SmartAsset recently released its annual study of the “most affordable places in the U.S.” to buy a home, and St. Petersburg ranked first in Florida. The personal finance platform analyzed closing costs, real estate taxes, homeowners’ insurance and mortgage rates to compile its list. SmartAsset measured the total cost of owning a home over five years and then measured it as a proportion of median household income to determine affordability. For more information, visit the website here.
The Tampa Bay Rowdies earned their first victory emphatically at Al Lang Stadium Saturday night, beating the Rhode Island FC 4-1. The team began the 2024 season with two consecutive draws. The Rowdies now have a three-week road trip starting April 6 against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds FC.
The University of South Florida announced Monday that a $1 million will provide scholarships to students attending the St. Petersburg campus, with preference given to employed single parents. Johnnie Giffin provided the funding to establish the USF Women in Leadership & Philanthropy scholarship to honor her late mother, Fay Barnyard. The inaugural recipient is Amy King, a mother of two children pursuing an education degree.
St Pete native Danielle Collins beat 4th seeded Elena Rybakina 7-5 6-3 to bring home the Miami Open women's singles championship Saturday. The title was Collins' first at the WTA 1,000 level. Collins announced earlier this year that this would be her final year of professional tennis. She'll retire $1,100,000 to the better with this win.
Catapult Adventure Park opened Friday at 4500 66th St. N. in St. Petersburg. The facility features an array of rope swings, an inflatable obstacle course, jousting, a “launch zone” and several other activities that combine fitness and entertainment. Catapult offers monthly and annual memberships and daily, timed jump sessions.
Pinellas County officials are now accepting applications to participate in the free Juvenile Justice Citizen’s Academy beginning April 11. The eight-week program, hosted in partnership with the Department of Juvenile Justice, provides an “up-close” view of local services for detained and at-risk youth and their families. Applications for the academy, which includes tours of juvenile justice facilities, are due April 5. For more information, visit the website here.
Coworking Café recently ranked St. Petersburg as the top city in Florida for a positive work-life balance and mental health. St. Pete also placed 25th nationally among 100 cities with at least 200,000 residents. Coworking Café utilized green space and recreational activity, air quality, work hours, affordability, commute times and health insurance rates data to compile its rankings.
The Tampa Bay Rowdies announced Friday that the club acquired defender Eddi Munjoma from the Phoenix Rising FC. Munjoma won the United Soccer League (USL) Championship title with Phoenix last year. Munjoma will be available to play Saturday against the Rhode Island FC at Al Lang Stadium.
Healthcare and real estate magnate Dr. Kiran Patel has launched sales for his luxury condo project in Indian Rocks Beach. Sai Ocean Front will feature eight three-to-five-bedroom units at 404 Gulf Blvd, with prices starting at $6 million. The site formally housed the Gulf Tower Resort, which Patel purchased for $9 million in 2005.
The National Weather Service in Tampa Bay has issued a high rip current risk, in effect from 2 p.m. Friday through Sunday evening. The NWS advises that if you get caught in a rip current, swim it until the current weakens and you can swim to shore. If you can't escape, wave for help from the shoreline.
St. Petersburg-based Duke Energy Florida will donate $1,000 to its Share the Light Fund for every game the Tampa Bay Rays win during the 2024 season. The fund helps residents pay utility expenses, and the Duke Energy Foundation matches donations. Share the Light provided $1.2 million in electric assistance in 2023.
St. Petersburg College has partnered with Moffitt Cancer Center to showcase education opportunities and career paths at the institutions amid a healthcare workforce shortage. The event takes place April 9 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the SPC Clearwater Campus. The expo will feature health program exhibits, interviews with Moffitt’s Talent Advisors, resume workshops and mock interviews. For more information, visit the website here.
