According to realtor.com data from June, Florida’s 71% year-over-year increase in home listings paces the nation. The state’s housing inventory for sale is now at pre-pandemic levels. A recent report cited Hurricane Ian, increased supply and strained demand caused by soaring prices, mortgage rates, and insurance premiums for the market softening.
Pinellas County administrators ranked Tampa-based Manhattan Construction Co. as their top choice to build a $110 million terminal expansion at St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE). Commissioners approved a $14.33 million contract with New York-based C&S Companies to design the project in May. The expansion will add seven passenger bridges, enhance the baggage area, add a gate and passenger waiting area and consolidate two safety checkpoints.
The Tampa Bay Rays confirmed they traded right-handed starting pitcher Zach Eflin to the division rival Baltimore Orioles for three prospects late Friday afternoon. Eflin was 5-7 with a 4.09 ERA in 19 starts in his second season with the Rays. The team signed Eflin to a three-year, $40 million contract before the 2023 season - the largest free agent deal in Rays history. Team officials traded fan-favorite Randy Arozarena early Friday morning.
The American Heart Association has named HCA Florida St. Petersburg Hospital a Get with the Guidelines-Stroke GoldPlus award winner. The distinction recognizes healthcare facilities that ensure stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatments according to research-based guidelines, ultimately saving lives and reducing disabilities. According to the AHA, stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the U.S.
A hotel in St. Petersburg was struck by lightning twice during a storm Wednesday. According to a social media post from the Mari Jean Hotel, the nearly 100-year-old building sustained damage to the facade facing Central Avenue, sending bricks toppling down onto the sidewalk. The post said no one was harmed by the lightning strikes and a restoration project will now begin to repair the damage.
Four teenagers were injured by a lightning strike Thursday evening as they sheltered under a banyan tree in downtown St. Petersburg. In a news release, St. Petersburg Fire Rescue said they were called to Beach Drive and Third Avenue at roughly 5:45 p.m. and “immediately began life-saving measures.” The teens, aged 16 and 17, were transported to area hospitals and are now in stable condition.
he Tampa Bay Rays announced they traded fan-favorite outfielder Randy Arozarena, 29, to the Seattle Mariners for three minor-league prospects at 1:21 a.m. Friday morning. Arozarena led the Rays to the 2020 World Series, won the American League Rookie of the Year award in 2021 and started his first All-Star game in 2023. However, his production decreased precipitously to start the season. The Rays received minor-league outfielder Aidan Smith, pitcher Brody Hopkins and a player to be named later for the massively popular player.
Despite the ongoing affordable housing crisis, St. Petersburg placed 16th among midsize cities on WalletHub’s annual list of the “best cities for first-time home buyers.” The personal finance platform analyzed 300 cities across 22 "key indicators" of market attractiveness, affordability and quality of life to determine its rankings. Tampa placed first among large cities.
Visitors accustomed to parking along side streets on Sunset Beach in Treasure Island must pay $5 per hour starting July 29. City parking lots will charge a lower hourly rate of $3.75. All beachgoers must use the ParkMobile. However, residents can purchase up to two annual parking passes for $45.
Pinellas County officials are accepting applications for three appointments on the 12-person Tourist Development Council, which offers recommendations on the most effective use of tourist development tax revenues. The county’s bed tax - a 6% surcharge on overnight stays - generated a record $98 million in fiscal year 2023. Applications are due by 3 p.m. Oct. 4, and for more information, visit the website here.
Former City Councilmember Robert Blackmon, founder of several real estate ventures, has joined Tampa Bay Times CEO Conan Gallaty, Tampa Bay Rays President Brian Auld and ARK Invest Chief Investment Officer Cathie Wood on the Cityverse board of advisors. Cityverse is a geographically-focused civic media platform, powered by local news and content. Blackmon will help build capacity in the real estate space and facilitate bringing news and content from the community, to the community.
Publix Super Markets plans to demolish its store at 3900 66th St. N. in St. Petersburg and build a new facility. The building opened in 1976, according to Pinellas County property records. The store will close Saturday.
