ReportWire

Tag: Josh Rojas

  • St. Pete wants to expand the Maritime and Defense Technology Hub

    [ad_1]

    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — A St. Petersburg City Council committee took the first steps on Thursday to potentially give voters the chance in November to approve an expansion of the Maritime and Defense Technology Hub.

    What You Need To Know

    • A St. Pete City Council committee unanimously approved ballot language for a 25-year lease for Hub 2 on Thursday

    • The city wants to expand the Maritime and Defense Technology Hub with a new $30M facility

    • Plans call for a 52,000 square foot research and collaboration facility which would be mostly funded by grants

    • The next step is a public hearing and council approval of an ordinance, which would trigger the referendum to be on the November ballot


    “Our port is a unique asset,” said Alison Barlow, Innovation District CEO. “We want to capitalize on that.”

    The new facility, Hub 2, would cost $30 million and be constructed on a parking lot just west of the current building at 450 8th Avenue Southeast, which opened in 2022. The city must seek voter approval to lease the land, which is a requirement for public waterfront property development.

    Plans call for a 52,000 square foot research and collaboration facility. The current capacity of the Hub is about 32,000 square feet. Hub 2 would feature communal workspaces, a waterfront connection to the Port of St. Petersburg, a rooftop terrace and a lobby with the only NOAA 360 sphere in Florida, according to Barlow.

    “It uses high-tech cameras and shows different weather patterns,” Barlow said. “You can do different storytelling. You can do all kinds of really neat educational programs.”

    The city’s Economic and Workforce Development Committee unanimously approved a 25-year lease for the ballot on Thursday, aligning port facilities with neighboring Albert Whitted Airport. Council Member Gina Driscoll chairs the committee, and the Hub is located in her district. Driscoll called it a tremendous opportunity to expand the marine science sector.

    “This is going to create jobs,” she said. “It’s going to bring new companies here, new research, and it’s going to help the companies that we do have here to be able to expand and stay in St. Petersburg.”

    The average salary for full-time employees at the Hub is $91,500. Driscoll said the City Council must take a few more steps to place the referendum on the 2026 ballot.

    “Next, this item will go to a public hearing,” she said. “If this passes as an ordinance, the ordinance triggers the referendum, and it will be on the ballot in November.”

    Barlow said the Innovation District only plans to ask voters to approve the lease, as she expects to pay for Hub 2 with multiple grants and some tenant investment.

    “That is our goal,” she said. “Maybe some private investment.”

    Peyton Donald and Ashley Player were one of the first startups to move their business, Seven Serpents, into the Hub in 2022. Seven Serpents is just one of 20 businesses packed into the Hub, which includes SubUAS and Pole Star Defense.

    Donald is the president of Seven Serpents, which offers training for special forces in the U.S. military, and said more space is desperately needed

    “It’s a great environment to work. Unfortunately, there’s not enough individualized space for all of the companies,” he said. “There’s not enough facilities here in the St. Pete area. We’ve searched all over the place.”

    Player is the company’s vice president and said it has taken Seven Serpents years to expand into bigger spaces at the Hub.

    “We started out in the co-working space. So hot desking,” she said. “Then we moved into this office, which was a nice change. And we’re about to move into a bigger office.”

    The only space currently available at the HUB is a 10 by 10 office, according to Barlow.

    [ad_2]

    Josh Rojas

    Source link

  • Could a retractable wall in Tampa Bay prevent storm surge flooding?

    [ad_1]

    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The immediate past president of the Shore Acres Civic Association, Kevin Batdorf, has pitched lawmakers on a big idea to install a retractable wall at the entrance of Tampa Bay to protect against storm surge flooding from hurricanes.  

    Batdorf lives in the lowest lying neighborhood in St. Petersburg, Shore Acres, which has experienced repeated flooding from storms in the past five  years. Batdorf said he’s constantly looking for solutions to mitigate the rising problem.

    “Create a floodgate system that crosses from Pinellas County to Manatee or Hillsborough County at the narrowest point that rises 12-to-15 feet high when a storm is coming,” he said. “It would prevent the water from coming into Tampa Bay and save billions of dollars of damage.”

    What You Need To Know

    • Kevin Batdorf has pitched lawmakers on a big idea to install a retractable wall at the entrance of Tampa Bay

    • Batdorf wants the 14 mile long wall to be 12-to-15 feet high to prevent storm surge flooding from hurricanes  

    • State Senator Nick DeCeglie said “it’s a great concept” but he’s skeptical it could actually be implemented

    • Sen. DeCeglie said he’s focused on more realistic solutions which include stormwater and seawall infrastructure improvements


    “In the Netherlands, they had a similar situation to us,” he said. “Meaning they were inundated by rising tides, changing climate. So they had their engineers come up with a solution.”

    State Senator Nick DeCeglie, R-Indian Rocks Beach, represents District 18, which covers most of Pinellas County. Senator DeCeglie said “it’s a great concept” but he’s skeptical a 14 mile long retractable wall in Tampa Bay could actually be implemented.

    “Something like this would be billions and billions of dollars,” he said. “My question is immediately, what about the coastal communities? How does the water interacting with a dam, essentially, how does that impact areas North of the Bay? South of the Bay? That water has to go somewhere.”

    DeCeglie said he’s focused on more realistic solutions and has been working on a permitting bill this session to make it easier for homeowners to install flood barriers.

    “What we can actually accomplish in the near mid and long term is infrastructure improvements,” he said. “Whether that be stormwater, whether that be seawalls.”

    Batdorf said he realizes there are big challenges with his idea from jurisdictional, funding and environmental.

    “I think it’s going to be the State of Florida and the federal government that are going to have to come in and do the engineering and frankly, pay for it,” he said. “FEMA’s paying out billions of dollars in claims, there’s money available to stop paying those claims.”

    “There are going to be environmental concerns and I get that it’s going to disturb the environment by installing it,” he added. “But I think it’s going to enhance the environment for sea life. Once it’s built, becomes a natural reef.”

    Batdorf points out Tampa General Hospital and the City of St. Petersburg have purchased an Aqua Fence to prevent flooding and he wants to do the same for residents on a much larger scale.

    “This idea is just common sense. If there’s a wall of water coming in, you put something up to stop it from coming in,” he said. “You see all these other entities putting up barriers to keep water out. Here’s a barrier to keep it out of everybody’s home.”

    Batdorf has announced he’s going to run in the St. Petersburg mayor’s race but has not yet officially filed.

