Tampa Bay Collard Green Festival celebrates health, culture and community  

Locals gather at an outdoor venue in St. Petersburg for the Tampa Bay Collard Green Festival Feb. 20-21 to celebrate culture, food and wellness. (Photo by Kaylen Ross)

By D’Asya Collier-Williams This year’s Tampa Bay Collard Green Festival in St. Petersburg marked a major milestone for the local community, blending food, health and culture. What started as a small fundraiser in a church basement in 2018 has grown into an annual event that draws hundreds of attendees from across the city.  “We started with just a… Continue reading Tampa Bay Collard Green Festival celebrates health, culture and community  

“Razed” documentary sparks emotional response from Gas Plant residents

Roundhouse Creative’s film director Andrew Lee and assistant director and co-producer Tara Segall share insights about their documentary during a panel discussion facilitated by David Ponton, associate professor and chair of the Racial Justice Initiative, on Feb. 28, 2025. (Photo by Anastaciya Pellicano/NNB)

By Anastaciya Pellicano Over 800 people attended the twice sold-out premiere of the new documentary “Razed: Lies, Baseball, and the Price of Progress” on Saturday, Feb. 22 and Sunday, Feb. 23, according to its creators.  While the initial screening was held at the Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg’s Center for Health Equity, the overwhelming… Continue reading “Razed” documentary sparks emotional response from Gas Plant residents

Debate over Rays’ value to local economy persists

Popular sports bar, Ferg’s Sports Bar & Grill, overlooks the wreckage of the Tampa Bay Rays' home stadium, Tropicana Field. (Photo by Mahika Kukday/NNB)

By Mahika Kukday, Canela Vasquez, Alyssa Moritz and Noah Chase   The Tampa Bay Rays and the fate of their new and old stadium has been the talk of St. Petersburg for about a year, but even as city council continues to move forward with repairing Tropicana Field, the city remains unsure of how important major league baseball really… Continue reading Debate over Rays’ value to local economy persists

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

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

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

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

Pet adoptions surge across Flordia shelters after hurricane season

On the left, a North Carolina volunteer cares for a dog rescued during Hurricane Helene. On the right, an animal shelter is damaged by the hurricane, leaving the shelter completely unlivable for its animals. (Photo courtesy of GreaterGood.com)

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