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St. Pete-Clearwater Airport receives $6 million for expansion

The Federal Aviation Authority awarded St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) a $6 million grant for its $119 million expansion. The project, the largest expansion in the airport’s history, will add two gates, streamline security checkpoints and expand passenger waiting areas. PIE served 2.49 million passengers in 2023, a new record.

WUSF Program Director Sheila Rue announces retirement

WUSF-FM program director Sheila Rue has announced her retirement, after 53 years in radio (the last 15 at WUSF and WSMR, its classical music subsidiary. Rue served on the board of the Public Radio Program Director’s Association and in 2011 was awarded the Don Otto Award, which honors unique public radio individuals “whose talents, smarts, and humor have helped public radio move forward over the course of their careers.”

Local trust fund founder accused of embezzling $100 million

St. Petersburg-based Leo J. Govoni, founder of The Center for Special Needs Trust Administration, stands accused of improperly issuing $100 million in personal loans from the organization’s account. The Center detailed the alleged scheme in a Feb. 9 bankruptcy filing. According to court documents, Govoni transferred the money to another company he owns, Boston Finance Group, between 2009 and 2020.

St. Pete’s rents among the nation’s highest

Apartment Advisor recently released its rankings of the nation’s most expensive cities for renters. St. Petersburg placed 22nd, with a $1,550 median monthly price for a one-bedroom unit. Tampa ranked 18th with a $1,606 median rent. The search and data website also found that residents could save $7,200 annually by splitting a two-bedroom apartment with a roommate.

Vinoy named one of the nation’s most romantic hotels

Historic Hotels of America, a National Trust for Historic Preservation program, released its "Most Romantic Hotels" list ahead of Valentine's Day. St. Petersburg’s Vinoy Resort & Golf Club was among the top 25. The organization called the Vinoy a “romantic haven along the waterfront.” It also credited the city's sunsets, brick streets, cafes and arts scene for adding an “extra layer of romance.”

Coke to close Pinellas County plant, lay off 200 workers

Coca-Cola is closing its Dunedin facility May 31, eliminating 198 local jobs. The beverage conglomerate announced plans to shutter the plant and move operations to Polk County in 2020. Coke Florida, a separate Tampa-based bottler, opened a sales and distribution center in St. Petersburg in December 2022.

Shuffleboard tournament to benefit Florida Diabetes Camp

Cycle Brewing is hosting a shuffleboard tournament Thursday from 5 until 9:30 p.m., with 100% of entry fees and beer sales benefiting Sam Fuld’s Florida Diabetes Camp. Fuld played left field for the Tampa Bay Rays from 2011 through 2013 and is now the Philadelphia Phillies’ general manager. He will attend the event held at the St. Petersburg Shuffleboard Club, which is celebrating its centennial anniversary.

City of St. Petersburg launches community survey

Mayor Ken Welch is inviting residents to help shape St. Petersburg’s future by participating in the 2024 Community Survey. It will capture opinions on the economy, mobility, community design, safety, inclusivity and several other facets of city life. The survey is now open and will close Feb. 27. For more information, visit the website here.

Airport police to conduct active threat exercise Tuesday night

Tampa International Airport officials announced that the facility’s police department and local partners would conduct a simulated active threat response exercise Tuesday between 8 p.m. and 2 a.m. The public cannot access Blue Express arrival and departure curbs during that time. The express lanes will reopen once the exercise concludes.

Nonprofits take home $37K+ at Fast Pitch event

Four local nonprofits won cash prizes at Monday night's Fast Pitch, an annual event hosted by Social Venture Partners where local nonprofit leaders compete for unrestricted grant funding by delivering their best elevator pitch in front of a live audience. Here are the winners:

Stadium upgrades begin for women’s pro soccer team

The Tampa Bay Sun FC women’s professional soccer team joined local stakeholders in downtown Tampa Monday to celebrate the launch of over $6 million in upgrades to Blake High School’s stadium. The riverfront facility will serve as the club’s first home. The Sun will play in the new USL Super League, which received Division One designation - the highest level for women’s soccer - from sanctioning officials Friday (Feb. 9).

Inmate dies from fentanyl overdose, staff treated for exposure

A Pinellas County Jail inmate died from an apparent fentanyl overdose Saturday night, and two remain hospitalized in stable condition. A nurse, three detention deputies, a Largo Fire Department paramedic and two other inmates were also treated for non-life-threatening symptoms. According to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, an inmate swallowed small baggies of fentanyl before his arrest and later disbursed the drug throughout C-Barracks.

The St. Pete Catalyst

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