    [ad_2]

    Josh Rojas

    Source link

  • Tampa resident hopeful Cuba oil embargo topples regime

    [ad_1]

    TAMPA, Fla. — Tampa resident Rafael Pizano said his relatives in Cuba tell him the country is likely days away from running out of fuel, and he is hopeful the pressure will lead to regime change on the communist island.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Trump administration shut off the flow of oil to Cuba last month

    • The lack of fuel and tourists visiting the island has increased the economic crisis in Cuba

    • Tampa resident Rafael Pizano said his relatives in Cuba tell him the country is likely days away from running out of fuel 

    • Pizano is hopeful that the pressure will lead to regime change on the communist island


    “We welcome it,” he said. “I would rather have my family in Cuba spend a couple of months going through a tough time, more than usual, if it could lead to a transition.”

    The Trump administration shut off the flow of oil to Cuba last month with military action in Venezuela, and Mexico suspended shipments under pressure from the U.S. The lack of fuel and tourists visiting the island has increased the economic crisis in Cuba.

    “It’s actually getting tougher for the first time on the actual regime,” said Pizano, 45. “These active measures haven’t been seen in decades.”

    Pizano’s dad, Roberto, 87, was a political prisoner in Cuba for 18 years until President Jimmy Carter negotiated an exchange for his release in 1979. The end game the father and son want to see in Cuba includes pluralism in political parties, legalized labor unions and the right to vote.

    “That transition would be freedom, liberty, democracy,” said Pizano. “Change the course of history forever in Cuba in a positive way.”

    [ad_2]

    Josh Rojas

    Source link

  • New $59M state appeal courthouse opens in St. Petersburg

    [ad_1]

    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — A ceremonial ribbon cutting for the new $59 million Bernie McCabe Second District Court of Appeal courthouse in downtown St. Petersburg will be held on Saturday, along with a tour for community leaders.

    What You Need To Know

    • A ceremonial ribbon cutting for the new Bernie McCabe Second District Court of Appeal courthouse in downtown St. Petersburg will be held on Saturday

    • The three-story courthouse along Mirror Lake in downtown St. Petersburg cost $59 million

    • It serves six counties: Pinellas, Pasco, Hillsborough, Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto

    • The courthouse is named after Bernie McCabe, who was the State Attorney for Pinellas and Pasco Counties for nearly 30 years, before his death in 2021


    “This is a way for us to recognize all of the partners who have helped us along the way to make this happen,” said Chief Judge Matt Lucas. “A way for us to formally announce to everyone, ‘Hey, we’re here, we’re open for business, we’re part of this community and we’re excited to get to work.’”

    Lucas said staff began moving into the courthouse in December, with the first oral arguments held last month. Construction at the site, located at 525 Mirror Lake Drive North, began in 2023. The appeal courthouse opened on budget and on time, according to Lucas.

    The 59,000 square-foot building features a single courtroom, suites for 15 judges and workspace for 96 staff members. Lucas said the community room, which the court provides as a meeting space for local bar associations, has become very popular.

    “I will tell you, my phone has been ringing off the hook,” he said. “I had no idea there was so much pent up demand in St Petersburg, but we’re thrilled it’s getting used.” 

    The courtroom is the crown jewel of the three-story building featuring the latest technology and sound absorbing acoustic panels on the walls. Attorney Kevin Hayslett said it’s the envy of most judges in the state.

    “It is pristine. It’s the talk of every appellate judge in the state,” he said. “We’ve got the best courtroom in the state right here in St. Pete.”

    Chief Judge Matt Lucas in the new courtroom. (Spectrum News/Josh Rojas)

    A panel of three appellate court judges serve the Sixth Judicial Circuit (Pinellas and Pasco counties), the 13th Circuit (Hillsborough County) and the 12th Circuit (Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto counties). Lucas said the state chose to build the courthouse in St. Petersburg because of its centralized location.

    “Being right in the center downtown, it’s fitting. It makes sense,” he said. “It’s a place where everyone, when they walk by, whether they have business here or not, they know, yeah, the second DCA is doing the work that they’re supposed to be doing for the people in our district.”

    Before moving into the new courthouse, the judges and staff were working out of the Stetson Law Center in Tampa and a leased building in Lakeland. In 2016, the second DCA had to abandon its courthouse in Lakeland due to structural and air-quality issues.

    Lucas said while everything in the courtroom is brand new, they did bring a few pieces of the past to honor traditions.

    “These oak tables are the original council tables from the Lakeland courthouse,” he said. “We have the original gavel up on the bench there.”

    The courthouse is named after Bernie McCabe, who was the State Attorney for Pinellas and Pasco Counties for nearly 30 years. He died on Jan. 1, 2021, at the age of 73. Hayslett worked as a prosecutor under McCabe. He said naming the courthouse after McCabe honors his legacy of public service.

    “When you think about Bernie McCabe, you think of a person that he believed in law and order,” Lucas said. “He believed in the right of law and people to appeal their sentences even when it didn’t go their way. That’s Bernie McCabe.” 

    Lucas said a modern courthouse must have two important functions to fulfill, security and technology.

    “Keeping up with technology and leaving room for new technology,” he said. “This building has numerous security features and layered security features.”  

    Having an office overlooking Mirror Lake makes it really easy to work at the courthouse, Lucas said, and he’s not looking to leave anytime soon.

    “We are here to stay,” he said. “I have every intention of being here for as long as the people of Florida will have me.”

    [ad_2]

    Josh Rojas

    Source link

  • Historic Pass-a-Grille shuffleboard clubhouse demolished

    [ad_1]

    ST. PETE BEACH, Fla. — The historically designated Pass-a-Grille shuffleboard clubhouse was demolished on Thursday after being substantially damaged by hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024.

    What You Need To Know

    • The historically designated Pass-a-Grille shuffleboard clubhouse was demolished on Thursday

    • The 90-year-old structure was substantially damaged by hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024 

    • The historic building was originally a beach shelter in Gulfport, before being moved by barge to St. Pete Beach in the late 1920s 

    • The budget for the new shuffleboard clubhouse is $166,000 and is expected to be a pavilion type structure 


    “We had hoped more than anything it could be saved,” said Bonnie Gustafson, club member. “The city did the research and just decided it was the best choice.”

    The 90-year-old building was originally a beach shelter in Gulfport, before being moved by barge to St. Pete Beach in the late 1920s. A demo crew contracted by the city for $9,000 used a backhoe to tear down the historical building, which had pink exterior walls, two bathrooms, air conditioning, storage space and a cedar plank ceiling.

    “It’s just sad because we just thought it would always be here,” said Carla Kegel, club member. “It’s just been a big part of our life.”

    Pass-a-Grille Shuffleboard Club President John Gustafson managed to take out a few items from the clubhouse before the demolition began.

    “We salvaged this nice window. The plan is to put a number of photos, memorabilia and stuff from the shuffleboard club in here,” he said. “When they build a new structure, we’ll be able to have some memorabilia in the new building.”

