St Petersburg Breaking News
BREAKING NEWS
St. Petersburg Man Completes 6,000-Mile Voyage in Support of Charity
News Summary A St. Petersburg man, Darren Hayes, has completed a remarkable 6,000-mile journey in a 22-foot pontoon boat to support the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Tampa Bay. This...
St. Petersburg Residents Rally Against Duke Energy
News Summary The ‘Dump Duke’ movement in St. Petersburg, Florida, is gaining momentum as residents express dissatisfaction with Duke Energy’s rising costs and reliability issues. As the city’s contract with...
Fire Crews Warn of Lithium-Ion Battery Risks This Holiday Season
News Summary With the holiday season approaching, fire crews in St. Petersburg, Florida are seeing a significant rise in fires linked to lithium-ion batteries. This alarming trend reflects a nationwide...
St. Petersburg Considers Flags to Honor LGBTQ+ Rights
News Summary The St. Petersburg City Council is deliberating the approval of two flags honoring LGBTQ+ rights and the city’s segregated past. Sponsored by Council member Gina Driscoll, the flags...
St. Petersburg City Council Reviews Water Billing Issues Amid Outrage
News Summary The St. Petersburg City Council has initiated a management review of the city’s water billing system due to ongoing resident complaints of excessively high bills. This decision follows...
Woman Charged with Exploiting Disabled Elderly in St. Petersburg
News Summary Delorse Boyd, 65, faces serious charges for exploiting a 79-year-old disabled woman in St. Petersburg. Over four years, Boyd allegedly stole more than $200,000 while managing the victim’s...
St. Petersburg City Council Delays Vote on Proposed Flags
News Summary The St. Petersburg City Council has postponed a vote on two proposed flags honoring the LGBTQ+ and Black communities. This decision follows the controversial removal of murals supporting...
Police Seek Help in St. Petersburg Hit-and-Run Case
News Summary The St. Petersburg Police Department is searching for the driver involved in a fatal hit-and-run that killed 61-year-old Victoria Morley. The incident occurred while she was crossing Dartmoor...
St. Petersburg City Council Delays Vote on Flag Proposals
News Summary The St. Petersburg City Council has postponed a vote on two proposed flags honoring the LGBTQ+ and Black communities due to a directive from Florida Governor Ron DeSantis....
St. Petersburg Considers Flags for LGBTQ+ Rights and Racial History
News Summary St. Petersburg, Florida, is deliberating the approval of two flags intended to promote LGBTQ+ rights and acknowledge the city’s racial segregation history. Designed by local artist Andrea Pawlisz,...
POLITICS
St. Petersburg Residents Rally Against Duke Energy
News Summary The ‘Dump Duke’ movement in St. Petersburg, Florida, is gaining momentum as residents express dissatisfaction with Duke Energy’s rising costs and reliability issues. As the city’s contract with...
St. Petersburg Considers Flags to Honor LGBTQ+ Rights
News Summary The St. Petersburg City Council is deliberating the approval of two flags honoring LGBTQ+ rights and the city’s segregated past. Sponsored by Council member Gina Driscoll, the flags...
St. Petersburg City Council Reviews Water Billing Issues Amid Outrage
News Summary The St. Petersburg City Council has initiated a management review of the city’s water billing system due to ongoing resident complaints of excessively high bills. This decision follows...
St. Petersburg City Council Delays Vote on Proposed Flags
News Summary The St. Petersburg City Council has postponed a vote on two proposed flags honoring the LGBTQ+ and Black communities. This decision follows the controversial removal of murals supporting...
St. Petersburg City Council Delays Vote on Flag Proposals
News Summary The St. Petersburg City Council has postponed a vote on two proposed flags honoring the LGBTQ+ and Black communities due to a directive from Florida Governor Ron DeSantis....
St. Petersburg Considers Flags for LGBTQ+ Rights and Racial History
News Summary St. Petersburg, Florida, is deliberating the approval of two flags intended to promote LGBTQ+ rights and acknowledge the city’s racial segregation history. Designed by local artist Andrea Pawlisz,...
