Mushroom and hemp enthusiasts gathered in St. Petersburg’s Grand Central District to celebrate a new dispensary’s grand opening Friday. Chillum Mushroom & Hemp Dispensary opened at 1916 Central Ave. with live music and free food. Its owners pledge that knowledgeable staff will help guide customers in a “vibrant atmosphere.”
This week, the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office unveiled a new sign on Interstate I-275 between mile markers 30 and 31 honoring fallen Deputy Michael Hartwick. The Florida Legislature designated the portion of intersections as Deputy Sheriff Michael Hartwick Memorial Highway. The Pinellas County deputy was killed in the line of duty in 2022.
University of South Florida St. Petersburg historians are hosting the school’s first History Harvest Sept. 18, from 5 p.m. until 6 p.m. Residents can share letters, photographs, art and other historical objects, and history majors will discuss their meaning and significance. Students will also digitally catalog objects and briefly interview owners. The artifact submission deadline is Aug. 31, and for more information, visit the website here.
Tori Penso, a St. Petersburg resident with three young daughters who attend North Shore Elementary, will represent the city on a global stage Sunday. World soccer’s governing body, FIFA, chose Penso, 38, to serve as the lead referee for the Women’s World Cup Final just four years after she quit her job in advertising to focus on refereeing full-time. Nearly two billion people will watch the championship match in Sydney, Australia.
St. Petersburg city officials are celebrating the 40th Avenue NE Bridge in Shore Acres opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Saturday, Aug. 19. The new bridge is St. Pete’s first to feature corrosion-resistant carbon and glass fiber-reinforced polymer throughout its structural elements. City workers realized the 40th Avenue NE Bridge was corroded beyond repair in 2017, and construction on a new span began in 2021.
The St. Petersburg Distillery, located at 800 31st St. S., will reveal a new outdoor spirit garden space on Friday, Sept. 1. "The new spirit garden is not just about serving great cocktails; it’s about bringing people together in a space where great food and drinks are shared and lasting memories are made," Matt Risley, the distillery’s director of brands and marketing, said in a Thursday news release. The garden will be located at the entrance of the tasting room and feature covered outdoor seating, music, cornhole and other games. Restaurant partner Cala Italian Kitchen will offer traditional Italian cuisine in the garden, including focaccia breads, pizzas and pastas.
All-Star starting pitcher Shane McClanahan, the anchor of a once-deep Tampa Bay Rays rotation, will undergo Tommy John elbow surgery and likely not play again until 2025. That will mark the second ligament reconstruction surgery for the left-handed University of South Florida graduate. Fellow pitchers Jeffrey Springs and Drew Rasmussen had recent Tommy John procedures that will sideline them until 2024.
Social Venture Partners Tampa Bay recently announced the seven nonprofits selected to participate in its 2023-24 Fast Pitch program. Those include EmpowHERment; Florida Dream Center; Girls Rock St. Pete; NAMI Pinellas; New Tampa Players; Water Smart Tots Foundation; and WellFed Community. The organizations receive 16 weeks of mentorship and guidance from area business leaders and participate in a Fast Pitch event with a $15,000 top prize.
German-based discount grocer Aldi plans to purchase Southeastern Grocers' Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket brands. The acquisition, which is expected to close next year, includes 400 grocery stores in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana and Mississippi, according to a news release. Some stores will be converted to Aldi chains while other locations will continue to operate as Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket stores. Earlier this month, two Winn-Dixie-anchored plazas in Pinellas County sold.
Forbes Advisor ranked St. Pete as the nation’s 12th most expensive city to own a dog, with boarding fees, veterinary costs and pet insurance premiums accounting for 2.37% of annual household incomes. Tampa ranked 19th among the 78 most-populated cities. According to the report, 39.29% of dog owners live on a tighter budget to afford expenses.
During a Tuesday Pinellas County Commission meeting, commissioners approved providing $665,816 of public funds for the 15-unit Founders Point affordable housing development. The units will be designated for individuals earning 60% or lower of the area median income (AMI) or households with special needs. The project, which will be developed at 2901 31st St. in St. Petersburg, is estimated to cost roughly $5.86 million. A land use restriction agreement will impose a 15-year affordability period on the units.
University of South Florida St. Petersburg students will find new extracurricular activities when they return to campus this fall. School officials installed two new pickleball courts and will provide balls and paddles. Students, faculty and staff can also reserve a new pontoon boat that seats up to 12 people for cruising, fishing or overnight camping.
