Ultramarathon swimmer Jessica Kieras has adjusted the starting point of her planned 24-hour Gulf Coast swim, relocating it to John’s Pass due to time constraints. The swim, originally set to begin at Pass-a-Grille Beach, will now start between 9 and 10 a.m., April 24. Kieras will still head north along the Gulf Coast in her open-ended endurance effort supporting Save the Manatee Club. The change allows Kieras and her team to stay on schedule while continuing the challenging, record-attempting swim.
The state of Florida will begin implementing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program changes today. According to the Florida Department of Children and Families, individuals can no longer use SNAP benefits to purchase soda, energy drinks, candy and ultra-processed prepared desserts. For more information, visit this link.
University of South Florida president emerita Judy Genshaft and her husband, Steve Greenbaum, have provided the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine Department of Neurosurgery, Brain and Spine with a $3 million gift to establish the Genshaft and Greenbaum Endowed Chair in Neurosurgery. According to a prepared statement, the gift will "support" current chair Dr. Harry van Loveren and future chairs.
The St. Petersburg City Council, at its Thursday meeting, passed a consent agenda item approving $1.4 million for the demolition of the Elbow Lane/Jungle Prada Pier, which was damaged by Hurricane Helene in 2024. District 1 councilmember Copey Gerdes said that discussions will be taking place soon on rebuilding the structure in the future. “I am with you on this," Gerdes told the “Residents of West St. Petersburg” Facebook group. "I know the importance of the Jungle Prada Pier, and I will continue pushing, consistently and persistently, for its rebuilding."
The annual St. Anthony’s Triathlon will return to St. Petersburg April 24 - 26. According to a prepared statement, the event will feature Olympic and sprint distance races (based at Vinoy Park at Bayshore Drive NE. and 5th Avenue NE.). A Meek & Mighty Triathlon for children and beginners will also be held. The event benefits the St. Petersburg-based St. Anthony's Hospital, which is a part of the BayCare Health System. For more information, visit this link.
PGA TOUR Superstore, a national golf equipment, apparel and accessory chain, will open a St. Petersburg location at the Crosswinds Shopping Center (at 2020 66th Street) June 13. The company signed a lease for the 30,000-square-foot space in August 2025.
A sewer line backup closed Largo City Hall April 7 after flooding much of the first floor, forcing the city to relocate meetings and public services while officials assess repairs. Mayor Woody Brown said the disruption could accelerate the city’s move into the delayed Horizon West Bay complex, which was originally expected to open last spring. The $85 million downtown project has faced repeated delays, most recently tied to code compliance issues and a $500,000 change order. Brown said city leaders are now weighing the cost of cleaning up the aging Highland Avenue building against moving into the new facility as quickly as possible.
Ground was broken Friday for Palm Harbor’s new 28,457-square-foot Recreation Center, replacing the circa-1979 Palm Habor Senior Center. The new facility will include an elevated, indoor track and gymnasium with public space for basketball, pickleball and events with up to 400 people. The $14 million project is fully funded through Penny for Pinellas.
St. Petersburfg City Council passed a resolution Thursday supporting the federal Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), urging Congress to include dredging of canals in St. Petersburg as a flood mitigation measure. The request reflects growing concern over flooding and stormwater management, particularly in vulnerable neighborhoods. The resolution was approved unanimously.
The City of St. Petersburg will host the 40th annual Green Thumb Festival April 25 and April 26, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Walter Fuller Park (at 7891 26th Avenue N.). According to a prepared statement, the Arbor Day celebration will feature more than "120 garden, plant and flower vendors and exhibitors." Additionally, guests will be able to participate in hands-on activities and attend educational workshops. To learn more about the event, visit this link.
The City of St. Petersburg is planning to accelerate and fast-track infrastructure projects through the St. Pete Agile Resilience (SPAR) plan. Residents can provide input to "help guide the planning process" via the St. Petersburg Resilience Survey. It will be available until May 1. To access the survey, visit this link.
The producers of the prospective TV series A Land Remembered have decided not to attempt shooting scenes at Fort DeSoto Park. "We're not going to pursue a permit to film at Fort DeSoto," production representative Clay Hollis told the Catalyst Wednesday in a prepared statement. "At every stage in production, we're committed to work with stakeholders to protect the natural environment while we bring this incredible Florida story to life." Environmental activists had taken issue with the company's early plans to bring heavy equipment, livestock and actors to the park's fragile east beach in May.