St. Petersburg Delays Vote on LGBTQ+ and Black History Flags
News Summary The St. Petersburg City Council has postponed a vote on two proposed flags designed to honor LGBTQ+ rights and Black history due to concerns about state repercussions. Sponsored...
St. Petersburg Considers New Flags for LGBTQ+ and Racial Justice
News Summary St. Petersburg, Florida, is evaluating a proposal to approve two flags that symbolize LGBTQ+ rights and the city’s racially divided history. The initiative arises after Governor Ron DeSantis’s...
Residents Rally Against Duke Energy in St. Petersburg
News Summary A grassroots movement named ‘Dump Duke’ is emerging in St. Petersburg as residents rally against Duke Energy’s pricing and services. Organizers aim to inform the public about the...
St. Petersburg City Council Approves $160 Million Housing Grant
News Summary The St. Petersburg City Council has successfully secured a $160 million grant from HUD for the ‘Sunrise St. Pete’ program. This initiative focuses on rebuilding homes for low-...
CRIME
Woman Charged with Exploiting Disabled Elderly in St. Petersburg
News Summary Delorse Boyd, 65, faces serious charges for exploiting a 79-year-old disabled woman in St. Petersburg. Over four years, Boyd allegedly stole more than $200,000 while managing the victim’s...
Police Seek Help in St. Petersburg Hit-and-Run Case
News Summary The St. Petersburg Police Department is searching for the driver involved in a fatal hit-and-run that killed 61-year-old Victoria Morley. The incident occurred while she was crossing Dartmoor...
Teen Bicyclist in Critical Condition After Car Collision
News Summary A 16-year-old male bicyclist is in life-threatening condition after being struck by a car on Court Street in Clearwater. The crash occurred just before 3 p.m. and prompted...
Tragic Plane Crash Near Williston, Florida Claims Three Lives
News Summary A small plane crash near Williston, Florida, resulted in the deaths of three individuals, including a pilot flying a Beechcraft Baron 58P. The aircraft crashed in a peanut...
Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital Retains Top Spot in Florida
News Summary Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital has been named the No. 1 children’s hospital in Florida for the third year in a row, according to the U.S. News &...
Tragic Plane Crash in Levy County Claims Three Lives
News Summary A plane crash in Levy County, Florida, tragically resulted in the deaths of three individuals, including a father and son. The twin-engine Beechcraft Baron 58P went down in...
ECONOMY
St. Petersburg Considers Flags for LGBTQ+ Rights and Racial History
News Summary St. Petersburg, Florida, is deliberating the approval of two flags intended to promote LGBTQ+ rights and acknowledge the city’s racial segregation history. Designed by local artist Andrea Pawlisz,...
St. Petersburg City Council Approves $160 Million HUD Grant
News Summary The St. Petersburg City Council has unanimously approved a nearly $160 million grant from HUD for hurricane recovery efforts, known as Sunrise St. Pete. This program aims to...
Tampa Bay Murals Removal Sparks Outcry from Residents
News Summary The Florida Department of Transportation’s order to remove murals in Tampa Bay has sparked protests from local residents and officials. Notable works, including the Pride and Black History...
St. Petersburg Officials Address Governor DeSantis’ Concerns
News Summary St. Petersburg city officials have responded to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ criticism regarding alleged misuse of taxpayer funds for community events and climate initiatives. DeSantis claimed the city...
Florida Introduces Trenton’s Law to Combat DUI and BUI Offenses
News Summary A new law in Florida, named Trenton’s Law, is introducing tougher penalties for DUI and BUI offenses starting October 1, 2025. The law, inspired by the tragic death...
St. Petersburg Reflects on Hurricane Helene Recovery Efforts
News Summary St. Petersburg is commemorating the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Helene while continuing its recovery initiatives. Mayor Ken Welch emphasizes the complexity of long-term recovery, which includes programs like...
St. Petersburg Homeowners Struggle with Permit Delays
News Summary Residents of St. Petersburg are facing significant delays in receiving permits to rebuild their homes after last year’s hurricanes. Many homeowners have reported waiting for weeks, creating emotional...