    Last May, city leaders said the historical clubhouse was part of the character of Pass-a-Grille and considered restoring it before learning it would cost $192,000 and exceed the budget. The city then explored moving a 100-year-old Pass-a-Grille home to the site to serve as the new clubhouse.

    Those plans were scrapped in December because it too was going to cost too much money at an estimated $475,000, even though the house was going to be given away for free.

    City Commissioner Jon Maldonado, who represents Pass-a-Grille, said that demolition was the only fiscally responsible thing to do with the damaged historic structure.

    “It’s bittersweet. We know that we needed to do it. It wasn’t something that we wanted to do,” he said. “But at the end of the day, it was what was necessary. So it’s an emotional day for the community.” 

    Public Services Director Camden Mills said feedback from community meetings showed club members wanted the new clubhouse to be a shade structure with storage for shuffleboard equipment and restrooms. It’ll be similar to a pavilion type structure.

    Rendering of the new clubhouse

    “The commission is excited to hear what that’s going to look like,” said Maldonado. “We have not voted on it.”

    Mills said the budget for the new shuffleboard clubhouse is $166,000 and the city will be advertising a request for bid. The public services director expects to present it to city commissioners for approval in about 6 months.

    “I’m just happy that the city realizes the significance and the importance of having a shelter,” said Bonnie Gustafson. “It breaks our heart that it’s not keeping the original.”

    [ad_2]

    Josh Rojas

    Source link

  • St. Pete Mayor Welch delivers State of the City

    [ad_1]

    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — St. Pete Mayor Ken Welch delivered his State of the City address on Wednesday.

    He took a look back at storm recovery, affordable housing challenges and the ongoing issues with trying to redevelop Tropicana Field.

    What You Need To Know

    • Mayor Ken Welch delivered St. Pete’s State of the City Address Wednesday
    • Welch said the community continues to rebuild from 2024’s storms and that 2025 was a year of recovery
    • In 2026, Welch said residents can look forward to more major projects including sewer upgrades, redevelopment of the Manhattan Casino and Municipal Marina

    Welch said the community continues to recovery from the blow of 2024’s hurricanes.

    “2025 was a year of recovery,” he said. “How we recover defines who we are.”

    Welch said continued investments in smart infrastructure will aid the community. He highlighted a $600-million infrastructure stormwater and coastal protection project, along with engaging with residents in flood-prone neighborhoods.


    This is also an election year, and Welch has already announced he’s running for a second term.

    Affordable housing also remains an issue, Welch said, adding he planned on continuing a variety of affordable housing programs.

    Meanwhile, safe and healthy neighbors are key to the city, Welch said. The mayor said the city saw 10 homicides in 2025, the lowest since 1967.

    Also, the mayor stressed the importance of investments in walking, biking and traffic calming projects.

    In 2026, Welch said residents can look forward to more major projects including sewer upgrades, redevelopment of the Manhattan Casino and Municipal Marina. He said investments also would continue into education and investments in non-profits and youth programs. 

    And yes, Welch touched on continued talks about the Historic Gas Plant District. 

    “We have planned extensively,” he said about the ongoing discussions about what to do with the 86-acre Tropicana Field site. “Community conversations have focused on the Gas Plant District.

    “I recognize and respect the city council’s part in this proposal. Our team is working to identify next steps.”

    “In the year ahead, we will continue to do the work that matters most: Creating opportunity, protecting neighborhoods and strengthening infrastructure.” 

    [ad_2]

    Josh Rojas

    Source link

  • St. Pete-Clearwater Airport adds 3 new routes, ranked 2nd-most affordable

    [ad_1]

    CLEARWATER, Fla. — Allegiant Airlines operating out of the St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) will add three new non-stop routes over the next couple of weeks, which will contribute to its record-breaking growth.

    What You Need To Know

    • Three new Allegiant routes added: Atlantic City and Trenton, N.J., along with Huntsville, Ala.

    • PIE is the second-most affordable airport in the nation, according to Kayak

    • The average round-trip fare costs $161

    • New $60M parking garage with 2,000 spaces is expected to open in late 2027


    “Allegiant is our primary carrier, and so they are excited about their continued growth,” said Michele Routh, PIE spokesperson. “We have so many different destinations that we fly to nonstop, and they’re all low cost.”

    The new service to Atlantic City, N.J., began last Friday. Service to Trenton, N.J., begins on Feb. 20 and Huntsville, Ala., on March 5, which brings the total non-stop destinations from PIE to 63.

    The top two most popular routes from PIE are to Knoxville, Tenn., and Asheville, N.C., according to a presentation Interim Airport Director Mark Sprague gave to the Tourist Development Council last month. The ranking is thanks to travelers like Audrey Howell, who said she makes about a dozen trips from Asheville to Clearwater every year to see her best friend.

    “It’s convenient, it’s economical,” she said. “If you know what I mean. Read: cheap.”

    According to Kayak, PIE is the second-most affordable airport in the nation. The average round-trip fare costs $161. Those cheap non-stop flights on Allegiant are one reason the airport has been seeing some big time growth over the years.

    The airport has experienced record-breaking growth over three of the past four years, with nearly 2.8 million passengers in 2025. Only 2024 was slightly down because of hurricanes Helene and Milton, according to Routh.

    “We were just ascending, ascending, ascending. I mean, from 2014 to 2024, almost 200% increase in passengers,” she said. “COVID was the one little blip year where we didn’t break a record and then record-breaking again.” 

    The busiest month at the airport is July followed by June and March, according to Routh. Another reason passengers enjoy flying from PIE is because it’s easier to navigate than larger airports.

    “Love this airport simply because it’s smaller,” said Scott Cooper, Delray Beach resident. “Don’t have to wait on as many lines. Much easier to get in and out of.”

    Last year, the airport’s parking lots were completely full during some holidays. To ensure it stays easy, Pinellas County will spend $60 million to build a new four-story parking garage with 2,000 spaces. The parking garage will be constructed on the Strawberry economy lot just west of the terminal and is expected to open in late 2027.

    “Prioritizing the parking garage, very important to us,” said Routh. “Designing it this year, building it next year. So we’ll be ready in a couple of years to be able to grow even further.” 

    Allegiant plans to continue growing by acquiring Sun County Airlines. The sale is expected to be closed this summer. Sun Country currently flies a seasonal route to Minneapolis, Minnesota from PIE, with year-round service from Tampa International Airport.

    Sprague said once the sale is finalized, he foresees Sun Country leaving TPA and flying full-time out of PIE.

    The St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport is in the early stages of planning for a new terminal with a $110 million budget, according to Routh. PIE’s first terminal was built in 1956.

    [ad_2]

    Josh Rojas

    Source link

  • Mayor Welch to review Gas Plant development proposals: 9 in total

    [ad_1]

    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Mayor Ken Welch on Tuesday will see all nine proposals for developing the 86-acre historic Gas Plant District.

