Tampa resident Victoria Parker won the 2026 APA 8-Ball Classic Pool Championship in Las Vegas, earning a $15,000 prize package after advancing through a field of nearly 6,000 amateur pool players. Parker competed in the Yellow Tier finals during the American Poolplayers Association Poolplayer Championships, held April 26-28 at the Westgate Las Vegas. Entrants from all over North America competed for over $1 million in prize money. Parker plays regularly in the Tampa APA League, and the championship match was livestreamed online.
St. Petersburg College will host its 149th Commencement Wednesday for Spring 2026 graduates at Tropicana Field. This marks the first time that the celebration has been held at the stadium since 2024. There will be two ceremonies at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.
St. Petersburg College will host a public presentation, "In Support of Those Who Serve: Cumulative Stress, Health and Suicide Prevention," May 16 at the SPC EpiCenter (Conference Room 1-453, 13805 58th Street N.) from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. The event will feature law enforcement health expert Dr. John Violanti. To register, visit this link.
In a WalletHub study published today, Tampa was ranked the fourth best place to start a career in the United States. Orlando came in second and Miami took fifth place.
Tampa Police Department officers arrested 22 people between the ages of 12 and 21 May 8 (Friday) during a "teen takeover." According to the Dept.'s website, the individuals attempted a "takeover in the area of Curtis Hixon Park, causing significant disruptions, fights and other issues in the park."
Pinellas County Solid Waste will host a household chemical collection event May 30 at the Treasure Island Community Center Park (150 106th Avenue) from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The effort will provide all Pinellas County residents with an opportunity to dispose of "unwanted" chemicals before the start of hurricane season June 1, according to a prepared statement. To learn more, visit this link.
The City of Clearwater's Citizens Academy is a hands-on initiative that encourages residents to make a difference in the community. Applications are due Friday. According to a prepared statement, the 10-session program "offers a behind-the-scenes look at the operations of Clearwater city government." Participants can tour facilities, ask questions and share concerns. To apply, visit this link.
Raymond Bourque, the owner of the Frog Pond restaurants in downtown St. Petersburg and St. Pete Beach, was arrested Wednesday for "having illegal pornographic videos," according to the St. Petersburg Police Department's Facebook page. He is facing 1o counts of "possession of child pornography" and 10 counts of "possession of sexual activities involving animals."
Tampa General Hospital surgeons have performed more than 15,000 organ transplants since the institution's program was launched in 1974. More than 890 transplants were completed in 2025 alone, according to a prepared statement released Thursday.
All lanes on the Courtney Campbell Causeway will be closed overnight, weather permitting, May 11 and 12. According to a prepared statement, the closures are necessary "for crews to perform overhead bridge work as part of the Courtney Campbell Causeway's pedestrian overpass project in Clearwater."
Numerous Pinellas County departments will provide information on how to prepare for and respond to hurricanes Saturday in Palm Harbor. The city's annual Hurricane Expo takes place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Parks & Recreation Center, 1500 16th St. Admission is free.
The University of South Florida Foundation has created a Marine Science Operating Fund in the wake of the Marine Science Lab fire on the USF St. Petersburg campus. According to USF's website, the extent of the damage is still being evaluated and the fund will help support students, faculty and researchers. Individuals can donate at this link.
