Tampa's Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI) has announced plans to debut the second-largest digital dome planetarium in the United States in 2025. The revamped Dome Theatre will serve as the new home of the Saunders Planetarium and a digital dome theater, featuring cutting-edge projection technology. With a focus on STEM learning, the $10M dome, with seating for over 300, will host field trips, community events and daily programming.
Seminole-based Smart Communications, a software-as-a-service platform utilized by over 120 correctional facilities nationwide, reported more than $86 million in debt in a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing last week. Jonathan Logan, who founded Smart Communications in 2009, claimed in court documents that a prolonged legal battle with his estranged mother and co-owner impeded repayment of the company’s liabilities. About $80 million of the outstanding debt stems from an exclusive intellectual property licensing agreement.
Tampa Bay Wave is now accepting applications for its CyberTech Accelerator 2025 cohort. Participants will receive hands-on mentorship from local cybersecurity industry leaders. The accelerator is free, non-dilutive and does not require relocation. For more information, visit the website here.
Madeira Beach Fundamental K-8 closed in late September after Hurricane Helene’s storm surge damaged the school’s electrical systems. The school reopened Monday for students in grades six through eight, who will attend classes on the second floor and in portable trailers. Younger students will remain at Walsingham Elementary School.
The Homeless Leadership Alliance of Pinellas County will activate cold night shelters Tuesday as the National Weather Service expects “feels like” temperatures to reach 40 degrees or below across the area between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. All locations provide a warm and safe place to sleep, and many offer a meal. Cold weather shelters will open in St. Petersburg at Northwest Church - 6330 54th Ave. N.; Salvation Army - 1400 4th Street S.; WestCare Turning Point - 1801 5th Ave. N.; and Unitarian Universalist Church - 100 Mirror Lake Dr. N.
Johnson Pope Bokor Ruppel & Burns announced Monday that the law firm would relocate to First Central Tower at 360 Central Ave. in downtown St. Petersburg. Its previous office at 490 1st Ave. S. was damaged by a crane that collapsed during Hurricane Milton. While owned by Feldman Equities, First Central bears Truist Bank’s signage.
Allegiant Airlines recently announced it would offer a new nonstop flight from St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport to Colorado Springs. The service begins Feb. 14, and one-way tickets start at $69. The new route is part of a nationwide expansion that will add 44 nonstop flights to Allegiant’s portfolio.
U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor announced her student nominations Monday for admission into one of the nation’s prestigious military academies. All require a prospective high school student to secure a service-connected or congressional nomination, per federal law. Here are Pinellas County’s nominees: Jessica Grasso, St. Petersburg High School; Jocely Sheppard, Shorecrest Preparatory School; Xavier Terrell, Lakewood High School; Berlin Stanton, Canterbury School of Florida; Isabella Valerio, Admiral Farragut Academy; and Carter Ford, Shorecrest Preparatory School.
The Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce will distribute recently raised storm recovery funding to hospitality workers Tuesday, Dec. 3. Chamber officials will provide gift cards on a first-come, first-serve basis to eligible recipients with a valid driver's license and proof of prior hospitality employment on Pinellas County beaches. The distribution event is at Madeira Beach City Hall from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m.
St. Petersburg College recently received a $677,351 grant from the U.S. Department of Education for the American History and Civics National Activities Program. The funding will support a six-week History and Civics academy for students in SPC’s three collegiate high schools. The grant will also support an academy for teachers and staff.
One of the deadliest and most destructive hurricane seasons officially ended Saturday. Hurricane Debby brought torrential downpours to the area in August, and Hurricane Helene’s storm surge and rain killed 14 people throughout Tampa Bay in late September. Local officials attributed two deaths in St. Petersburg to Hurricane Milton, which brought over 100 mph wind gusts to the city on Oct. 9.
U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor has invited the community to help recognize neighbors, friends and family who went above and beyond to help others amid recent hurricanes. The congresswoman will highlight selected honorees for their contributions and the “vital role they played in bringing the community together during recovery efforts.” Constituents can submit nominations through the form here.
