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Tag: Pinellas County

  • St. Pete celebrates local businesses with Localtopia

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Thousands of people celebrated St. Petersburg’s local businesses on Saturday as the nonprofit Keep St. Petersburg Local hosted its annual Localtopia event in Williams Park. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Localtopia, St. Petersburg’s largest community celebration of all things local, returned to St. Pete

    • Thousands of people 300 businesses and thousands of people filled Willams Park

    • The St. Pete Chamber of Commerce said this event is crucial for local businesses

    • Businesses said the event was a great opportunity for exposure


    It’s considered St. Petersburg’s largest community celebration of all things local.

    It was a busy day for businesses.

    Gallons of locally brewed beer were on tap at Localtopia.

    “Today, we have on tap our Harold’s lager, which is a nice, light, easy-drinking beer and our orange, which is a nice, easy-drinking light beer as well,” said Dennis Decker, owner of Pinellas Ale Works.

    Pinellas Ale Works has been coming to Localtopia for about 10 years. Every year, Decker said they sell more beer. While Decker said they are pretty established, the event is still a great day for exposure.

    “For a lot of the smaller businesses that haven’t been around a long time or don’t have a big advertising budget, this is a great way to show people what you do and what you have to offer,” he said.

    There are more than 300 independent businesses and organizations at this year’s celebration of all things local. The St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce said businesses need the help after spending most of last year recovering from 2024’s back-to-back hurricanes.

    “We love our locals, we know that has made the difference. When people come to St. Pete and they feel the buzz, it’s the buzz of the love we have for that entrepreneur who’s got the courage to open up that shop and take care of the rest of us,” said Chris Steinocher, president and CEO of the St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce.

    Steinocher said that St. Pete is open for business and encouraged people to shop local, not only on Saturday, but throughout the year.

    “Now, our economy is back, and our tourism is back, and our community is back. This is a year we want everybody to realize, we can get back to that normal sense of we have a lot of people here and we’re going to do a lot of good things,” Steinocher said.

    And after Localtopia, Decker said people do just that, as the brewery usually sees some extra foot traffic.

    “I think this kind of event reminds people of their local businesses. They kind of forget with the ordering online and all that kind of stuff, they forget about local businesses, and I think this is a good showcase for local businesses,” Decker said.

    Localtopia started in 2014 to celebrate art, music, food, drinks, and culture that St. Pete has to offer.

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    Tyler O’Neill

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  • Fan fest yard sale includes Rays gear dating back to 2008

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Preparing for their return to Pinellas County, the Tampa Bay Rays are hosting a community yard sale Saturday with all kinds of items that were pulled from Tropicana Field during construction.

    The 2026 Tampa Bay Rays Fan Fest will be held from 1-5 p.m. Saturday. The large yard sale is set up outside of Gates 4 and 5 on 16th Street S.

    The Rays typically hold a community yard sale as part of Fan Fest, where the remainder of the previous year’s promotional items and team gear are sold off to prepare for the new season.

    The team also held a pre-construction yard sale over the summer.

    The goal of that was to purge most of the goodies that had been piling up at Tropicana Field over the last two decades, but the team’s Chief Business Officer Bill Walsh said they found more as construction continued.

    “Candidly, we keep finding things,” Walsh said. “This is kind of the last of it. This is the last round.”

    All yard sale items will be sold for $5. Authentic jerseys and mystery autograph balls will be sold for $30.

    Some of the items that hit the yard sale tables date as far back as 2008. They include promotional shirts, hats, jerseys, costumes, bobbleheads, tumblers, glasses, toys, signs, and items that were created for current and former players.

    The shirts given out in the 2024 season as part of “RandyLand” are for sale, as well as many items used in the Rays 20th anniversary season. The promotional baseballs from last year’s 2025 Opening Day at Steinbrenner Field are also for sale, among many other unique items.

    “In many ways, what happened here at Tropicana Field was kind of the poster child for Hurricane Milton and even Hurricane Helene,” Walsh said. “So, to be able to bounce back like this and have this comeback bring Major League Baseball back to The Trop, even if its only for a few years, is something we really really want to celebrate.”

    All proceeds from the sale will benefit the Rays Baseball Foundation.

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    Angie Angers

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  • Local Girl Scouts lead project to improve Tarpon Springs’ water quality

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    TARPON SPRINGS, Fla. — Down by the Sponge Docks, a noble project gets underway.

    What You Need To Know

    • Two local Girl Scouts are leading a unique project to help improve water quality, using oyster shells to create vertical oyster gardens or ‘vogs’

    • Oyster gardens act as a natural filter for pollutants in the water and a habitat for small marine life
    • Each vog has 20 to 25 oyster shells attached, attracting oyster larvae where they will grow into mature oysters and can filter up to 50 gallons of water per day
    • Waddell and Mills are looking to install 100 vogs in Tarpon Springs


    Two local Girl Scouts are leading a unique project to help improve water quality. They’re using oyster shells to create vertical oyster gardens. The oyster gardens act as a natural filter for pollutants in the water and a habitat for small marine life.

    “The main purpose of them is for oyster larvae to attach to them so they can start growing,” says Susie Mills, Girl Scout Troop 712 & 807.

    Girl Scouts Rylie Waddell and Susie Mills are leading the project.

    “We saw that our waterways are kind of murky, full of pollution,” said Rylie Waddell, Girl Scout Troop 712 & 107. “We know that’s not good for the environment or the health of our sea life and we want to make a change in that.”

    Each shell is placed on a rope to create what’s called a ‘vog,’ or vertical oyster garden. The vog is then tied off near the sea wall where it acts as a natural filter.

