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Tag: Pinellas County

  • From Big Bend to Tampa Bay, residents cleaning up after Idalia

    From Big Bend to Tampa Bay, residents cleaning up after Idalia

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Assessment and cleanup continues in north Florida and across the Bay area after Hurricane Idalia.

    Meanwhile, state officials confirm

    At a Thursday morning news conference, Gov. DeSantis and Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie confirmed no storm-related deaths have been reported. There were two deaths related to driving in bad weather, according to Florida Highway Patrol.

    A Pasco County man crashed into a tree when he lost control of his vehicle Wednesday morning, and another person died in Alachua County when he crashed his pickup truck into a ditch.

    The hurricane made landfall Wednesday morning at 7:45 a.m. at Keaton Beach in Taylor County with 125-mph winds. 

    It left as many as a half-million customers without power in Florida and other states at one point as it ripped down power poles and lines.

    Still, it was far less destructive than feared, providing only glancing blows to Tampa Bay and other more populated areas as it came ashore in rural Florida.

    Here’s a look at recovery efforts across the region:

    PINELLAS COUNTY

    Flights at St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport resume today after the airport closed ahead of the storm.

    During a news conference Thursday morning, Pinellas County officials said 60 water rescue missions were performed during and after the storm.

    Crews will be out assessing damage today. 

    St. Pete police continue to limit access to Shore Acres due to continuing flooding there. Officials said hundreds of homes were flooded in St. Petersburg. Anyone with damage can report it to Disaster.pinellas.gov.

    During the height of the storm, 28,000 homes in Pinellas lost power. That was down to just 2,600 by midday Thursday.

    Meanwhile, crews were working until early Thursday to clear debris, water and sand on Gulf Boulevard in Madeira Beach. A total of about 85 dump trucks of sand was cleaned up, officials said. Indian Rocks Beach in particular had a big drop off from erosion.

    Officials also said there were three house fires related to the storm.

    HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY

    Tampa International Airport is also now fully open. The airport was open to just to arriving flights yesterday afternoon.

    Port Tampa Bay is still closed Thursday.

    Coast Guard officials will determine when the port can reopen.

    A spokesperson for the port said the Coast Guard needs to complete a harbor assessment today before they open again.

    So this will impact incoming shipments and cruise travelers.

    PASCO COUNTY

    The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office said it did 85 rescue mission in the hours after Idalia roared by the Bay area, saving 150 people from flood waters. Deputies helped people ranging from 9 months old to age 90, officials said.

    Also, crews are still monitoring some areas of Hudson and New Port Richey where flood waters had swamped streets.

    CITRUS COUNTY

    A part of U.S. 19 remains closed in Crystal River due to flooding.

    U.S. 19 has been shut down from Dunnellon Road to State Road 44 because of remaining water on the roadway.

    HERNANDO COUNTY

    Some Hernando County residents who evacuated ahead of Idalia were allowed back into their neighborhoods on Wednesday.

    A debris field greeted Sandra Day when she returned to her Hernando Beach home.

    But she said there was no damage to the house itself.

    That came as a relief since these screen shots from home cameras show what she and her husband saw while taking shelter: Their yard and neighborhood were flooded.

    “Our backyard, the dock was up about two feet, and we could just see the water rushing in, and it sounded like a waterfall,” said Day, a Hernando Beach resident. “So, now you look how calm it is, and it’s all going over the berm now.”

    No injuries or deaths related to Idalia have been reported in Hernando County.

    Day said she feels like that’s an answer to prayers.

    CEDAR KEY

    Power has been mostly been restored in Cedar Key.

    Still, some residents are being kept off the beach.

    Officials are only letting residents who have re-entry passes cross the bridge.

    Before the storm, city officials said their biggest concern was flooding. That held true and storm surge damaged businesses and homes.

    Officials say it’s going to take some time to get the city back up and running and are asking for people to be patient as they continue cleanup and recovery efforts.

    Spectrum Bay News 9 reporters Brian Rea, Nick Popham, Sarah Blazonis, Cait McVey and Fallon Silcox contributed to this report.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Idalia: When classes across Tampa Bay will resume

    Idalia: When classes across Tampa Bay will resume

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    We’ll be using this page to update our viewing area on school impacts due to Idalia. 

    School Closings by County: 

    Citrus County

    NEW: The school system will reopen Friday.

    In a statement Thursday, the district said: “After receiving the latest update from Emergency Management officials and having assessed the damages in our facilities sustained from Hurricane Idalia, I am pleased to share that schools will be reopen tomorrow Friday, September 1st.  Should you have any issues or concerns, please contact the administration at your school.  As always, we appreciate your time, understanding, and patience during these uncertain times.”

    Due to the coastal impact in our county from Hurricane Idalia, schools are continuing to be used as shelters.

    School will be cancelled, Thursday, Aug. 31.

    After the next high tide, more info regarding a projected date of school reopening will be announced.

    Hernando County

    All Hernando County schools and district offices will reopen Thursday, Aug. 31.

