Congratulations to Marlene Shaw
Congratulations to Paradise News’ Gulfport Matters writer, Marlene Shaw, who won the elected seat of City of Gulfport Council Member Ward 2 this week giving Gulfport an all-woman city council. Congratulations Marlene! You can read Marlene’s Gulfport Matters feature highlight local events, business and community news in each issue of Paradise News or online at www.paradisenewsfl.com/category/gulfport-matters/.
Youth Baseball Clinic at Fossil Park on March 29th
Come join Gulf Coast Community Church for a fun-filled day of baseball at Fossil Park in St. Petersburg on Saturday, March 29 4-7:30pm! Their Youth Baseball Clinic is the perfect opportunity for young athletes to hone their skills and learn from experienced coaches. Youth ages 7-12 are invited to join for their third annual Youth Baseball Clinic! John Stuper (1982 World Series Champion and former Yale baseball head coach) along with other experienced coaches will lead the clinic. Pre-register ($5) to help them secure spots, no other cost. Food provided for participants. Learn more at www.gulfcoast.community/events.
Gulfport Plein Air Days at Gulfport Merchants Chamber
The Gulfport Merchants Chamber (GMC) is proud to present Plein Air Days, an immersive art experience showcasing local artists as they capture the charm and vibrancy of Gulfport in real time. Running from April 12-19, 2025, this interactive event invites the community to witness the artistic process firsthand, culminating in a special Saturday Night Market where attendees can engage with artists and vote for their favorite painting.
Learn more at https://visitgulfportflorida.com/plein-air-days.
Register now for Pinellas Citizen University this Spring
Ever wanted a behind-the-scenes look at how Pinellas County government provides first-class services? Find out by applying to attend this year’s Pinellas Citizen University. Participants will get an inside look at various Pinellas County operations each week and talk to experts as they explore a range of county functions.
The application window is open for the six-week course, which is scheduled for select Tuesday and Wednesday evenings from April 23 through May 28. Click here to learn more about this insightful program and apply to be in our next class!
Get Your Local Business Noticed in Paradise News!
Its more than luck with Paradise News this snowbird season! Reach more locals and visitors in print or online by placing your ad or advertorial in the April 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 April Spring issue is March 10th. To place your ad, contact PETER ROOS by email at sales@ParadiseNewsFL.com or call 727.363.6888!
NEW TIDBITS:
- The March Issue is NOW online. Read it here.
- The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) launched the Grouper, a brand new, on-demand shuttle service connecting St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) to anywhere on Clearwater Beach, including Sand Key hotels, Sheraton, and Marriott. Priced at just $8 for one person, $20 for a group of 2-4, or $30 for a group of 5-8, a trip on the Grouper typically costs much less than many other ride options—at peak times, a one-way ride on other rideshare services can top $115. Learn more at https://www.paradisenewsfl.com/catch-the-grouper/.
- The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) has planned a series of events for the Elevate Florida program to protect homes and communities by reducing damage caused by natural disasters like hurricanes and floods. Learn more at www.paradisenewsfl.com/elevate-florida-workshops-march/.
- Get ready for a flavor explosion during the 18th annual Pinellas Pepper Fest on Saturday, April 12 and Sunday, April 13 from 10 am to 5 pm at England Brothers Park. England Brothers Park is located at 5010 Dave McKay Way in Pinellas Park. Both admission and parking are free. Learn more at https://www.paradisenewsfl.com/2025-pinellas-pepper-fest/.
- Stay updated on March 2025 events, festivals, concerts, and local news in St. Pete and Pinellas County in our tidbits from the March 2025 issue. Find them online now at https://www.paradisenewsfl.com/tidbits-march-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:
- Reggae Rise Up Music Festival- March 13-16 INFO
- SPB Spring Concert Series Bob Segar Tribute Band- March 14 INFO
- Paddy Fest St. Pete- March 15 INFO
- St. Patricks Day Bar Crawl in St. Pete- March 15-16 INFO
- PGA Valspar Championship- March 17-23 INFO
- Gulfport Art in the Yard- March 22nd REGISTER
- Rays 2025 Season Opener- March 28 TICKETS
- John’s Pass Seafood Festival- March 28-30 INFO
FIND EVENT MORE SPRING EVENTS AT https://www.paradisenewsfl.com/spring-2025/
REMINDERS
- The March Issue is NOW online. Read it here.
- Reach snowbirds, locals & tourists in 2025 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 Town of Indian Shores and Keep Pinellas Beautiful are joining forces to host a 2025 Great American cleanup on Saturday, April 5th. This event is free and open to all, so gather your friends and join us! CLICK HERE to register.
- Tampa Bay Watch needs helping hands to help build oyster reef balls in March! Join Tampa Bay Watch on one (or more!) of the following dates to mix concrete, assemble molds, and create vital habitats for future living shoreline projects. More oysters mean a cleaner Tampa Bay! Volunteer dates are March 11th, 13th, 18th & 25th 9 AM – 12 PM at their location in Tierra Verde. Register online at https://tampabaywatch.org/calendar/volunteer-calendar/.
- 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. Get your tickets now at https://thedali.org/event/los-vinos-de-dali-2025/.
- 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/.
- 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.
- 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 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.
