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SunPass Savings program rolls out

Gov. Ron DeSantis has announced the launch of “SunPass Savings,” a new toll discount program for customers who use Florida’s Turnpike system and toll facilities owned by the Florida Department of Transportation. This rewards program will begin Sept. 1 and will run for six months. It's estimated to provide $38 million in relief to SunPass commuters. “This program will help frequent SunPass customers keep more money in their pockets during a time of growing inflation,” DeSantis said in a news release. The program applies to two-axle vehicles and is available to customers who use SunPass or other Florida transponders with accounts in good standing, according to the announcement. 

Public to weigh in on redistricting plan

The public is invited to participate in two (identical) public hearings in September to learn about and provide input on St. Pete's upcoming redistricting process. The meeting will take place on Sept. 12 where there will be two (identical) public hearings held in Council Chambers at St. Petersburg City Hall. The first meeting will be at 9 a.m. and the second will be held at 5 p.m. Alternative maps have been developed and are being considered by the appointed Citizens Redistricting Commission, according to the city. 

Rowdies return home to face defending champs

After two weeks on the road, the Tampa Bay Rowdies return to Al Lang Stadium to face Orange County SC in a rematch of last year’s USL Championship final. Tampa will look to settle the score after falling to Orange County 3-1 to cap the 2021 season. The Rowdies won seven straight matches before dropping the last two on the road - both by 1-0 score - and will celebrate their return home with a post-match fireworks show. For tickets, visit the website here.

Anime St. Pete announced for Sept. 17-18

St. Petersburg its getting its first-ever anime convention. The organizers of the St. Petersburg Comic Con, which debuted in January, have announced Anime St. Pete at the Coliseum Sept. 17 and 18. The event will feature prominent anime voice actors and anime cosplayers, more than 50 panel discussions and events including “Anime Jeopardy, cosplay contests, a lip sync competition and a TikTok Film Festival. Details and tickets are available here.

Visit St. Pete/Clearwater launches new campaign

Visit St. Pete/Clearwater (VSPC), a destination marketing organization charged with promoting the region, has launched a new brand campaign inspired by the thriving art scene and year-round sunshine. The campaign, dubbed "Let's Shine," portrays experiences like kayaking through mangroves, visiting The Dalí museum, spotlighting the beaches, the trendy culinary and craft beer scene and biking on the Pinellas Trail. The new campaign will launch in markets throughout the Midwest, South, Northeast and Florida. 

Transportation Secretary visits Port Tampa Bay

Pete Buttigieg, U.S. Secretary of Transportation, made a trip to Port Tampa Bay Tuesday to show his approval of a $12.6 million federal grant. The funding, provided by the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) initiative, will help build a $17 million expansion in South Hillsborough County. According to CEO Paul Anderson, the new, $17 million Berth 301 at Port Redwing will create 800 jobs and allow for a third ship to operate out of the port.

SPPD identifies burned body, still seeks answers

St. Petersburg police announced Monday that the burned body found in an alley last week was Heather Elizabeth Olmstead, 31. On Tuesday, Police Chief Anthony Holloway told the Catalyst that detectives were still searching for answers and leads, and the department hopes that someone will come forward with information. First responders were called to a fire in an alley behind the 2900 block of Emerson Avenue at 12:42 a.m. on Aug. 18. After extinguishing the fire, officials discovered a badly burned body, later identified as Olmstead. Police ask anyone with information to call 727-893-7780 or text SPPD + your tip to TIP411.

Good ‘Burger awards nominations near closing

The nominations for the Good 'Burger awards will close on Aug. 25. The annual event hosted by the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce recognizes the businesses, organizations, and individuals making a positive impact in the community. To be considered as a finalist, nominees must complete a finalist application (for only one category). Voting for finalists will open to the public at stpete.com from Sept. 5 to Oct. 10.

Brady is back with Bucs

After an 11-day absence due to “personal reasons,” quarterback Tom Brady rejoined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Monday morning. Coach Todd Bowles said he excused Brady from training camp, but the hiatus still sparked several rumors. Brady retired once this offseason and returned after 40 days. Brady, who turns 45 this year, has one more year left on his contract with the Bucs and becomes an unrestricted free agent in 2023.

Rays make MLB history

The Tampa Bay Rays made Major League Baseball history for their diverse starting lineup Sunday, which included players from eight different countries. Players representing the United States, Columbia, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Panama, Taiwan and Venezuela took the field for the Rays. Tampa Bay would go on to beat the Kansas City Royals 3-2 at Tropicana Field Sunday, upping their record to 65-55.

SPC to provide scholarship for South St. Pete residents

The St. Petersburg College announced a new scholarship that will support residents in South St. Petersburg who want to take the first step on a new career pathway. The Speer Foundation has awarded the SPC Foundation a $125,000 grant to fund the First Step Scholarship, SPC announced Tuesday. Recipients will receive a scholarship for full tuition, books, and materials related to the selected training in specialized manufacturing, financial services, data analytics and creative arts and design.

St. Pete man gets 10 years for concert ticket fraud

A federal judge sentenced St. Petersburg resident Thomas Coelho to 10 years in prison Thursday after he pled guilty to stealing nearly $2 million in a concert ticket resale scheme. The judge also ordered him to pay over $1.8 million in restitution. According to prosecutors, Coelho continued to con victims after his first arrest in March. The sentence was well above federal guidelines but less than the 20-year maximum. The scheme involved convincing people he could score tickets to see high-profile artists like Adele, Fleetwood Mac and Phil Collins and then resell them for a profit. However, despite creating fake documents stating the contrary, Coelho never purchased the tickets.

The St. Pete Catalyst

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