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Tag: Pinellas County

  • How a two-year program in Pinellas turns staffers into teachers

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    PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — Pinellas County Schools is gearing up to graduate its first class of teacher apprentices, an innovative program designed to promote support staff to full-time teachers.

    What You Need To Know

    • Pinellas County Schools is about to graduate its first cohort of teacher apprentices

    • The two-year program combines college coursework with real-world teaching experience

    • This graduation comes as the district faces staffing challenges, lessened by success of the apprenticeship

    • By fall 2026, 25 more staffers will be part of the teacher apprentice program


    Tamara McKinney says it’s like she was called to teach.

    “When I was a little girl, I did — I always wanted to be a teacher. I would set my dolls up and they would be my students,” said McKinney.

    As a mother of an adult son with disabilities, McKinney knows what children with special needs need. That’s how she ended up at Pinellas County Schools’ Nina Harris Exceptional Student Education Center as a paraprofessional.

    But, she says, she had more to give. That’s when she heard about the teacher apprenticeship program.

    “The purpose of the program is truly to match them with a mentor, and they’re with the same mentor for two years, they’re in that classroom, co-teaching side by side and learning from our experts,” said Dr. Nicole Gallucci-Landis, HR partner with the school district.

    The program for Pinellas County Schools’ support staff combines virtual college coursework with real-world teaching experience. After two years, and at no cost to the participant, they graduate and get promoted to full-time teachers.

    All throughout, they’re making more money than they would in their parapro jobs and then have an even better job waiting for them when it’s all finished.

    “I was telling my coworkers that I felt, at one point, that the county didn’t really care about us support staff. This was many years ago. And then, once this program came about, and all of the support I’ve received, I’ve changed my mindset,” said McKinney.

    Pinellas County’s program is the first to be endorsed by the Florida Department of Education. 

    A group of 24 is set to sign their contracts by the end of February, graduate in May and be in their own classroom by August. Ten more staffers started the apprenticeship in January, with 15 more slated to begin in the fall.

    “What we’re finding is they want to become teachers, but for whatever reason — life, financial reasons, they’ve cared about everybody else but themselves — but they have a desire and a passion to become a teacher and they’re so good with their kids. So this program supports that and then, we’re growing our own,” said Gallucci-Landis.

    Growing themselves, so they can pour into others.

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    Andy Cole

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  • Pinellas County wraps up $125M beach nourishment project ahead of schedule

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    TREASURE ISLAND, Fla. — Pinellas County’s massive beach nourishment effort is now complete, restoring miles of shoreline damaged during the 2024 hurricane season and giving coastal communities renewed hope heading into the next storm cycle.

    What You Need To Know

    • Pinellas County completes beach nourishment

    • The project cost $125 million

    • Funds came from Tourist Development Tax, along with $13 million from a state grant.


    The $125 million project began in September, with crews pumping and placing sand along the county’s beaches to replace what was washed away by repeated storm erosion. County leaders marked the milestone by placing the final loads of sand on Treasure Island — one of the hardest-hit areas after hurricanes Helene and Milton.

    Officials say the work is about more than appearances. The rebuilt shoreline and dunes are designed to act as a natural buffer, potentially reducing flooding and structural damage during future storms.

    “If we had this infrastructure here when Helene came, the flooding damage would have been significantly less. So this is critically important to everything that is being rebuilt now.” Pinellas County Commissioner Kathleen Peters said.

    Treasure Island hotel owner Craig Rothschild still vividly remembers Hurricane Helene.

    “We had water up to right here on the building,” he said, describing a roughly 36-inch water line inside ground-floor rooms. “Every stick of furniture was floating, and we had to cut into all of the rooms just below the light fixtures.”

    Rothschild had purchased the hotel in 2021 and completed a full renovation — only to start over again after the storm.

    “It was definitely a defeated feeling, but you have to stay positive and figure out how to get it done,” he said.

    He reopened the property in May 2025, restoring it in what he calls “old Florida with a modern twist.” He believes the rebuilt beach could make a real difference.

    “I think it’s going to protect us — especially the Roth Hotel. We get water from both sides, and if it can keep the water out from one side, it would really help this area,” he said.

    The nourishment effort was funded primarily through Pinellas County’s tourist development tax, along with a $13 million state grant. In addition to widening the beach, crews constructed protective dunes and planted sea grass. The vegetation will anchor the sand and reduce erosion once its roots fully establish, which officials expect by summer.

    Tourism struggled across parts of the barrier islands in 2025 as communities rebuilt and visitors stayed away following the storms. Rothschild says he is finally seeing signs of recovery.

    “Vacationers are starting to come back,” he said. “Last year was very difficult — a slow year. I think everyone was just trying to get over the hurricane. We’re really hoping for a strong 2026.”

    With the sand in place and dunes planted, county leaders say their next focus is bringing visitors back — and ensuring the shoreline is better prepared for whatever the next hurricane season brings.

