Volunteers Needed for the 2025 John’s Pass Seafood Festival in Madeira Beach
The City of Madeira Beach and the Rotary Club of Gulf Beaches present the 43rd Annual John’s Pass Seafood Festival. This much anticipated annual celebration returns to John’s Pass Village on March 28-30, 2025. We need volunteers to serve in the beer/alcohol tents. No experience necessary but you must be at least 21 years old. Learn more at https://www.paradisenewsfl.com/volunteers-2025-johns-pass-seafood-festival/.
Tampa Bay Watch’s Bay Grasses in Classes
Earlier this month, Tampa Bay Watch’s Bay Grasses in Classes students shared the love—one plant at a time! After months of caring for smooth cordgrass, they finally got to see their hard work pay off. Students from LLT Academy South Bay joined us at MacDill Air Force Base to transplant an incredible 950 plant plugs! These new grasses were planted behind an established living shoreline, giving them the perfect chance to take root and thrive while helping to protect our Bay. Huge thanks to these dedicated students for getting their hands dirty and making a real impact on our wetlands! Want to help Tampa Bay this winter? Sign up for an upcoming volunteer project at tampabaywatch.org/calendar/volunteer-calendar/.
St. Pete Opera’s Bella Voce Tickets on Sale Now!
Join St. Pete Opera on Saturday May 3rd at Coastal Creative for their annual Bella Voce event- a sparkling, sophisticated evening of fun. Take a step back into an era of fringe, flappers, and forbidden booze. The Bella Voce gala is St. Pete Opera’s largest fundraiser of the year. This year will be a roaring good time featuring a 1920s-themed evening with musical performances and a fabulous sit-down dinner in support of keeping the magic of opera alive in our community. Valet Parking, sit-down dinner, full-bar cocktail hour, and dazzling entertainment. 10 percent early bird discount if you purchase before March 31.
Learn more and get tickets at https://stpeteopera.org/bella-voce-roaring-20s/.
Los Vinos de Dalí Returns to St. Pete on April 26th
Join The Dalí Museum for their 12th annual Los Vinos de Dalí, a spectacular evening of art, flavor and philanthropy, on April 26th 7-10pm. Stroll through The Dalí while savoring exquisite wines from around the world, perfectly paired with signature bites from top local restaurants. Immerse yourself in live music and surreal entertainment, all while enjoying exclusive gallery access with the iconic masterpieces of Salvador Dalí. Test your luck at the Vine & Spirits Vault for a chance to win a premium bottle of wine or spirits, enter the Golden Ticket Raffle for a shot at a dream vacation or bid on extraordinary experiences during the live auction. From crisp whites to bold reds and sparkling bubbles, every sip supports a meaningful cause. Get your tickets now at https://thedali.org/event/los-vinos-de-dali-2025/.
Gulfport Senior Center Foundation’s Golf Classic Returns
For decades, the Gulfport Multipurpose Senior Center has been a trusted resource, helping older adults stay active, engaged, and independent. As our community’s senior population continues to grow, so does the need for a larger, modern facility designed to meet their evolving needs. The Gulfport Senior Center Foundation is committed to raising funds to support this much-needed expansion.
To help make this vision a reality, we are thrilled to host another Golf Classic at Bardmoor Golf & Tennis Club on Saturday, April 5, 2025. Our goal is to raise $50,000, with 100% of the proceeds directly supporting the capital building campaign. Sponsorship opportunities are available, and we invite you to be part of this exciting event. Thank you for your support in making a lasting impact on the lives of local seniors!
Learn more at https://gulfportseniorfoundation.org/golfclassic2025/.
Get Your Local Business Noticed in Paradise News!
Its more than luck with Paradise News this Spring! Reach more locals and visitors in print or online by placing your ad or advertorial in the May 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 May Mother’s Day issue is April 10th. To place your ad, contact PETER ROOS by email at sales@ParadiseNewsFL.com or call 727.363.6888!
NEW TIDBITS:
- The February Issue is NOW online. Read it here.
- Stay updated on February 2025 events, festivals, concerts, and local news in St. Pete and Pinellas County in our tidbits from the February 2025 issue. Find them online now at https://www.paradisenewsfl.com/tidbits-february-2025/.
- The Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg takes place on the city streets near The Dalí. Leading up to, during and immediately following the event, the Museum must adjust our hours, schedule and parking to accommodate the construction of the track and race. See below for details if you plan to visit the Museum between Feb 24 and Mar 5, 2025. Learn more at https://thedali.org/firestone-grand-prix/.
- Get ready to declutter and discover treasures! The Gulfport City-Wide Yard Sale is scheduled for March 8th and registration is now open for sellers! Whether you’re cleaning out your attic or hunting for hidden gems, this event is the perfect opportunity to connect with the community. Don’t wait, sign up by the deadline, Friday, February 28, 2025 at 3 p.m., and be part of this fun, city-wide event! Sign up now at https://mygulfport.us/gulfport-city-wide-yard-sale/.
