History on film is preserved in the making of “Razed”

The historic St. Petersburg gas plant with nearby homes before redevelopment. (Photo courtesy of the St. Petersburg Museum of History)

By Anastaciya Pellicano, Jensen Horvath, Destiny McDaniel and Alisha Durosier In December 2021, when Carlos Lovett was first asked about his experience growing up in St. Petersburg’s Gas Plant District, he was not expecting to be featured in a documentary. While attending a cookout organized for former Gas Plant and Laurel Park neighborhood residents, Lovett… Continue reading History on film is preserved in the making of “Razed”

Imagine Museum celebrates anime’s artistic legacy in new exhibit

Imagine Museum sign of contemporary studio glass from 1960’s to present. (Photo by Christopher Hooker/NNB)

By Christopher Hooker In a transitional move to merge high art with pop culture, St. Petersburg’s Imagine Museum hosts a new an anime exhibit that promises to dazzle lifelong fans and curious newcomers alike.  Anime, a Japanese art form known for its unique visuals and captivating storytelling, has become a global cultural phenomenon. This exhibit will spotlight… Continue reading Imagine Museum celebrates anime’s artistic legacy in new exhibit

Housing projects in Pinellas County prove to be difficult for nonprofits

While residents of Pinellas Hope evacuated, the outdoor shelter received severe damage. High winds battered tents, scattered debris and mangled fences. (Photo by Joe Pondolfino

By Kairo Munoz As unhoused individuals struggle with the loss of their livelihoods, nonprofits and activists push for housing reform, despite facing significant pushbacks.  As the enactment date for Gov. Ron DeSantis’ House Bill 1365 approached, law enforcement and homeless organizations prepared for incoming risks.  The bill bans public sleeping and camping, with another section… Continue reading Housing projects in Pinellas County prove to be difficult for nonprofits

Jannus Live concert venue helps reshape downtown St. Petersburg

Ken Carson performs at Jannus live on July 10, 2024. It was Carson’s first performance in St. Petersburg and the second stop on his "A Great Chaos" tour. (Photo by Tapan Harkhani)

By Tyler Tran In the heart of downtown St. Petersburg, Jannus Live has become more than just a concert venue; for many community members, it’s a cultural icon and a key player in the city’s economic and cultural revival. With its open-air stage and wide-ranging performances, Jannus Live attracts thousands of visitors, helping reshape downtown into… Continue reading Jannus Live concert venue helps reshape downtown St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg residents navigate a growing city amid population boom

Tropicana Field prior to the destruction it suffered due to Hurricane Milton in 2024. (Photo by Skyla Rogers/NNB)

By Skyla Rogers Over the past two decades, steady development has transformed St. Petersburg’s Historic Gas Plant District from a hidden gem into a bustling city. Its boom in population and change in infrastructure has left locals cautiously looking toward the future of the city.  St. Petersburg resident, Donna Smith, moved to the city in… Continue reading St. Petersburg residents navigate a growing city amid population boom

Pinellas County students struggle despite increased mental health support

Pinellas County is working to enhance mental health services in schools, providing students with improved support to help them navigate the challenges they encounter. (Photo courtesy of France School Calendar)

By Stephanie Glass Pinellas County schools recently increased their budget for mental health services, but many students feel the expanded resources are not sufficient to address the pressures of modern adolescence.  “I think they try, but they really don’t know how to reach out,” a junior from Gibbs High School, who prefers to remain anonymous, said.… Continue reading Pinellas County students struggle despite increased mental health support

St. Petersburg navigates political divides after 2024 presidential election

The 2024 presidential election has deepened political divides across America, straining relationships in families, workplaces and communities as individuals navigate tense environments shaped by differing political beliefs. (Photo illustration by Abby Duke)

By Abby Duke The 2024 presidential election between U.S. President-Elect Donald Trump and current Vice President Kamala Harris has left more than just political tensions in its wake. As the results pave the way for Trump to return to office in late January 2025, the contentious outcome has fractured friendships, strained family ties and created… Continue reading St. Petersburg navigates political divides after 2024 presidential election

St. Pete video game store combines retro nostalgia with modern play

A section of Unlimited Video Game’s Superstore and Arcade, with stations set up to play both arcade games and classic old-school console games. (Photo by Samuel Talero/NNB)

By Samuel Talero Situated in Pinellas Park lies Unlimited Video Games Superstore and Arcade, a locally owned video game business and part retro arcade. The moment customers step through the door they’re greeted with the sights and sounds of video games, most of which have long been off other stores’ shelves.   The store’s owners… Continue reading St. Pete video game store combines retro nostalgia with modern play

Soccer enthusiasm spreads across St. Petersburg

Al Lang Stadium, home of the Tampa Bay Rowdies, as seen in an overhead view taken in downtown St. Petersburg on Oct. 15, 2024. The stadium has become a central hub for the city’s growing soccer culture. (Photo courtesy of the Tampa Bay Rowdies Communications)

By Daniel Hernandez As soccer becomes an integral part of St. Petersburg’s athletic culture, the sport is gaining momentum through youth programs, amateur leagues and the support of professional teams like the Tampa Bay Rowdies.   Participation across the city is growing, and soccer is carving out its place alongside more established sports in the… Continue reading Soccer enthusiasm spreads across St. Petersburg

Pinellas County rebuilds beaches and restores tourism after hurricane season

A volunteer wearing a Visit St. Pete-Clearwater Still Shining T-shirt participates in The Big Cleanup at Clearwater Beach. The event, held in early November, followed Hurricanes Helene and Milton. (Photo courtesy of Visit St. Pete-Clearwater)

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