    Ark Ellison Horus and Kettler was the first group to file a proposal, and since then, more have come in. They are from Foundation Vision Partners, Freedom Communities Company, Logical Sites Inc, Pinellas County Housing Authority, Reparations Land Trust and Development Authority, Tempo Novus, The Burg Bid LLC and The Tampa Bay Boom Inc. See the proposals below…

    Welch said his team will evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of all the proposals and select a winner.

    “We’ll have a public forum where the developers will present to our community,” Welch told Spectrum News. “We’ll have the community benefits process as well, and then I will select one of those developers.”

    When asked if the process could take a few months, he said, “Oh, definitely.”

    Welch says the city has planned for more than a decade and that it’s time to move forward.

    “Planning first is great, but planning perpetually is not something we should do,” Welch said. “When I ran for office, folks didn’t want to see continued planning. They want to see impact from a 40-year promise when the land was taken for economic inclusion at that site.”

    Ark Ellison Horus Proposal

    Foundation Vision Partners Proposal

    Freedom Communities Company

    Logical Sites Inc

    Pinellas County Housing Authority

    Reparations Land Trust and Development Authority

    Tempo Novus

    The Burg Bid LLC

    The Tampa Bay Boom Inc

    [ad_2]

    Josh Rojas, Angie Angers

    Source link

  • St. Pete mayor to review 5 Gas Plant development proposals

    [ad_1]

    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Mayor Kenneth Welch on Tuesday will see all the proposals for developing the 86-acre historic Gas Plant District.


    Ark Ellison Horus and Kettler was the first group to file a proposal, and since then, more have come in. They are from DPZ CoDesign, the Pinellas County Housing Authority, Freedom Communities Company and the International Democratic Uhuru Movement.

    Welch said his team will evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of all the proposals and select a winner.

    “We’ll have a public forum where the developers will present to our community,” Welch told Spectrum News. “We’ll have the community benefits process as well, and then I will select one of those developers.”

    When asked if the process could take a few months, he said, “Oh, definitely.”

    Council member Brandi Gabbard is trying to pump the brakes on the process. She has a proposed resolution which the Council will vote on at its Thursday meeting. It requests that the administration pause any action to select a developer until some comprehensive planning has been completed.

    Another council member, Deborah Figgs-Sanders, says the city has been planning forever, and it’s time for action.

    “At this point, let’s get some things done,” she said. “Let’s choose the best organization to actually do it, but more importantly, let’s keep moving.”

    Steve Diasio, the CEO and founder of the School of Creativity and Innovation, held a Gas Plant District design workshop for the community last November. He liked Gabbard’s proposal to slow the proposal down, saying he doesn’t want to see the property undersold.

    “Having this proposal to stop the process, for me, is good for business, good for evaluating the property and doing due diligence that needs to happen,” he said.

    Welch says the city has planned for more than a decade and that it’s time to move forward.

    “Planning first is great, but planning perpetually is not something we should do,” Welch said. “When I ran for office, folks didn’t want to see continued planning. They want to see impact from a 40-year promise when the land was taken for economic inclusion at that site.”

    [ad_2]

    Josh Rojas

    Source link

  • Madeira Beach wants resident ideas for waterfront land development

    [ad_1]

    MADEIRA BEACH, Fla. — The city of Madeira Beach will host another round of town hall meetings next week to gather ideas from residents on how to move forward with developing more than four acres of waterfront land the city purchased last October.

    What You Need To Know

    • The City of Madeira Beach will host another round of town hall meetings on Feb. 3 and Feb. 7 

    • Madeira Beach wants ideas from residents on how to develop waterfront property the city purchased last October 

    • The city paid $18M for 4.6 acres at 555 150th Avenue  

    • Some ideas from residents include green space, wet slips and a restaurant 


    “The possibilities are super exciting,” said resident Caitlin Beaird. “It’s going to be really nice to see something we can all be really proud of as we cross over into our lovely city.”

    The city paid $18 million for 4.6 acres of vacant property located at 555 150th Avenue, which is also named the Tom Stuart Causeway. Madeira Beach held the first round of town hall meetings last November.

    At that time, some ideas from residents included a lot of green space, similar to Coachman Park in Clearwater or the St. Pete Pier. Other ideas inlcuded a fishing area, wet slips for boats, a water playground, a parking garage and restaurants.

    Resident Pam Koewing-Rasmussen said she plans to attend the upcoming town hall meetings and agrees a parking garage should be a priority with a nice restaurant on top.

    “We’ve got all the ground surface parking we need in Madeira Beach. We can’t get much more,” she said. “Let’s go up two or four stories… So you have a good view.”

    Koewing-Rasmussen said she wants to see development which generates revenue for the city to recoup the money the city paid for it.

    “Something like a John’s Pass North or West or whatever you want to call it, with a boardwalk kind of decor and development,” she said. “I would like to see that go all the way under Tom Stuart and over to Patriot Park.” 

    Beaird said she would like to see a museum which honors the city’s fishing village history, which she believes is becoming more of a fishing resort town these days.

    “I really would like to see some type of museum exhibit,” she said. “Featuring the maritime history of the area and the ecology of the area.”

    Both Koewing-Rasmussen and Beaird would like green space to be a part of the development plan with a walkway along the waterfront. Beaird said a restaurant on Boca Ciega Bay is needed too.

    “Of course, waterfront dining,” she said. “There’s other beach towns up and down that have restaurants on the waterway that we can pull our boat right up to. And we don’t have that yet in Madeira Beach.”

    The town hall meetings have been scheduled for Feb. 3 at 6 p.m. and Feb. 7 at 11 a.m. at Madeira Beach City Hall.

    [ad_2]

    Josh Rojas

    Source link

  • Resident questions why workers were at St. Pete Beach mayor’s home after Helene

    [ad_1]

    ST. PETE BEACH, Fla. — St. Pete Beach resident Donna Miller captured video of workers carrying fans into Mayor Adrian Petrila’s house less than 24 hours after Hurricane Helene had passed and access to the island was still restricted.

    What You Need To Know

    • St. Pete Beach resident Donna Miller captured video of workers carrying fans into Mayor Adrian Petrila’s house on Sept. 27, 2024

    • The incident happened less than 24 hours after Hurricane Helene had passed, and access to the island was still restricted

    • Petrila stated he had a gas leak and sheriff’s deputies allowed the workers to gain access to St. Pete Beach 

    • A TECO spokesperson stated Peoples Gas does not have any natural gas pipelines or equipment in that area


    “He was cleaning out his own house. Drying it out,” she said. “While people were on the island suffering. Leaders need to lead by example, and that’s not a leader for me.”

    Miller said she did not evacuate for the storm because of her pets. She had to flee to her neighbor’s home when Helene’s record-breaking storm surge flooded her home. The next day Miller said she and her friend began driving around the city to see if anyone needed help.