    “Each vog has 20 to 25 oyster shells and those oyster shells will attract oyster larvae because oyster larvae look for a hard-like surface to kind of cement to,” says Waddell. “So they will grow and they’ll grow into mature oysters, which can filter up to 50 gallons of water per day.”

    The girls are not alone on their mission. Behind them is a team of family and volunteers.

    “I’m just happy that other people also see the problem and want to help,” says Mills. “It’s very encouraging because I know I wouldn’t be able to do this all by myself.”

    “It’s such a noble project and our river needs help,” says Mick Poppa, harbourmaster for the City of Tarpon Springs.

    People who frequent the river already recognize their hard work.

    “Some of my fishermen at the marina that have slips at the marina are always so remorseful about what’s going on with the estuaries upriver and how the fishing isn’t as good as it used to be,” said Poppa. “This will do nothing but help that.”

    With 100 vogs as their goal, Waddell and Mills are looking to make a sizable impact.

    “We hope to clean up most, if not all, of this waterway,” said Mills.

    Protecting the water and what comes with it.

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    Calvin Lewis

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  • Decision approaching on possible Tampa Bay MPO merger

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Thirty-five years after it was first discussed, a decision on merging three of Tampa Bay’s metropolitan planning organizations may be on the horizon. 

    “We would be the largest metropolitan planning organization in the state of Florida, and with size comes some funding,” said Whit Blanton, executive director of Forward Pinellas. “A lot of the federal funding is based on formula: based on population, based on transit ridership, things like that.”

    What You Need To Know

    • Metropolitan planning organizations in Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas Counties could learn in the next few months whether they’ll merge into a regional MPO

    • Forward Pinellas Executive Director Whit Blanton said the idea of a merger was first brought up in the early 1990s, but it was thought at the time the counties were too different for the move to make sense

    • Blanton said creating a larger organization could make it easier for Tampa Bay to secure federal dollars for transportation projects

    • The MPOs could vote on whether to merge in March or April. The county commissions and Tampa City Council would also have to give their approval


    Forward Pinellas, the Hillsborough Transportation Planning Organization, and the Pasco Metropolitan Planning Organization are the groups that could merge. Blanton said initial talks happened in the 1990s, but it was thought the counties were too different for a merger to make sense.

    For instance, Pasco County was just starting to grow. Now, he said the time is right and the move would be in the best interest of the region.

    “So much funding for capital projects, like the big interstate projects or the big transit projects, is competitive, and you’ve got to show strong regional support to be competitive with Seattle or San Diego,” said Blanton.

    He said a merger could help Tampa Bay compete at that level.

    “We would be a mega MPO, and with that would come so much more opportunity for funding,” said St. Petersburg City Council Member Gina Driscoll.

    Blanton updated council members on the effort at Thursday’s meeting, telling them the latest effort began in 2023. That’s when state lawmakers passed legislation requiring the MPOs to study what a merger would mean. Details are still being worked out, but Blanton said a 25-member board seems to be the preference.

    He said federal law requires the number of representatives from each county to be based on population. He also said Florida statutes require tax revenues to be distributed equitably among counties based on population.

    “So, even though Hillsborough County, City of Tampa may be larger, they would not be able to take down all the transportation dollars, nor would they have a majority of the votes,” said Blanton.

    “It’s going to take a lot of political will across the region to bring this together,” said City Councilmember Brandi Gabbard.

    Gabbard said MetroPlan Orlando, the MPO for Orange, Osceola, and Seminole Counties, is an example of how local governments can work together to benefit a region.

    “What they’re accomplishing is phenomenal,” said Gabbard. “Because right now, those dollars are not coming to us the way that they should be, and this is really the only way to make that happen.”

    Blanton said a workshop is being held Friday to talk about the details of the governing board and what the structure of the organization would look like.

    He said the MPOs will likely vote on whether to merge in March or April. Next, the three county commissions and Tampa City Council would also have to approve it. Blanton said that could happen by June, and the merger could be complete in 2027 or 2028.

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    Sarah Blazonis

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  • Tropicana Field will be ready for Rays home opener, city says

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    TAMPA — In less than two months, Tampa Bay Rays fans will be back inside Tropicana Field for the first time since Hurricane Milton ripped off the roof and damaged the inside. Spectrum News was given a final look inside ahead of the home opener.

    What You Need To Know

    • Tropicana Field was heavily damaged during Hurricane Milton in October 2024 

    • Since then, crews have replaced roof and gutted any areas where water intruded

    • St. Petersburg’s city council approved $59.7 million for the project

    • City officials maintain the Trop will be open for the Rays home opener on April 6


    Work has been underway for more than a year to bring baseball back to the Trop. Crews have racked up an impressive quarter million man hours replacing the roof and gutting and repairing areas where water came in.

    City of St. Petersburg officials say they’re on track to open on time and remain within their nearly $60 million budget.

    “Once the roof came back on, it really was warp speed with all the drywall, all the finishes, the paint. Even just remediating anything that had gotten wet over the last few months, getting all that out,” said Beth Herendeen with the City of St Petersburg.

    On Friday, city officials celebrated lots of construction milestones. The new net has been hung, data and fiber cable have been laid, and audio is in. And with crews finishing up work on the new $1.3 million artificial turf, Tropicana Field is starting to look like a baseball stadium again. 

    By the end of the month, crews will have the field stripped, allowing the new lights to be aimed at the refurbished diamond.

    More Tampa Bay Rays spring training headlines


    Meantime, air quality tests are underway to ensure that the facility is safe for fans to return.

    “Some things are minor, some things are major, but those areas that did get water intrusion really did get a significant amount of water intrusion,” Herendeen said.

