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Low levels of red tide organism persist around Pinellas

According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) red tide update Friday, low concentrations of Karenia brevis, the organism that causes red tide, were again detected around Pinellas County. Meanwhile, harmful algal blooms are rampant across Sarasota County. The FWC reports respiratory irritation and fish kills related to red tide from Collier County north to Manatee County.

Hope Walk heads to Tampa Saturday

The South Florida Chapter of the Huntington’s Disease Society of America (HDSA) will host its Team Hope Walk at Tampa’s Lowry Park. The release states that Team Hope is HDSA’s largest national grassroots event, taking place in over 100 cities and raising more than $20 million since its inception in 2007. Huntington’s is a fatal genetic disease affecting the brain’s nerve cells, and compared to having ALS, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease simultaneously. The walk begins at 10 a.m. Saturday at 7525 North Blvd. in Tampa, Shelter 120. For more information, visit the website here.

City receives 4 proposals for Tropicana Field/Gas Plant

 The City of St. Petersburg has received four proposals in response to the Historic Gas Plant District request for proposals (RFP). The proposals were submitted by: 50 Plus 1 Sports, Hines and Tampa Bay Rays (a joint proposal), Restoration Associates and Sugar Hill Community Partners. Today, Dec. 2, was the deadline to submit proposals. "We commend 50 Plus 1 Sports, Hines & Tampa Bay Rays, Restoration Associates, and Sugar Hill Community Partners for their diligent efforts to submit proposals that will fuel inclusive progress and equitable development for future generations who will live, visit and do business in our city," St. Petersburg Mayor Kenneth Welch said in the city's news alert. "We will review the proposers' plans with a keen eye on their interpretation of affordable and workforce housing; office and meeting space; arts and culture; research, innovation, and education; recreation; open space, healthy and sustainable development; and intentional equity. We look forward to engaging the community as we determine the future of this historically and economically vital part of St. Petersburg, and the Tampa Bay region." All proposals will be posted on the City's website after an expeditious review by City staff to ensure that each proposal is ADA compliant. The selection process will also include a community presentation on Jan. 4 at the Coliseum.  A final decision will be announced by Welch at his first State of the City address scheduled at the end of January. 

Rays move Spring Training due to storm damage

The Tampa Bay Rays are unable to hold Spring Training in Port Charlotte next year due to Hurricane Ian. The team has played its spring ball at that Charlotte Sports Park since 2009. According to a statement, Charlotte County and team officials will develop a restoration plan for the facility in the coming weeks. MLB.com reports that the Rays could play Grapefruit League games at Tropicana Field, but likely need a larger space with multiple fields for workouts.

World Cup Watch party moves to Jannus

What organizers have billed as Tampa Bay’s biggest World Cup watch party will take over Jannus Live starting at 9 a.m. Saturday morning. The event - co-hosted by American Outlaws St. Petersburg, the Tampa Bay Rowdies, The Galley and Mary Margaret’s Irish Pub - brought thousands to Williams Park last week. The U.S. Men’s National Team takes the pitch against the Netherlands at 10 a.m. in the knockout round.

SPPD helps stem burglary surge in Sanibel

St. Petersburg Police Chief Anthony Holloway told city council members that his department continues to aid communities devasted by Hurricane Ian during Thursday morning’s update. He said a contingent of one sergeant and six officers would continue rotating shifts in Sanibel Island through Christmas. An influx of contractors clearing debris and repairing homes in the area has led to a surge in burglaries, explained Holloway. At one point, he said local officials reported 200 thefts of equipment and supplies in just one week.

Name the giant flamingo at TPA

The Tampa International Airport is asking for the public to come up with a name for the towering flamingo structure that's installed inside the main terminal. The winner of the naming contest will win free tickets from Silver Airways and VIP passes to Busch Gardens. People can enter the contest here. 

Cross-Bay Ferry will depart earlier on Sundays

Officials with the Cross-Bay Ferry announced they are changing the Sunday schedule to meet riders’ needs. Starting Dec. 11, the first ferry service of the day will launch from St. Petersburg at 10 a.m., with its new final departure time from the city at 4:45 p.m. The last departure from Tampa is now 6:15 p.m. Sunday. Additionally, the ferry will run Jan. 16 - Martin Luther King Jr. Day - since it cannot provide service Jan. 28 due to Gasparilla restrictions.

Public invited to weigh in on 5th Avenue North improvements

The Florida Department of Transportation (District Seven) is hosting a virtual public meeting on Dec. 8 to cover the proposed access changes of Alt US 19 (5th Ave N.) from 6th Street to Tyrone Boulevard and from 22nd Street N. to 55th Street. The proposed project will repave 5th Avenue N., close medians to vehicular traffic at four intersections and add several pedestrian crossings as well as sidewalk improvements, according to the city's media alert. Community members can attend the public meeting in one of three formats - virtually, in-person drive-thru location or by phone. The presentation will be played at 5 p.m. and replayed at 5:30 p.m. Those attending in-person can travel to Childs Park at 4301 13th Ave. S. Those attending virtually are referred to the following link: http://bitly.ws/vMv5. 

Rays announce ticket sales, home game times

In honor of the franchise’s 25th anniversary, Tampa Bay Rays officials announced they will open single-game ticket sales for the 2023 season to the general public Friday, Dec. 2. Fans can purchase tickets through the MLB Ballpark app and RaysBaseball.com beginning at 2 p.m. Friday. In addition, home game times for the 2023 season are now available at RaysBaseball.com/Schedule. Opening Day of the 25th-anniversary campaign is March 30 at Tropicana Field against the Detroit Tigers at 3:10 p.m.

Gulfport Police ask for ‘Operation Santa’ support

For 31 years, the Gulfport Police Department’s employees have sponsored a program dubbed “Operation Santa,” in which they donate toys to needy children in the city. According to a release, community contributions supported its success. The department is asking businesses, organizations and individuals to continue helping this year by donating money, new unwrapped toys and gift cards. Those feeling generous can drop off donations at the GPD headquarters at 2401 53rd St. S.

KnowBe4 releases mobile app

Clearwater-based cybersecurity training company KnowBe4, which was acquired in a $4.6 billion deal, is launching a mobile app. The new KnowBe4 Mobile Learner App will allow customers to complete security awareness and compliance training on smartphones or tablets, according to a news release. "This new app will enable IT and security teams to improve engagement and completion rates for required training thanks to a seamless user experience. This will also help users to associate security with their personal devices, keeping it top of mind all the time rather than only when they are at work on their computers ...," KnowBe4 CEO Stu Sjouwerman said in a statement. 

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