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    Jeff Van Sant

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  • Melissa Ley and FUELS help Pinellas County teachers and students

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — A former Pinellas County teacher is still doing a lot to support students and teachers — in fact, Melissa Ley helped to start a nonprofit to do just that.

    Ley was a teacher with Pinellas County Schools for three years, but then decided to focus on homeschooling her two children.

    What You Need To Know

    • Melissa Ley is a former Pinellas County teacher

    • She helped to start Florida’s Unique Education Learning Support, or FUELS

    • FUELS provides classroom supplies for teachers, free professional development and student care closet supplies, among other things


    Ley’s experience in the classroom gave her an appreciation for the needs of teachers and the lack of resources they often face. She started an organization called Florida’s Unique Education Learning Support or FUELS, which provides classroom resources for teachers and items for school care closets for students in need.

    On a recent morning Ley and FUELS treasurer Maureen Price were taking large bags of personal care items to two schools.

    “So, tons of personal care items. Shampoo, deodorant. Personal hygiene things. Snacks. They go like crazy,” Ley said as she took bags out from the back of her SUV in front of St. Petersburg High School.

    “It is the fun part,” she added. “Shopping for, delivering and seeing how excited they are is the fun part.”

    A few moments later Ley and Price were meeting with school social worker Janna Vichaikul in her office to show her the items for her care closet.

    “Lotions, then all of your deodorant, T-shirts and stuff like that,” said Ley.

    Vicheikul said she was always grateful for the supplies.

    “We didn’t want to be too greedy, and they really surprised with how generous their donations were,” she said.

    FUELS has also donated some chairs and a mini fridge for the space where Vicheikul meets with students.

    FUELS also provides thousands of books that teachers can use in their classroom libraries, provides free professional development training for educators and an annual teacher appreciation event.

    Ley and Price also delivered care closet supplies to the Nina Harris Exceptional Student Education Center.

    “Basic needs have to be met in order for students to learn,” said Ley as she and staff members were placing the personal care items on shelves. “So, without these things, without schools and us providing it, the students aren’t able to do what is important and learn.”

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    Rick Elmhorst

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  • Phillies begin unpacking equipment in preparation for spring training

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    CLEARWATER, Fla. — Pitchers and catchers will report for their first workouts for Major League Baseball spring training starting Tuesday.

    What You Need To Know

    • Pitchers and catchers start reporting for spring training in Florida this week

    • Phillies staff members are already unloading trucks with the supplies the team will need

    • They are bringing 2,400 baseballs, 140 batting helmets and 1,200 baseball bats this spring

    • Spring training games begin Feb. 20

    Florida is home to baseball’s Grapefruit League, and thousands of fans will flock to the Tampa Bay area to watch their favorite teams because seven of the franchises call the Tampa Bay area home during spring training, bringing a huge economic impact. Throughout Florida, more than 1.4 million fans visited for spring training in 2025, generating about $687,000 annually for the state and creating more than 7,000 jobs, according to data from the Florida Sports Foundation and studies of the Grapefruit League.

    That means teams like the Philadelphia Phillies have to start getting ready.

    When the equipment trucks start pulling into Baycare Ballpark, it marks the unofficial start to spring training in Clearwater.

    Phillies staff members like clubhouse attendant Tim Schmidt wait months for the trucks full of gear and supplies.

    “It’s been on my calendar for a while, so yeah, it’s nice that it’s here, and I’m excited to get it underway, and I’m ready to see the guys,” Schmidt said.

    Filled to the brim, it takes the whole staff, as well as some help from a forklift, to unload all the supplies needed for spring training.

    The Phillies are bringing 2,400 baseballs, 140 batting helmets and 1,200 baseball bats this spring, Schmidt said.

    Among all the people who helped unload the trucks was Clearwater Mayor Bruce Rector.

    He said it’s a day he looks forward to every year.

    “Our sign of spring is the Phillies equipment truck arriving,” Rector said. “That’s a little bit more predictable than the groundhog.”

    Spring training has been in Clearwater for about 100 years, including the Phillies here for most of that time, Rector said.

    “Such a strong connection with our citizens,” Rector said. “They’ve been here for 80 years. It’s almost like seeing family come home.”

    Schmidt said it was going to be a long day because there is a lot to unpack before the players arrive.

    Still, the work isn’t an issue.

    He’s ready to focus on the season.

    “Once we get down here, it’s go time,” Schmidt said. “We don’t really stop until the playoffs are over.”

    The seven teams that will be in the Tampa Bay area for the next few weeks, honing their skills before the regular season begins, are the Phillies, the New York Yankees, Toronto Blue Jays, Baltimore Orioles, Detroit Tigers, Pittsburgh Pirates and the Atlanta Braves.

    Spring training games begin Feb. 20, and tickets are on sale now.

