Dr. Stephen Leatherman placed Caladesi Island State Park in Dunedin among his Top 10 Beaches of 2024 list released Friday. The renowned evaluator known as Dr. Beach ranked Caladesi fourth nationally due to its “soft and cushy” sand and boardwalk trails. Leatherman said his favorite aspect is the kayak and canoe pathways through mangroves “to see the large blue herons and other birds that frequent this wonderful natural area.”
A Pinellas County Consumer Protection investigation led to the arrest of two residents who defrauded over 100 vacant property owners in 37 states. Marvin Scott and Chamera Bowman operated multiple telemarketing businesses between October 2017 and November 2020 and claimed to have buyers ready to purchase the land. The two pled guilty to fraud and money laundering charges and must pay $1.04 million in restitution. Bowman received a 12-year prison sentence, while Scott will serve 15 years of probation.
St. Petersburg’s Parks and Recreation Department will open seasonal neighborhood pools from Saturday until Monday for Memorial Day weekend. Those include the Child’s Park, Fossil Park, Jennie Hall, Lake Vista, Northwest and Shore Acres pools. All facilities will open for the summer starting Friday, May 31. For more information, visit the website here.
Vandals defaced the Progress Pride street mural in St. Petersburg’s Grand Central District for the second time in a week Wednesday. Mayor Ken Welch said it “will be cleaned and refreshed in time for Pride Month” in a Friday morning social media post. Both incidents left tire marks across the mural, located at the intersection of Central Avenue and 25th Street. Volunteers repainted it May 6.
The Student Ambassador program between St. Petersburg and Sister City Takamatsu, Japan, will officially resume in July after a four-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Three local high school students, Ava Carvalis, Leland Kilborn and Madison Schmitz, will represent St. Petersburg in Takamatsu, engaging in cultural exchanges and daily activities. In return, Takamatsu students will visit St. Pete later in July for a similar 10-day experience.
The Tampa Bay Rowdies run in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup ended in the Round of 16 Wednesday night at Al Lang Stadium with a 2-1 loss to Major League Soccer’s FC Dallas. The Rowdies kept Dallas under pressure with 10 shots on target but only converted one. Tampa Bay was also without its leading scorer, Manuel Arteaga, and defensive stalwart Forrest Lasso.
Recently terminated Jabil CEO Kenny Wilson will receive a $2 million severance after the St. Petersburg-based global manufacturers board dismissed him Monday following a month-long investigation into policy violations. According to a U.S. Securities and Exchange filing, the company will also provide Wilson with an estimated $5 million in unvested stocks and additional owed incentives. The separation agreement prevents Wilson from suing Jabil and includes non-competition, interference, solicitation and confidentiality requirements.
The Atlantic hurricane season begins June 1, and National Atmospheric and Oceanic Administration (NOAA)forecasters have predicted an “extraordinary” year with up to 25 named storms. Director Rick Spinrad said the forecast “is the highest NOAA has ever issued for the May outlook” at a press conference Thursday. The organization expects four to seven hurricanes with winds over 111 mph.
The St. Petersburg City Council approved a $946,365 grant May 17 that will provide $500 monthly payments to youth aging out of foster care, with no strings attached. Ready for Life, Inc. will disburse the funding to former foster children aged 18-27. The nonprofit supports 88 young adults, and many leave its group homes with nowhere to live.
USA Today readers have ranked The Florida Aquarium among the nation’s 10 best for the fourth consecutive year. The Tampa attraction placed eighth in the Reader’s Choice Awards, as it did in 2023. A panel of travel experts researches aquariums nationwide to select 20 finalists, and the public votes on the top 10 winners.
Bolay Fresh Bold Kitchen at 1330 4th St. N. in St. Petersburg has permanently closed, according to its Google listing. The health food restaurant’s ownership has also removed the St. Pete location from their website. Tim Gannon, co-founder of Outback Steakhouse, and his son, Chris, opened the local Bolay in November 2021.
Tampa International Airport (TPA) officials announced Wednesday that they expect 3.4 million passengers between Memorial Day and mid-August, a 4% year-over-year increase. Nearly 80,000 people will travel through TPA daily on the weekends before and after Memorial Day. Officials urge passengers to arrive at least two hours before domestic departures and three hours prior to international flights.
