Trulieve, a Florida-based medical marijuana dispensary company, has announced that it will be "implementing a mass layoff" at its Clearwater call center. Approximately 58 employees will be let go effective May 1. According to a WARN Act notice filed with the Florida Department of Commerce earlier this month, the decision was made "due to business restructuring."
The Fusion 49th District, a partnership between the cities of St. Petersburg and Gulfport, is hosting the Soul Food Festival Saturday, at Trolley Market Square (at 4900 Tangerine Avenue S.) from 12 to 6 p.m. Guest can expect local food options, vendors and live music. For more information, visit this link.
In celebration of World Water Day, the city of Clearwater invites residents to go behind the scenes at Reverse-Osmosis Water Treatment Plant #2 (at 21133 U.S. 19) from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, March 21. Staff from Clearwater Public Utilities will lead 30 to 45 minute tours, answer questions and share how the city treats about 11.5 million gallons of water each day.. Attendees should wear flat, closed-toe shoes; strollers are not permitted on the tour path.
Tampa General Hospital, in partnership with the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine, has been named a Center of Excellence in Gynecologic Surgical Oncology by the Surgical Review Corporation. It is the only hospital in the southeast to "receive this prestigious recognition in women’s health," according to a statement Wednesday from TGH.
The 6th Annual Monster Energy St. Petersburg Powerboat Grand Prix will bring offshore powerboat and jet ski racing to St. Petersburg's downtown waterfront March 27-29. The weekend will begin with a free, family-friendly Pit Party at Albert Whitted Park from 6–8 p.m. Friday, March 27. Find all information at this link.
Neptune Flood has launched an app in ChatGPT that lets property owners ask questions about flood coverage and receive preliminary flood insurance quotes in real time. The St. Petersburg-based company said the tool extends its existing digital quoting system into conversational AI, while directing users to its website to complete a purchase.
Pinellas County is now accepting program applications for the federal Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Countywide (JAG-C). Funding will be provided to initiatives within the county that "offer a high probability of preventing and controlling crime and/or improving the criminal justice system." Applications are due April 8. To learn more, visit this link.
March is Women's History Month, and the City of St. Petersburg is hosting two women-focused events. The first, scheduled for March 25 at Hammock Hall (at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve), is "centered around celebrating, connecting and empowering women entrepreneurs, business owners and professionals." A second event, March 31 at the Sunshine Senior Center, will feature a panel of women who "have made an impact in their respective fields." For more information, visit this link.
City Councilmember Brandi Gabbard officially filed her candidacy for Mayor of St. Petersburg Tuesday. “I am running for Mayor because St. Petersburg is at a critical crossroads," Gabbard wrote in the announcement. "Our residents deserve leadership that doesn’t just react to the challenges of today but proactively plans for the reality of tomorrow.” Gabbard will oppose incumbent mayor Ken Welch, who is seeking re-election. The 2026 St. Petersburg mayoral election will take place Aug. 18.
The University of South Florida increased its research activity to $531 million in fiscal year 2025, according to a statement today from the school. This is a "15% jump over the last two years." Topics that have been part of the effort include dementia preventive care and artificial intelligence advancement.
The Tampa Bay Automobile Museum has placed 18 vehicles into a no-reserve online auction hosted by Hagerty. Museum officials said the sale includes cars no longer central to its curatorial focus, allowing the institution to concentrate on engineering history while maintaining a collection of about 74 vehicles. The online-only auction runs through March 19 at 2 p.m., and the vehicles are not available for viewing at the museum.
Wide receiver Mike Evans will be leaving the Tampa Bay Buccaneers organization, according to a statement today from his agent Deryk Gilmore. Evans played with the team for 12 seasons and helped the Bucs win Super Bowl LV in 2021. ESPN has reported that the athlete will join the San Francisco 49ers.
