Weekly Tidbits November 7, 2024

Learn more about the 50% rule in our November tidbits at https://www.paradisenewsfl.com/tidbits-nov-2024/.
More information available at https://pinellas.gov/substantial-damage-substantial-improvement/.

Subscribe to Pinellas County’s e-newsletter The Wave at https://pinellas.gov/the-wave/


Pinellas Animal Services Reuniting Pets & Families

Since hurricanes Helene and Milton impacted our county, the staff at Pinellas County Animal Services has reconnected more than 250 pets with their families, including this heartwarming cat reunion. Animals lost during this time are being held at the shelter longer than normal to give owners who lost their pet as much time as possible to reunite. If you lost your pet during either of the storms, click here to see if they’re at a Pinellas County animal shelter.


SPB Waives Permit Fees for Storm Related Repairs

Based on the direction from the City Commission, The  City of St. Pete Beach has authorized an immediate waiver on 100% of the fees for storm-related  work permits. This applies to both residential and commercial permits.  Permit fee waivers began on Wednesday November 6th, 2024, and are retroactive to October 1st,  2024. The waivers will last through Tuesday January 14, 2025. At that time, the City Commission will  meet and evaluate the possibility of extending the waiver. Learn more at https://www.paradisenewsfl.com/spb-permit-waiver/.


Partial Property Tax Refund

Property values and tax bills for the 2024 tax year are based on values as of January 1, 2024. While 2024 tax bills will not be reduced, residential property owners are eligible for a partial property tax refund due to damage associated with a catastrophic event if certain conditions are met. Please CLICK HERE to learn more and apply.

Under Florida Law, if a property is damaged or destroyed by misfortune or calamity after the damage or destruction occurs, the property owner may continue the homestead exemption. The calamity provision in Florida Law protects property owners from an increase in their assessed value following a catastrophe when repairing/rebuilding their property. The owner must notify the Property Appraiser that they intend to repair or rebuild the property and use the property as the primary residence following the completion of repairs. Review the scenarios at https://www.pcpao.gov/how-do-i/repair-replace-damaged-property. (Information courtesy of the City of Madeira Beach.)


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:

  • The November Issue is NOW online. Read it here.
  • 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/.
  • Operation Blue Roof is now open and available for Pinellas County homeowners. A 5 minute website form, or a 15 minute phone-call will get the ball rolling. These are not your normal tarps, they are reinforced, anchored, and professionally installed AT NO COST TO YOU. Call today and protect your property. Go to www.blueroof.gov or call 1-888-766-3258 for more information.
  • Businesses and residents on the barrier islands, Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce has built a large volunteer network that is ready to help. If you or your business needs assistance please fill out their form to see if they can get you matched with some of our volunteers. Find their form at https://bit.ly/helene-tbbcoc-help. Volunteer to help at https://bit.ly/beaches-strong-volunteers.
  • More than 350 local makers and small businesses are coming together at St. Petersburg’s Vinoy Park (701 Bayshore Dr NE) on Thanksgiving Weekend for LocalShops1’s Shopapalooza Festival. The 2-day extravaganza celebrates local businesses, local arts, local tastes, local music, and the local vibe that makes Tampa Bay such a special place. Learn more at https://www.paradisenewsfl.com/shopapalooza-is-a-go/.
  • 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:

  • SHINE St. Pete Mural Festival- November 8-17 INFO
  • Tarpon Springs Seafood Festival- November 8-10 INFO
  • Free Pops in the Park at Vinoy Park- November 9 INFO
  • 2nd Saturday Art Walk- November 9 INFO
  • Free Symphony by the Sea at Baycare Sound- November 10 INFO
  • Arts Annual 2024 Exhibit by Creative Pinellas- November 9- January 4 INFO
  • Fall King of the Beach- November 14-16 INFO
  • St. Pete Run Fest- November 15-17 INFO
  • Tampa Bay Sun Football Club Home Games- November 16 and December 16 TICKETS
  • St. Pete Opera presents Pinocchio- November 16-17 & 23-24 TICKETS
  • Free Pops in the Park at River Tower Park in Tampa- November 17 INFO
  • Bert’s St. Pete Bikefest- November 21-24 INFO
FIND EVENT MORE FALL EVENTS AT https://www.paradisenewsfl.com/fall-2024/.

REMINDERS

  • The November 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.
  • 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.
  • Learn more about boating safety and how you can take a course in Pinellas County at https://www.paradisenewsfl.com/safe-boating/.
  • Stay up-to-date with the latest Pinellas County news by signing up for their new monthly newsletter- The WaveFrom 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.