Weekly Tidbits January 12, 2023

St. Pete/Clearwater International Airport (PIE) Has Record Year in 2022
PIE set its all-time passenger record in 2022 with 2,445,919 passengers, a 20% increase over 2021 and a 7% increase over 2019, the last record-breaking year. December was also the biggest December on record with 211,024 passengers. Domestic passengers for 2022 increased 19% and International passengers increased 819% over 2021. Learn more about PIE at https://fly2pie.com/.

Skip a Week of Watering this Winter

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. According to research by the University of Florida, grass doesn’t need to be watered as often during the cooler months. One-half to three-quarters of an inch of water every 10–14 days is sufficient. Watering only every other week at most during the winter will help conserve drinking water supplies that the public needs for critical uses during the dry season. For more info visit WaterMatters.org/SkipAWeek.

St. Pete Beach Classic Weekend

The 18th Annual St. Pete Beach Classic returns to the Sirata this weekend, January 13-16th. This year will have several events and multiple races for all ages. There will be a Health and Fitness Expo at the St Pete Beach Rec Center on Friday. The rest of the weekend is all hosted at The Sirata Beach Resort & Conference Center Jan 14-16. There is a kids race for children, a beach fun run Saturday evening, a timed 5K and 10K on Saturday and Half Marathon Sunday– there is also a B2B2B challenge. Click here to learn more.

Place Your 2023 Ads in Paradise News

Reach locals, snowbirds and tourists in 2023 with a PRINT AD in Paradise News! Over 36,000 copies of Paradise News are circulated throughout our local beach communities and St. Petersburg in racks & stacks at your favorite local business and 20,000+ mailboxes. To learn more about advertising email Peter Roos at sales@paradisenewsfl.com or call 727.363.6888.

NEW TIDBITS:

CLICK HERE to see last week’s tidbits.
The JANUARY Issue is NOW online. Read it here.
The John’s Pass Seafood Festival returns to historic John’s Pass Village & Boardwalk in Madeira Beach Florida on January 13-15th, 2023 for its 41st year. The three-day outdoor event features hundreds of local vendors offering a plethora of seafood, an art and crafts show, live music and various family-friendly activities. Click here to learn more about how you can apply to be a vendor!
January is Financial Wellness Month! Drop by the St. Pete Beach Library circulation desk and ask for a Money Matters kit for kids. Kits are limited, get one while they last! Visit SPBLibrary.com for details about their other programs.
Join MOTE Marine Lab for their special in-person and virtual lecture series Monday this January! Topics include Gulf of Mexico blue holes and aquaculture’s role in the global food security agenda. Click here to learn more and register.
Tampa Bay Watch Director Peter A. Clark discusses the recent red tide blooms around Pinellas County in a letter to the editor in our January issue. Read his letter at paradisenewsfl.com/red-menace/.
In conjunction with The Dalí’s current special exhibition The Shape of Dreams, they invite you to share original artwork that depicts a story from one of your dreams. All entries will be juried by a panel of Dalí Museum staff members, narrowing the submissions to three (3) finalists, and posted on TheDali.org by March 1, 2023. Click here to learn more & submit your art.
UPDATE FROM SKYWAY MARINA DISTRICT: As The Manhattan St. Petersburg’s development process progresses, they are excited to announce that they are now securing reservations for their 111 condo-style residences! Residences at The Manhattan—St. Petersburg will feature sweeping panoramic views, smart technology, and spacious, light-filled floor plans. Visit https://manhattanstpete.com/ to learn more.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Crimes of the Hearts at American Stage- January 11- February 5 TICKETS
Gulfport Community Players present Exit Laughing- January 12-22 TICKETS
Johns Pass Seafood Festival- January 13-15 INFO
South Pasadena Fire Department Open House- January 14 INFO
Gulfport Mind, Body, Spirit Expo- January 14 INFO
St. Pete Beach Classic- January 14-15 REGISTER
St. Petersburg Power & Sailboat Show- January 19-21 INFO
Midnight in Paris Collectors Circle Gala at MFA St. Pete- January 21 RSVP HERE
Cajun Occasion- February 10 INFO
Cupid’s Undie Run- February 11 INFO

REMINDERS

The January Issue is NOW online. Read it here.
Reach snowbirds, locals & tourists in 2023 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.
Click here to find Sarah Lyons’ Astrology Forecast for your sign.
Clothes To Kids has seen a significant increase in the number of shoppers they serve and anticipate this number growing more in the year to come. Families in our community are experiencing homelessness and unforeseen difficult situations. Learn how you can help at https://www.paradisenewsfl.com/please-donate-to-ctk/.
Treasure Islettes Bingo every Thursday at 6:30PM at the Treasure Island Community Center. Come for an evening of great fun, food and friendly people – Jackpot $200 – $250! Free parking, free coffee and tea. Great snack bar. All proceeds go to charity and college scholarships. Doors open at 6 PM. Questions? Call 727-270-3178.
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.