The Tampa Bay Lightning have announced auditions for their brand ambassador team, the Bolts Blue Crew. Auditions for the 2024-25 season will take place at 6 p.m. Thursday (Aug. 8) at Amalie Arena. Those interested in applying and trying out must submit an application here: https://vsg.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/VSG/job/Blue-Crew_R739-1
The Saint, a religious-themed speakeasy in St. Petersburg's Grand Central District, announced on social media that it will close its doors in November. The ownership group, Pour Behavior Hospitality, plans to reopen a new concept in the space at 49 24th St. N. in the weeks following The Saint's closure, with plans to reopen "prior to the holidays."
Greenlane, a Tampa-based drive-thru salad concept, will not open its first Pinellas County location Monday in St. Petersburg due to Hurricane Debby. A representative said the company would “provide an update as soon as one is available.”
Pinellas County officials have closed Fort De Soto, Fred Howard and Sand Key Parks until Tuesday due to flooding and anticipated high tides associated with Hurricane Debby. All other parks, preserves and boat ramps remain open. The County Information Center is open until 5 p.m. to assist with storm recovery questions.
While Tampa International Airport remains open in Hurricane Debby aftermath, officials expect “major” disruptions to persist. They plan for flight delays and cancellations to increase throughout Monday. The airport reported 128 cancellations and 100 flight delays as of 6:45 a.m. Monday morning.
Due to concerns about the weather, the Off-Central has canceled Sunday's matinee performance of the play Orange. Performances will resume Thursday, Aug. 8.
The National Weather Service has issued a tropical storm warning and storm surge watch for Pinellas County. A tropical depression near Cuba will likely become a named storm - “Debbie” - as it enters the Gulf of Mexico and heads towards Florida’s Big Bend area. Forecasters expect 30 to 40 mph winds with up to 55 mph gusts and two to four feet of storm surge to affect Pinellas by Sunday evening. Visit the website here for St. Petersburg sandbag locations and other pertinent information.
Tampa-based World of Beer has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy to mitigate outstanding debt and terminate leases at underperforming locations. The craft beer bar and restaurant has closed most of its nationwide locations, including 14 over the year before the filing. World of Beer now has 33 franchised and company-owned establishments with an undetermined amount of unsecured debt.
Aerosmith's "Peace Out" farewell tour has been canceled, and the band has officially retired. Singer Steven Tyler's recovery from a vocal cord injury, the rock band said in a prepared statement, "is not possible." Aerosmith's tour was scheduled to stop at Amalie Arena Feb. 14; the date had already been moved, to allow Tyler more recovery time. “A final thank you to you — the best fans on planet Earth," the group wrote. "Play our music loud, now and always. Dream On. You’ve made our dreams come true."
Weather concerns have forced administrators at the Baycare Sound amphitheater to reschedule Sunday's Straight No Chaser concert to Monday (Aug. 5). Tickets for Sunday's show will be honored; those who can't attend Monday are asked to call (727) 791-7400.
The Saturday Shoppes will host its Bounce Back to School Backpack Giveaway and First Florida Fruit Festival event from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. Saturday at Tropicana Field’s Lot 1. Live Love St. Pete and the St. Pete Rotary helped acquire 2,500 stocked backpacks and 1,000 school uniform shirts to distribute to local youth and families. The Fruit Festival will feature live music, unique vendors, award-winning chefs, bounce houses, face painting and food trucks.
As St. Petersburg prepares for a potential storm impacting the area through the weekend into next week, the City has updated its sandbag distribution schedule to assist residents in safeguarding their properties against potential flooding. Each household is eligible to receive up to 10 sandbags. Proof of residency, such as a driver's license, is required. More information can be found at stpete.org/hurricane.