    While construction continues, city officials confirm FEMA has approved $16.5 million in reimbursements for their work on the Trop. The city’s insurance is paying out another $10.8 million, and the city is expecting $2.7 million more from the state when it’s all said and done. But there is much work left to do.

    “We’re going to be putting the outfield padding, there’s a lot of drywall, lot of carpet replacement, the locker rooms for both the home and visiting teams remains to be done. We have those materials on site and are getting started. But a lot of it is just buttoning up the little things that need to be done,” said Catherine Corcoran, senior capital projects coordinator with the City of St. Petersburg.

    There may be paintbrushes out touching up early the morning of the home opener, but officials stress they will be ready.

    The Rays are set to take on the Chicago Cubs on April 6. The cheapest ticket, as of Feb. 13, will run you $80.

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    Andy Cole

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  • A Saturday Valentine’s Day means dip in business for florists

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    CLEARWATER, Fla. — With Valentine’s Day falling on a Saturday is a plus for many couples, it’s not a best-case scenario for local flower shops.

    Lu Cushing, owner of Janie Beane Florist in Clearwater, said that they typically see a 20% dip in sales on the years Valentine’s Day hits on a weekend when compared to the holiday hitting on a weekday.

    While a big money-maker as the historically biggest flower-buying holiday of the year, Cushing says Feb. 14 being on a Saturday has made a difference in buying habits.

    “Men love to send flowers to work, in a place where she can enjoy them and everyone can see them,” Cushing said. “This year, we’re getting some orders for earlier in the week because they want them to last all week at the office.”

    What You Need To Know

    •  Major flower suppliers in Columbia and Ecuador are subject to tariffs

    •  Price of flowers has increased as florists find ways to keep costs down for customers 

    •  Valentine’s Day falling on Saturday is not best case scenario for florists 

    • Owner of Janie Beane Florist estimates 20% dip in sales compared to weekday Valentines Day 


    Instead of making dozens of deliveries to offices on Valentine’s Day morning, Cushing says they’ve been scattered throughout the week. There’s also more home deliveries and pickups this year set for Valentine’s Day morning.

    Overall, Cushing says, this hasn’t been the busiest Valentine’s Day in history.

    That’s on par with what she’s seen over the last few decades when the holiday hits over a weekend. Cushing is now in her 54th year at Janie Beane Florist, a shop she opened alongside her late mother.

    The flower industry has had to adjust after the U.S. imposed tariffs on imported cut flowers. More than 80% of flowers found in the U.S. are from major suppliers in Ecuador and Columbia.

    “Flowers are up more … definitely,” Cushing said. “Vases are up more.”

    Vases that used to cost Cushing roughly $6 a piece are now between $8 to $9. Cushing said she’s shifted to finding more suppliers from North America to help curb the costs.

    “We’ve adjusted,” she said.

    Cushing said she offers options for those looking for flowers on budget by offering wrapped bouquets. She will wrap the stems of flowers in a sponge and a bag so a customer can take them home and use a vase they already have.

    “I shop small business as well so its important to me that I accommodate everybody,” she said.

    What has improved over the last year, Cushing said, is predictability. Before the tariffs went into effect, she said prices would bounce and make it difficult to quote large events like weddings. Now that prices have stabilized, the shop is taking less of a hit.

    After over five decades, they also relocated to Imperial Square in Clearwater, to a family-owned plaza in a smaller more budget friendly space.

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    Angie Angers

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  • Boil water notice issued for Treasure Island, St. Pete Beach, Tierra Verde

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    PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — Pinellas County Utilities issued a boil water notice Wednesday night for all customers on Treasure Island, St. Pete Beach and Tierra Verde, after crews restored water service from a blown transformer near the Isle of Capri pump station.

    Officials said that residents should either use bottled water or boil tap water before using it for cooking, drinking or personal hygiene, like brushing your teeth. 

    Take the following steps for tap water before using it for cooking, drinking, or brushing your teeth: 

    • Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil for at least one minute to ensure bacteria, viruses or parasites are gone.
    • If the water is cloudy, filter it through a clean cloth, paper towel, or coffee filter before boiling.
    • Water must be adequately cooled before it can be used for washing or brushing teeth. Store the boiled water in clean, covered containers.
    • If there is no way to boil water, impacted residents can add 1/8 teaspoon (eight drops or about 0.5 milliliters) of unscented, plain bleach per gallon of water, stir well and let stand for at least 30 minutes before using. This is less effective than boiling, but will work if there is no way to boil water.

    You can read the full release here.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Foreclosure complaint filed against Elements on Third owner

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — People who live at the Elements on Third apartment complex say they’ve dealt with everything from maintenance issues to a possible water shut-off that could’ve resulted in them needing to find new places to live.

    That’s all within the past six months.

    Now, a foreclosure complaint has been filed against the complex’s owner. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Court records show a mortgage lender has filed a complaint for foreclosure against Lurin Real Estate Holdings for a loan it issued for the Elements on Third apartment complex

    • In the complaint, lawyers for BDS IV Mortgage Capital say Lurin failed to make payments starting in August and now owes more than $110 million

    • Lurin previously came under scrutiny when the city of St. Petersburg said a water shut-off at two properties, including Elements, was possible after Lurin failed to pay its utility bills

    • Read previous coverage here


    “Am I surprised? No, not really,” said Boshko Stanisic, an organizer with the St. Petersburg Tenants Union. “Lurin has been in kind of a financial fall for quite awhile.”

    The complaint was filed on Feb. 6 against Lurin Real Estate Holdings. Lawyers for BDS IV Mortgage Capital claim Lurin failed to make payments on a $110 million loan starting in August.