    “We went through the neighborhood to see if they were stuck in their vehicles, if they were stuck in their houses,” she said. “If they needed pet food, whatever we had, we could give.”

    It was during that time when Miller said they came across the unusual sight of three workers walking into Petrila’s house. Miller recorded 10 seconds of video of the scene from her car and can be heard saying “interesting” on the clip. The resident said at the time she had no idea who owned the house and confronted Petrila.

    “I got out of my car and I wanted to know, ‘how did you get these people on the island?’ There are people with nothing. They have no food, no water, their perishables are washed away,” she said. “And he said, ‘Well, I got them on when it was open.’ I go, ‘It was never open. Never.’ We already knew because we tried to get supplies on. So he went back in the house.”

    Hurricane Helene’s storm surge hit Pinellas County on the evening of Sept. 26, 2024. The time stamp on Miller’s video at the mayor’s house shows it was taken at 4:57 p.m. on Sept. 27. Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office deputies reopened access for residents, business owners or employees with a Barrier Islands Re-Entry Permit on Sept. 28 at 4 p.m.

    “Nobody should have preferential treatment. Nobody should think that they’re above others, especially in this storm,” said Miller. “The only way this community got through it is that we worked together.”

    Spectrum News requested an interview with Petrila, but he declined. Instead, Petrila released the following statement:

     “As Mayor, I had no authority to allow anyone access across the bridge. That authority rested solely with the Sheriff. Like many residents, my home, which includes a basement, had three feet of water in it and catastrophic damage days after the storm. That damage included a gas leak. I called emergency response, and they responded, thankfully. It was suggested that equipment was needed to expel the gas from the house and it is my understanding the Sheriff allowed supplies to mitigate the gas build up to come across the bridge as to prevent an explosion or damage to other property.”

    Miller said Petrila never mentioned a gas leak to her when she confronted him that day. A TECO spokesperson stated Peoples Gas does not have any natural gas pipelines or equipment in that area. There’s a possibility that it could have been a propane gas leak call.

    Pinellas Sheriff’s spokesperson Sgt. Jessica Mackesy said the agency has no records of an emergency gas leak call from Petrila’s house, including no dispatch notes, radio traffic or emails. When asked if Petrila received preferential treatment, Sgt. Mackesy released the following statement:

     “Reentry after the hurricanes in 2024 was chaotic, to say the least. Many people were given access to the beach communities under different circumstances. We tried to remain consistent, but that was an impossibility given the magnitude of the event. There is only an allegation but no evidence of any preferential treatment. Photos of the Mayor at his home does not mean there was preferential treatment. This allegation is being made during the current political campaign. The Mayor answers to his constituents, and they will decide whether there is an issue. We have no further comment and will not entertain any additional questions on this issue.”

    Miller said she sent Sheriff Bob Gualtieri an email outlining her concerns last month and never received a call. Miller’s email stated in part:

    “My concern is whether access restrictions, law-enforcement coordination, or emergency response protocols were applied equitably during this period, and whether any special access or priority was granted that may have conflicted with emergency management or public safety policies.”

    Miller has since called for the Pinellas Sheriff’s Office to conduct an internal investigation into the matter.

    “They let somebody on the island because they were the mayor or preferential treatment. Shame on them,” she said. “I’m sure that he played his card to get in. But if he was going to play his card to get in to save his house, he could have brought a few cases of water to help the neighbors in the process.”

    Miller also responded to the allegation she has recently come forward due to an upcoming election in St. Pete Beach.

    “Why am I coming out now? Because nobody did anything about it. I wrote the Sheriff. I wrote the Congresswoman (Anna Paulina Luna),” she said. “There’s no answers and nobody’s answering me.”

    Miller said she voted for Petrila in his first election but won’t do it again. She has been actively supporting Scott Tate, the fellow Republican challenger, on social media.

    “I think we deserve answers,” she said. “We put him in office. So answer the people.”

    Petrila is up for re-election and is facing challenger Scott Tate. Petrila said on a social media post that he has been endorsed by Gualtieri. The election is scheduled for March 10.

    [ad_2]

    Josh Rojas

    Source link

  • St. Pete company tracks ships trying to avoid detection around the globe

    [ad_1]

    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Working out of the Maritime Defense and Technology Hub in St. Petersburg, Pole Star Defense managing director Alex Field said the company is using innovative technology to track large cargo ships and oil tankers around the globe — including vessels trying to avoid detection.

    “Primarily, we track large commercial vessels across the world,” he said. “We currently support the U.S. Coast Guard.”

    What You Need To Know

    • Pole Star Defense is based out of the Maritime Defense and Technology Hub in St. Petersburg

    • According to managing director Alex Field, the company uses innovative technology to track large cargo ships and oil tankers around the globe, including vessels trying to avoid detection

    • Pole Star Defense has been monitoring a growing number of illicit ship-to-ship transfers in the middle of the ocean 


    The International Maritime Organization passed regulation after 9/11 mandating commercial vessels share their location with their flag states and other countries as the ships enter those waters. Pole Star Defense is part of that large global data-sharing operation.

    “The vessels will send their vessel position and other vessel data up to the satellite,” said Field. “That satellite will then send it to us as an ASP (application service provider) and then ultimately we send it to what’s called a national data center for that flag registry.”

    Field said some vessels, which include sanctioned oil tankers, go to great lengths to spoof or hide their location. Field said a growing problem the defense maritime company has been monitoring is illicit ship-to-ship transfers in the middle of the ocean.

    “What you ultimately see is one vessel coming from a sanctioned port, doing a ship-to-ship transfer in the middle of the ocean to another one,” he said. “Then that vessel will also take it to another vessel that then can go off to another port and they’ve blended product to that point. All these are bulk carriers and so now what’s Iranian oil versus what’s Venezuelan oil?”

    Senior Solutions Engineer Richard Aguilar said he has been investigating an oil tanker which caught his attention on Jan. 9, when it stopped off the coast of Guyana, near Venezuela, and conducted a ship-to-ship transfer with two other ships. Aguilar said an STS is common with two vessels, but three raises suspicion.

    “When you start seeing more than two, then it becomes, ‘Why?’” he said. “Especially in different areas where it’s known to have sanctioned or illicit activity occurring.”

    Field said Pole Star Defense played an adjacent role to the U.S. blockade of sanctioned Venezuelan oil tankers, referred to as the dark fleet, which began last December.

    “We’re helping gather information around what’s going on. Much of those vessels go dark,” he said. “Tracking all the vessels that we could coming out of Venezuela, coming into Venezuela and where they were going. As each of those vessels, I think it’s up to seven now, have been seized by U.S. Coast Guard.”