     

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    Matt Lackritz

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  • St. Petersburg Distance Classic draws largest turnout ever

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Sunday was the largest St. Petersburg Distance Classic in the program’s history.

    This was the sixth time the event was hosted.

    Thousands of runners took off from North Shore Park to participate in a marathon, half marathon, 10K and 5K.

    What You Need To Know

    • Under 3,500 people registered to run in the St. Petersburg Distance Classic

    • There were 30% more runners this year compared to last year

    • Chris Lauber and his wife, Rya, founded and operate the St. Pete run from their home

    • This event is a qualifer for the Boston Marathon


    Marathon runners were met with lots of cheering as they stepped off on their 26.2-mile journey.

    Norman Shaw ran in the St. Pete Distance Classic for the first time, but he knows the area well. He grew up here, but he’s visiting from New Jersey to make this his ninth marathon.

    “This is one of the most special ones. Runners know St. Pete is as flat as a pancake, so it’s a beautiful run. San Francisco was awful — all the hills, I mean, it was beautiful, it was horrible to run. This will be nice,” he said.

    The 64-year-old trained for this by running about 30 miles a week. He said you have to go until your body is tired.

    “It’s just constantly pushing yourself not to stop,” he said.

    This year’s St. Pete Distance Classic had the largest number of runners ever. Under 3,500 people registered for all of Sunday’s races, making it 30% larger than last year. Organizers said they got a grant from Visit St. Pete-Clearwater to advertise the event.

    “We have almost every state represented and 15 countries,” said Chris Lauber, race director.

    Chris Lauber and his wife, Rya, founded and operate the St. Pete run, but Chris has a long history of organizing these things.

    In 1979, Chris had orchestrated jet ski races in Sebring, Florida. That eventually grew into a big event, even getting ESPN coverage.

    Then, using that experience, he created the Gulf Beaches Marathon in 2000. He said at the time, there wasn’t any sort of race like that in the county.

    The couple now runs the St. Pete Distance Classic out of their garage.

    “To see literally a thousand smiling faces run by you as the fruits of our efforts, I wish there was a single word, but there isn’t,” Chris said.

    It’s that same feeling that athletes like Shaw have when they run across the finish line.

    “Those last six miles are the toughest, but when you’re done, you feel like you beat yourself. It’s such an incredible feeling,” Shaw said.

    The marathon is a qualifier for the Boston Marathon.

    Runners who have a qualifying time can register for the Boston Marathon for 2027.

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    Tyler O’Neill

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  • Lawn watering restrictions in effect for the Tampa Bay area

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    TAMPA, Fla. — We have had cold weather this year, but we have not had a lot of rain. So, starting Sunday, water restrictions will be in effect.

    According to the Southwest Florida Water Management District, our area has a rainfall deficit of more than a foot. This is because of the drier than normal rainy season we had last summer.

    In response, the Southwest Florida Water Management District’s order will reduce lawn watering to one day a week.

    If you’re wondering what day you can water, it will depend on the last number of your address. 

     
    DAY OF THE WEEK ADDRESS ENDING IN
    MONDAY 0 or 1
    TUESDAY 2 or 3
    WEDNESDAY 4 or 5
    THURSDAY 6 or 7
    FRIDAY 8 or 9

    Source: Southwest Florida Water Management District

    Watering hours will be reduced to 12:01 a.m. to 8 a.m. or 6 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. If your property is less than one acre in size, you may only use one of the those time windows.

    If you have a low-volume watering system (micro-irrigation, soaker hoses, hand watering) used for watering plants and shrubs, not lawns, you are allowed to water any day and any time.

    The Southwest Florida Water Management District is also asking you to check with your local government for allowable hours or whether there are stricter hours.

    These restrictions will be in place until July 1.


    PDF: Phase II Water Shortage FAQ

    PDF: Phase II Water Shortage Fact Sheet

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • The St. Petersburg Science Festival returns

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    ST. PETERSBURG — Jobs in science, technology, engineering and math are projected to boom in the next decade.

    The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects STEM occupations to grow by more than 8% from 2024 to 2034.

    To encourage the next generation to fill some of those openings, the St. Petersburg Science Festival returned to the University of South Florida’s St. Petersburg campus.

    What You Need To Know

    • The St. Petersburg Science Festival and MarineQuest returned to the University of South Florida St. Petersburg

    • The two events had 150 interactive exhibits and about 10,000 visitors

    • Organizers hope that the festival is fun and inspiring 

    • The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics is expecting STEM occupations to grow by more than 8% from 2024 to 2034


    Families got to explore all different kinds of science.

    Playing with robots can be a lot of fun, especially for Ethan and Ryan. 

    But for Ethan, the St. Petersburg Science Festival is more than just fun. The ten-year-old said he is interested in working in STEM.

    “I come every year because I love science and being a scientist might be one of my career options,” Ethan said.