    “I didn’t know this was an ongoing thing. So, it’s a little concerning,” said Elements on Third resident Mitchell Williams.

    In the nearly three years Williams has lived at the complex, he’s seen it go through ups and downs.


    “I think they were running out of cash or something,” he said. “The property started to get a little bit dirty.”

    Then, the city said Lurin wasn’t paying its water bill at Elements and another of its properties, The Morgan Apartments.

    “It was a little scary when we were notified that we might be without water and might have to make other accommodations when we’d been paying for it the whole time,” Williams said. “So, that was definitely frustrating.”

    Williams said things started getting better in the fall, with maintenance and amenities being brought up to par. A city spokesperson also said back in August that Lurin paid its outstanding utility balance on the property. 

    Now, the BDS is seeking for force Lurin to pay the principal of the loan, plus interest and expenses, in full. 

    Stanisic said he’s working with residents at The Morgan as they navigate their own uncertain situation. He said tenants of a property facing foreclosure wouldn’t necessarily see immediate impacts.

    “A lot of it is just a change in ownership, a little bit of uncertainty,” he said. “A new owner, they might purchase the property, they might come in and change up the property manager.”

    Williams said residents haven’t been notified of the proceedings or any changes.

    “We’re happy at the moment, but hopefully nothing goes downhill to where we were a few months ago,” he said.

    A spokesperson for Lurin did not immediately respond to requests for comment. 

    The complaint says BDS is requesting the court appoint a receiver for Elements on Third. It also asks that the property be sold at a public sale if Lurin doesn’t pay the debt.

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    Sarah Blazonis

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  • Clearwater gets national attention as spring tourism season starts

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    CLEARWATER, Fla. — The spring tourism season has started in the Tampa area.

    From Major League Baseball to college softball, fans and athletes heading to the diamonds are bringing with them welcome exposure and an economic boost to the Bay area.

    While spring training for the MLB is already underway in Pinellas County for the Philadelphia Phillies and Toronto Blue Jays, Clearwater kicked off the Shriners Children’s Clearwater Invitational softball tournament at Eddie C. Moore Complex Thursday.

    “Clearwater’s becoming the diamond capital of the county in the month of February,” said Clearwater Mayor Bruce Rector. “Diamond sports, softball and baseball, so ESPN is broadcasting all 40 games on one of their various platforms.”

    Rector is proud the national attention shines the spotlight on Clearwater.

    “The road to the World Series starts in Clearwater,” said Brian Lowack, President and CEO of Visit St. Pete-Clearwater.

    He says tickets to the tournament were sold through 47 states and three countries. Fans from across the country and around the world will cheer on 16 college softball teams — 10 of them ranked top 25 in the country.

    The Shriners Children’s Clearwater Invitational runs Feb. 12-15. (Spectrum News/Melissa Eichman)

    “Tens of thousands are going to be here over the course of the next four days. That’s thousands of hotel room nights and ultimately leading towards over $10 million in economic impact,” Lowack said of the impact.

    Lenny’s Restaurant feels that impact, reporting that business more than doubles this time of year. Loraine Bates has been a server at Lenny’s for more than 25 years and says the restaurant will be ready.

    “It’s means we’re going to be fully staffed,” said Bates. “It’s going to be like a Sunday every day of the week. We’re all hyped for it, we’re all looking for it.”

    Visitors working up an appetite while cheering on their favorite teams.

    “If you’re hungry or hung over, come to Lenny’s. We’ll feed you and we’ll take care of you,” said Bates.

    A host city taking care of fans while they take in Tampa Bay’s sunshine and beaches, whether it’s from the stands or while watching on TV.

    The Shriners Children’s Clearwater Invitational runs Feb. 12-15.

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    Melissa Eichman

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  • Pinellas County Meals on Wheels requests funding to keep seniors off waitlist

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    PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — Feeding America data shows that the number of food-insecure seniors is rising. 

    Based on its research, it says nine million seniors could be food insecure by 2050. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Neighborly Senior Care Network requested $1 million in funding in the 2026-27 state budget

    • The nonprofit said the dollars will keep seniors from returning to the waitlist

    • While the program is mostly funded by federal money, the organization said those dollars are uncertain

    • Neighborly served more than 500,000 meals in 2025


    Neighborly Senior Care Network’s Meals on Wheels in Pinellas County has a waitlist that it’s looking to shrink. 

    To help accomplish that, they are requesting additional state funding. 

    With the delivery bags loaded with food, volunteers are ready to feed hungry seniors.

    “I do it because it’s something that I feel like you should be doing to give back to the community,” said Tom Henkel, a volunteer.

    Henkel has been volunteering with Neighborly Senior Care Network’s Meals on Wheels for more than five years, and he goes the extra mile.

    “Everybody gets a banana on Tuesdays. They all look forward to it,” Henkel said.

    While the number of people he delivers to has fluctuated over the years, Henkel said the need is great.

    “I’ve seen a lot of folks who this is the only meal they get all day and how important it is for them to receive a meal that’s nutritionally balanced like these meals are,” Henkel said.

    Neighborly now serves 500,000+ meals every year. Last year’s total was a more than 30,000 increase from the number of meals provided in 2023.

    James White has been using Meals on Wheels for over a year. He said it’s a great financial help.

    “I’m disabled, so I don’t have to go out as much. I don’t have to do all the walking through the store and plus food today, it’s just real expensive,” said James White.

    Most of Neighborly’s clients are served through approximately $2.5 million in federal funding, but the nonprofit said that money is always uncertain. State funding helped in the last two fiscal years. The $750,000 from last year’s Florida’s budget, Neighborly said, helped get hundreds of people off its waitlist.

