U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor recently announced she would host a commemorative pinning ceremony Jan. 30 to honor local Vietnam War veterans. The event begins at 10 a.m. at Nelson Poynter Library on the University of South Florida St. Petersburg campus and is open to all Vietnam veterans, their families and supporters. Those interested in receiving oft-overdue recognition and a lapel pin should contact Castor’s office through its website or call (813) 871-2817.
The Florida Aquarium will offer up to 50% off four general admission tickets in exchange for Gasparilla Pirate Fest beads through Feb. 16. The promotion is part of Tampa’s Bead-Free Bay initiative. Throwing beads into the bay is illegal and a detriment to marine wildlife and water quality.
Pagoda Asian Grill, a new fast-casual concept under P.F. Chang’s umbrella will host a grand opening celebration Feb. 1 at 1550 66th St. N. The St. Petersburg location is the first in the region and third nationally for the upstart chain. The grand opening event begins at 10:30 a.m. and will feature live music, a photo booth and “exclusive Pagoda swag,” according to the announcement.
The intersection at 5th Avenue and 16th Street North in St. Petersburg is now closed indefinitely after a massive depression formed Wednesday due to a water main leak. While water main repairs have concluded, the Florida Department of Transportation plans to replace a stormwater pipe and reopen the roadway by Jan. 31. City officials expect intermittent closures of 16th Street’s southbound lane at the intersection of 5th Avenue and encourage drivers to use alternate routes.
City officials warned residents of increased traffic congestion from Friday evening until Saturday morning as construction crews pour the 3rd and 3rd condominium tower’s foundation. Police officers will assist with traffic control and drivers and pedestrians should avoid the area around 235 3rd St. S. from 7 p.m. Friday until 8 a.m. Saturday. The $96 million project’s development team includes Third Lake Capital, Echelon and Kast Construction, and will rise across the street from the Publix-anchored University Village shopping center.
Bradenton-based fitness retailer Fit2Run has announced plans to open a second St. Petersburg location inside the Tyrone Square Mall. The store will replace a Furniture Distribution Center, which is relocating to another area in the mall, in space 840A in February. Fit2Run will move from its original location at 256 2nd St. NE. to the ground floor of the Camden Central Apartment complex in April.
Former Pinellas County Commissioner Charlie Justice will succeed Robin Miller as CEO of the Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce. The organization’s governing board announced his appointment Friday. The chamber credited Justice’s longstanding public service history, community involvement, pro-business leadership and crisis management expertise.
U.S. News & World Report ranked St. Petersburg College’s online bachelor’s degree programs first in Tampa Bay and 78th in the nation. The school also placed among the top 50 nationally for online bachelor’s programs for veterans. Dr. Matthew Liao-Troth, vice president of academic affairs, said the online programs allow residents to complete their degrees while “juggling work and family obligations.”
The City of St. Petersburg is now accepting applications for its Student Ambassador Program, a cultural exchange initiative with Takamatsu, Japan. The program enables students to represent the city in Takamatsu for up to three weeks in the summer. Japanese students will come to St. Petersburg, and serving as a host family is a prerequisite for applicants. For more information, visit the website here.
A man placing flags in the median of Bayshore Drive SE for a Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg monument remains in critical condition after being hit by an intoxicated driver. According to a St. Petersburg Police Department report, the driver lost control of his Chrysler minivan as he sped towards Bayshore from Dali Boulevard. The driver, who faces multiple charges, crossed into two bicycle lanes and struck a statue and light pole before hitting the pedestrian and causing life-threatening injuries.
St. Petersburg officials have notified residents that a massive roadway depression formed Wednesday afternoon at the intersection of 5th Avenue and 16th St. North. They attributed the hole to a water leak “potentially caused by contractor activities.” The city has closed northbound and westbound traffic until Friday, or until crews complete road repairs.
The City of St. Petersburg has opened the grant application for its Youth Opportunity Grants for Career and College Readiness Grant Program, an initiative to support "at-risk, disengaged and nearly disengaged youth." Each grant will be worth $20,000, and there is enough funding for up to 4 non-profits to be awarded the funds. More information about the grant opportunity is available here.