Duke Energy Florida Grants Support Hurricane Recovery Efforts
News Summary Duke Energy Florida has announced $100,000 in grants to five nonprofit organizations aiding recovery from Hurricane Helene’s impact. Each organization, including First Contact and United Way Suncoast, will...
St. Petersburg Residents Struggle with Unjust Water Bills
News Summary Residents of St. Petersburg are facing ongoing challenges with unfair water bills, despite city officials’ claims that previous issues have been resolved. Cases like that of Michelle McConnell...
St. Petersburg Cracks Down on Illegal Gambling Operations
News Summary St. Petersburg authorities have taken significant action against illegal gambling, seizing 59 gambling machines and nearly $20,000 in cash. The operation, conducted by the police and Florida Gaming...
SPORT
Saint Petersburg Swimmer Izzy Riva Commits to Stanford
News Summary Izzy Riva, a standout swimmer from Saint Petersburg, has committed to attend Stanford University for the upcoming academic year. Celebrated for her prowess in distance events, Riva has...
St. Petersburg: Florida’s Emerging Travel Gem
News Summary St. Petersburg, Florida, is gaining traction as a preferred travel destination, surpassing Miami for those seeking a laid-back atmosphere along with stunning beaches and vibrant arts. Visitors can...
Rob Higgins Appointed as USF’s Inaugural CEO of Athletics
News Summary Rob Higgins was introduced as the University of South Florida’s first CEO of Athletics, outlining his ambitious vision for the department’s future. Emphasizing a cultural shift in defining...
Charges Dropped Against Former South Florida Coach Jim Leavitt
News Summary Former South Florida football coach Jim Leavitt has had charges of domestic violence and theft dropped after a thorough investigation found insufficient grounds for prosecution. Leavitt, 68, faced...
Backlash from Arts Community in St. Petersburg Over Mural Removals
News Summary St. Petersburg’s arts community is in uproar following the removal of key street murals, including ‘Black History Matters’ and the LGBTQ+ Pride crosswalk. State officials cite safety concerns...
Grace Descent Commits to Liberty University for Swimming
News Summary Grace Descent, a standout sprinter from Saint Petersburg, has committed to swim at Liberty University for the upcoming academic year. She has been training year-round and recently dominated...
DISASTERS
Fire Crews Warn of Lithium-Ion Battery Risks This Holiday Season
News Summary With the holiday season approaching, fire crews in St. Petersburg, Florida are seeing a significant rise in fires linked to lithium-ion batteries. This alarming trend reflects a nationwide...
Police Seek Help in St. Petersburg Hit-and-Run Case
News Summary The St. Petersburg Police Department is searching for the driver involved in a fatal hit-and-run that killed 61-year-old Victoria Morley. The incident occurred while she was crossing Dartmoor...
Tragic Plane Crash in Levy County Claims Lives
News Summary A plane crash in Levy County, Florida, on Sunday resulted in the deaths of three individuals. The aircraft, a Beech 58P, was en route for refueling when it...
Tragic Plane Crash Near Williston, Florida Claims Three Lives
News Summary A small plane crash near Williston, Florida, resulted in the deaths of three individuals, including a pilot flying a Beechcraft Baron 58P. The aircraft crashed in a peanut...
Tragic Plane Crash in Florida Claims Three Lives
News Summary A twin-engine Beechcraft Baron 58P crashed in Levy County, Florida, on Sunday night, killing all three individuals on board. The aircraft had just taken off from Kentucky and...
St. Petersburg Faces Long Recovery After Hurricane Helene
News Summary One year after Hurricane Helene devastated the Tampa Bay area, families in St. Petersburg, like Carol Ann Browning’s, continue to reclaim their lives amid ongoing recovery challenges. While...
Tragic Plane Crash in Levy County Claims Three Lives
News Summary A plane crash in Levy County, Florida, resulted in the deaths of three individuals. The twin-engine Beechcraft Baron 58P crashed in a peanut field while descending towards Williston...