    Students impacted by coastal flooding will be provided an excused absence.

    Hillsborough County

    Hillsborough County Schools are reopening on Thursday, Aug. 31.

    Manatee County

    All Manatee District Schools will reopen Thursday, August 31.

    Pasco County

    All Pasco County schools will be open on Thursday, August 31.

    This includes athletics, PLACE, Delta, Star, and all other extracurricular activities.

    Pinellas County

    Schools will be open for normal operations on Thursday, August 31.

    Polk County

    All Polk County schools and offices will reopen Friday, Sept. 1.

    Major Universities:

    University of Central Florida: UCF will resume standard operations on Thursday, Aug. 31. 

    University of Florida: UF to resume normal operations on Thursday, Aug. 31. 

    University of South Florida: USF says classes will resume Thursday, Aug. 31, except for classes at Mote Marine.

    University of Tampa: Regular operations are scheduled to resume Thursday, Aug. 31 at noon.

    St. Petersburg College: Campuses/sites open and all classes resuming — on Thursday, Aug. 31. 

    Florida State University: Classes and normal university operations will resume on Tuesday, Sept. 5.

    FAMU: Classes and Universtiy operations remain suspended through Friday, Sept. 1. Normal operations will resume on Tuesday, Sept. 5. 

    Polk State College: PSC classes and operations will resume Thursday, Aug. 31. 

    Keiser University: Classes will resume at the following Keiser University campuses on Thursday, August 31, 2023. All campuses will be open for regular operations unless otherwise noted.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Live Updates: Aftermath of Idalia in Tampa Bay

    Live Updates: Aftermath of Idalia in Tampa Bay

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    The Tampa Bay area is dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Idalia. 

    The hurricane made landfall Wednesday morning at 7:45 at Keaton Beach in Taylor County with 125-mph winds. 

    The storm brought heavy rain, winds and flooding to the Bay area.

    Use our Live Updates feed below for updates from our reporters in the field, Weather Experts in the Spectrum Bay News 9 studio, and more.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Hurricane Idalia makes 125-mph landfall in Big Bend area

    Hurricane Idalia makes 125-mph landfall in Big Bend area

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    TAMPA, Fla. —  Major Hurricane Idalia has made landfall.

    The storm and its 125-mph winds made landfall over Keaton Beach. Catastrophic storm surge and winds are expected to continue impacting the Big Bend of Florida. 

    Idalia continues to move NNE at 18 mph through what has been a favorable environment for intensification. It’s located 90 miles northwest of Cedar Key, where “catastrophic storm surge and destructive winds” are expected. 

    The low-lying marsh area faced a predicted storm surge of up to 15 feet.

    A state of emergency is in effect for 49 Florida counties, including:

    Alachua, Baker, Bay, Bradford, Brevard, Calhoun, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Columbia, DeSoto, Dixie, Duval, Flagler, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Gulf, Hamilton, Hardee, Hernando, Hillsborough, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lake, Lee, Leon, Levy, Liberty, Madison, Manatee, Marion, Nassau, Orange, Osceola, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, Sumter, Suwannee, Taylor, Union, Volusia, and Wakulla counties.

    Hurricane force winds reach out 25 mph from the center. Rain bands have produced gusts over 60 mph around Tampa Bay. Water levels are still increasing for the Nature Coast. Seven to 11 feet of surge is still expected.

    Water levels around Tampa Bay are at 4 feet above the astronomical tide as of 5:30 am. Many roads are flooded.  Water levels will stay high all day. 

    Rain bands can continue to produce tornadoes across the Bay area. A Tornado Watch and a Flood Watch continue. 

     

    While the exact track of the center will determine where the worst storm surge will end up, the rain bands will continue to impact the entire region through the morning hours.

    That means gusty winds and heavy rain along with a threat of tornadoes. We will monitor Klystron 9 for rotation and to track the center of Idalia as it moves north through the Gulf. Polk, Citrus and Hernando counties were under brief tornado warnings Wednesday morning.

    Coastal areas will see the strongest storms, but there will be gusty squalls far inland that rotate around the large circulation of Idalia.

    The west coast of Florida is highly susceptible to storm surge so there is a threat of significant, life-threatening impacts.

    TIMING:

    Tropical storm-force winds are impacting the Tampa Bay area.

    WINDS: 

    Widespread tropical storm force winds are forecast (39-73 mph), even inland. This will cause downed trees and power outages.

    Hurricane force winds (74+) primarily impact the Nature Coast. Any change in the future track will cause changes to the forecast.

    TORNADOES:

    Models show numerous strong thunderstorms and gusty squalls tomorrow along the coast. Some of these will produce a few fast moving tornadoes.

    STORM SURGE FORECAST: 

    Storm surge will also be a threat to areas along Florida’s Gulf Coast. Bay News 9 Meteorologist Juli Marquez states that, “astronomical tides will be high with a full moon, so storm surge will be more impactful.”