    “Right now, we’re lucky that it’s, it’s all-time low, about 600 people because of the state appropriation that we’ve received recently,” said Anita Cihlar, nutrition director, Neighborly Care Network.

    The nonprofit is requesting $1 million in funding in the 2026-27 state budget. Cihlar said the funding will prevent seniors from returning to the waitlist.

    “We want to just keep those people fed — it’s about almost 800 people. That’s a lot of seniors that could go without meals and go back on the waitlist if we didn’t get the funding again,” Cihlar said.

    Henkel, who sees the impact firsthand, said the money would help many seniors in the county that he enjoys serving every week.

    “I would highly recommend that if anybody is interested in volunteering, that they look up their local Meals on Wheels program and see how they can go about doing so,” Henkel said.

    The Older Americans Act, which provides about $2.5 million to Neighborly’s nutrition program, expired in 2024. 

    A reauthorization act was introduced in June 2025. It has had no movement through Congress yet.

    Neighborly said their OAA funding has remained steady even without its reauthorization.

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    Tyler O’Neill

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  • 2026 Tampa Bay Rays Fan Fest: What you need to know

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The Tampa Bay Rays will be spending Valentine’s Day showing some love to their fans. The team is hosting a Fan Fest block party this Saturday right next to Tropicana Field. 

    The party will take place outside of Tropicana Field because the team is still making repairs inside the ballpark.

    Make sure you get there early if you would like to be able to get in there and get first pick on any items you may be looking for.

    Admission is free, but you will still need to claim a ticket on the Rays website. Parking will be available for free in lots 1, 2, 6 and 7 at Tropicana Field. Be aware of traffic as there will be no vehicle traffic permitted on 16th Street South. You can access lots 1,2 via 17th Street S or 5th Ave S.

    Event Information:

    Activities:

    • A community yard sale that will benefit the official charity of the Tampa Bay Rays
    • Opportunities to interact with players
    • Games, mascots and entertainment
    • And more…

    Security and What You Can Bring:

    Guests will be required to clear a security screening before entry. Bags will also NOT BE permitted into the event. This includes purses, duffle bags, backpacks, string/cinch bags and or coolers. If you have a small item that is 4″ x 6″ or less, such as a fanny pack or small clutch, that will be allowed. 

    You are allowed to bring water bottles, strollers, umbrellas, accessibility or medical equipment, cameras with lenses smaller than 12-inches.

    Map:

    For more information, visit the Rays Fan Fest website.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Pinellas Park officials approve golf carts ordinance

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    PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — Pinellas Park leaders have passed a new ordinance defining where you can and cannot drive golf carts.

    It was a unanimous vote at Tuesday’s city council meeting.

    The new guidelines allow you to drive golf carts on public streets and roads that are regulated by the city.

    They also ban golf carts on county and state roads, including a few of the area’s busiest highways.

    “No crossing on US-19,” said Mayor Sandra Bradbury, announcing that they are not allowed on certain roads. “No crossing on 66th Street which is a state road. No crossing on Park Boulevard, which is a state road. And no crossing on 49th Street, which is a county road.”

    There are some exceptions to that rule at legally approved crossing points.

    City council members say the new policy gives people more flexibility while keeping safety a priority.



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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • MLB Spring Training 2026: Teams, locations and more

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    PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. — Pitchers and catchers are back, signaling another Opening Day is not too far ahead.

    But first comes the state’s annual rite of spring, Major League Baseball’s Spring Training and the Grapefruit League across Florida.

    The Tampa Bay Rays, who return to Tropicana Field this year for the regular season after spending last season outdoors at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, welcome players to camp on Feb. 11 with the first full squad workouts set for Feb. 17. The Rays will play their first spring training game on Feb. 21 against the Atlanta Braves in Port Charlotte.

    With new ownership and a revamped roster, the new-look Rays are saying hello to a lot of new faces and will spend camp filling in lineup spots, establishing depth and finalizing their pitching staff, particularly among their relievers. 

    Meanwhile, 14 other teams are opening camp in the coming days across the state of Florida. (See map below). Cactus League Information

    When the players are back on the field, a big focus this spring will be robotic umpires and the World Baseball Classic.

    In what could be the last full season before a labor confrontation over a possible salary cap proposal, players are preparing for the Automated Ball-Strike system, giving teams a chance to appeal pitch calls by the plate umpire to so-called robot umps.

    ABS was tested in 13 spring training ballparks last year, and teams won 52.2% of 1,182 challenges, which averaged 13.8 seconds. Major League Baseball’s 11-man competition committee voted in September to approve regular-season use for 2026.


    🧢WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC 🧢

    The World Baseball Classic is back in 2026.

    Japan will try for its fourth title and second straight when players leave their clubs for the sixth edition of the tournament, to be played from March 5-17 in Houston; Miami; San Juan; Puerto Rico; and Tokyo.

    Rosters on the 20 national teams include 306 players under major league and minor league contracts, including 78 All-Stars.

    The tournament will begin on March 5 at the Tokyo Dome (March 4 at 10 p.m. ET in the U.S.) with Chinese Taipei and Australia playing in the first game. The other pools — located at Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan, Puerto Rico; Daikin Park in Houston; and LoanDepot Park in Miami — will begin play on March 6.

    Here are the Tampa Bay Rays players taking part in the tournament:

    Here’s what you need to know before the WBC first pitch.