    Field said the U.S. Coast Guard is his company’s primary customer and the reason it chose to locate its U.S. headquarters in St. Petersburg. The company also supports 65 other countries. Pole Star Defense is a subsidiary of Pole Star Global, a company based in the U.K., with about 20 years of experience in the maritime business.

    Pole Star Defense is one of the first companies which moved into the Hub when it opened nearly five years ago. Field said he expects the company — which began with three employees but has now grown to a 24/7 operation with nearly 50 — to be in St. Petersburg for the long haul.

    “The area is great. The ecosystem in St. Pete, lots of other small businesses focused on maritime space,” he said. “We’ve got the Coast Guard right next door here, which is our primary customer.” 

    [ad_2]

    Josh Rojas

    Source link

  • St. Petersburg earns Trail Town designation

    [ad_1]

    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The city of St. Petersburg was recently designated an official Trail Town by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection for its significant investments in the Pinellas Trail.

    What You Need To Know

    • The FDEP designated St. Petersburg a Trail Town on Dec. 17

    • St. Petersburg joins 22 other cities that are recognized as a Trail Town

    • The FDEP has a program which will promote the Pinellas Trail to boost eco-tourism and help the city pursue grants 

    • St. Pete earned the designation for the portion of the Pinellas Trail which runs through four Arts Districts from 31st Street South to the downtown waterfront


    “We’ve made those investments in our community,” said Cheryl Stacks, Transportation Manager. “We really see it as an opportunity to kind of improve the quality of life, improve the economy for our residents.”

    Stacks presented the city council with the designation last week for the portion of the Pinellas Trail which runs through four Arts Districts from 31st Street South to the downtown waterfront. St. Petersburg joins 22 other cities that are recognized as a Trail Town.

    “I think it’s a big deal for the city. I think it’s kind of a long time coming,” she said. “So it’s great to be able to have this recognition.”

    St. Petersburg received the designation for having emergency markers, trail courtesy reminders, access to restaurants, retail, bike racks and public restrooms. Andrea Osorio, owner of Carupano Kitchen in the Foodie Labs, said she welcomes riders to use their facilities.

    “These are people that have been riding for minutes, hours and then they stop by,” she said. “They get a bite to eat, they use our bathrooms, they get something to drink and just rest for a little bit with the AC.”

    Part of the trail winds through council member Corey Givens Jr.’s district, who said riders enjoy the murals and help boost the local economy.

    “You can really support small businesses. The trail, it’s along the Warehouse Arts District,” he said. “So you have minority-owned businesses there, women-owned businesses there that can really utilize that support. And people don’t have to drive to get there.”

    Stefan Koch said he traveled from Michigan to ride his bicycle on the Pinellas Trail.

    “I’ve spent the last two days riding on this trail,” he said. “I just rode down to the end at the St. Pete harbor there and now I’m on my way back to Clearwater. I think it’s a lovely trail.” 

    Koch said he supports the organization Rails to Trails Conservancy, which is how he learned about the Pinellas Trail, and believes the FDEP designation is well-deserved.

    “The trail has a lot of great infrastructure and is well-maintained,” he said. “So I congratulate St. Pete for being a Trail Town.”

    Due to the recognition, the FDEP has a program that will promote the trail to boost eco-tourism and help the city pursue grants. Stacks said St. Pete is currently working on a permitting process which would allow businesses east of 34th Street to develop private access points along the Pinellas Trail.

    [ad_2]

    Josh Rojas

    Source link

  • Madeira Beach Snack Shack pilings in good shape

    [ad_1]

    MADEIRA BEACH, Fla. — The pilings that support the iconic Madeira Beach Snack Shack appear to be in “good shape” after being flooded with seawater by Hurricane Helene 16 months ago, according to Community Development Director Marci Forbes.

    What You Need To Know

    • Community Development Director Marci Forbes said the substructure was in much better shape than anticipated

    • Forbes was able to inspect 14-of-45 pilings, after sand washed in from Hurricane Helene was removed in December 

    • The Snack Shack at Archibald Park has remained closed since Helene’s record breaking storm surge 16 months ago 

    • The next step in the process to bring the Snack Shack back is to get the 92-year-old building historically designated


    “The substructure as a whole is in much better shape than we had anticipated,” she said. “Some of the piles did exhibit some superficial pitting and wear and tear but… they’re not losing their capacity to withstand.”

    The city paid $30,700 in December to remove sand that had washed beneath the building by Hurricane Helene that had been preventing a proper inspection. Forbes said she was finally able to crawl beneath the Snack Shack and inspect 14 of the 45 pilings last week. The director believes those pilings she looked at are a good representation of the rest.

    “At first, I was a little thrown off because it had a soft exterior,” she said. “But as I started to go to the piles and look at them, I realized that was really the creosote layer on them. So once you can strip that away, the wood underneath seemed very, very hard. It didn’t seem too spongy.”

    Forbes delivered the good news to city commissioners on Wednesday and they were pleasantly surprised. City leaders want to try to save the Snack Shack which is beloved by the community and has remained closed since Helene. Forbes said had the pilings been rotten she would have recommended demolition.

    “It was good news to deliver,” she said. “I do want to be very careful with tempering those expectations because we will have to spend a little money. But it is nowhere near… what everybody was worried we would find.”

    Forbes did find some problems. She said that all of the metal straps which secure the building to the substructure are rusty and need to be replaced.

    The next step in the process to bring the Snack Shack back is to get the 92-year-old building historically designated. Forbes said that’s because it’s going to cost more than 50 percent of the value of the structure to repair the building, which was appraised at about $800,000.

    The city must first write a historical designation code into its land development regulations. To qualify as a Florida Heritage Landmark building, the structure must be at least 50-years-old, have regional or statewide significance and be approved by the state.

    Forbes said she expects the process to take between 6-to-8 months. In the meantime, the city will move forward with the design phase in order to start reconstruction as soon as the approval takes place.

    Mayor Anne-Marie Brooks has asked acting City Manager and Fire Chief Clint Belk to find a food truck which can be stationed at Archibald Park until the Snack Shack reopens.

    [ad_2]

    Josh Rojas

    Source link

  • Treasure Island Kite Festival returns after 2024 storms

    [ad_1]

    TREASURE ISLAND, Fla. — The annual Treasure Island Kite Festival will return to the beach on Friday for the first time since a pair of hurricanes devastated the area in 2024.

    What You Need To Know

    • The 29th annual Treasure Island Kite Festival begins on Friday and runs through Sunday

    • The event was canceled last year as the area recovered from Hurricanes Helene and Milton

    • The public can expect to see hundreds, maybe even thousands of colorful kites flying

    • The family friendly event is free to attend


    “It feels fantastic,” said organizer Torrey Lindemann. “Kite flying is all about community and bringing people together and having fun.”

