You are invited to the MUSE awards!
Celebrate the outstanding contributions to the arts in St. Petersburg with us. Each year, we honor artists, arts supporters, and creative community leaders who inspire, uplift, and shape the landscape of our city. Join us for an evening that highlights the heart of the arts in St. Pete! Stay tuned and follow our socials as we announce the six recipients of MUSE 2025, celebrating excellence in the arts. May 14, 6:30- 8:30pm. Bayboro Brewing Co., 2390 Fifth Ave. S, St. Petersburg.
On Thursday, May 15, from 6- 9pm, the DRV Gallery, 5401 Gulfport Blvd. S, will host an evening of live music celebrating the timeless tunes of James Taylor, performed by the innovative St. Pete Collective. This all-star group features some of the most creative and sought-after musicians in the Tampa Bay area. Tickets, $25, at tinyurl.com/stpetecollectivedrv or on the gallery’s website. Come and enjoy an unforgettable musical experience. Visit www.drvgallery.com, @drvgallery on Facebook or @drvgallery22 on Instagram.
St. Pete Beach Mayor Adrian Petrilla wished a heartfelt thank you to our amazing St. Pete Beach neighbors who generously volunteered at the permit office to assist with hurricane recovery these past few months. “Their time, compassion, and commitment helped many residents navigate a challenging process and move forward with rebuilding their homes and lives. We’re also incredibly grateful to our dedicated city staff for their continued hard work, and to Commissioner Lisa Robinson for spearheading the volunteer initiative. This is what community looks like and what makes St. Pete Beach such a special place to call home – neighbors helping neighbors!”
At Catherine Hickman Theater, Friday, May 16– Get ready for a night of laughter and heartfelt moments as professional comedians take the stage to share their funniest true stories – no scripts, just real-life tales told with humor and heart. This isn’t stand-up– it’s storytelling with a twist. If you enjoy The Moth or This American Life, you’ll love this one-of-a-kind comedy experience.
DC BENNY Comedy Central, Last Comic StandingKERRY McNALLY Emmy-Winning Host & Storyteller. True stories told with humor & heart! VIP Includes 1-hour meet and greet, hot and cold hors d’oeuvres, two free drinks and preferred seating for $45.General admission tickets $30. www.funnytruestories.eventbrite.com
On May 20, The Dali Museum will hold a special event – a screening of an original experimental art film, Dali’s Dream, based on Lisa Monde’s award-winning original play of the same name – winner of the Broadway World Awards 2024 for Best Play. The play Dali’s Dream premiered Off-Broadway at the Gene Frankel Theatre.Salvador Dalí worshiped the famous psychoanalyst Dr. Sigmund Freud and ardently wished to meet him. The play was warmly received by audiences and theatre critics. The film version of the play was made specially for The Dalí Museum. We invite all fans of Dali and his surrealistic world to join us for the viewing – it promises to be very entertaining! After the screening there will be a special Q&A with the creators: Lisa Monde – author and director, Brandon Ascari – director of videography/photography, and Dyllan Vallier – actor who played the part of Dali himself where everyone will gladly answer the questions of the viewers and press representatives. You can find out more about the event and Dali’s Dream by following this link: www.thedali.org/event/film-dalis-dream
Irv Cohen, the founder or co-founder of several transformative organizations, including the CodeBoxx Foundation, the St. Petersburg Foundation, the St. Petersburg Group, and SVP Tampa Bay, has been named a Lightning Community hero. Irv’s efforts have addressed some of the region’s most pressing challenges – from increasing access to tech education to scaling nonprofit impact to building public-private partnerships that tackle homelessness, education gaps, and food insecurity. At the heart of his mission is the belief in removing barriers to opportunity. Through CodeBoxx Foundation, Cohen has helped hundreds of individuals from marginalized communities enter the tech industry by providing free, intensive coding education and career placement support. The result: sustainable, high-paying careers that change lives and break cycles of poverty.
FEMA is ending the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program and canceling all BRIC applications from fiscal years 2020-2023. If grant funds have not been distributed to states, tribes, territories and local communities, funds will be immediately returned either to the Disaster Relief Fund or the U.S. Treasury. Approximately $882 million of funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will be returned to the U.S. Treasury or reapportioned by Congress in the next fiscal year. The 2021 law made $1 billion available for BRIC over five years, $133 million to date has been provided for about 450 applications. FEMA estimates more than $3.6 billion will remain in the Disaster Relief Fund to assist with disaster response and recovery.