    ⚾2026 Florida Grapefruit League Team Capsules and Locations ⚾

    Atlanta Braves – CoolToday Park, North Port

    Baltimore Orioles – Ed Smith Stadium, Sarasota

    Boston Red Sox – JetBlue Park at Fenway South, Fort Myers

    Detroit Tigers – Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium, Lakeland

    Houston Astros – Ballpark of the Palm Beaches, West Palm Beach

    Miami Marlins – Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium, Jupiter

    Minnesota Twins – Hammond Stadium at Lee County Sports Complex, Fort Myers

    New York Mets – Clover Park, Port St. Lucie

    New York Yankees – George M. Steinbrenner Field, Tampa

    Pittsburgh Pirates – LECOM Park, Bradenton

    Philadelphia Phillies – BayCare Ballpark, Clearwater

    St. Louis Cardinals – Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium, Jupiter

    Tampa Bay Rays – Charlotte Sports Park, Port Charlotte

    Toronto Blue Jays – TD Ballpark, Dunedin

    Washington Nationals – Ballpark of the Palm Beaches, West Palm Beach

    🏟️ SPRING TRAINING STADIUMS 🏟️

     

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Thai green coconut curry with chicken and vegetables, from scratch

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Julian Pancer loves to cook almost as much as he loves to teach people to cook.


    His family has owned and run a Jewish deli in Ontario, Canada, since 1957.

    Pancer and his wife, Danielle, moved from Canada to the Tampa Bay area recently to be near family.  

    Luckily, they were familiar with the St. Petersburg area after so many annual pilgrimages.

    Pancer is building on his family’s long culinary tradition.

    The duo brings their cooking classes.


    Thai Green Coconut Curry with Chicken and Vegetables     (serves 4-6)


    Ingredients:

    Roasted Chicken & Vegetables

    1½ lb. boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into large bite-size pieces
    1 red bell pepper, sliced
    1 zucchini, sliced into half-moons
    1½ cups mushrooms (shiitake or cremini), halved
    1 cup sugar snap peas
    2 tablespoons avocado oil
    Salt and pepper, to taste

    Green Coconut Curry Base

    2 tablespoons avocado oil
    4 cloves garlic, crushed
    3 shallots, thinly sliced
    2 tablespoons fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced
    1 stalk lemongrass, tender inner portion sliced
    4–5 kaffir lime leaves
    1 teaspoon ground cumin
    1 bird’s eye chili, finely sliced (adjust to taste)
    1½ cups coconut cream
    ½ cup chicken stock

    Herb Blend (Blended Curry Sauce)

    1 bunch Thai basil
    1 bunch scallions
    1 bunch cilantro


    To Finish

    Fresh lime juice, to taste
    Fish sauce, to taste


    Directions:

    Preheat oven to 400°F.
    Toss chicken thighs, red pepper, zucchini and mushrooms with avocado oil, salt and pepper.
    Spread evenly on a lined baking sheet.
    Roast for 12 minutes, stirring once halfway.
    Add sugar snap peas during the final minute of roasting.
    Remove from oven and reserve warm.
    Heat avocado oil in a wide saucepan over medium heat.
    Add garlic, shallots, ginger, lemongrass and lime leaves.
    Cook gently until aromatic and softened, without browning.
    Stir in ground cumin and bird’s eye chili.
    Cook for 30 seconds to bloom the spices.
    Deglaze with coconut cream and chicken stock.
    Bring to a gentle simmer and reduce by half, allowing flavors to concentrate.
    Remove lemongrass.
    Transfer the reduced coconut broth to a blender.
    Add Thai basil, scallions and cilantro.
    Blend until completely smooth and vibrant green.
    Return sauce to the saucepan over low heat.
    Adjust seasoning with fresh lime juice and fish sauce to taste.
    Gently fold in the roasted chicken and vegetables.
    Warm through without boiling.
    Serve hot, spooning curry generously over rice or noodles if desired.


    Optional Class Notes / Variations

    Substitute shrimp or tofu for chicken using the same roasting method.
    Add bamboo shoots or baby corn for extra texture.
    Finish with fresh Thai basil leaves for garnish.


    Thai Jasmine Rice     (serves 4)


    Ingredients:

    2 cups jasmine rice
    1 stalk lemon grass


    Directions:

    To begin making the Thai Lemongrass Rice recipe, remove the outer skin of lemongrass and cut the lemongrass into three pieces.
    Wash the rice until water runs almost clear.
    Add the rice and 3 1/2 cups cold water to a medium pot.
    Add lemongrass and the lid.
    On high heat, bring the rice to a boil. Lower the heat to low and cook for 13 minutes.
    Then remove the pot from the heat and rest for 5 minutes with the lid on.
    Remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork.
    Remove the lemongrass.

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    Virginia Johnson

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  • The Deuces: Where Black community thrived, barred from other parts of St. Pete

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Before the end of segregation, there were two St. Petes: a white one and a Black one. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Segregation and Jim Crow laws restricted where the Black community could go in St. Pete 

    • The Black community created a mostly self-contained community around 22nd Street South 

    •  It offered houses, businesses, schools, healthcare and entertainment

    • Groups now strive to preserve the history of that area 


    Laws restricted Black residents from going to certain portions of the city except for work, limiting them to designated areas and neighborhoods.

    The most famous of those neighborhoods is the one centered around 22nd Street South, often called “The Deuces.”

    “It was more than a street. It was an ecosystem. It was our ecosystem,” said Latorra Bowles, executive director of Deuces Live. “It was the only place African Americans thrived.”

    It was also a self-contained area that tried to cover all facets of life.

    Housing

    The neighborhood offered housing options for African Americans, though early housing was built without formal planning. In 1941, the Jordan Park Housing Complex opened. It incorporated 446 apartments, the state’s largest public housing endeavor to that time.

