Gary King, founder of the Happiness Experiment, wants to donate one of his trademark red and white signs to the first local school willing to display it in a cafeteria. He estimates the eight-foot-long “Happiness” sign, similar to the much smaller ones found throughout St. Petersburg, is worth $350. In a social media post Tuesday, King said its display would cause “a profound change that is beyond believable.”
University of South Florida officials announced Tuesday that the school set new fundraising records for the third consecutive year with over $168 million in philanthropic support from more than 54,000 donors in the fiscal year that ended June 30. The number of donors increased by 44% over the previous fiscal year. President Rhea Law credited USF’s invitation to join the prestigious Association of American Universities for propelling fundraising efforts.
The City of St. Petersburg will host a hurricane expo dedicated to senior citizens Thursday at the Sunshine Center. Emergency management personnel will provide crucial preparation tips, and the first 30 households to register will receive a complimentary hurricane kit. The expo is from 1 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. at 330 5th St. N.
The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office (PSCO) has received a contract from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) for High Visibility Enforcement (HVE) Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety. Deputies will be conducting high visibility education and enforcement that could result in warnings or citations at 15 locations throughout Pinellas County that have been identified as high crash areas for pedestrians and bicyclists. PSCO said the goal is to educate and enforce safe pedestrian, bicyclist and motorist behavior
Former First Lady, Senator from New York and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton will speak Oct. 15 at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts in Tampa. Clinton's latest book, Something Lost, Something Gained: Reflections on Life, Love, and Liberty will be published in September. Tickets go on sale Aug. 2 at www.strazcenter.org.
Former Mayor Rick Kriseman recently told Pinellas County’s Tourist Development Council that FOX Sports will now broadcast the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. He and other stakeholders believe the switch from NBC will increase viewership for the March 2 race. FOX Deportes will carry exclusive Spanish-language coverage, and FS1 and FS2 will telecast all practice and qualifying sessions on cable.
The Pinellas County Commission will discuss plans to contribute $312.5 million in tourist development tax dollars to a new $1.37 billion Tampa Bay Rays ballpark at a July 25 work session. The meeting follows the St. Petersburg City Council’s approval July 18. Commissioners will vote on the generational project July 30.
Filmed entirely in Pinellas County, Outdoor Eats: St. Pete-Clearwater airs on the Bally Sports/South network Thursday (July 25) at 11:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Chef Corso, renowned outdoor explorer, culinary guide and TV host, visits Brick Street Farms, Wild Child, the Tarpon Springs Farmers Market, Anclote Key, Frenchy’s Seafood Market, the Vinoy and other locations.
The run of The Rocky Horror Show, now the biggest box office success in Jobsite Theater history, has been extended. The final performances will be Aug. 8 and 9 at 7:30 p.m. Jobsite is the resident theater company of Tampa's David A. Straz Center for the Arts.
Pinellas County residents must register to vote or change their political party affiliation for the Aug. 20 primary elections by Monday, July 22. Voters can update their addresses online by calling (727) 464-VOTE or emailing Election@VotePinellas.gov and including their birthdate and identification information. Registered residents can vote in the universal primary contest for Supervisor of Elections, nonpartisan school board and judge races and the county referendum questions, regardless of party affiliation.
The McMullen Fish House Food Trolley is now open at 1700 4th St. S. in St. Petersburg. While hours vary, it typically serves smoked mullet, Cajun catfish po-boys, seared grouper tacos and citrus salmon burgers from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and from 11 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. on Sundays. The former trolley sits adjacent to the fish house, which offers live bait, tackle and fresh seafood.
Coral Gables-based Amerant Bank is now the official banking partner of the Tampa Bay Rays. In addition to the “official bank” designation, Amerant will now have an extensive branding presence throughout Tropicana Field and the gameday radio broadcast, hospitality opportunities and use of the team’s logos. The community bank previously partnered with the Florida Panthers, Miami Heat and the Miami Marlins.
