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County officials seek planning agency merger feedback

Whit Blanton, executive director of Forward Pinellas, is exploring the creation of a regional Metropolitan Planning Organization for the Tampa Bay Area. The organization is now asking Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco County residents for feedback regarding their transit priorities. To take the survey, visit the link here

Mediterranean restaurant to open at former Caddy’s space

Taverna On The Bay, a restaurant concept that will serve Mediterranean dishes with a modern twist, will open in the building that recently housed Caddy's. The owners teased the plans on Facebook, sharing an image of the space at 5501 Gulf Blvd. An opening date has not been announced. Caddy’s also closed its Gulfport restaurant at 3128 Beach Blvd. S. 

City expands affordable housing rebate program

The City of St. Petersburg has expanded its Rebates for Affordable Residential Rehabs Program, which was initially solely offered to the South St. Petersburg Community Redevelopment Area (CRA). The program, which will now be accessible citywide, was created to help address supply cost increases and boost the quality of affordable housing by providing a rebate of up to 40%. Eligible homeowners in St. Pete can apply for funding to cover improvements such as structural repairs, plumbing/electrical upgrades and the construction of an accessory dwelling unit (ADU). Applicants must make a minimum investment of $10,000 per residential unit on eligible building improvements through licensed contractors. 

STEAM-based entrepreneurial program free for artists

The Tampa Bay Innovation Center is accepting applications for its STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) CO.STARTERS cohort beginning on Sept. 13. The 10-week, facilitator-led program typically costs $375. However, funding from Creative Pinellas will allow artists and arts-related organizations to participate for free. For more information, visit the website here.

Tower construction to impact weekend traffic

St. Petersburg officials announced potential vehicle and pedestrian traffic impacts this weekend due to ongoing construction on the Art House Tower at 200 Central Avenue. About 65 concrete trucks will drive in and out of downtown along 3rd Street and 1st Avenue South. While local leaders “worked with the developer to attempt to mitigate any inconvenience,” the added congestion could last from 10 p.m. Friday until 8 p.m. Saturday.

Sheriff conducts mass casualty exercise at local school

The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office is conducting an active assailant mass casualty exercise at Seminole Middle and High Schools that will continue "into the evening." They have also closed 86th Avenue North between 131st Street and 125th Street. Multiple local agencies are participating, and the goal is to evaluate and improve preparedness.

St. Pete residents could see several rates increase

St. Petersburg’s recommended fiscal year 2024 budget includes several proposed rate increases, most notably, a 15% stormwater fee hike. All other water resource rates could jump 7.5%, and Municipal Marina tenants could soon pay 10% more for slip rentals. Sanitation officials also proposed a 7.5% increase.

Slide secures additional $100M bond

Tampa insurer Slide has secured a second $100 million catastrophe (cat) bond. The second bond follows a $100 million cat bond Slide closed earlier this year. The bonds will strengthen the company's financial capacity and reinsurance coverage in the state, according to a social media post. 

Skyway lighting could help save lives

U.S. Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg officials recently announced a new partnership with the Florida Department of Transportation that will enhance search and rescue capabilities. Local Guardsmen can now access the Sunshine Skyway Bridge’s lighting system. That will increase nighttime visibility “by two football fields,” or 720 yards in either direction.

St. Pete building bulldozed for new development

This week, crews have started the demolition work on the three-story office building at 235 3rd St. S. in St. Petersburg. Local developer Echelon Real Estate Services is planning to build a new $96 million, 33-story tower at the site. According to the previously approved plans, the tower will have 368 apartment units, 15,525 square feet of commercial space and a 323-space parking garage. 

Kahwa Coffee comes to Coquina Key

St. Petersburg staple Kahwa Coffee will open its 17th location Thursday, July 20, at 400 45th Avenue in the city’s Coquina Key neighborhood. The shop features a drive-thru and marks the local company’s first foray into the South St. Pete area. A ribbon-cutting ceremony and grand opening celebration is set for Aug. 15, and patrons can receive free coffee throughout the day.

New statues will commemorate historic Rays moments

The Tampa Bay Rays will unveil two statues from local sculptor Steven Dickey commemorating iconic moments in the team’s history before the Sept. 23 home game against the Toronto Blue Jays. The first will depict Akinori Iwamura recording the final out that secured the 2008 American League pennant and sent the team to its first World Series. The second will memorialize Evan Longoria’s 12th-inning walk-off home run that clinched the 2011 Wild Card in the regular season’s final game.

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