Tragic Plane Crash in Levy County Claims Three Lives
News Summary A plane crash in Levy County, Florida, tragically resulted in the deaths of three individuals, including a father and son. The twin-engine Beechcraft Baron 58P went down in...
Tragic Hit-and-Run Incident Claims Life in St. Petersburg
News Summary A 61-year-old woman tragically died after being struck by a vehicle while crossing the street in St. Petersburg. The hit-and-run occurred late Friday night, leaving the community in...
Man Charged with Vehicular Homicide After DUI Crash
News Summary A 41-year-old man, Brett McClelland, faces multiple charges including vehicular homicide following a fatal car crash in St. Petersburg. The incident occurred when he swerved into oncoming traffic,...
HEALTH
St. Petersburg Man Completes 6,000-Mile Voyage in Support of Charity
News Summary A St. Petersburg man, Darren Hayes, has completed a remarkable 6,000-mile journey in a 22-foot pontoon boat to support the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Tampa Bay. This...
Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital Retains Top Spot in Florida
News Summary Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital has been named the No. 1 children’s hospital in Florida for the third year in a row, according to the U.S. News &...
Tragic Plane Crash in Levy County Claims Three Lives
News Summary A plane crash in Levy County, Florida, resulted in the deaths of three individuals. The twin-engine Beechcraft Baron 58P crashed in a peanut field while descending towards Williston...
St. Petersburg Police Introduces Annual Physical Fitness Assessment
News Summary The St. Petersburg Police Department has implemented a new annual Physical Fitness Assessment for officers hired after January 1, 2021. This initiative aims to improve physical readiness and...
Gateway Mobile Home Park in St. Petersburg Faces Significant Damage
News Summary The Gateway Mobile Home Park in Pinellas County has been declared significantly damaged, requiring residents to either elevate their homes or face demolition. This situation has created distress,...
Decline in Overdose Deaths in Florida Offers Hope
News Summary Florida has reported a 10% decrease in total drug overdose deaths from January to July 2024 compared to the previous year, driven by a 19% reduction in opioid-related...
St. Petersburg Reports Decrease in Opioid Overdose Deaths
News Summary St. Petersburg is showing a positive trend in the fight against the opioid crisis, with a 10% decrease in total drug overdose deaths from January to July 2024...
Decline in Drug Overdose Deaths in Florida
News Summary A report from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement indicates a 10% decrease in drug overdose deaths from January to July compared to the previous year. Opioid-related fatalities...
Tampa Law Enforcement Clarifies Open Carry Status
News Summary Despite a recent court ruling declaring Florida’s open carry ban unconstitutional, Tampa law enforcement officials assert that open carry remains illegal until the ruling takes effect on September...
Serious Tractor-Trailer Accident on I-275 in St. Petersburg
News Summary A serious accident involving a tractor-trailer occurred on the I-275 exit ramp to Toll Road 690 in St. Petersburg, Florida. The driver lost control of the vehicle, leading...
SHOWBIZ
Local Celebrity Alligator Faces Relocation Due to Safety Concerns
News Summary In St. Petersburg, Florida, local alligator Mr. Pickles may be relocated after safety concerns arise. At five feet long, he has become a popular bar attraction, but both...
HSN Bids Farewell to Florida in Final Broadcast
News Summary HSN concluded its nearly 50-year presence in Florida with an emotional final broadcast on June 25, marking the end of an era as it prepares to relocate to...
Allendale Church Sends Invoice to Sheriff’s Office Over Parking Dispute
News Summary Allendale United Methodist Church in St. Petersburg has issued a $10,000 invoice to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, claiming unauthorized use of its parking lot during an investigation....
Sunshine City Chorus Crowned Barbershop Harmony Champions
News Summary The Sunshine City Chorus from St. Petersburg, Florida, emerged victorious as the Barbershop Harmony Champions for Florida in their second year of competition. Under the direction of Lance...
St. Petersburg’s ‘Razed’ Documentary Highlights Community Displacement
News Summary The upcoming documentary ‘Razed’ delves into the heartfelt stories of the Gas Plant district, a vibrant African American community displaced by urban renewal efforts in the 1980s. Through...
