Transportation officials announced the Sunshine Skyway Bridge closed to all traffic due to high winds around 7:30 a.m. Wednesday morning. The span closes when wind gusts top 40 mph. Those traveling between St. Petersburg and Bradenton will now have to drive through Tampa and use I-75, although Google Maps shows that route is also affected by delays and issues arising from Hurricane Ian. The storm is approaching the Ft. Myers area.
The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office announced Tuesday that funeral arrangements for Deputy Michael Hartwick are set for 11:00 a.m. Monday, Oct. 3. Hartwick was killed during a Sept. 22 hit-and-run incident while directing traffic at a construction site along I-275. Although the office announced the date and time, the location remains unclear. However, the release reminded members of the public that doors open at 10 a.m. and parking is limited. A special ceremony will occur following the service, including a 21-gun salute, a riderless horse, a last call and a fly-over. According to the release, no procession will follow the ceremony. For more information, and to leave messages for the family, visit the website here.
Dynasty Financial Partners announced Tuesday the closing of a $50 million revolving credit facility with Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) acting as sole administrative agent, and UMB Bank, N.A. and J.P. Morgan joining RBC as joint lead arrangers and joint book runners. “This new facility provides us with significant dry powder to continue to drive growth in the business and further enhance our service offering. We are thrilled to work with RBC, Goldman Sachs, Citi, J.P. Morgan, and UMB, and we look forward to building upon our relationship with these world-class institutions," Dynasty CFO Justin Weinkle said in a statement.
Tampa International Airport is suspending all operations at 5 p.m. Tuesday, ahead of Hurricane Ian. According to a release, the closure will allow airport officials to prepare the airfield and terminals, and secure jet bridges, ground equipment and any remaining aircraft on site. Officials expect a high travel head of the closure today and recommend arriving at the airport at least two hours before scheduled flights. St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport will close at 1 p.m. Tuesday, with the last scheduled departure at 11:22 a.m.
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office deputies began restricting access to local barrier islands at 7 a.m. Tuesday, ahead of Hurricane Ian. Only residents and citizens with legitimate business interests can travel in and out of coastal areas. According to a release, the restrictions will continue until the storm passes the county. Areas affected include Belleair Beach, Belleair Shore, Clearwater, Dunedin Causeway and Honeymoon Island, Indian Rocks Beach, Indian Shores, Madeira Beach, North Redington Beach, Reding Beach, Redington Shores, St. Pete Beach, Tierra Verde and Treasure Island. The following citizens can access barrier islands with a re-entry permit or photo identification and reasonable proof that they live or have legitimate business interests in the area: residents, property owners, business owners, business employees and contractors.
Due to Hurricane Ian's impending impact on Tampa Bay, the Tampa Bay Rowdies have rescheduled its game against the El Paso Locomotive FC to Wednesday, Oct. 12. The Tampa Bay Lightning have also postponed its preseason games on Wednesday, Sept. 28 against Carolina and Thursday, September 29 against Nashville at Amalie Arena. Tickets for postponed games will be honored for the rescheduled dates. Further details will be announced at a later time.
The University of South Florida St. Petersburg will be canceling classes starting Monday through Thursday. Business operations will continue on Monday. All of the campuses will begin closing Tuesday, Sept. 27. Meanwhile, all of the St. Petersburg College campuses and offices will be open for normal operations today, Sept. 26. SPC will close and stop classes Tuesday, Sept. 27, and Wednesday, Sept. 28, according to social media posts.
Pinellas County is preparing to issue mandatory evacuations Tuesday for zones B and C. Residents can find their zones here. The zones encompass coastal Pinellas County communities, including beach towns and cities. Effective at 6 p.m. Monday, all residents in evacuation zone A (including all mobile home residents) will be under mandatory evacuation orders. Mandatory orders for evacuation zones B and C will be effective tomorrow morning at 7 a.m. All residential healthcare facilities will be under mandatory evacuation orders starting today as well. Mandatory evacuations apply to businesses located in evacuation zones, according to the county. More information about the hurricane can be found here.
In anticipation of Hurricane Ian, All Pinellas County schools will close Tuesday (Sept. 27) through Friday. Gov. Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency for the entire state of Florida. Watch the Catalyst for updates on the storm.
Last week, Pinellas County commissioners approved over $13 million of funding for nine projects that will create over 1,000 local jobs. The nine new applications were submitted to the county by developers and corporations for the Penny for Pinellas’ Employment Sites Program, which was created to assist in the construction and redevelopment of industrial (manufacturing and flex) and office buildings that attract target industry employers to the county. The projects include Lockheed Martin's expansion on its campus, funding needed for the Tampa Bay Innovation Center and expansions for future employers.
The City of Clearwater is planning to host four public information sessions about the redevelopment of the Bluff properties, which will be on the Nov. 8 referendum. Clearwater Mayor Frank Hibbard will provide an overview of the ballot question, the financial aspects and answer questions. The first session is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 26, at the Morningside Recreation Complex. The next meeting will be held Sept. 27 at the North Greenwood Recreation Center at 7 p.m. Two additional meetings will be held before the end of the month. The planned meeting dates may change due to Hurricane Ian.
The Seminole boat ramp and trailer parking will remain closed through Sunday to accommodate the Baystar Clearwater Offshore Nationals. Visit St. Petersburg Clearwater is presenting the boat races. According to the release, residents should seek alternative locations to launch their boats or park trailers, although limited parking remains available to those visiting the marina or bait shop. For more information about the event, visit the website here.