    Next door to the festival was MarineQuest, hosted by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

    Between the two events, there were 150 interactive exhibits and about 10,000 attendees.

    The goal is to show children niche roles in STEM fields and possibly inspire a career. 

    “There is an incredible demand around the Tampa Bay region for STEAM jobs, everything from someone who does aerial drone piloting to helping us to preserve this wonderful waterfront and habitat,” said Alison Barlow, Co-chair of the St. Petersburg Science Festival and CEO of the St. Petersburg Innovation District.

    The Bay Area isn’t alone. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects STEM opportunities to grow through 2034.

    “There’s also a lot of jobs emerging now that I never even knew existed when I was young, and so we want to introduce a nugget about those so that maybe they’ll think about them also in the future,” Barlow said.

    It’s a need that these thousands of visitors might just one day fill. 

    While Ethan is considering his options, he said he wants something that’s creative.

    “I have what I think is a different thought process than other kids,” Ethan said.

    While today’s event was geared toward younger kids, the state has some incentives for older kids. 

    In 2021, the state legislature passed a bill that created some college tuition discounts.

    It can offer up to a 50% discount on certain upper-level undergraduate courses in several STEM fields.

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    Tyler O’Neill

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  • St. Pete track build on 1.8-mile Grand Prix street course begins Monday

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — In less than three weeks, some of the waterfront streets of downtown St. Pete will be transformed into a racecourse.

    The Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg will be returning for its 22nd year from Feb. 27 to March 1. The 1.8-mile temporary street course has 14 turns and weaves around parts of downtown St. Pete, while also utilizing part of a runway at Albert Whitted Airport.

    While work on the grandstands and part of the course inside the airport grounds has already begun, course construction affecting streets in downtown St. Pete begins on Monday.

    Kim Green, with Green Savoree Racing Promotions, said it will take the team between 15-16 days to construct the course. That includes nearly 2,000 12-foot steel-reinforced concrete blocks that will be placed along the course, and 25,000 feet of chain-link fencing. Green said it will take Stepp’s Towing about 400 trips to haul all the necessary concrete.

    Track setup took 75 days for the first race, and the group has gotten more efficient over time, Green said.

    One of this year’s drivers, Nikita Johnson, 17, is from St. Pete and said the way the roads are constructed to drain rainwater makes the course even more interesting. He said the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg is one of his personal favorites.

    “It’s really tricky with the crests — we have a lot of crests here because we have to get the rainwater off,” he said. “It’s pretty hard because it sucks you into the corner, into the apex … so that’s a big thing here. There’s some interesting big bumps here that want to throw the car around.”

    Construction on the course is expected to wrap up by Feb. 25. The races begin on Feb. 27 and run through that weekend.

    New this year, the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series will also be competing. Those races take place Saturday, Feb. 28.

     

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    Angie Angers

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  • Measles case reported at St. Petersburg Catholic High School

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Measles cases are spiking nationwide according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The latest case identified in Tampa Bay is a student at St. Petersburg Catholic High School. 

    What You Need To Know

    • The Diocese of St. Petersburg confirms a student at St. Petersburg Catholic High School has measles

    • The student hasn’t been in the building since Jan. 27

    • The diocese says while students can get immunization exemptions, 99.2% of students at the school are vaccinated against measles

    • Classes and activities will continue as usual


    “We were just made aware that one of our sophomore students has a confirmed case of measles,” the letter provided to Spectrum News by the diocese reads. “The student in question has not been present at school since January 27th and we are unaware of any additional cases at this time.”

    In addition to this case, information from the Florida Department of Health shows Hillsborough and Manatee Counties reported one case each in January.

    “Unfortunately, it was only a matter of time,” said Dr. Patrick Mularoni, a pediatric emergency medicine physician at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital. “We’re seeing a lot more vaccine hesitancy, and measles spreads very easily. So, those that are unvaccinated were bound to get it and spread it.”

    Mularoni said it doesn’t start with that telltale rash. He said the earliest symptoms of measles can be a cough, runny nose, fever, and red eyes, and it can take seven to 10 days before a patient starts to fell sick. That gives the virus plenty of time to spread.

    “Measles is very contagious. It’s more contagious than the common cold, and some sources say 10 out of ten people in a room with somebody with measles, if they’re not vaccinated, they’ll get it,” said Mularoni.

    According to the CDC, when more than 95% of people in a community are vaccinated, herd immunity is achieved. Its data shows 88.8% of Florida kindergarteners were vaccinated in the 2024-25 school year. Nationwide, measles vaccination coverage has dropped from 95.2% in the 2019-2020 school year to 92.5% last school year. The CDC said that put 286,000 U.S. kindergarteners at risk. 

    Meanwhile, cases have jumped in the past year. While just one or two weekly cases were reported in early 2025, that increased to a high of 279 cases reported for the week of January 11 of this year.