    “He knew African Americans needed decent and affordable housing,” said Basha Jordan Jr., whose grandfather, Elder Jordan Sr., donated the land for the project. The housing complex is named in Jordan’s honor.

    Businesses

    At its peak, more than 100 businesses lined 22nd Street South and some of the streets that ran parallel and perpendicular.

    “Everything we need is in the corridor,” Bowles said. “You have your small businesses, you have your restaurants, you have your hotels, you have your clubs.”

    Churches

    Numerous churches lined the streets in the neighborhood, especially along 9th Avenue South, which intersected with 22nd Street South. The city notes that in 1939, 19 of the city’s 123 churches were located in the 22nd Street neighborhood.

    Schools

    Jordan Park Elementary opened in 1925, a segregated school located on 9th Avenue South. Gibbs High School, the first all-Black high school in St. Pete, opened in 1927.

    Healthcare

    Mercy Hospital was established in 1923, one of the few healthcare institutions that accepted Black patients during the segregation era. Jim Crow laws precluded some hospitals from treating Black people, while prejudice stood in the way as well.

    Entertainment

    The Royal Theater opened in 1948, one of just two theaters that African Americans could attend in St. Pete.

    Down the street, the Manhattan Casino Hall had launched in 1925. It was the focal point of entertainment, socializing, and music in the neighborhood. It was even a well-known stop on the Chitlin’ Circuit, a network of performance venues safe for African Americans to play during the segregation era.

    “This was a place where African Americans could come, feel at peace, feel human, in the midst of segregation and racism that was running rampant in the city,” Jordan said, sitting underneath a statue of his grandfather that stands on 22nd Street South.

    Deuces Live is attempting to “preserve, promote and revitalize” this corridor, preserving its history while promoting a rich future.

    “It’s extremely important to preserve the history of this area because if we don’t tell the story, it will be rewritten or untold,” Bowles said. “If we don’t tell our story, no one will.”

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    Jeff Butera

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  • Artists highlighting representation this Black History Month

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — When it comes to public art, the Tampa Bay area is no stranger to mural-covered walls and, at one time, mural-covered streets.

    In 2020, new artists emerged with painting things like the Black Lives Matter street mural in St. Pete and similar murals in Tampa.

    A number of those artists were Black artists who say representation was crucial during a time of racial unrest in this country and that representation is just as important now.

    For artist Jade Jackson, all she sees is color when she thinks of what her art brings to the world. For her, representation plays a big role in her work.

    “It’s not something abstract or nature-based. I like painting women and women of color. A lot of my artwork and paintings I’ve done and sold, they’re usually Black,” Jackson said. “I’m really into, like, the sci-fi fantasy anime world, and I love redoing things sometimes in a way where it shows us. And so I think that representation is important in regards to younger people seeing us.”

    Jackson said she applied that same intentional approach in 2020 when she was asked to paint three words that mean so much to her. “Black Lives Matter. So, I had the S. So Black Lives, I had the “S” in the middle for lives,” she said.

    The project in front of the Woodson African American Museum in St. Pete was her first mural.

    “I was like, ‘Let me do something that comes natural for me,’ and so I approached it with joy and excitement and curiosity. I was, ‘Like, let me paint something I enjoy,’ and I thought if people see that and feel inspired, that’s great,” she said.

    Two years later she painted over the Black Lives Matter mural and helped paint the Black History Matters street mural. Then, in 2025, she watched as it was painted over following a directive from the Florida Department of Transportation, citing safety hazards and restrictions against ideological or political markings on roadways.

    The move sparked an emotional response from a lot of people, but Jackson said she was more worried about the broader picture.

    “I care more about what they’re doing to us than them painting over the mural,” she said.

    A popular street mural in Tampa was also inspired by the racial reckoning in America back in 2020. Mark Anthony, along with his son, was one of the artists there that day.

    “I felt some type of way with it, but it was also just, I think, the camaraderie of the artists and now seeing those artists from that period how they’ve grown,” Anthony said. “Shout out to that day. I mean it was a great moment to see community come together all at once. So, to me, it was an amazing experience.”

    It’s an experience that now lives on through photos and memories because it was also painted over after FDOT directives.

    Jackson believes the message in the murals belongs in public view.

    “I think we can still have a place for it, and I think it is a strong reminder. We have things that remind us of the Holocaust and 9/11, things that are important, and Black history is a part of this country and this culture and important to all of us,” she said.

    Libraries, city hall and the courthouse are just some of her suggestions for a new mural to replace the street art. And she’s hoping someone is listening.

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    Saundra Weathers

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  • Bay area schools weigh adding 2% and whole milk as options

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    TAMPA, Fla. — When President Donald Trump signed the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act in January, it paved the way for 2% and whole milk to return to schools after a nearly 15-year absence.

    What You Need To Know

    • School districts have the option to bring back 2% and whole milk as options

    • No Bay area school district has committed to having these milks as options but are considering them

    • M&B Products said it will work with schools on what they need 


    The Obama administration originally removed those milks in an effort to fight childhood obesity.

    Now, school districts will once again have the option to provide a wider range of milk options. 

    Dale McClellan, the President of M&B Products, a Bay area dairy company, has been working with schools since 2004. 

    The majority of the milk they supply is low fat, but now school districts have more options.

    So far, the response has been limited. 

    “There’s been a little bit of a handful of phone calls from systems wanting to know, do we plan on doing a bigger variety of butterfat percentages? And we’ve told them we would entertain anything that makes sense,” he said.

    Christie Roberts, the Director of Patient Nutrition Services at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, said more options may encourage children to drink more milk.

