In response to rising land costs and construction prices, Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties is launching an offshoot of its popular annual golf tournament, called the "Golfing Fore Habitat Topgolf Challenge." The reimagined fundraiser is scheduled for Monday, Oct. 21 from 12-4 p.m. at Topgolf St. Petersburg.
A new report shows that while Florida college enrollment rates are down, those who earn associate of arts (AA) degrees are transferring to four-year universities at consistently strong rates. The study from Helios Education Foundation and the Center for Postsecondary Success at Florida State University on the latest trends in postsecondary enrollment shows a decline in the number of high school graduates enrolling in Florida's public state colleges, dropping from 38% in 2010 to 30% in 2019. Despite this enrollment decrease, transfer rates among students who have completed AA degrees have held steady at 65% over this same period.
Mayor Ken Welch and other city and Pinellas Technical College officials celebrated the inaugural graduation class of a new 17-week workforce readiness program Friday. The Mayor’s Future Ready Academy connects young adults aged 18-24 with City of St. Petersburg employment opportunities. Seven of the nine graduates now work with the city, and three received their commercial driver’s licenses. Evan Aikens, Taryon Chisom, Solomon Henry, Kendrick Hills, Marrio James, Me’Rasia Melton, DeMarco Miller, Johnathan Morgan and Jiquell Richardson comprised the inaugural cohort.
Canvas City Homes WAD, a 10-unit townhome community in St. Petersburg’s Warehouse Arts District, has officially opened. Tampa-based Sight Development built the property at 2724 5th Ave. S. Pricing for the townhomes about a mile from Tropicana Field ranges from $700,000 to $725,000.
Dr. Stephen Leatherman placed Caladesi Island State Park in Dunedin among his Top 10 Beaches of 2024 list released Friday. The renowned evaluator known as Dr. Beach ranked Caladesi fourth nationally due to its “soft and cushy” sand and boardwalk trails. Leatherman said his favorite aspect is the kayak and canoe pathways through mangroves “to see the large blue herons and other birds that frequent this wonderful natural area.”
A Pinellas County Consumer Protection investigation led to the arrest of two residents who defrauded over 100 vacant property owners in 37 states. Marvin Scott and Chamera Bowman operated multiple telemarketing businesses between October 2017 and November 2020 and claimed to have buyers ready to purchase the land. The two pled guilty to fraud and money laundering charges and must pay $1.04 million in restitution. Bowman received a 12-year prison sentence, while Scott will serve 15 years of probation.
St. Petersburg’s Parks and Recreation Department will open seasonal neighborhood pools from Saturday until Monday for Memorial Day weekend. Those include the Child’s Park, Fossil Park, Jennie Hall, Lake Vista, Northwest and Shore Acres pools. All facilities will open for the summer starting Friday, May 31. For more information, visit the website here.
Vandals defaced the Progress Pride street mural in St. Petersburg’s Grand Central District for the second time in a week Wednesday. Mayor Ken Welch said it “will be cleaned and refreshed in time for Pride Month” in a Friday morning social media post. Both incidents left tire marks across the mural, located at the intersection of Central Avenue and 25th Street. Volunteers repainted it May 6.
The Student Ambassador program between St. Petersburg and Sister City Takamatsu, Japan, will officially resume in July after a four-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Three local high school students, Ava Carvalis, Leland Kilborn and Madison Schmitz, will represent St. Petersburg in Takamatsu, engaging in cultural exchanges and daily activities. In return, Takamatsu students will visit St. Pete later in July for a similar 10-day experience.
The Tampa Bay Rowdies run in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup ended in the Round of 16 Wednesday night at Al Lang Stadium with a 2-1 loss to Major League Soccer’s FC Dallas. The Rowdies kept Dallas under pressure with 10 shots on target but only converted one. Tampa Bay was also without its leading scorer, Manuel Arteaga, and defensive stalwart Forrest Lasso.
Recently terminated Jabil CEO Kenny Wilson will receive a $2 million severance after the St. Petersburg-based global manufacturers board dismissed him Monday following a month-long investigation into policy violations. According to a U.S. Securities and Exchange filing, the company will also provide Wilson with an estimated $5 million in unvested stocks and additional owed incentives. The separation agreement prevents Wilson from suing Jabil and includes non-competition, interference, solicitation and confidentiality requirements.
The Atlantic hurricane season begins June 1, and National Atmospheric and Oceanic Administration (NOAA)forecasters have predicted an “extraordinary” year with up to 25 named storms. Director Rick Spinrad said the forecast “is the highest NOAA has ever issued for the May outlook” at a press conference Thursday. The organization expects four to seven hurricanes with winds over 111 mph.