    Storm Surge Warnings are now in effect for from Englewood northward to Indian Pass, including Tampa Bay.

    Storm Surge Watches are also in effect for the Florida Gulf Coast from Chokoloskee to Englewood and the mouth of the St. Marys River to South Santee River in South Carolina.

    Peak Storm Surge:

    Levy/Citrus Counties: 7-11 feet AGL

    Hernando/Pasco Counties: 6 to 9 feet AGL

    Tampa Bay Area: 4-7 feet AGL on coast, 3-6 feet in Tampa Bay

    Sarasota: 3-5 feet

    A Flood Watch has been issued for our area. Idalia could bring 4 to 8 inches of rain. Locally higher amounts are possible. This could lead to street flooding and flooding of poor drainage areas.

    POTENTIAL IMPACTS ALONG THE NATURE COAST:

    • Widespread deep inundation, with storm surge flooding greatly accentuated by powerful battering waves.
    • Structural damage to buildings, with many washing away.
    • Damage greatly compounded from considerable floating debris. Locations may be uninhabitable for an extended period.
    • Near-shore escape routes and secondary roads washed out or severely flooded. Flood control systems and barriers may become stressed.
    • Extreme beach erosion. New shoreline cuts possible.
    • Massive damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks, and piers.
    • Numerous small craft broken away from moorings with many lifted onshore and stranded.

    Tides are running much higher than normal due to the Super Moon, which could contribute to a higher storm surge in some areas.

    HIGH TIDE FORECAST:

    Crystal River:

    • 3:14 p.m. Tues.

    • 4:59 a.m. Wed.

    • 4:09 p.m. Wed.

    Ozello:

    • 2:19 p.m. Tues.

    • 4:04 a.m. Wed.

    • 3:14 p.m. Wed.

    Bayport:

    • 12:53 p.m. Tues.

    • 2:38 a.m. Wed.

    • 1:46 p.m. Wed.

    Tarpon Springs:

    • 11:30 a.m. Tues.

    • 1:23 a.m. Wed.

    • 12:33 p.m. Wed.

    Clearwater Beach:

    • 10:47 a.m. Tues.

    • 12:32 a.m. Wed.

    • 11:42 p.m. Wed.

    St. Petersburg:

    • 12:54 p.m. Tues.

    • 3:32 a.m. Wed.

    • 1:53 p.m. Wed.

    Gulfport:

    • 11:22 p.m. Tues.

    • 2:00 a.m. Wed.

    • 12:21 p.m Wed.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • COUNTY BY COUNTY: What to expect from Idalia around Tampa Bay

    COUNTY BY COUNTY: What to expect from Idalia around Tampa Bay

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    Our Spectrum Bay News 9 Weather Experts have broken down, by county, what to watch for with Idalia. For the latest forecast updates, you can check here.

    Citrus

    Main impact: Until Wednesday afternoon

    Tropical Storm Warning

    Winds (coast): 30 to 40 mph, gusts to 60

    Winds (inland): 20 to 30 mph, gusts to 40

    Rainfall: Additional 2 to 4 inches, locally higher amounts near the coast

    Storm Surge Warning

    The potential for up to 5 to 8 feet above ground within surge prone areas

    Hernando

    Main impact: Until Wednesday afternoon

    Tropical Storm Warning

    Winds: 20 to 30 mph, gusts to 50

    Rainfall: Additional 2 to 4 inches, locally higher amounts near the coast

    Storm Surge Warning

    The potential for up to 5 to 8 feet above ground within surge prone areas

    Pasco

    Main impact: Until Wednesday afternoon

    Hurricane Warning

    Winds (coast): 35 to 45 mph, gusts to 70

    Winds (inland): 20 to 30 mph, gusts to 50

    Rainfall: Additional 3 to 6 inches, locally higher amounts

    Storm Surge Warning

    The potential for up to 6 to 9 feet above ground within surge prone areas

    Pinellas

    Main impact: Until Wednesday afternoon

    Hurricane Warning

    Winds: 30 to 40 mph, gusts to 65

    Rainfall: Additional 3 to 6 inches, locally higher amounts

    Storm Surge Warning

    The potential for up to 4 to 6 feet above ground within surge prone areas

    Hillsborough

    Main impact: Until Wednesday afternoon

    Hurricane Warning

    Winds: 20 to 30 mph, gusts to 50

    Rainfall: Additional 3 to 6 inches, locally higher amounts

    Manatee

    Main impact: Until Wednesday afternoon

    Hurricane Warning

    Winds (inland): 20 to 30 mph, gusts to 50 mph

    Winds (coast): 20 to 30 mph, gusts to 55 mph

    Rainfall: Additional 2 to 4 inches, locally higher amounts

    Storm Surge Warning

    The potential for up to 4 to 6 feet within surge prone areas

    Polk

    Main impact: Until Wednesday afternoon

    Tropical Storm Warning

    Winds: 20 to 30 mph, gusts to 50 mph

    Rainfall: Additional 1 to 3 inches, locally higher

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Spectrum News Weather Staff

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  • Where to find last-minute gas

    Where to find last-minute gas

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    Many Floridians are preparing for Idalia, and soon many will be searching for gas as the storm gets closer.