    The diocese said in its letter to parents, “While diocesan immunization policy allows for medical exemptions from a licensed physician, 99.2% of our student body is vaccinated against measles. Given the school’s high vaccination rate, we plan to continue all classes and activities as normal.”

    Mularoni said the reemergence of measles may not just mean a learning curve for parents.

    “The one thing about measles is it has very subtle symptoms, and most providers haven’t seen it. You know, we’ve been vaccinating for so long, and it’s been relatively well-contained in the United States. Many providers might not know it if they see it,” he said.

    The diocese letter urged anyone with symptoms to stay home and see a doctor. Mularoni encouraged parents to call ahead before they do so. He said babies are usually vaccinated when they’re 12-15 months old, and it would be easy for unvaccinated babies to catch measles.

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    Sarah Blazonis

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  • 2026 Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg: What you need to know

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — It’s that time again! Racing fans from all over will be heading to the Bay area for the start of the next INDYCAR season.

    The 2026 Firestone Grand Prix will be speeding through the streets of St. Pete Feb 27 – March 1.

    Here’s what you need to know.


    QUICK RECAP:

    The 2025 IndyCar season kicked off with an exciting showdown at the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, where Alex Palou emerged victorious after an intense battle with two of the sport’s biggest names, Josef Newgarden and Scott Dixon.

    WHEN IS THE 2026 FIRESTONE GRAND PRIX OF ST. PETERSBURG?

    The event starts on Thursday, February 27 and goes until Sunday, March 2.

    WHERE DO I GET 2026 FIRESTONE GRAND PRIX TICKETS?

    General admission adult tickets for the Firestone Grand Prix start at just $30 and three-day tickets start at $80.

    GRANDSTAND PRICING

    Day / Location Cost Ticket Type
    GOLD – Turn 1 & Turn 10 Grandstands (3-Day Only) $185 Adult
    GOLD – Turn 1 & Turn 10 Grandstands (3-Day Only) $165 Junior
    SILVER – Upper Rows of Pit Lane Grandstands 3-7 (3-Day) $170 Adult
    SILVER – Upper Rows of Pit Lane Grandstands 3-7 (3-Day) $150 Junior
    BRONZE – Lower Rows of Pit Lane Grandstands 3-7 (3-Day) $140 Adult
    BRONZE – Lower Rows of Pit Lane Grandstands 3-7 (3-Day) $120 Junior

     

    Day / Location Cost Ticket Type
    SILVER – Single Day (Saturday or Sunday) $135 Adult
    SILVER – Single Day (Saturday or Sunday) $125 Junior
    BRONZE – Single Day (Saturday or Sunday) $110 Adult
    BRONZE – Single Day (Saturday or Sunday) $100 Junior

    GENERAL ADMISSION PRICING

    Day / Type Cost Ticket Type
    GENERAL – 3-DAY $80 Adult
    GENERAL – 3-DAY $70 Junior
         
    GENERAL – FRIDAY $30 Adult
    GENERAL – SATURAY $55 Adult
    GENERAL – SUNDAY $70 Adult
         
    GENERAL – FRIDAY $30 Junior
    GENERAL – SATURDAY $45 Junior
    GENERAL – SUNDAY $60 Junior

     

    ADDITIONAL PASSES

    Day(s) Cost Pass Type
    PIT & PADDOCK – 3-DAY $160 Adult (18+)
    PADDOCK – 2-DAY $85 Adult / Junior
    PADDOCK – 1-DAY $55 Adult / Junior

    FIRESTONE GRAND PRIX MAP:

    In downtown St. Petersburg, the streets along the waterfront near Straub Park will be converted into a 1.8 mile race track. Just follow the noise from the loud engines!

    2026 FIRESTONE GRAND PRIX SCHEDULE:

    THURSDAY, FEB 26

    Time Event Location
    4:00 PM – 7:00 PM INDYCAR Party in the Park

    North Straub Park – No ticket

    required
    5:00 PM – 6:30 PM

    5K Run on the Firestone

    Grand Prix Track

    400 Bayshore Dr. NE

    Sign-up at gpstpete5k.com

    FRIDAY, FEB 27

    Time Series Session
    7:30 AM Gates Open  
    8:00 AM – 8:30 AM

    USF2000

    Practice
    8:55 AM – 9:40 AM Mazda MX-5 Cup Practice
    10:00 AM – 10:30 AM USF2000 Qualifying
    10:50 AM – 11:10 AM Mazda MX-5 Cup Qualifying
    11:30 AM – 12:10 PM USF2000 Race 1
    11:30 AM – 12:30 PM NTT INDYCAR SERIES Autograph Session – American Legion in Firestone Fan Experience
    12:30 PM – 1:15 PM INDY NXT by Firestone Practice
    1:00 PM – 1:45 PM NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Autograph Session – Details TBA
    1:35 PM – 3:00 PM NTT INDYCAR SERIES Practice 1
    4:00 PM – 4:50 PM NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Practice
    5:05 PM – 6:00 PM NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Qualifying

