The University of South Florida announced today that it received a record-breaking $738 million in research funding during fiscal year 2024. That represents a 7% year-over-year increase and a 35% spike since 2022. The windfall coincides with USF’s first full fiscal year as a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities.
L.J. Govoni has stepped down as president of Clearwater-based Big Storm Brewing after his father and co-owner, Leo Govoni, was accused in court of embezzling $100 million in trust fund money for people with severe disabilities. The elder Govoni founded the St. Petersburg-based Center for Special Needs Trust Administration, which has since filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. L.J. Govoni announced his resignation in a Friday afternoon LinkedIn post that did not mention his father.
WalletHub compared the nation’s 100 largest cities across 38 metrics, including volunteer hours completed per capita and percentage of income donated to charities, to determine its annual “Most Caring Cities in America” report released Monday. St. Petersburg placed 55th, four spots below Tampa. However, St. Petersburg’s “caring for the vulnerable” ranking (No. 35) far surpassed its sister city (No. 58). Virginia Beach placed first.
ReliaQuest Bowl officials announced Sunday that the University of Alabama and University of Michigan football teams will conclude their seasons in Tampa on New Year’s Eve. The 39th annual bowl game kicks off at noon in Raymon James Stadium. Officials claim the local postseason tradition has generated an estimated $1.2 billion economic impact.
The Downtown St. Pete Lighted Boat Parade begins at 6:30 p.m. Saturday at the St. Petersburg Municipal Marina. Ideal locations to view the procession of illuminated boats include the St. Pete Pier, the Vinoy Yacht Basin, North Shore Park and Flora Wylie Park. Madeira Beach’s 58th annual Holiday Boat Parade will weave through the city’s canals Dec. 14 before ending at John’s Pass Village.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission water samples have recently found increasing concentrations of Karenia brevis, the organism that causes red tide, around St. Petersburg. However, the only bloom levels were recorded around Pass-a-Grille Beach. Water samples from Maximo Park showed low concentrations. The organism was found in “medium” amounts around Eggmont Key.
St. Petersburg Police officers will give away 150 bicycles, helmets, locks and lights to needy kids at a holiday event today thanks to the generosity of the St. Pete Fools Charities. The nonprofit will also provide food for the families – and the opportunity for positive interactions with officers. The holiday tradition began in Dec. 2019 when St. Pete Fools Club member Alex DeJesus spotted an officer buying a bicycle for a teen at Walmart.
After 14 years as police chief and nearly 31 years with the force, Robert Vincent has retired as Gulfport Police Chief. Vincent has named Commander Joshua Stone to serve as the acting chief of police until a permanent replacement is selected.
St. Petersburg Innovation District officials have invited public stakeholders to participate in their ongoing master planning initiative. Those with an innovative idea, like a new use for an existing building or technological tool, can share their thoughts through an online platform. For more information on the master plan and to add your thoughts, visit the website here.
A recent report found that the median home age in Pinellas County is 45 years, the highest in Florida. Utilizing U.S. Census Bureau data, Today’s Homeowner reported that Miami-Dade County has the state’s second-oldest homes, with a median age of 43. The median age of homes in neighboring Hillsborough, Pasco and Manatee Counties is 32, 33 and 34 years, respectively.
Frontier Airlines will launch five new nonstop routes from Tampa International Airport starting Dec. 17, including daily service to Boston, Washington, D.C. and Chicago. New, thrice weekly flights to Portland, Maine, and Burlington, Vermont begin Dec. 18 and Dec. 20, respectively. In addition, Air Canada announced it would offer year-round, twice weekly nonstop routes to Vancouver starting June 4.
The Florida Department of Children and Families will open a Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) application site at Tropicana Field from Dec. 7 through Dec. 9. Residents who do not receive food assistance through the traditional program can receive D-SNAP benefits. The facility will welcome applicants from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m. For program information, visit the website here.