    With the GasBuddy Outage Tracker, drivers can search for gas stations nearby, as well as filter by the following criteria:

    • Has Fuel & Power
    • Has No Power
    • Limited Fuel Options
    • Has No Fuel & Power

    Click/Tap on the image below to locate gas stations near you and check their status. For the best results, be sure to share you location. You can also track outages on your phone by downloading the GasBuddy app for Android or iOS.

    Screenshot of the GasBuddy Outage Tracker (Courtesy: GasBuddy.com)

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Send us your severe weather photos

    Send us your severe weather photos

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    Share your weather photos with us and you may see them on our newscast.

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    Dan Trotter

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  • Investigation into contaminated gas yields stations that can resume sales

    Investigation into contaminated gas yields stations that can resume sales

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    TAMPA, Fla. — After an investigation into reports of contaminated gas from the Port of Tampa being delivered to multiple gas stations, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services said Tuesday that 17 stations remain under a stop sale order.

    State officials announced Sunday that it had identified a potentially widespread fuel contamination caused by human error at the Port of Tampa that impacted gas stations in the Tampa Bay area supplied by Citgo.


    Any fuel purchased from 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 26, through Sunday, Aug. 27, at impacted stations has a strong likelihood of being contaminated with diesel fuel.

    Impacted stations were ordered to stop selling gas until the contaminated fuel is replaced and tanks are cleaned. Once the stations are cleared or have completed a corrective action plan fuel will once again be safe for purchase.

    “I am grateful to the hard-working men and women at FDACS who responded to this incident swiftly and thoroughly,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson. “It is never good to have such a catastrophic error for consumers, but particularly during a time when Floridians are evacuating from a potentially dangerous storm. I firmly believe our department was able to mitigate what could have been a worse situation. We stand ready to assist those whose vehicles and equipment were impacted by contaminated fuel.”

    State officials also said there are no reports of disrupted fuel supply in the region.

    After emergency inspections and testing, FDACS has determined the following:

    Six stations did not receive the contaminated fuel shipment:

    Dan’s Car Wash: 39522 US Highway 19 N., Tarpon Springs

    7-Eleven: 3437 US Highway 19, Holiday

    7-Eleven: 13411 Fish Hawk Boulevard, Lithia

    Quick & Easy Stop: 4529 Bee Ridge Rd., Sarasota

    Palmers Easy Stop: 903 Cattleman Rd., Sarasota

    2K Express 5: 6202 N 40th St., Tampa

    Eight stations have been inspected, remediated, and cleared by FDACS for fuel sales:

    7-Eleven: 720 Chiquita Boulevard, North Cape Coral

    7-Eleven: 2604 Skyline Boulevard, Cape Coral

    7-Eleven: 601 Pine Island Rd. S.W., Cape Coral

    7-Eleven: 6050 Dean Dairy Road, Zephyrhills

    7-Eleven: 714 Burnt Store Road, Cape Coral

    Handy Foods Store #87: 3205 Lee Blvd., Lehigh Acres

    Faulkenburg CITGO: 5320 Faulkenburg Road, Tampa

    PJI LLC: 7977 W Dunnellon Road, Dunnellon (Regular and premium fuel was not contaminated, only diesel fuel)

    17 stations remain under a stop sale order pending laboratory confirmation:

    7-Eleven: 4325 Lee Boulevard, Lehigh Acres

    7-Eleven: 12750 South Cleveland Avenue, Fort Myers

    7-Eleven: 290 Lakeland Park Road, Lakeland

    7-Eleven: 940 S Broad St., Brooksville

    7-Eleven: 1626 Meadow Road, Lehigh Acres

    7-Eleven: 2401 James Redman Parkway, Plant City

    BJ’s Wholesale: 1929 Pine Island Road N.E., Cape Coral

    BJ’s Wholesale: 9372 Ben C Pratt Six Mile Cypress Pkwy., Fort Myers

    BJ’s Wholesale: 13585 NE 86th Path, Lady Lakes

    Handy Foods Store #86: 21321 Palm Beach Blvd., Alva

    Superday CITGO: 1595 South McCall Road, Port Charlotte

    Bolton One LLC: 15434 US Highway 19, Hudson

    JHW #310 – DBA Avenue CITGO: 11867 N. Williams St., Dunellon

    AL Prime – Daytona Beach: 1898 S. Clyde Morris Blvd., Daytona Beach

    Choice Food & Gas: 310 N Central Ave., Umatilla

    Perfection Station 5: 9931 N Florida Ave., Tampa

    Rogers Petroleum: 134 N Desoto Ave., Arcadia

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Fairgrounds St. Pete introduces new monthly ‘Art After Dark’ event

    Fairgrounds St. Pete introduces new monthly ‘Art After Dark’ event

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — When you step inside Fairgrounds St. Pete, Florida’s culture and history comes to life through art, soundscapes and even smells. The immersive art and technology museum has started a new monthly event to showcase the work of local artists and give visitors a whole new experience.