Opal Collection offers Florida resident coast-to-coast through AugustOpal Collection has announced summer Florida resident rates and special offers at 22 of its treasured Sunshine State resorts. Valid through August, the offers include great savings of up to 20% off and added amenities such as resort credits, complimentary parking, waived resort fees and more for a variety of travel experiences – from a quick couple’s getaway or overnight friends adventure to a fun-for-the-family escape.
The city of St. Petersburg is considering demolishing Al Lang Stadium – home of the Tampa Bay Rowdies – for an amphitheater and a waterfront park. Exploratory plans and conceptual renderings for the proposed Center for the Arts District were recently released.
The district would stretch from just south of the St. Pete Pier to Fifth Ave. S and includes the Mahaffey Theater, Salvador Dalí Museum, Al Lang Stadium, and the site of the Saturday Morning Market.
Architecture firm ASD | SKY presented the conceptual designs, which reflect a long-term vision for the area. Key components include expanded green space near the Dalí Museum and Mahaffey Theater, a new parking garage with at least 1,100 spaces, a 60,000-square-foot conference center, and 35,000 square feet of new retail space, among other features.
Originally conceived years ago, the overarching goal of the plan is to revitalize the area, improve accessibility, and enhance the experience of the city’s cultural institutions. The plan also considers the Dalí Museum’s expansion, the Florida Orchestra’s future facility, and renovations to the Mahaffey Theater. Total cost is an estimated $290 million. If approved, construction could begin in 2025.
American Stage’s Fresh Ink monthly plays at alternate venues featuring local playwrights continues on May 27 at the Dalí Museum with Radiant Child by Jeff Norton. This solo performance delves into the life and legacy of iconic artist Keith Haring, from his own perspective. Following the show, guests can engage in a meaningful post-show discussion on legacy in art, with proceeds supporting Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. Tickets for “Radiant Child” can be purchased through the Dalí Museum’s website.
]The series concludes on June 24 at Webb’s City Cellar with Black History They Don’t Want You To Know, written by Lance Felton. The short play debuted at Studio@620 this past February, and blends hip-hop, poetry, and theatre to highlight hidden figures in Black history. “My rap music has always been my diary. But in the context of a play about Black history, music is integral to the Black experience,” says Felton, who will also perform the piece. Fresh Ink ushers in summertime at American Stage, and even more opportunities to engage with local talent. The theatre will launch its month-long Summer Cabaret Series on July 12 and transform into a summer speakeasy with three weekends of unique musical showcases by local performers. Jazz duo Daniela Soledade and Nate Najar have been announced as the featured act for the July 19 show, titled “Love and Bossa Nova.” For ticketing and info, visit www.americanstage.org or contact boxoffice@americanstage.org.
St. Pete Beach’s favorite watering hole just got a spring refresh! The Wharf – Waterfront Restaurant & Bar in Pass-a-Grille debuted an updated menu and design, with all your favorites (grouper or mahi sandwich, shrimp, Wharf wings nine ways (honey bourbon!), gumbo, classic Reuben, beef patty topped with Philly steak provolone and grilled mushrooms) and more. New in 2025 are the pasta salad and half-rack ribs with chicken breast served with two sides in addition to the ribeye, crab cake and seafood dinner plates. In addition to sensational Daily Specials daily (Fish Fry Tuesday, Taco Wednesday) there’s a fun Kids’ Menu (fried shrimp, hamburger) for 12 and under. Specialty cocktails rock, especially the Strawberry Limeade Daiquri and secret recipe Bloody Marys. The back patio features comfortable tables and chairs with an amazing water view overlooking the new docks. Come by boat, bike or car and join the friendly crowd!
May 31 the city of St. Petersburg hosts the highly anticipated HAAPI Festival at Albert Whitted Park, located at 480 Bayshore Drive SE. Running from 3-10pm with free entry, this vibrant HAAPI celebration (short for Honoring Asian American & Pacific Islanders) promises an unforgettable day of food, music, art, and cultural unity. Organized by the team behind some of the county’s most popular night markets, the HAAPI Festival will feature more than 100 vendors offering a wide variety of street food, crafts, and artisan goods. This free event spotlights the rich cultural contributions of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities!
A full entertainment lineup includes live music by Flo-Raw Music and performances by local bands and DJs. Special guest artists will also take the stage throughout the evening, adding even more excitement to the scenic waterfront venue. Cultural showcases will include traditional lion and dragon dances, a karate demonstration, robot dance performances, and Asian folk dancing.
Meanwhile, younger guests can enjoy new kid-friendly activities, from arts and crafts to interactive games. Food lovers will have plenty to enjoy, with dozens of local vendors and food trucks serving everything from authentic Asian street eats to sweet treats and fusion fare. Shoppers can browse unique handmade items and discover treasures from independent artisans throughout the park.