Category: Government & Public Affairs

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

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

Statewide ban on public homeless encampments spurs controversy  

Florida's statewide ban on public homeless encampments, put forth through House Bill 1365, spurs controversy in the St. Petersburg area. (Photo by BKP/Adobe Stock Photo)

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  

Sinking in Sewage

Downtown St. Petersburg viewed from the bay receives most of the City's investments, leaving a few districts impoverished. Photo by Richard Boore.

Sinking in Sewage: Can St. Pete Clean Up It’s Act? By Krystel Knowles A sewage spill of roughly 200 million gallons of raw and partially treated sewage ended up the Tampa Bay area in 2015 and 2016. This incident brought to light that if something isn’t done to the infrastructure the view that makes St.… Continue reading Sinking in Sewage

Affordable Housing Crisis Hits Hard in St. Petersburg’s Districts 5 and 7

  Affordable Housing Crisis Hits Hard in St. Petersburg’s Districts 5 and 7   By Hope Garza   Mark Moore, a resident of St. Petersburg, Florida, experienced first-hand the effects of the affordable housing crisis. At 20-years old, Moore gained custody of his five nieces and nephews and found that even small apartments in St.… Continue reading Affordable Housing Crisis Hits Hard in St. Petersburg’s Districts 5 and 7

Recycling deficits in St. Petersburg Need Solutions from Elected Officials

A resident visits one of the drop-off sites due to not having a recycling bin available to him in his trailer home complex. Photo by Karen Arango.
Recycling deficits in St. Petersburg Need Solutions from Elected Officials   By Nageena Laing, Kelsey Knight and Karen Arango   The City of Saint Petersburg touts itself as being a “Green City,” mobilizing campaigns to support eco-friendly ventures, green movement initiatives, and reducing waste whenever possible. The city campaigns for all its residents to take part… Continue reading Recycling deficits in St. Petersburg Need Solutions from Elected Officials

Progressive St. Petersburg… and its dividing line

A string of shops and vacancies along Grand Central District off of 24th Street. Photo by Richard Boore.
Progressive St. Petersburg... and its dividing line   Lavish funding continues to fuel St. Petersburg’s dynamic downtown growth, while residents and business owners in Districts 5 & 7 come up empty-handed.    by Richard Boore and Kate Reuter   Downtown St. Petersburg viewed from the bay receives most of the City's investments, leaving a few… Continue reading Progressive St. Petersburg… and its dividing line

Dispelling the Deserts: Communities Implement Their Own Solutions Against Food Insecurity in St. Petersburg

Bartlett Park Community Garden. Photo by Madeline Seiberlich.
Dispelling the Deserts   Communities Implement Their Own Solutions Against Food Insecurity in St. Petersburg   BY THOMAS IOVINO   Bartlett Park Community Garden. Photo by Madeline Seiberlich.   Nearly 1,000 days ago, residents of south St. Petersburg lost access to something many of us take for granted – easy access to fresh, wholesome foods.… Continue reading Dispelling the Deserts: Communities Implement Their Own Solutions Against Food Insecurity in St. Petersburg