    The organizer said the public can expect to see hundreds, maybe even thousands of colorful kites flying over the beach at the same time. Lindemann said he has 30 years of experience and enjoys flying a sports kite.

    “There’s also going to be a lot of giant inflatable kites,” he said. “We’ve got a kite flying team from Texas that just rolled in, and they have a 90-foot octopus.”

    The massive sea creature kites will be lit up with LED lights for the night fly on Friday and Saturday. The return of the kite festival is another sign that much of the area has recovered from Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

    The iconic Thunderbird Beach Hotel, which was the lead sponsor of the event, has been temporarily closed since being flooded by Helene. Instead, the Bilmar Beach Resort next door has taken over the sponsorship.

    “We’re so glad that we’re able to do that,” said Clyde Smith, Bilmar general manager. “We’re happy to pick up the ball and run with them.”

    Smith said dozens of rooms have been booked for the festival, which will be the first big event of the year in Treasure Island.

    “It’s definitely the best weekend in a little while,” he said. “It was a little soft this holiday period.” 

    Lindemann said players from all over the country have been arriving for the festival. The pro flyers will participate in stunt shows, battle in competitions and choreographed ballets set to music.

    “There’s over 10,000 people who said that they are interested in coming,” he said. “So we hope that that we get a lot of people to show up and help boost the economy here and get to learn about kite flying because it’s so much fun.”

    The 29th annual Treasure Island Kite Festival begins on Friday and runs through Sunday. The family-friendly event is free to attend, and the public can bring their own kites to fly.

    [ad_2]

    Josh Rojas

    Source link

  • Innovative air-sea drone company moves into St. Pete’s Hub

    [ad_1]

    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The newest tenant at the Maritime and Defense Technology Hub in St. Petersburg is a company called SubUAS, which has created an innovative drone that can seamlessly transition from air to water.

    What You Need To Know

    • SubUAS has created a drone that can seamlessly transition from air to water

    • It’s the first drone in the world with those capabilities, according to contract manager Andrew Bennett

    • The New Jersey based company opened its first oupost at the Maritime and Defense Technology Hub in St. Petersburg 

    • SubUAS will be introduced to the community at the State of Science and Innovation event at USF St. Pete on Jan. 28


    “A drone that can swim and fly,” said Andrew Bennett, SubUAS contract manager. “It’s the first one in the world to actually do this.”

    The name of the company stands for submarine unmanned aerial submersible. Bennett said the drone has been designed to operate in rough conditions.

    “To have the speed that a propeller needs to spin at to fly with payload, and then go underwater,” he said. “This is rated at seawater, maritime, hostile environment, saltwater, corrosive, so you’ve gotta put all that stuff together. That’s a hard, hard thing to do.”

    Dr. Javier Diaz, a professor at Rutgers University, developed the innovative technology. The drones are manufactured and assembled in New Jersey. SubUAS opened its first outpost at the Hub last November.

    “The Hub here in St. Pete serves a unique, unique space for us,” Bennett said. “Not just from a networking standpoint but also from a proof of concept standpoint.”

    Bennett said the company chose the Hub because of its proximity to MacDill Air Force Base, the U.S. Coast Guard and USF College of Marine Science. SubUAS has earned nearly $16 million in defense contracts since 2016.

    “So the military did their investments, multiple agencies did their investments,” said Bennett. “We have the thing, and it’s out in the field doing great missions right now. Can’t really talk about those.”

    Bennett said the drones are dual use with commercial capabilities. For example, search and rescue, checking oil rigs and port security.

    St. Pete Innovation District COO Lauren Bell said they were so excited to get SubUAS as a tenant that a lease was executed the same day the company inquired about moving to the area.

    “They have some state of the art tech that nobody else is doing and they’re genuinely good people,” she said. “We want that as an add to our community.”  

    Bennett said the company plans to expand and wants to stay at the Hub for as long as possible.

    “We’re going to be here. I mean, it makes too much sense for us to be here. Our customer base is here,” he said. “We’ve got a beautiful location to actually show the technology and the capabilities, and we’ve got the workspace to actually expand our manufacturing capabilities.” 

    The community will be formally introduced to SubUAS at the State of Science and Innovation event at USF St. Pete on Jan. 28.

    [ad_2]

    Josh Rojas

    Source link

  • St. Pete Gas Plant proposal window opens, critics want citizen-driven plan first

    [ad_1]

    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The city of St. Petersburg officially opened its 30-day proposal window this past Sunday to redevelop the Historic Gas Plant District, as some community members have urged city council to reject the process and plan for the project first.

    What You Need To Know

    • The window for Gas Plant redevelopment proposals opened this past Sunday

    • Ark Ellison Horus has been the only team to officially submit

    • At least a half dozen other developers reportedly plan to submit proposals before the Feb. 3 deadline

    • City Council member Corey Givens Jr. said he wants to see a citizen-driven plan completed first


    “The way it’s being handled now is going to cost the city more than $1 billion and permanently surrender control,” said Ron Diner, Home Runs Matter founder. “This is a gold mine for developers, and this is our gold… not theirs.”

    Diner is a former Raymond James executive who wants a city-led plan completed before any of the 86 acres of prime downtown land can be redeveloped.

    “The city should plan first,” he said. “They should form a community advisory council, hire national planners, and then lay out the property and then have the developers come in and buy the land parcel by parcel at fair value.” 

    Instead, Mayor Ken Welch has decided to go with a master developer approach where all the land is acquired first. The process has not been rushed but is responsible, according to Welch. The mayor also wrote that the city will move deliberately, guided by the principle that redevelopment must serve all, including those once left behind.

    Ark Ellison Horus has been the only team to officially submit a proposal during the current open window. It’s the team that triggered the process with an undisclosed proposal last October. At least a half dozen other developers reportedly plan to submit proposals before the Feb. 3 deadline.

    City Council member Corey Givens Jr. said he agrees with Diner’s approach and will vote down any of the development proposals that come in this month. Givens said putting the cart before the horse is bound to fail.

    “I want a citizen-driven plan. I think what happens first is the citizens need to decide what they want,” he said. “But we also need to bring in experts, advise us. A lot of times you’ve got to go outside of St. Pete to find out what will work best in St. Pete.”

    Diner spoke out at the St. Pete city council meeting on Thursday, telling members he wants them to draw the line on the proposal-first approach.

    “What I challenged the city council to do today was to stand up and say that we will not approve of a developer proposal first process if any is brought before us,” he said. “We insist the city do a planning process first.” 

    This is the city’s third attempt to find a Gas Plant developer in the past six years.

    [ad_2]

    Josh Rojas

    Source link

  • Business owners excited for Rays season in St. Pete

    [ad_1]

    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Edge District business owners in downtown are excited for the upcoming Tampa Bay Rays season in St. Petersburg, after collectively losing millions last year when the major league baseball team played home games in Tampa, according to the neighborhood association.

