St. Pete Pride, one of the largest LGBTQ celebrations in the Southeast, announced Wednesday that its theme for 2026 is "Here Comes the Sun." Executive director Bior Guigni said the theme "embodies where our community is headed - toward deeper connection, greater inclusion and bold joy." St. Pete Pride, which has a new vision and leadership, will announce detailed event information on its website Jan. 20.
The Homeless Leadership Alliance has announced that cold night shelters will open Thursday night throughout Pinellas County as the National Weather Service expects "feels like" temperatures of 40 degrees or below between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. The Pinellas County Suncoast Transit Authority will provide free bus rides to and from shelters, which provide a warm and safe place to sleep. Many also serve a meal. Shelters in St. Petersburg include the Unitarian Universalist Church at 100 Mirror Lake Dr. N., Salvation Army at 1400 4th St. S. and Allendale Church at 3803 Haines Rd. N. To volunteer, visit the website here.
Pinellas County Schools announced Wednesday that it set a new graduation rate record of 93.4% in the 2024-25 academic year. The number represents a year-over-year increase of nearly two percentage points, and leads Florida's largest public school districts and those in the Tampa Bay area. All 17 traditional Pinellas schools achieved graduation rates of over 90%. Palm Harbor University earned a 100% graduation rate.
St. Petersburg-based Duke Energy Florida will give away 1,000 trees to customers as part of its ongoing collaboration with the Arbor Day Foundation. Customers can request a free tree online Friday, which is Florida Arbor Day, while supplies last. Duke will then ship various species of one-gallon trees directly to homes. For more information, visit the website here.
The American Albanian Law Enforcement Association (AALEA) named St. Petersburg Police Chief Anthony Holloway its 2026 Man of the Year at an awards ceremony Jan. 11. Holloway was recognized for his distinguished career in law enforcement, innovative crime prevention programs, fostering trust between police and the community and dedication to public service. The AALEA, formed to support Albanian Americans in law enforcement, also credited Holloway for exemplifying the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.
The U.S Customs and Border Protection is hosting a recruitment event at the Hilton St. Petersburg Carillon Park today until 8 p.m. and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Local organizations have announced protest plans for the event. "Join us there both days to rally against ICE and Hilton’s support of their continued abuse and violence against our immigrant communities,” 50501 Movement representatives said in an Instagram post.
The City of St. Petersburg is now accepting applications for its Community Food Grant program, which will provide one $50,000 and two $25,000 awards for innovative projects that "create a more inclusive and resilient food landscape for all residents." Health St. Pete is overseeing the competitive grant program to further the city's community-centered Healthy Food Action Plan. To learn more about the initiative and apply, visit the website here.
The St. Petersburg-based Duke Energy Foundation is inviting Florida nonprofits to apply for grants ranging from $5,000 to $20,000. Organizations that support careers for military veterans, share the "American story" and "care for our country" through public cleanups and revitalization can apply until Feb. 20. The program, created in honor of the nation's 250th anniversary, will distribute $1 million. For more information, visit the website here.
The Florida Department of Transportation announced Tuesday that work to shift southbound I-275 traffic between Roosevelt Boulevard (Exit 30) and 38th Avenue North (Exit 25) toward the median "has been postponed until further notice," and it will "likely be at least" Jan. 19 before the project begins. However, previously scheduled nightly lane closures in both directions between the two exits may still occur for other work from 8:30 p.m. to 6 a.m., Tuesday through Thursday.
Prominent local businessman Jeff Knight, who was arrested in July 2025 on eight felony charges after his boat collided with the Clearwater Ferry, will face a jury of his peers in October. One man died, and 10 others were injured in the April 2025 crash. A circuit court judge set Knight's trial for Oct. 5 at a hearing Monday, despite his lawyer petitioning for at least a two-year delay. Knight, 63, has a long history of legal troubles and faces up to 23 years in prison for eight counts of leaving the scene of a crash involving death or injury and over a dozen related misdemeanors.
The City of Clearwater will close three of four westbound traffic lanes on Court Street, from South Prospect Avenue to South Garden Avenue, for approximately two weeks, starting Jan. 19. According to the announcement, the closure is "necessary to repair and replace various failing sanitary sewer manholes." Motorists traveling to the downtown core and toward Clearwater Beach can expect "heavy traffic congestion and long wait times."
New York-based Excelsior University, which recently opened its first standalone campus in St. Petersburg, has launched a Bachelor of Science in Nursing prelicensure program. Officials designed the hybrid, accelerated learning experience to be completed in three years or less. Students can learn more about and apply to the program at two open house events Feb. 3-4 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at 9400 4th St. N., Suite 100.
