By Victoria Byrd-Harrington After Hurricane season came to an end in late November, Pinellas County has worked to rebuild its coastal reputation through campaigns and safety measures, reassuring discouraged tourists that many beaches are now safe. The fall hurricanes caused significant damage to Pinellas County beaches, including erosion, debris and contamination. To bring back tourists and help local businesses… Continue reading Pinellas County rebuilds beaches and restores tourism after hurricane season
Author: April Borjon
Rising rents threaten artists’ presence in Warehouse Arts District
By Jack Hernandez and Madelyn Siner In the eyes of the community, The Warehouse Arts District in St. Petersburg has been a key part of the city’s cultural fabric. Known for its repurposed industrial spaces, the district has provided artists with places to work and opportunities to thrive. However, as property values rise and redevelopment… Continue reading Rising rents threaten artists’ presence in Warehouse Arts District
Local markets expand across St. Petersburg
By Riley Benson Despite the sweltering Florida heat and sidewalks still in recovery mode from Hurricane season, St. Petersburg locals can be spotted out at a neighborhood market. From handmade candles to taxidermy bugs, there’s an option for every niche. Arguably, the most popular markets are the weekly Saturday Morning Market and monthly Mezzo Market. Recently,… Continue reading Local markets expand across St. Petersburg
Pet adoptions surge across Flordia shelters after hurricane season
By Cassia Machado As Hurricane Helene and Milton charged across Florida, animal shelters became makeshift sanctuaries, filled with anxious pets and restless barks. Volunteers were called to urgently work cataloging each animal and securing safe spaces as cities grappled with back to back hurricanes. With each adoption and foster placement, the shelter’s noise levels grew until… Continue reading Pet adoptions surge across Flordia shelters after hurricane season
Sector FM revives St. Petersburg’s music scene
By Kaylen Ross As the beat drops, neon lights reflect off drinks and local DJs spin tracks at a crowded dive bar in St. Petersburg, The Bends. Seen as the heartbeat of Sector FM, a Florida-based radio station, the faces behind the music come from Vonne Parks and Andre “Dre” Gainey, members of the band They… Continue reading Sector FM revives St. Petersburg’s music scene
St. Petersburg residents consider moving after hurricane damage
By Christopher Hooker Debris continues to litter neighborhoods, with moldy furniture and vegetation still piled along curbsides. Many residents still wear expressions of disbelief, as they grapple with the sudden upheaval of their lives. Following the destruction left by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, many St. Petersburg residents are weighing whether to rebuild their lives or… Continue reading St. Petersburg residents consider moving after hurricane damage
AI challenges St. Petersburg’s art scene
By Tyler Tran Artificial Intelligence, known as technology that allows computers to imitate human intelligence, is reshaping the art world by introducing new opportunities and ethical concerns. As AI-driven creations enter mainstream galleries and artist studios, St. Petersburg’s vibrant art scene may face a significant transformation. Some fear AI’s influence could dilute the authenticity for… Continue reading AI challenges St. Petersburg’s art scene
Statewide ban on public homeless encampments spurs controversy
By Kairo Munoz Following two back-to-back hurricanes in October, the city’s law enforcement, shelters and homeless organizations cope with the enactment of House Bill 1365. With the law being touted as a violation against the rights of the unhoused community, critics worry about the negative consequences that come with enforcing it. Signed into law by… Continue reading Statewide ban on public homeless encampments spurs controversy
Local arcade hosts niche community gaming scene
By Samuel Talero Located in Largo, Neon Dreams Arcade hosts a variety of different arcade-style video games imported from Japan. Rather than serve as just a showcase for overseas games, Neon Dreams specializes in attracting fans to the same spot in St. Petersburg, fostering a community where people with similar taste can meet new friends… Continue reading Local arcade hosts niche community gaming scene
Back-to-back hurricanes test St. Petersburg’s resilience
By Riley Benson From June to November, Floridians brace for the possible tropical storms that will come their way. After the 2024 hurricane season, St. Petersburg residents know a thing or two about repairing after a storm. Hurricane Helene made landfall in late September. Then, with the city barely beginning the recovery process, Hurricane Milton made landfall… Continue reading Back-to-back hurricanes test St. Petersburg’s resilience