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St. Pete’s Angela Bassett wins Golden Globe Award

St. Petersburg native Angela Bassett won her second Golden Globe Award Tuesday, for her performance as Queen Ramonda in the Marvel Comics film Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. The 64-year-old actress, a graduate of Boca Ciega High School, took her first Golden Globe in 1993 for What's Love Got to Do With It, in which she starred as singer Tina Turner.

New YMCA middle school complex catches fire

St. Petersburg Fire Rescue (SPFR) responded to a fire at the construction site for a new YMCA complex and magnet middle school Tuesday afternoon. According to the SPFR press release, the department responded to reports of smoke emanating from a building at 501 62nd Ave. N. in St. Petersburg, the location of the former Riviera Middle School. The release states that first responders found a 50-square-foot area of fire isolated to the roof. Fire personnel used an aerial ladder truck to extinguish the blaze, which is currently under investigation. Workers broke ground on the complex in June 2022, and officials expect the YMCA portion to open by the end of the year.

BayCare, Boys and Girls Clubs partner for work program

Clearwater-based BayCare Health System and the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Suncoast (BFCS) are providing teens with tangible work experience to boost employability following high school graduation. According to a BGCS release Monday, current Pinellas County high school seniors can now explore in-demand healthcare careers, receive paid work-based learning experiences and receive guidance from local healthcare professionals. The inaugural program will offer certifications for completing training as a nurse helper and patient transporter. “This innovative partnership transcends our work with at-risk youth from a moral imperative to an economic necessity for the Tampa Bay region,” said Freddy Williams, BGCS president, in a statement.

St. Pete-Clearwater airport shatters previous records

The St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport has set an all-time passenger record in 2022. The airport saw over 2.44 million passengers, representing a 20% increase over 2021 and a 7% increase over 2019. PIE also reported that domestic travel for 2022 increased overall by 19% and international travel increase by 819% over 2021. Allegiant Air is the primary airline at PIE and the airport has several connections to destinations in Canada. 

Red Tide conditions persist around Pinellas

According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Jan. 6 red tide update, Karenia brevis, the red tide organism, is still present around Pinellas County. While the organization’s researchers found just one bloom concentration of the harmful algae offshore, the status map shows several low concentrations around the mouth of Tampa Bay and the Pinellas beaches. In addition, the FWC states that it is still receiving reports of associated fish kills and respiratory irritation.

Ideal Image names new CEO

Tampa-based Ideal Image, an international laser hair removal company, has named Sharon M. Leite as its new CEO. Leite will succeed David Prokupek, the current CEO, effective today. Prokupek will continue to be with the company, serving as an advisor. “I am delighted to join the team at Ideal Image, with its strong track record. There is tremendous opportunity to reimagine the brand in the dynamic aesthetics, beauty and wellness categories,” Leite said in the company's new release. “Ideal Image has set itself apart in the industry and has been the market leader. I look forward to working with Ideal’s leadership team and dedicated associates and thank David for creating a platform which allows us to accelerate our plan to deliver affordable luxury through our treatments across North America.” Leite has 25 years of experience under her belt and most recently served as the CEO of The Vitamin Shoppe. 

State of the City details are revealed

The 2023 State of the City address will take place on Jan. 30th and will include the announcement of the selected master developer for the redevelopment of the Gas Plant District/Tropicana Field. The city announced the event will be held on the steps of City Hall at 11 a.m. that Monday. The event will recognize the city's milestone markers achieved during Mayor Welch's first year and what's planned for the new year. Those interested in attending can RSVP here

SPPPD gives forfeiture funds to community programs

St. Petersburg Chief of Police Anthony Holloway presented $58,000 in checks from his department’s asset forfeiture fund to 13 community-based programs Monday morning. According to a release, the recipients hope to improve neighborhood safety and promote crime and substance abuse prevention. The release states that Holloway is especially interested “in assisting programs promoting positive behavior for children and teens. The funds come from the department’s seizure of money and assets involved in criminal activity.

TBBCA begins Art Stars scholarships search

The call for applicants for the Tampa Bay Businesses for Culture & the Arts (TBBCA) Charlie Hounchell Art Stars Scholarships is open to qualified Tampa Bay area high school juniors and seniors. TBBCA annually awards six or more scholarships to students with exceptional talents in instrumental and vocal music, theater, dance, and visual and literary arts. All details are available here

Watch the full Trop/Gas Plant presentations

The city has published a full video showing each of the pitches from the four development teams that presented their proposals during a Jan. 4 public meeting at The Coliseum. The full video can be accessed here. People can submit their feedback regarding the proposals online or at a feedback pop-up station through Jan. 23. 

County officials announce Lealman Advisory Committee vacancy

Pinellas County government officials have recently invested significant time and money into increasing the quality of life for unincorporated Lealman residents. They are now looking for some civilian assistance, and applications for one appointment to the Citizen Advisory Committee for the Lealman Community Redevelopment area are now open. The three-year term expires Dec. 31, 2025, and the county will accept applications until 3 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 19. The advisory committee assists the Pinellas Community Redevelopment Agency on issues and policies impacting Lealman. For more information, visit the website here.

St. Pete Free clinic expands food assistance program

No Kid Hungry Florida recently awarded the St. Pete Free Clinic a grant to help the local organization feed more children and families. Sky Beard, director of the state’s No Kid Hungry affiliate, told WFTS that one in six children live in homes considered food insecure. The extra funding will reportedly allow the St. Pete Free Clinic to assist 10,000 children and 1,200 families monthly through its Fresh Sprouts Program.

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