically. For those who paid in person with cash at the Beach Bazaar, please return to the Beach Bazaar for your refund. Thank you for your understanding and support.


Celebrate St. Paddy’s Day at Swigwam on Corey Ave!

The Swigwam Beach Bar will once again celebrate their anniversary with Chill, Twisted Tiki and Grapes Wine Bar,  while everyone celebrates St.Patrick’s Day on Corey Ave on March 16 this year (so as to not interfere with the Corey Sunday Market.) The 300 block will close from Blind Pass to the funeral home driveway from 8am till midnight with a street party from 10am-11pm. 3 bands (Sandy Bottom Boys, Beach Ratz and Full Throttle) will entertain with a DJ between sets. 

RSVP to their event on Facebook HERE.

Bay Area Renaissance Festival

The Bay Area Renaissance Festival celebrates another year of adventure! This event is a long-standing event that brings you the adventure, excitement, and spirit of the Renaissance! Travel back in time as you step into the beautifully wooded, 16th century! Thrill to the exploits of Jousting Knights on thundering steeds. Roam the village shoppes for unique crafts as our artisans demonstrate period skills like blacksmithing and woodworking. Delight in comedy, music, magic, and more on their nine stages of entertainment! Learn more at paradisenewsfl.com/2024-ren-fest/.


Get Your Local Business Noticed in Paradise News!

Fall in love with Paradise News this snowbird season! Reach more locals and visitors in print or online by placing your ad or advertorial in the February issue of Paradise NEWS- read by 100,000 locals and visitors online and in print. Book your ad or advertorial now for 2025 for our best rates and placement. Deadline for ads & advertorials in our February LOVE issue is January 10th. To place your ad, contact PETER ROOS by email at sales@ParadiseNewsFL.com or call 727.363.6888!



NEW TIDBITS:

  • CLICK HERE to see last week’s tidbits.
  • The February Issue is NOW online. Read it here.
  • Save a life by donating blood in St. Pete Beach on March 6th. Popular St. Pete Beach restaurant, Boulevard Burgers & Tap House, has teamed up with OneBlood to host a blood drive. Donors will receive a $10 Boulevard Burgers gift card. OneBlood will also be giving donors a $20 eGift card, and a OneBlood St. Patty’s day T-shirt. Learn how to register at https://www.paradisenewsfl.com/march-2024-blood-drive/.
  • Artists are needed to exhibit their artwork in the following mediums: clay, fiber, wood, metals, glass, photography, paper or paint at South Pasadena’s ArtSpring event March 22-23. Sculptures may be submitted in clay, wood, metals or glass. First, Second and Third Place ribbons will be awarded in three categories (artwork, photography, and sculpture), along with the Mayor’s Award and Honorable Mention ribbons. No entry fee required. To register or for more information call City Hall at 727-347-4171 or email cityhall@mysouthpasadena.com.
  • Visit St. Pete/Clearwater today announced that voting for the 2024 Best of St. Pete/Clearwater Awards is now live. Residents and visitors can join together and help select the top contender from 35 different  categories, including Best Beach, Park, Restaurant, Bar and more, featuring a record 256 nominees this year – the most  ever. VOTE NOW at https://bit.ly/best-of-vspc-2024.
  • Save the Date for Bella Voce 2024! Join St. Pete Opera for a fun-filled evening that includes specialty retro cocktails, a fabulous sit-down dinner, and an open bar. Be transported back to the wonderful decade of the 1960s with exciting and entertaining renditions of the music of the times. Learn more about St. Pete Opera at https://stpeteopera.org/.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Registration is now open for the 2024 Madeira Beach Spring Break Camp. Daily rate is $20 for residents and $25 for non-residents. A childcare enrollment packet will need to be completed to attend. For more information call 727-392-0665. Click here to learn more.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