    SATURDAY, FEB 28

    Time Series Session
    7:00 AM Gates Open  
    7:30 AM – 8:15 AM

    Mazda MX-5 Cup

    Race 1

     

     
    8:35 AM – 9:15 AM INDY NXT by Firestone Practice 2
    9:35 AM – 11:00 AM NTT INDYCAR SERIES Practice 2
    11:00 AM – 11:45 AM INDY NXT by Firestone Autograph Session – American Legion in Firestone Fan Experience
    11:30 AM NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Driver Introductions
    12:00 PM NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Race (80 Laps)
    3:45 PM – 4:15 PM INDY NXT by Firestone Qualifying
    4:35 PM – 6:00 PM NTT INDYCAR SERIES Qualifying

    SUNDAY, MARCH 1

    Time Series Session
    8:00 AM Gates Open  
    9:05 AM – 9:35 AM

    NTT INDYCAR SERIES

    Warm-up
    10:06 AM INDY NXT by Firestone Race (45 Laps)
    11:20 AM NTT INDYCAR SERIES Driver Introductions
    12:29 PM Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg NTT INDYCAR SERIES Race (100 Laps)
    3:00 PM – 3:40 PM USF2000 Race 2
    4:00 PM – 4:40 PM Mazda MX-5 Cup Race 2

    PARKING

    City Parking Garage (SouthCore):

    City Parking Garages will be $25 per day.

    Motorcycle Parking:

    Available for $10, along the west side of 1st Street South between 1st Avenue South and Central Avenue.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • St. Pete Council votes to hold off on Gas Plant work for now

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Some members of St. Pete’s City Council want Mayor Ken Welch to pump the breaks on development of the historic Gas Plant district.

    The council voted 6-2 on Thursday to pursue a ‘planning-first framework’ before choosing a developer.

    Councilwoman Brandi Gabbard said it is the like the city is “chasing a speeding bullet” when it comes to redevelopment. It was Gabbard who introduced the motion, which can’t force the mayor to delay the project but expresses how Council is feeling.

    Mayor Ken Welch’s office received nine proposals from developers before their deadline earlier this week.

    In a memo sent to the Council on Wednesday, Welch said: “Pausing all progress for yet another planning exercise — after proposals have been submitted, risks repeating a familiar and painful pattern for this community: plans discussed, promises acknowledged, and action deferred.”

    Gabbard hasn’t officially filed but said she plans to run for mayor. Welch has filed to run for re-election.

    This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Pause or move forward? St Pete City Council to mull next move for Gas Plant site

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — After St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch expressed his interest in moving forward with selecting a developer for the Historic Gas Plant District site, a city council member is asking the administration to pump the brakes.

    St. Pete City Council member Brandi Gabbard filed a resolution asking the city administration to pursue a ‘planning-first framework’ before choosing a developer. The item will be discussed by city council members during Thursday’s meeting.

    What You Need To Know

    • City council member asks for ‘planning-first framework’ before moving forward with choosing Gas Plant site developer 

    •  Mayor Ken Welch issued a memo stating now is the time to move forward

    •  Rays reaffirm commitment to move to Tampa

    • As of now, the Rays lease expires after 2028 season 


    In response to the resolution, Welch issued a memo asking city council members to stay committed to action and progress.

    “There are some who believe we should continue to further delay this development, but I want to be clear as I reaffirm my position — we should move forward to fulfill the decades-long promise of equitable and beneficial development of this site. The time for action is now,” Welch wrote.


    Welch referenced at least four different rounds of proposals and community input sessions over the last decade, dating back to the HKS Master Planning in 2016, which took place under a former administration.

    “With respect to timing, pausing all progress for yet another planning exercise — after proposals have been submitted — risks repeating a familiar and painful pattern for this community: plans discussed, promises acknowledged, and action deferred. St. Pete, including the families and descendants impacted by the original displacement, has already waited generations for meaningful progress. I do not believe further inaction serves them or the City,” Welch continued.

    Welch has family ties to the Historic Gas Plant District, as does City Council member Corey Givens Jr., who supports what he calls a planning-first — not proposal-first — process.

    “I have no problem telling the developers what we want to see at the Historic Gas Plant site — I don’t think it should be the other way around,” he said. “I care about honoring the history of that site, and I think we have to be intentional. Part of honoring the history of the site means taking a community-driven approach to doing so. That doesn’t mean proposal first, it means planning first, and we need the community to be a part of that process.”

    The city of St. Pete has received 9 new proposals from groups that wish to redevelop the 86-acre site. 

    A discussion regarding the resolution is set to take place during Thursday’s city council meeting, which is set for 9 a.m.

    A spokesperson for the city says it is in the administration’s purview to select a developer. But in order to get a funding vote to pass later down the line, the mayor would need city council support.

