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.
Mayor Ken Welch, St. Petersburg City Council Chair Deborah Figgs-Sanders and Tampa Bay Rays leadership will hoist the team’s flag Thursday morning at City Hall. The public “Rays Up the Flag” event begins at 9:45 a.m. at 175 5th St. N. The Rays will kick off the 2024 season against the Toronto Blue Jays at Tropicana Field, with the first pitch set for 4:10 p.m.
Wells Fargo ranked the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater metropolitan statistical area (MSA) No. 8 in its 2024 Impact of Women-Owned Businesses report. The San Francisco-based institution also found that the MSA leads the nation in women-owned business growth at 18%. Wells Fargo compiled its top 50 rankings using U.S. Census Bureau data, including employment and revenue metrics, from 2019 to 2023.
Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties announced Tuesday that it received the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s 2024 Energy Star Partner of the Year Award. The organization has earned the distinction for three consecutive years. The award recognizes a select group of businesses and organizations for outstanding contributions to energy efficiency and the clean energy economy.
Local travelers will soon have a new nonstop service from Tampa International Airport (TPA) to Pensacola and their first-ever to Bangor, Maine. Breeze Airways will introduce the flights starting June 28 and Oct. 4, respectively. The airline launched in 2021 and will soon offer 23 nonstop flights from TPA.
The Tampa Bay Rays will kick off the 2024 season Thursday against the Toronto Blue Jays at Tropicana Field in front of a sold-out crowd. The first 20,000 fans to attend the 18th consecutive sold-out home opener will receive a schedule magnet. Bally Sports Sun will televise the game locally, with the first pitch set for 4:10 p.m.
Deputies assigned to the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office Community Policing Unit will deliver holiday meals to 50 families Tuesday in Ridgecrest, Highpoint, Lealman and St. Petersburg. The agency has partnered with Cavalry Episcopal Church to provide families with holiday meals for the past 19 years. Deputies identify those in need through their community work.
Tampa Bay Sun FC officials are now accepting deposits for season ticket passes, with per-seat ticket prices ranging from $15 to $37 for home matches. The region’s first professional women’s soccer team begins play in August at Howard W. Blake High School in downtown Tampa. The facility is currently undergoing $6 million in upgrades. For more information, visit the website here.
City of Gulfport and Stantec Consulting officials are hosting a public meeting Monday evening to establish a community consensus for Municipal Marina improvements. The event begins at 6 p.m. inside the Gulfport Casino ballroom at 5500 Shore Blvd. S. Stakeholders can also submit their feedback via an online survey by visiting the link here.
The St. Pete Pier Marketplace is now open Thursdays through Sundays; spring hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Summer hours (12-8 p.m.) will begin June 1. Featuring local vendors, the marketplace is located just inside the main entrance to The Pier.