    What You Need To Know

    • Edge District hospitality business owners collectively lost millions while the Rays played in Tampa last year

    • Mark Ferguson, owner of Ferg’s Sports Bar and Grill, said his business was down 30 percent

    • Ferguson was excited to see an official Tampa Bay Rays team store pop up in the Edge District

    • The Rays’ opening day at the Trop is scheduled for April 6 against the Chicago Cubs


    Mark Ferguson, owner of Ferg’s Sports Bar and Grill, said that from April through August of last year his business was down 30 percent.

    “That hurt, but we didn’t have to lay anybody off,” he said. “We just gave people less hours and tried to make sure it worked for everybody.”

    Ferg’s is located right across the street from Tropicana Field. Many other hospitality businesses in the Edge District also saw a dip while the team was away.

    “All of downtown from here, all the way to the water, missed baseball,” said Ferguson. “They’ve all been crying to city council.”

    Signs of life that the Rays will be back in St. Petersburg for the 2026 season began showing up last November. That’s when the Trop roof was completed ahead of schedule and an official Tampa Bay Rays team store popped up in the Edge District. Ferguson said he is looking forward to a rebound.

    “Everybody’s excited,” he said. “For them to move the Ray store over here helps get everybody thinking about baseball.”

    The Rays store will be moved back into the Trop once all the renovations have been completed. The Rays’ opening day at the Trop is scheduled for April 6 against the Chicago Cubs.

    [ad_2]

    Josh Rojas

    Source link

  • PSL members in Tampa protest U.S. strike against Venezuela

    [ad_1]

    TAMPA, Fla. — Dozens of members with the Tampa Bay branch of the Party for Socialism and Liberation (PSL) showed up on the steps of Tampa City Hall on Saturday to protest the U.S. strike in Venezuela.

    What You Need To Know

    • A protest was organized by the Tampa Bay branch of the Party for Socialism and Liberation against the U.S. strike in Venezuela

    • It was held on the steps of Tampa City Hall on Saturday 

    • Organizers said the protest is part of an antiwar movement, which happened in 75 cities across the nation

    • Another protest will take place on Sunday in St. Petersburg


    “We know that this is not the end. This is the beginning of something that has the potential to get very, very ugly,” said organizer Aliabdel-Quadar. “We stand against US militarism in the region.”

    Organizers said the Tampa protest is part of an antiwar movement that happened in 75 cities across the nation.

    “We’re completely opposed to money being spent on bombing other countries,” said Aliabdel-Quadar. “When money needs to be spent here in this country, on health care, on education, on housing, on social programs.”

    Members carried signs that read, “NO BLOOD FOR OIL.” Monica “Franki” Diaz said they’re opposed to the U.S. taking control of the oil in Venezuela.

    “This is Venezuelan oil, and it should be for the Venezuelan people. The money should be used however they see fit,” she said. “I don’t think we should be controlling that in any way.”

    Member Jack Hummell said it should be up to the Venezuelan people to take their country back.

    “I think Venezuelans should be able to choose their own destiny or self-determination,” he said. “I think they have the freedom to choose for themselves. I don’t think it’s the U.S.’ business to choose for them.”

    Organizers said another protest will take place on Sunday in St. Petersburg.

    [ad_2]

    Josh Rojas

    Source link

  • St. Petersburg repairs waterfront parks from hurricane damage

    [ad_1]

    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The City of St. Petersburg opened all of its waterfront parks just in time for the holidays, as some areas had been closed for repairs after flooding damage from both hurricanes Idalia and Helene.

    “All of these parks were inundated with saltwater,” said Barbara Stalbird, Parks and Recreation assistant director. “What happened was a lot of the trees had died and all of the sod had died.”

    The flooding killed about 23 trees and caused drainage problems too, according to Stalbird.

    What You Need To Know

    • Four waterfront parks in St. Petersburg were damaged by hurricanes Idalia and Helene 

    • The cost for the repairs is $553,000, with FEMA picking up most of the tab

    • Three parks have been completed: Elva Rouse, Vinoy and Flora Wylie 

    • Repairs at Albert Whitted Park are expected to begin next month


    “It also created compaction with the soil, and so soil could no longer drain,” she said. “So we had a wetland situation where water would just sit and sit and had nowhere to drain.”

    Stalbird said the four waterfront parks most affected by the flooding were Elva Rouse, Vinoy, Flora Wylie and Albert Whitted. The cost to regrade the parks and replace the sod is $553,000. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) picked up most of the cost for the Idalia damage at $415,000. The city and state split the remaining $138,000.

    “We know that everyone loves their park system and we appreciate that support,” said Stalbird. “And everyone’s patience during this project. It’s been an important project.”

    Stalbird said they had to use St. Augustine grass because FEMA only pays to replace the sod that was in place before the flooding. Elva Rouse was the first park to be repaired and was completed in April. The sod removal from Vinoy Park began in June and Flora Wylie  in October, according to Stalbird.

    “Grading was one of the biggest values of this project, because what we were able to do once the old sod was removed by our staff, we were able to do significant grading so that the water would no longer sit,” she said. “Then the new sod is laid, and it’s able to thrive because of those better soil conditions.”

    The fencing around Flora Wylie park was taken down last week, an early Christmas gift to the community from Parks and Rec.

    “Just in time for people to enjoy it for the holiday,” said Stalbird. “We hope everyone’s able to come out.”

    Resident Jenna Sutton, 28, lives in the neighborhood across the street from Flora Wylie Park and said she noticed people weren’t using the grass after the flood damage.

    “There was a lot of dips in the ground. A lot of people play soccer out here and they couldn’t do that anymore,” she said. “It really affected the way that people just like they do yoga out here in their daily activities. We typically were just doing walks.”

    Sutton was one of the first park visitors to enjoy the fresh sod when the fencing was removed from Flora Wylie.

    “It was closed for a while, and I was getting kind of nervous,” she said. “The grass is open, it’s beautiful and I’m so excited.”

    In May, the Trust for Public Land released its 2025 ParkScore which ranked St. Petersburg as having the No. 1 waterfront park system in Florida and No. 14 among the largest 100 cities in the nation. Stalbid said it’s important to maintain the crown jewel of the city, which is listed as a top priority in the charter.

    “This is very unique. In most cities, you have all the development along the water, which really blocks public use,” she said. “So our founders were so, so responsible in setting this aside. So that the public would always have it for enjoyment.”

    Stalbird said the city has a tree replacement plan and has been conducting a seawall study with plans for a higher wall to further protect the parks from flooding. The last park to be repaired from hurricane damage is Albert Whitted, which is expected to begin next month.

    [ad_2]

    Josh Rojas

    Source link