WalletHub recently compared over 180 cities according to 45 metrics, including housing costs, local school quality and recreational opportunities, to determine the ideal places to raise a family in 2024. The personal finance platform ranked St. Petersburg 57th, below Tampa and Orlando (tied for 48th). St. Pete scored highest for affordability and lowest for education and child care.
Lakeland-based Publix is rolling out its new ice cream truck this summer, and one of its seven Florida stops is at the St. Pete Pier. The promotion coincides with the release of limited-edition ice cream flavors, including Lemon Berry Bliss, Marry Me Strawberry and Cold Brew Cookies and Cream. Those attending Independence Day celebrations at the Pier can try the new flavors from 4 p.m. until 10 p.m. July 4.
The City of Madeira Beach announced Mayor Jim Rostek tendered his immediate resignation Friday at 1 p.m. Officials did not provide a reason for his abrupt departure. Vice Mayor Anne-Marie Brooks will now oversee municipal operations, and the city attorney could potentially serve in her role as District 4 commissioner. Officials will share qualifying and selection process information next week and host a special meeting June 26.
The Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater metro area continues falling further down WalletHub’s list of cities with the “biggest inflation problems.” The personal finance platform ranked Tampa Bay 23rd for May, with prices decreasing by 10% over the previous two months and increasing by 1.8% year-over-year. The latest ranking represents an 11-spot drop from April, and the metro area once consistently placed in the top five.
Shan Bakrac, owner of the pan Asian steakhouse Fortu, has announced a new concept in downtown St. Petersburg is forthcoming. Eve, a contemporary Mediterranean restaurant, will open in the long-delayed Galaxy Hotel project at 110 3rd Ave. N. The ownership group expects the 5,600-square-foot space that will seat 174 people to open in the winter or early 2025.
St. Petersburg officials encourage residents and neighborhood organizations to submit local projects for consideration in the city’s annual CareFest event. Volunteers will help with yard work, painting, neighborhood cleanups, donation drives and beautification projects. Amy Foster, housing and neighborhood services administrator, said volunteers completed over 400 projects in 2023, and “CareFest embodies the spirit of St. Pete.” For more information, visit the website here.
The Early Learning Coalition of Pinellas County is kicking off a new program called Ready to Read Pinellas. Families can sign up and receive a free book in the mail each month from the time their child is born until they are 5 years old. The goal is to get kids reading and prepare them for kindergarten.
Allegiant Air will be offering new nonstop flights between St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) and Evansville, Indiana via Evansville Regional Airport (EVV), and McAllen, Texas via McAllen International Airport (MFE). Flights to EVV begin today and flights to MFE begin Friday and must be booked through the airline's website, Allegiant.com.
While plans for a new Tampa Bay Rays stadium have dominated local discourse, Tropicana Field continues to provide one of the nation's best values. USA Today recently released its rankings of America’s most affordable gameday experiences, and the Trop ranked fourth. The average cost for a family of four to attend a game and buy a beer, sodas, hotdogs and a hat was just $205.81 in St. Petersburg.
Lorrin Shepard, chief operating officer of the David A. Straz Center for the Performing Arts, has announced his retirement after 34 years at the Tampa facility. In 2001, Shepard was named executive vice president and general manager, and in 2005 became COO. He managed the construction and opening of the $8 million Dr. Pallavi Patel Performing Arts Conservatory in 2004, and is currently serving as the project manager for the Straz Center's $100 million Master Plan renovation; he will continue as a consultant on the Master Plan after his retirement.
Pennsylvania-based Wawa, a convenience store chain known for its loyal following and food options, opened its first standalone drive-through location in Florida Thursday morning at 2530 East Bay Drive in Largo. The drive-through will offer a breakfast, lunch and dinner menu, a new line of specialty drinks and bakery items. The Largo location is Wawa’s third standalone drive-through store nationwide.
Redfin recently found that the nation’s three fastest-cooling housing markets are on Florida’s Gulf Coast, with Tampa Bay placing second to the North Port-Venice metro area. The real estate platform’s researchers measured changes from April 2023 through April 2024 and discovered Tampa Bay home prices fell 43%. While 39% of area homes sell within two weeks, that represents an 11.8% decrease. In addition, price discounts increased 8% year-over-year.