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    Angie Angers

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  • Former lumber yard site to offer affordable housing in St. Petersburg

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — A new affordable housing community is coming to St. Petersburg’s Warehouse Arts District, and city leaders say a state law designed to speed up housing development helped make it possible.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Fairfield Avenue Apartments — a 264-unit community — officially broke ground Wednesday on land with more than 50 years of local history

    • City officials say the project is moving forward using Florida’s House Bill 1339, which allows qualifying affordable housing developments to be approved administratively on industrial-zoned land, significantly reducing approval timelines

    • City leaders say the Fairfield Avenue Apartments will add hundreds of affordable housing units within close proximity to downtown jobs and transit once construction is completed


    The Fairfield Avenue Apartments — a 264-unit community — officially broke ground Wednesday on land with more than 50 years of local history.

    The property once housed Tibbetts Lumber and, before that, Cox Lumber — businesses that helped build much of the surrounding city.

    “My grandfather immigrated here in the 1940s, (and) had bought a little tiny lumber company,” said Jeff Brandes of the Tibbetts-Brandes family. “(Those businesses) really grew this community and grew along with it and helped build many of the houses that you and I live in today.”

    Over the years, the site has served several purposes — starting as an orange grove, later becoming a Seaboard rail line, and eventually operating as a lumber yard. Now, it will be transformed into housing intended for working residents priced out of living near their jobs.

    Brandes said conversations with local hospitals highlighted the need.

    “I was talking to the leadership of the hospitals and at All Children’s in Bayfront and talking about how what a struggle they were finding for housing some of their employees that were making $20 or $30 an hour, but they still couldn’t find a place to live anywhere near downtown Saint Petersburg,” he said.

    City officials say the project is moving forward using Florida’s House Bill 1339, which allows qualifying affordable housing developments to be approved administratively on industrial-zoned land, significantly reducing approval timelines.

    “Now, the state passed legislation a few years ago to permit the development of affordable housing on industry zoned land like this. And St. Pete, again, was the first city to take advantage of that opportunity,” said Mayor Ken Welch.

    Brandes, who founded the Florida Policy Project, said seeing the project move from policy to reality is meaningful.

    “Well, it’s exciting to be able to talk to people, not somebody who’s theoretical, but who’s doing it practically, too,” he said. “I mean, it’s great to be part of that process. And knowing the struggles of putting a development like this together, but also the looks on people’s faces when they get their keys for the for the for their apartments. That’s what I’m really excited about.”

    City leaders say the Fairfield Avenue Apartments will add hundreds of affordable housing units within close proximity to downtown jobs and transit once construction is completed.

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    Fadia Patterson

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  • All Children’s shares latest on $7.5 million pediatric cancer research grant

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — To Mia Morrison, 5, the rooms on the seventh floor of Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital have become almost a second bedroom. 

    What You Need To Know

    • The Cancer Connect Collaborative Research Incubator was created in 2025 by the Florida Legislature as part of the Casey DeSantis Cancer Research Program

    • The state initiative was designed to advance pediatric cancer research and care in Florida

    • For five years, the hospital and three others will receive $7.5 million a year

    • Mia Morrison is 5 and was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia


    She is comfortable here, even though this is where she gets ongoing cancer treatments. 

    “Mia is actually on a clinical trial right now for an immunotherapy drug that she received. It has already done incredible things for the outcome of children with B-cell ALL. And so we are always very excited to hear about new trials, participate in new trials,” said Callie Morrison, Mia’s mother.

    New and expanded trials are a big part of the Florida Cancer Connect Collaborative Research Incubator grant, giving this hospital and three others in Florida $7.5 million a year for the next five years. 

    “We are trying to attract and grow the research in Florida so people do not have to leave Florida to go get that care,” said Dr. Cassandra Josephson, director of the Cancer and Blood Disorders Institute at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital.

    Mia has acute lymphoblastic leukemia and this grant will help her and others in five main ways. 

    First, it expands current clinical trials, it also will develop a statewide clinical trial database, create a network to move research discoveries into the trial-phases faster, implement more immune system studies, and will create more testing for the next generation of gene and cellular therapies. 

    “Getting more kids to be on study and to be enrolled in studies is part of this grant. And that will lead to bigger cures and bigger survival rates in different places,” said Josephson. 

    It also will help more complex cases, like Mia. 

    She is non-verbal living with autism. Callie said that being neurodivergent sometimes creates barriers with being included in long-term trials. 

    “So the fact that we have this grant, this renewable grant that we have access to for the next five years, I can’t wait to see what the opportunities are for kids like Mia,” said Morrison. 

    Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital was one of four specialty hospitals in the state for this five-year grant. 

    Nicklaus Children’s in Miami, Nemours Children’s in Orlando, and Wolfson Children’s in Jacksonville were also awarded this funding.

