Pinellas County officials have found a potentially deadly dog virus at the Fort De Soto Park campground. Tests confirmed the presence of canine distemper, a disease that attacks a dog’s respiratory, gastrointestinal and nervous systems. The virus is more severe in puppies and unvaccinated dogs, with symptoms including discharge from the eyes and nose, a lack of coordination, walking in circles and convulsions with jaw-chewing movement. Officials warn people not to leave food or water outside and call 727-582-2100 if they see a sick animal.
Ticketing technology company Logitix released data Friday showing what fans are paying for this weekend’s Wild Card games on the secondary market. The average price to watch the Tampa Bay Buccaneers host the Philadelphia Eagles is $238, the second cheapest among the six games. The Los Angeles Rams at the Detroit Lions is by far the most expensive at $722. Tickets to watch the Kansas City Chiefs host the Miami Dolphins are just $175 for those willing to brave sub-zero temperatures.
St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch’s administration has announced that his second annual State of the City address will occur Tuesday, Jan. 30, at 11 a.m. The Palladium Theater at 253 5th Ave. N. will host this year’s event. The State of the City provides an opportunity for the public to celebrate milestones achieved during Welch’s second year at the helm and hear his plans for the future. To register, visit the website here.
St. Petersburg-based Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital recently acquired 114 acres off of I-75 and Overpass Road in Pasco County for $21 million. The new facility will increase specialized pediatric care access for the region’s rural residents. Hospital officials said they would release further details before construction commences this fall.
St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch and Chief of Police Anthony Holloway will present just over $96,000 of asset forfeiture funds to 35 community-based programs Friday. Officials said they focused mainly on programs promoting positive behavior for children and teens. The funds come from the seizure of money and assets involved in criminal activity.
Officials with P1 Offshore have unveiled their 2024 powerboat racing calendar, and the Monster Energy St. Pete Grand Prix will now serve as the season finale. Events will take place around the St. Petersburg Pier starting Oct. 18, and P1 will crown its champion Oct. 20. Brian Lowack, CEO of Visit St. Pete/Clearwater, said the race will draw spectators “from near and far to our beautiful destination” and showcase the city’s “spectacular” downtown waterfront and “award-winning pier” to a global TV audience.
Online real estate platform Zillow recently placed Tampa Bay among the nation's “hottest housing markets of 2024.” Buffalo, New York, took the top spot, while the Orlando metro area finished one spot ahead of Tampa Bay. Zillow based its rankings on expected price growth, “inventory and velocity,” demographics and several other metrics.
The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) is offering free transportation options Jan. 15 for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. PSTA will offer free service on routes 5, SunRunner and Central Avenue Trolley for those interested in going to the MLK Dream Big parade. PSTA will also be debuting a newly wrapped bus in the parade featuring Dr. King.
Florida’s Business Damage Assessment Survey is now open for Florida business owners to self-report physical and economic damage caused by this week's severe weather event. The survey can be accessed here.
World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) Superstars Bianca Belair and Montez Ford will serve as grand marshals for the Jan. 20 Children’s Gasparilla Parade. Event organizers also named Tampa native and New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso this year’s Chick-fil-A Tampa Bay Community hero. WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair will serve as the Feb. 10 Knight Parade’s grand marshal.
Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco no longer stands accused of commercial and sexual exploitation and money laundering. He now faces allegations of sexual and psychological abuse, according to court documents obtained by the Associated Press. The initial charges carried a prison sentence of up to 30, 10 and 20 years, respectively. He now faces a two-to-five-year prison sentence if formally charged and convicted.
A new report from WalletHub, a personal finance company, ranked 180 cities based on 31 metrics. Tampa ranked second for job opportunities in 2024, coming in behind Scottsdale, Arizona. Both cities are experiencing high job growth, according to the report.
