According to the latest Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) red tide map, which includes the last eight days of sampling and is updated daily, toxic algal blooms have dissipated around Tampa Bay. The FWC reported medium levels of Karenia brevis - the organism that causes red tide - in Manatee County and the mouth of the bay over the past couple of weeks. It also showed low levels persisting off Bunces Pass. Sampling now indicates low levels in Manatee County, and either no or background concentrations of Karenia brevis closer to Pinellas County. High levels remain around Sarasota beaches.
Mike Alstott, a fan favorite during his years as a Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back, continued a long tradition of giving back to St. Petersburg Fire Rescue members Monday morning. The Mike Alstott Family Foundation presented the department with a donation and will personally deliver Thanksgiving dinner to every city fire station. This is the 15th year the foundation has shown its support for the Fire Rescue team on the holiday.
St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch has officially named Jordan "Doyle" Walsh as his permanent chief of staff. Walsh had been serving on an interim basis since Sept. 21. "Doyle is a trusted partner who I rely on heavily for expert guidance, team insight, and thoughtful advice," Welch said in the city's Monday news alert. "His ability to provide strategic leadership within the mayor's office, connect with city council, and collaborate with the city administrator and other departments reflects his breadth of experience working in the Tampa Bay region. Government affairs, communications, and community engagement will prosper under Doyle's watch, and his extensive knowledge of complex issues and initiatives will result in progress for the people of St. Petersburg." He was a member of Welch's mayor campaign and joined the transition team prior to joining the Welch administration on Jan. 6. "I witness daily Mayor Welch's dedication and commitment to this City and the people who live, work and visit here. It is a privilege to carry out Mayor's vision and priorities alongside our incredibly capable team--I look forward to continuing our work to ensure that St. Petersburg is an accessible and equitable community for all," Walsh said.
According to a new study by WalletHub, the Tampa metro area is the sixth best place to spend the Thanksgiving holiday. The personal finance platform compared the nation’s 100 largest cities according to 20 metrics, including the cost of Thanksgiving dinner, volunteer opportunities, weather and traffic. Atlanta placed first, followed by Orlando and Las Vegas.
After 12 years as a downtown St. Peterburg staple, 5 Bucks Drinkery will open a second location. According to a Friday afternoon social media announcement, the establishment will take over the former Pete & Shorty’s space at 7402 49th St. N. in Pinellas Park. Owners plan to host a grand opening celebration in January.
W.K Kellogg, the man behind the breakfast cereal empire, once owned a mansion in Dunedin. Before its demolition in 2016 due to structural deterioration, the University of South Florida’s digital heritage team photographed and mapped every detail of the sprawling residence. Now, through virtual reality technology, people can tour the home as it looked over the decades - from 1924 until 2016. Those interested in taking a virtual 3D tour of the Kellogg mansion can make reservations through the Dunedin Public Library.
The country bar dubbed Welcome to the Farm is opening this weekend. The bar is located at 242 1st Ave. N. where MacDinton's formerly operated. The concept is a collaboration with Ohio-based Forward Hospitality Group, Jeff Knight and performer Chase Rice. The bar will feature live music and is celebrating its grand opening with a performance by country singer Martin McDaniel, according to its posts on social media.
The University of South Florida remains the top institution for international enrollment and ranks 13th among national public universities for students studying abroad. The study, compiled by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and the Institute of International Education, was released through the Open Doors 2022 Report on International Educational Exchange. The rankings release coincides with International Education Week, and the USF Health College of Nursing recently announced a two-way partnership with counterparts in Sicily.
Pinellas County Schools (PCS) invites community members to suggest names for its new YMCA Partnership Middle School. Construction on the health and wellness leadership magnet school began in June, and officials expect it to open to 600 students in August 2024. The YMCA portion should open by late 2023. The naming process started Nov. 7, with the district receiving over 150 suggestions thus far. Residents can submit ideas until noon Monday, Nov. 21, through the online form here.
The City of St. Petersburg has once again received a perfect score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign's annual Municipal Equality Index (MEI). The index provides the only nationwide assessment of LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer) inclusion in municipal law, policy and services. The 2022 MEI evaluates 506 cities on how inclusive cities' laws, policies and services for LGBTQ+ people, according to the announcement. "In my first year as mayor, I am proud to be leading a city where intentional inclusivity guides our work. After nine years of a perfect score on the Municipal Equality Index, it could be easy for St. Petersburg to become complacent. Rather, it is motivation for the city to explore more ways in which our LGBTQ+ community can be supported, promoted and valued," Mayor Ken Welch said in the city's Thursday news release. "I appreciate the Human Rights Campaign for holding municipalities accountable, and I especially thank the City's LGBTQ Liaison Jim Nixon for leading the charge in ensuring that St. Petersburg remains so." Tampa and Orlando also received a score of 100.
The University of South Florida is starting anew after a six-month national search for a new provost failed to yield “the best possible fit with the right vision and experience.” President Rhea Law made the announcement in a Wednesday email. An 18-member search committee named four finalists in October and the candidates participated in subsequent interviews and campus visits. Interim provost Eric Eisenberg was among the finalists but Law asked him to withdraw and assume the newly created leadership position of senior vice president of university-community partnerships.
According to a study by Redfin, residents in the Tampa Bay metro area must earn 62.4% more than they did last year to buy a home. The real estate platform’s statistics show that in 2021, homebuyers needed to make $62,615 annually. That number is now up to $101,682. Tampa residents saw the nation’s fourth-largest increase, and eight Florida cities made the top 15.