    What You Need To Know

    • Fairgrounds St. Pete is starting a new monthly event to give visitors a whole new experience. 

    • “Art After Dark” will feature immersive art, live music, drink specials and an artist talk.

    • The event will take place on the third Friday of every month.

    On the third Friday of every month, Fairgrounds will host “Art After Dark.” The event invites guests to socialize and learn more about the artists’ work and process.

    “We want them to feel as immersed as possible, and just bringing different sources of art to this central hub with music, with the artist talk, with just a little party vibe,” said Sarah Hardin, digital marketing and content manager for Fairgrounds St. Pete.

    The museum kicked off its new event while unveiling a new piece of art by local artist Paul LeRoy Gehres.

    “I just want to bring joy,” Gehres said. “I want to bring joy and teach art history, really. You know, teach people about artists of the past and generate interest.”

    Gehres goes by many pseduonyms. At “Art After Dark” he’s Lucky LeRoy, dressed up as Andy Warhol to show off his new installation. 

    “The story is that Andy Warhol came to Florida in the seventies to save art deco,” LeRoy said. “They were going to tear down the art deco hotels in Miami and they brought Andy Warhol to bring attention to the cause.”

    LeRoy’s installation is part of the Floridarama exhibit. Each diorama tells a different story about Florida’s culture and history. It’s easy to pick out LeRoy’s piece because it’s different than the others — but you’ll have to take a peek inside to get the full picture. 

    “It sort of flashes at you, so it’s like ‘What’s that flashing light over there?,’” LeRoy said. “To me, that’s the paparazzi. And then you run over to look in the Floridarama and then Andy Warhol is taking a picture of you.”

    LeRoy said his goal is to make everyone feel like a celebrity for just a moment, all while teaching them about one of his own artistic heroes. 

    The next “Art After Dark” will take place on Aug. 18 from 7-9 p.m. Click here for more information and to purcahse tickets. 

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    Brian Rea

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  • Father-daughter duo debut their bedazzled bike

    Father-daughter duo debut their bedazzled bike

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    CLEARWATER, Fla. — This weekend’s Orange County Choppers Invitational Bike show will feature some of the world’s best bike builders.

    The event kicked off Friday in Clearwater at the OCC Road House and Museum, and organizers are expecting more than 100 bikes both Saturday and Sunday.

    Spectrum Bay News 9 photojournalist Matt Infante met a father-daughter duo who are debuting their bedazzled bike this weekend.

    Use the video player above to watch the On The Town report.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Mainsail Art Festival offers marquis event at St. Pete’s Vinoy Park

    Mainsail Art Festival offers marquis event at St. Pete’s Vinoy Park

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    GULFPORT, Fla. — Picture it.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Mainsail Art Festival is coming up at Vinoy Park, St. Pete

    • Saturday, April 22 hours: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

    • Sunday, April 23 hours: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

    • Saturday, May 20, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Dawn Waters Open House at DRV Gallery, Gulfport 

    St. Petersburg, Florida.

    1976.

    The city threw its first Mainsail Art Show to mark the country’s bi-centennial celebrations.

    And that show continues nearly 50 years later — one of the biggest festivals of its kind in the country. More than 100,00 people are expected.

    This weekend Vinoy Park will once again be packed with creators and their works.

    That includes Fiber artist Dawn Waters.

    We caught up with her in her Gulfport studio, and she showed us her first ever felt art.

    It was her dog Chico.

    And she even added a few wisps of felt around one of Chico’s eyes to show how felting is done.

    She placed it and poked it until the felt blended into the lower rim of one of Chico’s eyelids.

    “It’s like tattooing but with wool,” Waters explained. “You just keep poking until the face you want emerges.”

    A former advertising and communications executive, Dawn Waters has been a fiber artist for about six years.

    Waters is working toward this weekend’s 48th Mainsail Art Festival at Vinoy Park in St. Petersburg.

    It’s where more than 100,000 visitors will stroll the aisles of creators and their many works.

    “That is a huge deal, a huge art show,” Waters said.

    Art shows are how she meets her potential audience.

    That’s why getting accepted to show into Mainsail is so clutch for Waters.

    “My work when you see a picture of it, it doesn’t really convey the conventional and tactile nature of it,” Waters explained.

    When people realize there is no paint in these portraits, they come closer to understand. Their reactions let Waters know she’s created something they connect to too.

    “They always want to touch it,” she says, of curious adults.

    But she asks please to touch with your eyeballs.

    Waters is having an open house at her studio in DRV Gallery at 5401 Gulfport Boulevard.

    The date is Saturday, May 20, from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m.

    Spectrum Bay News 9 is one of the Mainsail Art Festival sponsors.

