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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. 

Google and YouTube partner with Poynter

 The International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN) at the nonprofit Poynter Institute, which is based in St. Petersburg, has entered a partnership with Google and YouTube to help cease the spread of misinformation by supporting fact-checking organizations. Google and YouTube are providing the IFCN a $13.2 million grant, which includes a $12 million Global Fact Check Fund. “Combating misinformation is an ongoing global challenge for society. We take seriously our role in helping to fight misinformation by continually investing in products, programs and partnerships that help people access high-quality information. Expanding Google and YouTube’s work with the IFCN means that more independent fact-checkers around the world will have the tools and capacity to help people make informed decisions,” Olivia Ma, managing director of global news programs and ecosystem at Google, said in Poynter's news release. Details of the distribution of the grant will be announced in 2023. 

World Cup watch party canceled

Tuesday’s FIFA World Cup watch party at downtown St. Petersburg’s Williams Park is canceled. Event organizer and local restaurateur Pete Boland made the announcement in a social media post Monday afternoon. He noted the park’s bandshell needs renovations and upgrades and that pre-sales for the Tuesday event were too low to absorb additional costs. However, Boland said that if the U.S. Men’s National Team beats Iran, Jannus Live will host a knockout round watch party this weekend.

Belleair Country Club to expand

A stormwater application indicates a proposed expansion of the Belleair Country Club in Palm Harbor. The owner is proposing to expand the fitness and aerobics areas by increasing the size of the Sports Center Building. A new building and a swim team locker room is also being proposed within an existing parking lot just north of the existing swimming pool. 

Tampa mayor launches reelection bid

Mayor Jane Castor officially filed for reelection Monday. Castor, a Democrat, is Tampa’s first openly gay mayor. She easily defeated philanthropist David Straz Jr. in the 2019 election. She spent 31 years in law enforcement, six as the city’s police chief, before retiring. The City of Tampa will hold its next mayoral election March 7, 2023. Castor, 63, is the only name on the ballot thus far.

Bucs lose heartbreaker in overtime

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers fell to the Cleveland Browns 23-17 Sunday in a game that went into extra minutes. The loss drops the Bucs to 5-6 on the season but not out of first place in the weak NFC South. Tristan Wirfs, Tampa Bay’s All-Pro right tackle, was carted off the field in overtime and could miss extended time with a leg injury. Quarterback Tom Brady and the Bucs' offense had a 17-10 lead and the ball with just over two minutes remaining in regulation but gave the ball back to Cleveland (4-7) on a short punt. The Browns then converted a fourth down on their way to tying the game and forcing overtime.

Unlike the nation’s, Tampa home prices soar

According to the real estate platform Zillow, home values in Tampa Bay surged in October while the national average “remained nearly flat.” The recently released report stated that home prices were up by over 21% in the area, compared to just 0.1% nationally. Additionally, it showed that Florida home sales dropped by nearly 25% compared to Oct. 2021, while the Tampa Bay market comprised 17% of all state transactions last month.

Massive local light display opens

The Oakdale Christmas Spectacular is now open for the 46th consecutive year in St. Petersburg. According to its website, the display features over 600,000 lights and fiber optics, about 700 animated objects and two outdoor TV presentations. The free event is at 2719 Oakdale St. S. on a half-acre property. The lights come on at 6 p.m. daily through Jan. 3.

Holiday break: Catalyst to resume publishing Saturday

The St. Pete Catalyst and the Daily Spark are taking the Thanksgiving holiday off. We'll be back Saturday with the best local business and arts news!

‘Tow to Go’ program offers free Thanksgiving rides

AAA is again offering free towing services to drunk or impaired drivers that did not plan ahead. The company’s “Tow to Go” program is also available to non-members as a last resort. The service begins at 6 p.m. Wednesday and runs through 6 a.m. Monday, Nov. 28. The number to call is 855-2-TOW-2-GO, or 855-286-9246.

County commission officially welcomes new members

The Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners held a swearing-in ceremony for two new and three reelected members Tuesday evening. Commissioners Dave Eggers, Rene Flowers and Kathleen Peters were recently reelected, while Chris Latvala and Brian Scott are new to the board. Voters across the county elected Scott to represent District 2, which includes northwest Pinellas. Eggers, Latvala, Peters and Flowers represent single-member Districts 4, 5, 6 and 7, respectively. The new board’s inaugural meeting is Dec. 8.

The St. Pete Catalyst

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