  • Music on the Bay- February 28- March 3 INFO
  • 53rd Annual Show Suncoast Gem & Mineral Society- March 1-3 INFO
  • Tickled Pink Comedy Tour- March 2 TICKETS
  • Island of Palms Yard Sale- March 2 INFO
  • Pinellas Botanicals & BrunchFest- March 2-3 INFO
  • 7th Annual Skyway 10K- March 3 INFO
  • Tampa Bay Watch Wedding Stroll- March 3 INFO
  • Florida Shamrock Distance Classic- March 4 REGISTER
  • Firestone Grand Prix of St. Pete presented by RP Funding- March 8-10 INFO
  • AquaGala on the Island at CMA- March 9 TICKETS
  • Treasure Island Spring It On Festival- March 9 INFO
  • Madeira Beach City Wide Garage Sale- March 9-10
  • Gulfport Peace, Love & Pride Festival- March 10 INFO
  • Reggae Rise Up Music Festival- March 14-17 TICKETS
  • SPB Spring Concert Series Bon Jovi Tribute Band- March 15 INFO
  • Cricketer’s Pub St. Patrick’s Day Bash in Dunedin- March 15-17 INFO
  • Corey Avenue St. Patrick’s Day Street Party- March 16 INFO
  • Paradise Island (Treasure Island) Community Yard Sale- March 16 INFO
  • Joe Bonamassa- February 16 TICKETS
  • Indian Shores St. Patrick’s Day Festival- March 16 INFO
  • Paddy Fest St. Pete- March 16-17 INFO
  • St. Petersburg Official St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl- March 17 TICKETS
  • South Pasadena ArtSpring- March 22-23 CALL FOR ARTISTS
  • Sunset Beach Community Yard Sale- March 23 INFO
  • MAACM’s Annual Gala- March 23 TICKETS
  • Gulf Beaches Historical Museum Island Festival- March 23 INFO
  • Sunken Gardens Spring Plant Sale- March 24 INFO
  • Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival- March 29- April 14 INFO
  • Gulf Beaches Rotary Easter Egg Hunt in Treasure Island- March 30 INFO
  • American Stage presents Disney’s Beauty & the Beast in the Park- April 3- May 5 TICKETS
  • ART IN BLOOM at MFA- April 4-7 INFO
  • MOTE’s Run for the Turtles 5K- April 6 REGISTER
  • ZooBrews at ZooTampa- April 6 EARLY BIRD PRICING TICKETS
  • Dunedin Highland Games- April 6 INFO
  • 3 Daughters Inaugural Daddy-Daughter In-Shores Fishing Tournament- April 13 INFO

REMINDERS

  • The February Issue is NOW online. Read it here
  • Reach snowbirds, locals & tourists in 2024 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.
  • Coyotes call Pinellas County home too! CLICK HERE for safety tips for you & your pets.
  • Join MOTE for Mystery Reef, an interactive exhibit for all ages opening March 3, in Mote Aquarium’s WAVE Center.  Coral reefs, the rainforests of the sea, are in serious danger. Help us find out what’s hurting the corals and how we can help. Become a coral detective and uncover clues throughout Mystery Reef while learning about real coral science and restoration at Mote Marine Laboratory. Get ready to use your brain coral and start kraken the case! Learn more at https://bit.ly/mote-mystery.
  • Tampa Bay’s wildest night returns Saturday, April 6th! Join ZooTampa for an ALL-INCLUSIVE night filled with up-close wildlife, endless food, unlimited drinks, live music, games, and more at their annual ZooBrews events! Click here to save now with early bird pricing.
  • Next spring, Paddy Fest St. Pete is bringing two full days of Irish food, drinks, music, and festivities to Williams Park on Saturday, March 16th and Sunday, March 17th, 2024. Learn more about becoming a sponsor at paradisenewsfl.com/paddy-fest-2024/.
  • Three-day tickets to the 2024 Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding are now on sale to the public . The iconic race event set for March 8-10 along St. Petersburg’s downtown waterfront will celebrate its 20th annual running in 2024.   Learn more at https://www.paradisenewsfl.com/2024-grand-prix/.
  • The Friends of St. Pete Beach Library “Love Your Library” February Membership Drive takes place at Corey Ave Market Sundays in February.  They are looking for Volunteers to greet Market go-ers and share information about membership. Learn more at https://www.paradisenewsfl.com/volunteer-with-the-friends-of-st-pete-beach-library/.
  • The Madeira Beach Fitness Center is now accessible to Madeira Beach residents. Learn more about how you can access the Fitness Center at https://www.paradisenewsfl.com/madeira-beach-fitness-center/.
  • 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.

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