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    Virginia Johnson

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  • Sugar sand in Clearwater perfect medium for sculpting, finding love

    Sugar sand in Clearwater perfect medium for sculpting, finding love

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    CLEARWATER, Fla. —Susanne Ruseler is bending sand to her artistic will.

    She’s spraying a mound of it down with water.

    “Otherwise, the sand is all fluffy really and it doesn’t stick together,” she explained.

    Then she can pack it — pound it into shape with a trowel.

    Now it’s ready to sculpt for the Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival on Clearwater Beach.

    Ruseler is working on her part of the “A Blast from the Past” theme.

    “This part of the sculpture is about the moon landing,” Ruseler explained.

    She is just standing behind a pretty good huge, rounded mound, with a cylinder of sand a couple of feet high sticking out of it.

    Ruseler is from the Netherlands — a biologist turned sand sculptor.

    And astronaut Neil Armstrong — is somewhere in that packed cylinder of sand.

    “So it’s gonna be a little figure I haven’t carved that yet. You can’t see it,” said Ruseler.

    She’s got some reference photos, but she’s got to interpret them for the medium.

    She can extend an arm too far without support, so hands need to be at the astronaut’s side.

    “I have to figure it out a little bit and I want to do the footstep,” said Ruseler, referring to an iconic photo of a footstep left on the moon from an astronaut’s boot.

    It was her first steps — turning her hobby in her profession — that changed her path in life.

    “I meet my colleagues all over the world,” Ruseler said. “It’s really nice. You see, it’s like a little family. You travel around, you meet in Japan or in Italy.”

    Or in love.

    Her partner and husband is fellow sculptor Canadian David Ducharme.

    “We live in our luggage,” Ducharme said, laughing, working on sand flowers.

    These traveling artists tackle joint projects and solo trips — coordinating their schedules, committed to their art — and each other.

    “Any conventional relationship is pretty challenging ‘cause there’s a lot of time away,” said Ducharme.

    “We work together quite a lot. It goes generally very well,” Ruseler said, laughing, shaveling said. “It’s really nice to travel together and to work together, yeah.”

    It’s one time building a relationship on a foundation of sand works.

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    Virginia Johnson

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  • St. Pete Tall Ships Festival offers a rare look into working history

    St. Pete Tall Ships Festival offers a rare look into working history

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    TAMPA BAY, Fla. — Alisha Bloodworth is a mast captain on the tall ship Elissa, one of seven tall ships coming together for the St. Petersburg Tall Ships Festival.

    What You Need To Know

    • The St. Pete Tall Ships Festival will host a total of seven tall ships

    • The event is taking place in the Port of St. Pete through April 2

    • The festival features boats tours, cruises and yoga

    • One ship, the 1877 Elissa, is 110 feet tall and 205 feet long

    Bloodworth directs crew members to carry out sailing commands — the mast captains are in red and the crew she directs wears blue.

    “It’s a lot of responsibility — a little stress,” she said. “You get more and more used to it.”

    “Right — I mean she’s been sailing for so long,” she added about her ship, the 1877 Elissa. “It holds up to a lot right — a lot of stress — a lot of tension.”

    Since 1877, the Scottish-built ship has survived, and has been refurbished and cared for by a crew out of Galveston, Texas.

    The ship is just over 100 feet high and 200 feet long, Bloodworth said.

    On the ship, the cacophony of ropes on the three-mast ship are somehow wrangled into place and sometimes, through sheer human strength.

    “We handle all of the lines here,” said Bloodworth, explaining on a ship like the Elissa, a rope is called a line.

    While at sea, the crews have to work together to set the ship to sail, Bloodworth said.

    “It’s a lot about team work right? You don’t set 19 sails on a 145-year-old tall ship by yourself,” she said.

    Every time the ship changes directions, a carefully choreographed dance begins, Bloodworth explained — people repeating orders, pulling lines in unison, unfurling and furling sails.

    “We like to make sure people get to experience that — see us all working together as a team,” she said.

    And it’s not just the visitors aboard the Elissa — Bloodworth said there’s also a near constant trailing flotilla sailing along with the Elissa.

    Bloodworth said the attention makes sense, as the three-mast ship is one of the oldest sailing vessels in the world.

    “It’s just incredible to see the support to see all the tall ships parading around, and really kind of celebrating the preservation of the tall ship history and the culture that goes along with it,” she said.

    A chemical engineer by training, Bloodworth said the camaraderie aboard the Elissa is what keeps her coming back.

    “These people have really kind of become my family,” she said of her fellow crew mates. “Honestly, I showed up eight years ago never having sailed anything before — not even a small boat — and they taught me everything, and I just keep showing up.”

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    Virginia Johnson

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  • City Pipe bands, visitors to open Highland Games in Dunedin

    City Pipe bands, visitors to open Highland Games in Dunedin

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    DUNEDIN, Fla. — The city of Dunedin is embracing some its first settlers’ roots — more than usual this weekend!