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    Erin Murray

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

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    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

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    Josh Rojas, Angie Angers

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  • Duke says it’s not anticipating any rolling blackouts during cold snap

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    PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — Duke Energy asked customers to voluntarily reduce their energy use on Monday morning, in response to the extremely cold temperatures driving unusually high demand for electricity.

    What You Need To Know

    • Duke Energy asked customers to reduce reduce electric usage early Monday morning

    • Two Hernando County schools closed Monday due to possible power outages

    • Spokesperson says goal was to protect grid and conserve power if neighboring utilities needed assistance 

    • MORE: Notice from Duke Energy


    Duke Energy spokeswoman Ana Gibbs says the request was made in order to conserve energy and protect the grid to keep electricity flowing for any many customers as possible.

    “We’ve definitely heard rumors about rolling blackouts or rolling brownouts and right now Duke Energy does not anticipate doing any of those things,” she said. “We have a situation in Florida where our energy grid, our power grid, is interconnected. Not just throughout Florida but also the southeastern U.S. so it’s just important that we can share that with our neighbors in case they need it.”

    Duke asked customers to lower energy use by reducing thermostat temperatures, avoiding using major appliances during the coldest four hours on Monday morning, and charging electric vehicles after 9 a.m.

    “Keeping that heater temp as low as you can but to your comfort is really what saves the most energy,” Gibbs said. “That is about 30% of your energy bill. So it’s mutually beneficial because not only does it save energy, it reduces your energy bill.”

    Gibbs said the last time they had a similar situation with energy usage due to the extreme cold was in the winter of 2010.

    “The last time we had kind of record demand was back around in 2010 when we had these similar record low temperatures,” she said. ”Right now everyone’s asking, ‘Do you think you’re going to see a record demand or a record peak?’ We’re not anticipating seeing that. We’re not anticipating a record use of energy during this event. This really has to do with that we’re in a position to help our neighboring utilities if that’s something that’s needed.”

    Duke Energy said a text that’s been circulating appearing to be from Duke regarding rolling blackouts in a scam and customers should disregard it and not click on any links.

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    Angie Angers

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

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    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.”

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    Josh Rojas

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  • Madeira Beach wants resident ideas for waterfront land development

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    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.

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    Josh Rojas

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  • St. Pete looks to give area under I-275 a major makeover

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    ST. PETE, Fla. — The city of St. Pete is helping construct a plan to transform the four-block area under I-275 near the heart of downtown.

    The area, dubbed Trails Crossing, spans from 1st Avenue North to 3rd Avenue South. The stretch of I-275 has historically divided a number of growing neighborhoods like the Edge District, Historic Gas Plant District, Grand Central District and Warehouse Arts District.

    Trails Crossing would essentially link together the neighborhoods.

    Cheryl Stacks, Transportation Manager for the city of St. Pete, said her team has been working closely with the community group Friends of Trails Crossing to create a plan for the space. Early concepts show the area could be turned into a mix of performance and art areas, parks, a spot for an outdoor market and outdoor recreation areas.

    Right now, it’s primarily used for parking, but Stacks said due to the location, it’s underutilized.

    What You Need To Know

    • Community meeting set for  6 p.m. Thursday at the President Barack Obama Main Library Auditorium located at 3745 9th Ave. N.

    • City will show latest concept designs, ask for feedback at meeting 

    • Trails Crossing still in planning stages 

    • CLOSER LOOK: Concept designs of Trails Crossing


    “The area is a little complicated because it’s under I-275,” she said. “So it is important for us to understand what people want to do with that space, but also compare it to what is physically possible and what is allowable from a regulatory standpoint.”

    Stacks said they’re working closely with FDOT and the Federal Highway Administration to make sure to follow all safety guidelines.

    The community is invited to a public meeting regarding the project set for 6 p.m. on Jan. 29 at the President Barack Obama Main Library Auditorium located at 3745 9th Ave. N. There, the city plans to show the latest renderings for the project and ask for community feedback.


    Chris Arnold, Executive Director of the Grand Central District Association, says the neighborhood has evolved so much over the last decade. What started as a few antique shops and tattoo parlors has boomed into a vibrant and fun neighborhood full of things to do.

    “It’s just that one piece in the middle that we haven’t fixed yet, and that’s why we’re so excited about the Trails Crossing project,” he said.

    Arnold said it’s the final piece of the puzzle needed to really connect the city together.

    “If you told someone that they would be able to walk from downtown to 23rd, 24th, 25th St, even 10 years ago… you would have never thought it was happening,” he said. “Now we can walk all the way downtown because it’s connected the entire way. The only spot that’s not is underneath the overpass.”

    Jon Dean, owner of Balance House Studio & Cafe, says more connectivity only means good things for the growing neighborhood.

    “It’s not super built out yet, but I see it — I see the action moving this way,” he said. “I think connecting the neighborhoods is a positive for most of the businesses.”

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    Angie Angers

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

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    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.

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    Josh Rojas

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