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People are leaving these cities for Tampa Bay

According to the real estate website Redfin, 2% of all U.S. homebuyers researched the Tampa Bay metro area when considering a move. The platform's researchers based their migration analysis on a sample of about two million users who searched for homes across 100 metro areas. New York City led the nation for people looking to move to Tampa Bay, with 1,412 searches in the two-month period. Washington, D.C., Chicago, Boston and Los Angeles rounded out the top five. The report stated that 73% of homebuyers in Tampa Bay preferred to stay in the region. Asheville, North Carolina, was the most popular choice for those looking to relocate.

Pinellas County Government offices will close Jan. 2

Pinellas County officials announced Wednesday that government offices would close Monday, Jan. 2, in observance of New Year’s Day. That includes departments under the Board of County Commissioners, Clerk’s Office, Tax Collector, Property Appraiser and Supervisor of Elections. The Parks and Conservation administrative office, Heritage Village and Education Centers will close Sunday, Jan. 1, and Monday, Jan. 2. The Florida Botanical Gardens will remain open on Jan. 1 for the final Holiday Lights event. All county parks, preserves, boat ramps and beach access areas will remain open.

Tampa ranks as top Florida city to live in

Forbes has ranked the top 10 places in Florida to live in, and Tampa is the top contender. Forbes writers said they analyzed cities by pulling recent data such as the area’s median home price, personal income per capita, and the unemployment and crime rate. There were not any cities in Pinellas County that were listed. Following close behind Tampa was Jacksonville, ranked at No. 2, and Gainesville, claiming the No. 3 spot. 

Sunken Gardens named a ‘hidden gem’

HawaiianIslands.com recently analyzed over 17,000 TripAdvisor reviews for destinations in all 50 states to discern which attractions visitors felt were overrated or underrated. The website ranked St. Petersburg’s Sunken Gardens - with 32 “underrated” mentions per 1,000 reviews - 10th on its list of hidden gems. The 100-year-old, four-acre botanical garden sits amid a bustling city at 1825 4th St. N. in St. Petersburg.

More flights canceled at Tampa International

Local holiday travelers continue feeling the impacts of widespread flight cancellations. As of noon Tuesday, data from FlightAware showed 129 cancellations at Tampa International Airport (TPA) over the previous 24 hours. Southwest Airlines offered many of the flights, and Spectrum News 9 reported over 1,000 pieces of luggage were clogging its baggage claim area at TPA Tuesday morning. While Southwest officials blamed winter storms for the disruptions - which will continue into Wednesday and Thursday - the Department of Transportation said it would examine the “unacceptable” problem and lack of adequate customer service.

Florida is the fastest-growing state

According to a report issued by the U.S. Census Bureau Thursday, Florida was the fastest-growing state from July 1, 2021, through July 1, 2022. Data shows the state’s population increased from 21,828,069 to 22,244,823, or 1.9%. Kristie Wilder, a demographer with Census Bureau, said this was the first year Florida held the largest population percent increase since 1957. The influx of new residents exacerbated the ongoing local affordable housing crisis.

County officials announce historical commission vacancy

Pinellas County government is now accepting applications to fill the remainder of a term on the historical commission. The position is an individual appointment by District 7 Commissioner Rene Flowers and will expire Nov. 4, 2024. According to the release, the historical commission advises on matters regarding the Heritage Village and prospective objects and records for display. Applications are due by 3 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023. To apply, visit the website here.

St. Pete Fire Rescue spreads cheer to victims

Three St. Petersburg families affected by house fires received a little Christmas cheer Friday morning thanks to Santa Claus and some special helpers. Crews with St. Pete Fire Rescue escorted Santa to deliver holiday dinners and toys Friday morning to three local families who lost their homes and personal belongings in fires this year. According to the press release, the department has distributed gifts to children in need and families affected by home fires for over 25 years.

County officials extend cold night shelter activations

The Homeless Leadership Alliance announced Friday that it is opening Pinellas County cold night shelters for an additional day as historically low temperatures approach the area. The facilities will now open at 6 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 25. All sites provide a warm and safe place to sleep, and many serve a meal. County officials activate the shelters when the National Weather Service expects “feels like” temperatures to drop below 40 degrees between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. The press release states that families with children should call 2-1-1 for information about family shelters. To support the efforts through volunteering or donating, visit the website here. The following facilities will open in St. Petersburg: Northwest Presbyterian Church at 6330 54th Ave. N.; WestCare Turning Point at 1810 5th Ave. N.; Unitarian Universalist Church at 100 Mirror Lake Dr. N.; and the Salvation Army at 1400 4th St. S.

Community partners provide food for 300 families

The St. Pete Free Clinic, Palm Harbor Parks & Recreation Department, Pinellas County Sheriff's Office and Board of County Commissioners partnered to provide fresh produce and groceries to nearly 300 families. The giveaway took place Dec. 16 at the Sunderman Complex in Palm Harbor. According to the release, local volunteers distributed 12,248 pounds of food to Pinellas residents in need.

County employees give away 110 bikes

Pinellas County government employees recently gave away 110 bicycles and 79 locks to less fortunate families as part of the 36th annual Christmas Bicycle Drive. The county’s Human Services Department identified deserving recipients. Employees donated nearly $10,000 to purchase the gifts. “It is an amazing opportunity for all the employees to rally around together at a time that’s special to their families but is also a time to give to others,” said Commissioner Dave Eggers in a statement.

Freeze watch in effect for Tampa Bay

The National Weather Service is placing a hard freeze and freeze watch for areas in Tampa Bay as an arctic cold front moves throughout the U.S. A hard freeze watch will be in effect for Hernando, Pasco and Citrus counties from Friday through Saturday morning as the temperature in the area may drop to the mid-20s. Hillsborough, Manatee, Polk, Highlands and Hardee counties are on a freeze watch Friday night as those areas may experience temperatures in the low 30s.  The NWS will continue to post updates via its website and social media accounts. 

The St. Pete Catalyst

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