- The MICHELIN Guide expands to include St. Pete/Clearwater in 2025! The MICHELIN Guide announced it will expand its selection in Florida with three new destinations in 2025, including St. Pete-Clearwater. The inclusion of St. Pete-Clearwater as a destination partner of the MICHELIN Guide Florida 2025 provides another level of attention to the destination – home of America’s Favorite Beaches – and provides a spotlight on the wide range of dining options from local fish shacks to fine dining. Learn more at https://www.paradisenewsfl.com/st-pete-clearwater-joins-michelin-guide-florida/.
- Inspired by Salvador Dalí’s environmental and immersive artistic creations such as those for the 1939 World’s Fair, The Dalí Dome provides the community with new multi-sensory experiences celebrating art of all forms. New evening shows will be presented in this unique, 360-degree format. Now playing in The Dalí Dome is the immersive show, “Pink Floyd: The Dark Side of the Moon.” Over 50 years after the iconic album’s original release in 1973, celebrate and experience it while encompassed in 360 degrees of sight, sound and sensation. Show times are Thu, 7:30pm | Fri & Sat, 5:30, 6:30 & 7:30pm. Click here for tickets.
- Celebrate LGBTQ+ authors and literature at the 2025 ReadOUT event, an annual book festival in Gulfport, Florida, scheduled to take place Feb. 14-16. With a theme of “Queering the Narrative,” the festival will feature panel discussions, readings, and keynote addresses, as well as author meet-and-greets, book signings, and entertainment. Learn more at https://www.paradisenewsfl.com/readout-gulfport-2025/.
- 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 November. 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:
- Special Exhibit at the Chihuly Collection | Burst: Akiko Kotani- December 14- March 8 INFO
- Pickleball on The St. Pete Pier- January 17- March 16 INFO
- American Stage presents This Girl Laughs, This Girl Cries, This Girl Does Nothing- January 22- February 9 INFO
- Love & Luck Casino Night Fundraiser supporting Gulfport Senior Center- January 31 INFO
- Birding on the Bay with the MFA & Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center- Feb 1 & 9 INFO
- St Pete Winter Pride- February 3-9 INFO
- 2025 St. Petersburg Distance Classic- February 9 REGISTER
- Safety Harbor Art and Seafood on the Waterfront- February 22-23 INFO
FIND EVENT MORE WINTER EVENTS AT https://www.paradisenewsfl.com/winter-2024/.
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.
- The biggest Fat Tuesday celebration in Dunedin rolls in on March 4th 2025– and they want YOU in the parade! Got a float? A fun crew? A wild, creative idea? Bring the energy, the beads, and the party to the streets of Downtown Dunedin! All floats are welcome – big, small, and everything in between! Sign up online today and let the good times roll at dunedinmardigras.com.
- CASA Pinellas is hosting One Night in Paris, an exclusive, black-tie event with limited seating, on March 29th at the Museum of the American Arts & Crafts Movement. Contact Tim Murphy at TMurphy@CASAPinellas.org or 516.805.8873 today to secure your ticket or sponsorship to the City of Lights.
- Gulfport’s Get Rescued Animal Rescue Festival & Fun-raiser is returning for its 21st year on Saturday, February 22, 2025, from 10am to 5pm at 3000 Beach Boulevard S in Gulfport, Florida. Learn more at https://www.paradisenewsfl.com/get-rescued-2025.
- The Gulfport Merchants Chamber is thrilled to announce some new and familiar events and opportunities for you to get involved, volunteer, and enjoy our vibrant community. Together, we can make 2025 a year of connection, collaboration, and celebration! See upcoming volunteer opportunities at https://www.paradisenewsfl.com/volunteer-this-year-with-gulfport-merchants-chamber/.
- Want to make your mark on South Pasadena? Consider sponsoring a Sun Bench! For a one-time cost of $400, a personalized plaque will be added to the available bench of your choosing. For more information, visit: www.mysouthpasadena.com/community/sun_benches.php.
- The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) is reminding residents who irrigate their lawns to “Skip a Week” or more of watering during the cooler months of January and February. Learn more at https://www.paradisenewsfl.com/skip-a-week-2025/.
- The Gulfport Tuesday Fresh Market welcomes visitors & locals every Tuesday to Gulfport’s historic Waterfront District 9 am to 3pm. Learn more at https://www.paradisenewsfl.com/gulfport-market-expands-hours/.
- Explore more than 50 deals and discounts with Visit St. Pete/Clearwater’s new FREE FunShine Savings Passport, featuring museums, attractions, tours, local restaurants and shops. Click here to learn more.
- 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.
