News Summary
In St. Petersburg, local residents are driving community initiatives that promote mental health awareness and happiness. Adam Peters, inspired by personal loss, has created the Community Happiness Project featuring a ‘wind phone’ for emotional reflection. Another local, Gary King, has initiated ‘The Happiness Experiment’ with 593 positivity signs across Pinellas County, aiming to enhance mental health awareness after the tragic loss of his son. Both initiatives serve as powerful reminders of the impact of kindness and community in addressing mental health.
St. Petersburg residents are taking significant steps to promote happiness and mental health awareness through community initiatives inspired by personal tragedies. Adam Peters, known in his neighborhood as a “Happiness Ambassador,” has initiated the Community Happiness Project, a vibrant installation at his home that encourages peace and joy, serving as a popular gathering spot for families and neighbors.
Motivated by his sister’s tragic death by suicide in early 2025, Peters has deepened his commitment to spreading kindness and happiness. After leaving his corporate job, he dedicated himself fully to helping others discover joy even amidst grief. A unique feature of his project is a “wind phone,” which allows individuals to make one-way calls to deceased loved ones, fostering emotional reflection. Peters believes that expressing thoughts to those who have passed can be a powerful healing process.
On Saturday, October 11, Peters is set to host an official dedication of the wind phone at his community project. This event aims to bring people together to honor their memories and promotes dialogue about mental health.
Alongside Peters, another local resident, Gary King, has created a widespread initiative to spread positivity. King installed 593 “Happiness signs” across Pinellas County, aiming to enhance mental health awareness following the suicide of his son, Jason, in 2012. His initiative, “The Happiness Experiment,” started in 2019 and has been positioned at busy intersections, schools, and hospitals to reach as many people as possible.
King has amassed data suggesting that these signs have not only improved general well-being but have also played a role in suicide prevention. With a background in psychology, he emphasizes the science that underpins happiness and its ability to improve lives. King has also authored a book, titled “The Happiness Experiment,” and is featured in an upcoming documentary that highlights his mission to promote mental health awareness.
Peters drew inspiration from King’s work with his Community Happiness Project, aiming to encourage neighbors to adopt a more positive outlook. Recently, Peters completed a “curiosities cabinet” within his project, where visitors can both share and take inspirational items, further fostering a sense of community connection. He has also written a book titled “The Blueprint to Happy” and plans to embark on a national book tour to reach a wider audience with his message.
Both Peters and King’s initiatives exemplify a growing movement within St. Petersburg that seeks to enhance connection and emotional healing in the community. They serve as reminders of the importance of mental health awareness and the impact that kindness and positivity can have in the face of despair. With dedication to their respective causes, both men stand as beacons of hope in their community, encouraging others to find joy and meaning in even the most difficult circumstances.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Eddie Horne’s Inspiring Graduation Story at School
Noryane’s Studio Salon Expands to St. Petersburg
St. Petersburg Pride Festival Breaks Attendance Records
St. Petersburg Kicks Off LGBTQ+ Pride Month with Flag Raising
Kentucky Mother and Son Win Historic Powerball Jackpot
St. Petersburg School Community Mourns Tragic Death of Teen
St. Petersburg Planning Director Elizabeth Abernethy Retires
Trump Announces Major Breakthrough in Terrorism Case
St. Petersburg Launches Florida’s First Cat Coworking Space
St. Petersburg Celebrates as Missing Boys Found Safe
Additional Resources
- WTSP: St. Petersburg’s Happiness Ambassador Finds Healing
- WTSP: Community Happiness Project
- Fox 13 News: Happiness Experiment in St. Pete
- Crows Nest St. Pete: Gary King’s Happiness Experiment
- St. Pete Catalyst: Community Happiness Project Expansion
- Wikipedia: Mental Health
- Google Search: Community Happiness Projects
- Google Scholar: Happiness Initiatives
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mental Health Awareness
- Google News: St. Petersburg Happiness Projects
Author: STAFF HERE PETERSBURG WRITER
ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER The ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREStPetersburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in St Petersburg, Pinellas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Localtopia, and SHINE Mural Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Pete Downtown Partnership, plus leading businesses in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Raymond James Financial, Jabil, and Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