    “If you’re a child that doesn’t like skim milk and then you have the option of a 2% or whole, then it’s going to increase your consumption of milk,” she said. 

    No matter the type of milk, Roberts said children should have between two and three servings of milk a day.

    “Younger children, we do recommend the more full or fat options for their growth and development,” she said. “But as they get older and they’re trying to work towards a healthy, lean physique and health, then the lower-fat options might be good.” 

    Spectrum News reached out to local school districts to find out if they are considering adding 2% and whole milk as options. 

    No districts have committed to adding the products, but are considering it.  

    Most provided statements that were similar to this from Hillsborough County Schools:

    “We are exploring how we might add whole milk and 2% milk to our offerings, as these products are not part of our current contracts with our dairy vendor.”

    Sarasota County Schools provided this statement:

    “If it is ultimately determined that Sarasota County Schools will move forward with offering 2% and whole milk as part of the National School Lunch Program, the earliest anticipated implementation would be the 2026–2027 school year.”

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    Matt Lackritz

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  • Ground broken on rare 100% affordable housing community in Largo

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    LARGO, Fla. — With housing costs continuing to climb across Pinellas County, local leaders say a new development now underway could help some working families stay in the community.

    What You Need To Know

    • Crews officially broke ground Tuesday on Olea on 126, a 144-unit apartment complex in Largo where every unit will be reserved for lower-income residents — something officials say is increasingly uncommon.

    • The project is expected to cost about $55 million, including $7.92 million from the Penny for Pinellas fund.

    • County leaders say the project targets workers who are increasingly being priced out of Pinellas County.

    • Construction is expected to be completed in June 2027.


    Crews officially broke ground Tuesday at Olea on 126, a 144-unit apartment complex in Largo where every unit will be reserved for lower-income residents — something officials say is increasingly uncommon.

    Not only does Largo see few new affordable housing developments, but projects where all apartments are income-restricted are even rarer.

    The complex will include two-, three- and four-bedroom apartments designed for families. Units will be set aside based on area median income (AMI):

    • 35 units for households earning up to 40% AMI

    • 72 units for households earning up to 60% AMI

    • 38 units for households earning up to 80% AMI

    County leaders say the project targets workers who are increasingly being priced out of Pinellas County.

    “We have so many folks that are trying to work in this community, whether they’re teachers, whether they’re hospitality workers, first responders, whatever. A wide range of folks looking for housing, a place to call home,” said Dave Eggers, Pinellas County Board of County Commission Chair. 

    Officials say without more housing options, many workers are forced to move to neighboring counties — and sometimes leave the workforce locally altogether.

    “So yeah, it’s a unique one. Many of them are 100% AMI of 80%. So it’s a little higher income threshold. This (Olea on 126) is a lower income threshold and really goes to the heart of some of the workers right here in Pinellas who are struggling to find a place, in fact, have to go to Pasco County or live somewhere else. And eventually we lose those workers,” Eggers added. 

    Cost and funding

    The project is expected to cost about $55 million, including $7.92 million from the Penny for Pinellas fund.

    Instead of a traditional retention pond, developers are installing an underground stormwater system designed to reduce flooding while freeing up land for housing and parking. Similar systems have been used in Orlando, Jacksonville and Fort Myers.

    “It takes away the water from the streets, the surface streets where everyone is walking and driving, where it’s going to keep it underground and out of sight, out of mind,” said stormwater consultant Mike Nester. 

    County officials say the project shows that affordable housing can still include modern infrastructure.

    “These projects are not easy to make work. So our County Commission and our residents have said affordable housing is important,” added Eggers. 

    Construction is expected to be completed in June 2027.

    Once finished, the development will provide family-sized units — one of the hardest types of affordable housing to find in the region.

    Project rendering

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    Fadia Patterson

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  • Whataburger returning to Bay area, is opening in Largo on Thursday

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    LARGO, Fla. — Whataburger, a Texas-based burger joint, will open a restaurant on Ulmerton Road on Thursday.

    According to our news gathering partners at the Tampa Bay Business Journal, it will be the first location in the area since the chain left about 20 years ago.

    Whataburger has 1,110 restaurants in 17 states.

    The company said it plans to open several locations in the Bay area, starting with the one in Largo.

    The address will be 10150 Ulmerton Rd.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Ongoing Curlew Road construction causing traffic delays

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    PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — An ongoing lane closure in Pinellas County is frustrating drivers on a busy road.

    What You Need To Know

    • Curlew Road eastbound now has reduced lanes between Countryside Boulevard and Tampa Road

    • According to FDOT, at least one lane is now closed 24 hours a day for a drainage project there

    • The $10.8 million project is set to be completed in the fall of 2026


    Curlew Road eastbound now has reduced lanes between Countryside Boulevard and Tampa Road — which is a major east-west connection in north Pinellas County.

    According to FDOT, at least one lane is now closed 24 hours a day for a drainage project there.

    Nicky Folven commutes on Curlew Road daily and says the one lane being closed has caused lots of delays, especially at McMullen Booth Road during rush hour.

    “There’s a lot of people trying to turn left to McMullen Booth. So there’s really only one lane that can get through. Because both sides are backed up,” Folven said.

    The lane closure extends from there to Curlew’s merge with Tampa Road — causing backups for drivers at all hours.

    “After school, on the weekends, just that lane being shut down. It’s a lot of people trying to get into two lanes,” Folven said.

    So she’s hoping that the work is done soon to help traffic flow through the area better.

    “I know it’s like a minor inconvenience but I guess my concerns are more with the length of time this has been closed down,” Folven said.

    According to the FDOT, the $10.8 million project is set to be completed in the fall of 2026.

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    Tim Wronka

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