The idea to allow John's Pass to become a "wet zone," allowing people to consume alcohol along the boardwalk and area outside of restaurants, was tossed out by city commissioners. During a recent meeting, City Manager Robin Gomez brought up the topic, which surfaced last year. He cited potential issues that were discussed such as liability issues the wet zone would create for the popular tourist destination and how one commissioner previously said a wet zone could alter the character of the village and boardwalk. The commissioners did not entertain the concept any further.
The revitalization of the Pinellas Science Center remains on track, as Governor Ron DeSantis approved $2 million in funding for the St. Petersburg staple. State Rep. Linda Chaney, R-St. Pete Beach, appropriated $1.5 million for the facility, which first opened in 1959. The Legislature provided an additional $500,000 to teach area children science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics curriculum, or STEAM education.
The Bay Pines VA Healthcare System (BPVAHCS) will host a stand down for homeless veterans on June 4. The hospital will feature its free services available to homeless veterans and those at risk of becoming homeless. The free services include access to medical care, toiletries, clothing items, meals, benefits and housing information, employment assistance, veterinarian services and DMV services, according to the VA's announcement. Veterans will also be able to speak with various legal experts from Pinellas County to address their outstanding legal issues.The event will take place in the courtyard between buildings 2 and 37 on the main campus at 10000 Bay Pines Blvd.
Despite the state legislature increasing the allocated funding for the University of South Florida St. Petersburg’s proposed Environmental & Oceanographic Science Research & Teaching facility (EOS) from $60 million to $75 million in March, Governor Ron DeSantis vetoed the entire project on Thursday. USF President Rhea Law and USFSP Regional Chancellor Martin Tadlock repeatedly referred to the EOS as a “game-changer” and “transformative” project. In a statement Thursday, Law said the university remains committed to the development of the St. Petersburg campus, specifically as an international destination for environmental and oceanographic research, and the funding that was approved will help reach that goal.
Munch’s, a popular South St. Petersburg diner, is now up for sale. The restaurant, located at 3920 6th St. S. in Coquina Key, and several surrounding properties are on the market for $2.7 million. Dean and Clariece Munch opened the establishment in 1952 as a sundries store. Their son, Larry, took over ownership in 1994 and hopes the family business remains a restaurant. In 2011, Munch’s was featured on an episode of Guy Fieri’s “Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives.”
AdventHealth North Pinellas leaders have unveiled a newly dedicated orthopedic and spine unit. The 10,000-square-foot unit will help address the growing needs for high-quality orthopedic and spine services throughout Pinellas County, according to AdventHealth's news release. The newly designed space will include 12 private patient rooms and will offer pre-and post-operative care that is uniquely designed to cater to physical therapy five days a week. The patients will have access to a state-of-the-art gym.
South Florida-based passenger rail operator Brightline will be able to use a $15.875 million grant toward its Tampa-to-Orlando connection. Reps. Darren Soto, Dan Webster, Stephanie Murphy, Gus Bilirakis and Val Demings announced the Central Florida region has received the federal grant award from the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Grant Program. The grant award, combined with up to $15,875,000 in contributing funds from Brightline, will result in a $31.75 million total investment. The Orlando terminus will be at the Orlando International Airport. The Tampa terminus has not been disclosed.
Hurricane season officially starts on June 1, and the City of St. Petersburg is helping residents prepare through two events. On Wednesday, from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m., St. Pete Fire and Rescue is hosting a hurricane expo at Willis S. Johns Recreational Center, located at 6635 Dr. Mlk Jr. St. N. Attendees receive free hurricane supplies and resources donated by community organizations. The St. Petersburg City Council is helping residents prepare by hosting a virtual webinar on June 7 at 6:30 p.m. Visit the Zoom link here and learn more at StPetePrepares.com.
St. Petersburg-based Raymond James Financial has completed the previously announced acquisition of TriState Capital Holdings Inc., the financial institution announced Wednesday. “The strategic and cultural fit between Raymond James and TriState has been continually reinforced as our teams have worked toward this point over the last few months,” said Raymond James Chair and CEO Paul Reilly. “Our collective focus on client-first values and a long-term horizon are unique and a true differentiator for our firms. I’m thrilled to officially welcome TriState Capital to the Raymond James family and look forward to continue growing together.” Through the acquisition, each share of TriState Capital common stock was converted into the right to receive $6 in cash and 0.25 shares of Raymond James common stock, which represents per share consideration of $30.62 based on the closing price of Raymond James common stock on May 31. The shares of TriState Capital ceased trading after the closing of the NASDAQ stock market. The St. Pete Catalyst previously reported Raymond James planned to acquire TriState Capital Holdings in a $1.1 billion deal.
The Tampa Bay Lightning will face the New York Rangers in the NHL’s Eastern Conference finals. The Rangers, which advanced following Monday night’s 6-2 Game 7 win over Carolina, represent Tampa Bay’s last test before reaching a third-straight Stanley Cup final. The conference matchup begins at 8 p.m. Wednesday at Madison Square Garden. The lightning return to Amelie Arena for Game 3 on Sunday.
An estimated 3,000 people reportedly attended the first Memorial Day ceremony since 2019 at the Bay Pines National Cemetery in St. Petersburg on Monday. Due to the pandemic, services were held virtually the last two years. On Sunday, volunteers - many of who have family members buried at the cemetery - placed over 25,000 flags on gravestones. The Bay Pines Veterans Administration serves the Tampa Bay region and averages 1,000 burials a year.
