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Public comment period open for Florida’s Digital Adoption and Use Plan

FloridaCommerce announced the opening of the official 30-day public comment period to seek input on the State of Florida’s Digital Adoption and Use Plan, the state’s plan to access and operationalize $2.75 billion in funding. The funding prioritizes digital literacy and ensures people in Florida have the tools at their disposal to participate fully in the workforce, achieve prosperity and live resiliently. Read more about the plan and submit comments here.

USF wins Emmy Awards for Portraits in Patriotism series

Six University of South Florida employees shared one of the biggest awards in video production at the 2023 Suncoast Regional Emmy Awards Dec. 2, for the Portraits in Patriotism video series, which shares immigrant stories with Florida students.

New Year’s Eve schedule announced for St. Pete Pier

Spa Beach Park will be ground zero for New Year's Eve activities on the St. Pete Pier, starting at 8:30 p.m. Dec. 31. The free event will include performances by DJ Lawmaker, live entertainment, food trucks, games and more. The City of St. Petersburg Fireworks display begins at midnight. The SunRunner bus service will operate until 1 a.m.

Bucs move into first place with win

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers boosted their playoff odds Sunday with a 29-25 road win over the Atlanta Falcons. Tampa Bay’s 6-7 record moves the Bucs into a three-way tie for first place in the dismal NFC South with four games remaining in the season. Tampa Bay holds a tiebreaker over the Falcons and New Orleans Saints with a better winning percentage against common opponents.

Will Tampa Bay have its first Heisman Trophy winner?

Michael Penix Jr., a Tampa Bay native, is among three finalists for college football’s highest individual honor - the Heisman Trophy. The University of Washington quarterback attended high school at Tampa Bay Tech and led the nation in passing yards this year while propelling the second-ranked Huskies to an undefeated season. Penix is the region’s first Heisman finalist and could hear his name called as the 2023 winner at 8 p.m. Saturday.

FDOT receives $500,000 for local Brightline extension study

The Florida Department of Transportation received a $500,000 federal grant to study the rail corridor from Orlando to Tampa. Officials with Miami-based Brightline hope to extend their higher-speed rail route from Orlando International Airport to Tampa Bay. Hillsborough County legislators have requested $50 million in state funding to begin laying tracks for Brightline.

Council approves $1.25 million stadium consulting contract

The St. Petersburg City Council approved a $1.25 million contract with David Abrams and Inner Circle Sports to provide additional Tropicana Field redevelopment consultation services at its Dec. 7 meeting. Council members postponed a Nov. 30 vote due to the inclusion of a new entity and lack of financial information. Multiple council members expressed gratitude for recent one-on-one meetings with Abrams and cautious comfortability with a new limited liability corporation (LLC) that will act on the Tampa Bay Rays’ behalf.

Tree Mini-Grant program returns

Applications are now open for St. Petersburg’s Tree Mini-Grant program, which provides $10,000 to neighborhood and business associations for projects that foster relationships and improve the surrounding community. The goal is to increase and diversify the city’s tree canopy in optimal public locations. For more information, visit the website here.

Residents can offer feedback on Gas Plant redevelopment benefits

St. Petersburg residents can soon learn about and offer input on the community benefits provided by the upcoming $6.5 billion Historic Gas Plant Redevelopment. The Tampa Bay Rays/Hines development group has pledged $50 million to bolster the surrounding community. The Coliseum at 535 4th Ave. N. will host the first information session Dec. 13 at 5:30 p.m.

B’nai Israel’s Chase the Dreidel 5K takes place Sunday

Congregation B'nai Israel's annual Chase the Dreidel 5K and fun run takes place Sunday (Dec. 10) at 4 p.m.; the starting line is at the intersection of 4th Ave N and 59th St. Participants also receive a pancake latke supper (complete with doughnuts) and the opportunity to help light the biggest menorah in Pinellas County for the fourth night of Chanukah. Find all info at this link.

King State opens in St. Pete Friday

Tampa-based coffee roaster, bar and restaurant King State announced it will celebrate its first St. Petersburg location with a grand opening party Friday from 4 p.m. until 11 p.m. King State joins the COhatch coworking space at 15 8th St. N. Its first full day of service begins Dec. 12 at 8 a.m., with dinner reservations starting at 5 p.m.

USF President receives $300,000 bonus

University of South Florida President Rhea Law will receive $300,000 in annual performance bonuses, the maximum amount allowable. Board of Trustees Chair Will Weatherford said Law, who earns $600,000 annually, “is actually underpaid” at a recent meeting. Weatherford noted USF’s “banner year,” which included an invitation to join the prestigious Association of American Universities and long-awaited state funding for an Environment and Oceanographic Science Research and Teaching Facility on the St. Petersburg campus.

The St. Pete Catalyst

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