TECH UPDATES
Fire Crews Warn of Lithium-Ion Battery Risks This Holiday Season
News Summary With the holiday season approaching, fire crews in St. Petersburg, Florida are seeing a significant rise in fires linked to lithium-ion batteries. This alarming trend reflects a nationwide...
St. Petersburg Launches AI Traffic Management Initiative
News Summary St. Petersburg has received approval for an artificial intelligence traffic signal project aimed at reducing congestion and enhancing road safety. The initiative will install fifteen smart traffic signals...
Massive Fire Causes Significant Damage at CVS in St. Pete Beach
News Summary A severe fire at the CVS Pharmacy in Dolphin Village has resulted in extensive damage to several businesses. Firefighters from multiple departments responded quickly, managing to contain the...
St. Petersburg Startup Launches World’s First Lunar Data Center
News Summary Lonestar Data Holdings from St. Petersburg is set to launch the first-ever physical data center on the Moon with their ‘Freedom’ payload. Scheduled for liftoff on Wednesday at...
St. Petersburg Initiates Advanced Air Mobility Task Force
News Summary St. Petersburg has launched its first Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Task Force aimed at integrating electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicles (eVTOLs) into urban travel. Over nine months,...
St. Petersburg Secures Nearly $7 Million for Digital Equity
News Summary St. Petersburg will receive a grant of $6,925,163 from the U.S. Department of Commerce to enhance digital equity in underserved communities. This grant, part of the Digital Equity...
St. Petersburg Awarded $6.9 Million Grant for Digital Equity
News Summary St. Petersburg has been awarded a $6.9 million grant by the U.S. Department of Commerce to enhance digital equity efforts in the city. As the only city in...
Pinellas County Schools to Launch Advanced Panic Alert System by 2025
Pinellas County Schools to Implement New Panic Alert System by 2025 Pinellas County, FL – In a move aimed at bolstering emergency responses across its campuses, Pinellas County Schools announced...
SCIENCE
St. Petersburg City Council Votes to Revive Science Center
News Summary The St. Petersburg City Council has unanimously voted in favor of reviving the long-closed Science Center, which has remained vacant since 2014. This decision counters an alternative proposal...
DNA Technology Identifies Man from 1980 Car Accident
News Summary An investigation utilizing advanced DNA technology has identified the remains of Joseph Richard Murrell, a man who died in a tragic car accident in 1980. The St. Petersburg...
The Mysterious Death of Mary Hardy Reeser in Florida
News Summary The death of 67-year-old Mary Hardy Reeser on July 2, 1951, remains a perplexing case in Florida’s history. Found in her burning apartment, investigators explored theories of spontaneous...
St. Petersburg Launches Seagrass Restoration Project
News Summary St. Petersburg is initiating a significant seagrass restoration project at North Shore Park to combat shoreline degradation and enhance water quality. This ambitious initiative will involve filling a...
St. Petersburg Launches Seagrass Mitigation Bank Project
News Summary St. Petersburg has approved a groundbreaking 179-acre Seagrass Mitigation Bank project aimed at preserving marine habitats while generating revenue for the city. This project includes a substantial 147-acre...
St. Petersburg Wins Its First Envision Award for Sustainability
News Summary St. Petersburg has been awarded its first Envision Award, recognizing the city’s commitment to sustainability through significant improvements to its wastewater facility. The $48 million investment in the...
St. Petersburg Startup Launches World’s First Lunar Data Center
News Summary Lonestar Data Holdings from St. Petersburg is set to launch the first-ever physical data center on the Moon with their ‘Freedom’ payload. Scheduled for liftoff on Wednesday at...
Baby Manatee Enzo Receives Tender Care at ZooTampa
News Summary A baby manatee named Enzo is recovering from cold stress at ZooTampa after being rescued in a precarious condition from the chilly waters near St. Petersburg. Weighing just...
St. Petersburg Welcomes New Manatee Resident Enzo
News Summary St. Petersburg, Florida, proudly introduces Enzo, a manatee recovering from cold stress at ZooTampa. Rescued from the frigid waters, he receives expert care and compassionate support. With the...