    What You Need To Know

    • The 55th Highland Games are taking place at Highlander Park, Dunedin

    • 8 a.m. opening ceremonies

    • Pipers, Dancers, Athletes and Clan Village 

    • 5:15 p.m. closing ceremonies

    Their 55th Highland Games celebrates the city’s Celtic roots — add that to the street names and city pipe bands.

    Festivities kick off Friday evening with a parade and party…all before Saturday’s main event.

    “We’re gonna shut down the street on Broadway and have our games kick-off party on the street,” said Eric MacNeill, head of the Highland Games.

    “We’ll have live music and vendors, of course some beverages, until 10 o’clock that night. So, it’s a pretty great way to start the weekend.”

    Iain Donaldson has a tough gig — tuning bagpipes.

    At a recent rehearsal, we got a look at how Donaldson runs the city’s pipe bands in Dunedin.

    And each instrument is a handful.

    “The bagpipe is almost constantly going out of tune because it’s so sensitive to heat or temperature and moisture,” said Donaldson.

    Donaldson’s leading the bagpipes for the Dunedin Highland Games, the band started in 1964.

    And he’s passing on the tradition to this latest generation of Dunedin pipers in Pinellas County, including his son Graham too.

    Graham has also devoted decades to the bagpipe.

    “You are constantly blowing into the instrument to make the noise come out,” Donaldson explained. “And when you take a breath, you have to squeeze with your other arm, and it has to maintain the same tone and pitch of the instrument throughout the time you are playing it. So, it’s quite an active instrument. There are no breaks really.”

    But Graham, like dad Iain, is a Donaldson devoted to this Dunedin tradition.

    “Well it’s rewarding if we can get it all together,” said Iain Donaldson. “The trick is to make 10 bagpipes sound like one.”

    The sound of the Scotland Highlands here in Dunedin continues.

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    Virginia Johnson

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  • Awakening into the Sun offers a decade of peace in St. Pete

    Awakening into the Sun offers a decade of peace in St. Pete

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Fred Johnson tells a story every time he touches an instrument.

    What You Need To Know

    • 10th Anniversary Awakening Festival

    • Saturday, March 11th, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m  & Sunday March 12th, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

    • North Straub Park, St. Petersburg

    • Artist Village, performers, indie market, yoga 

    His music is a language. The message is for healing through art.

    “We go to a different space in our being when we create. We create from a space and an energy of possibility, right?” said Johnson. “‘I’m imagining and discovering. So that’s a whole other opportunity that can be powerful and meaningful.”

    Johnson will take the stage on Saturday at the Awakening Festival. He creates west African beats on a Box drum.

    Slaves used boxes for percussion when stripped of their possessions. So, for Johnson, the drum itself is a symbol of resilience and continuity.

    “So you can’t take the tradition away,” explained Johnson, demonstrating the same beat from the box drum on his body. Johnson uses these unstoppable beats to change people’s perspective.

    “Good for your soul. They say the longest distance traveled is between the head and the heart,” said Johnson. “And if we look at the world today, it feels like a lot of people are way up here, and we’ve forgotten about our hearts. And the beauty of the rhythm of the drum is that it brings vou right into the heart.”

    For our weary hearts, Johnson offers his healing beats.

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    Virginia Johnson

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  • Honey & Arts Festival to debut in Lealman as community grows

    Honey & Arts Festival to debut in Lealman as community grows

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    LEALMAN, Fla. — Hopes of community redevelopment is bringing new festivals to St. Petersburg.

    The Pinellas County Housing Authority is working with engagement committees and a long list of sponsors to bring the first Lealman Honey and Arts Festival to the Tampa Bay area.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Lealman Honey and Arts Festival is set for Saturday, Feb. 18

    • Dozens of local sponsors are supporting the event

    • A visiting artisan shares his story

    “I’m very excited,” said Kym Solitaire, a St. Petersburg resident. “As a retired schoolteacher of Pinellas County, this area represents schools I’ve taught at. It’s a historically underserved area. This is a deserving acknowledgment of the community, the hard-working parents and great students that live here.”

    Raymond H. Neri Community Park will be hosting the inaugural festival on Saturday, Feb. 18. There will be several events such as local honey and beekeepers selling their wares, craft vendors, food trucks and chainsaw art. Local radio personality Monika from 102.5 The Bone will be broadcasting live. Local bands The Black Honkeys, La Lucha and Pink Streets will also be in attendance delivering live performances. 

    “Coming together to celebrate the rich history of Lealman has been a dream of mine,” said Pinellas County Commissioner Charlie Justice. “The Honey and Arts Festival represents the dedication of many in the community working together to transform Lealman into a vibrant destination, a place where people can live, work and play.” 

    People from all over the nation are coming to support the festival, like chainsaw art cultivator, Alex Bieniecki. He traveled from New Hampshire to perform at the festival on Saturday.

    “I’ve been a tattoo artist for 22 years,” said Bieniecki. “Right out of high school, I was doing that so artistically. That was my training in the art world, all the different things they liked to do rounded me out as an artist.”

    Bieniecki said he’s been a woodsman for over a decade.

    “Normally, I work with white pine,” he said. “It’s light compared to other species of wood. This stuff has more sap in it, more than any I’ve worked with before.”

    Bieniecki was carving an image of a woman with Florida sand pine Wednesday.

    “I drove up to West Palm Beach for this wood. I cut the tree down from their yard for this,” said Bieniecki. “Some of these pieces take more than 40 hours to complete. I started this on Monday of last week and I worked on it every day until Thursday. 10-hour days, 10 hours of sanding,” said Bieniecki.

    What was once a hobby for Bieniecki, turned into a stream of income.

    “People love wood carvings. My whole world opened up to people I would have never tattooed. I have a lot of fun doing them because it’s like drawing and painting and carving. It’s two-dimensional but also three-dimensional and you get to paint it, so I really enjoy,” he said.

    For more on Lealman’s Honey and Arts Festival, view its Facebook page.

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    Ashonti Ford

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  • Collard greens in gumbo wins festival competition

    Collard greens in gumbo wins festival competition

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — “So this is where is begins—in the garden,” said Chef Ja’Vin LeCount.

    What You Need To Know

    • The 6th Annual Tampa Bay Collard Green Festival is Saturday, Feb. 18 at 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

    • It will be at the Carther G. Woodson African American Museum and surrounding streets

    • It’s located at 2240 9th Ave. S., St. Petersburg

    You see, gumbo in the style Chef Ja’Vin LeCount speaks of requires collards.

    LeCount is in the garden at Daystar Life Center in St. Petersburg, gathering his leafy greens.

    LeCount’s addition of collard greens in his Cajun dish helped to crown him a top chef for the 2023 Tampa Bay Collard Green Festival.

    “This is something I love to do,” he said as he began chopping his collards into ribbons.

    “For a thicker ribbon you would want to go for maybe like a thicker texture,” LeCount explained. “For a thinner ribbon, you may want to cook your greens a bit faster.”

    The festival isn’t just for young chefs like LeCount.

    It’s for the greater St. Pete community, too.

    “Our mission is to promote healthier living in our communities through foods we love to grow and eat,” said festival co-found Boyzel Hosey, “through agricultural sciences, the culinary experience, fitness, nutrition and family fun.”

    For LeCount, this honor reinforces something he’s enjoyed his whole life — creating smiles through his culinary creativity.

    “I’ve got a lot of good reactions from these collard greens,” said LeCount. “And really a lot of people told me I need to share this with the world, so I want to share this with as many people as I can at the event.”

    Lecount, who turned 17 this month, has been cooking as long as he can remember, and has spent the last seven months as a chef.

    The Prince Private Academy student would like to thank his family, Junior Chefs of America and the American Culinary Federation.

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    Virginia Johnson

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  • Lovefest offers to shower you in good vibes, sweet gifts

    Lovefest offers to shower you in good vibes, sweet gifts

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. —  A little pre-Valentine’s Day fun awaits you this weekend at Lovefest in St. Petersburg.

    What You Need To Know

    • Lovefest at Page Boy in St. Pete will be held Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

    • Vendors like Cassie Mrotek, who created the Astra self-care line, will be in attendance

    • Mrotek says small businesses like hers use festivals like the one in St. Pete to meet their customers

    It’s happening Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the grounds of Page Boy Vintage Market, Apothecary & Hair Studio.

    Along with food and drink, organizers say visitors can expect to see vendors and the shop bathed in objects of love.

    “We love to bring other vendors into the kind of the brick-and-mortar space,” said owner Jason Hall. “Especially this market, because it’s all about that collective energy, and we can’t do it alone, nor do we want to.”

    One of the Lovefest Vendors planning to attend is Cassie Mrotek, who created the Astra self-care line.

    Standing in front of her steam distillation kit in her workspace inside the St. Pete Salon Studio B, she explained the process of creating some of her products.

    “So really what I’m doing is extracting all the moisture from this plant and getting all of its spirit into a bottle, to use that then as a facial spray,” she said.

    The curving glass tubes of the kit could represent the winding business journey Mrotek has taken since she started her self-care line in the crush of the pandemic in 2020.

    Now she’s navigating St. Pete’s downtown development.

    “Every time I felt like I was finding a space for myself and getting settled in, then all of a sudden the rent goes up, or ‘Hey, we want to move somebody else in,’” Mrotek said. “They wanted to take the building down, they want to sell the building, develop something else.”

    And while she doesn’t have her own brick-and-mortar shop, Mrotek said events like Lovefest help her meet new customers.

    And she’s got retail space in Salon B, where she shares a workspace — a place that she said is always inviting other creators to collaborate.

    “So anyone I can sort of bring with me on this journey of amazing small business-ship or whatever it is called, let’s do it,” Mrotek said with a laugh.

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    Virginia Johnson

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