St Petersburg Breaking News
BREAKING NEWS
Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital Invests in Storm Preparedness
News Summary In response to Hurricane Milton’s impact, Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg, FL, is allocating $37 million for storm preparedness initiatives. This investment aims to enhance...
Residents Evacuated from Clearwater Condominiums Due to Safety Concerns
News Summary Approximately 60 residents were evacuated from the South Beach III Condominiums in Clearwater after a crack was found in a concrete support column. The evacuation, ordered as a...
Woman Arrested After Leaving Suspicious Package at Police HQ
News Summary Rebekkah Westermeyer, 26, was arrested for leaving a suspicious suitcase at the St. Petersburg Police Department, prompting a swift response from law enforcement and the Tampa Bomb Squad....
Tampa Woman Pleads Guilty in Hit-and-Run Case
News Summary Mackenzie Deaton, a 25-year-old Tampa resident, admitted guilt in a hit-and-run incident that injured a police officer, facing serious charges and legal consequences. The incident occurred during a...
St. Petersburg Leaders Call for Increased Safety Measures
News Summary In response to rising safety concerns due to recent violent incidents, St. Petersburg community leaders are advocating for enhanced safety measures. This follows a neighborhood shooting that has...
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. Pete Beach Man Arrested After Lottery Win Altercation
News Summary James S. Farthing, a 50-year-old from Kentucky who recently won a $167.3 million Powerball jackpot, was arrested after a violent altercation at TradeWinds Resort in St. Pete Beach,...
Mayor Ken Welch Gears Up for Reelection in St. Petersburg
News Summary St. Petersburg’s Mayor Ken Welch is preparing for his reelection campaign, emphasizing community development and resilience. With fundraising efforts nearing six figures, Welch navigates challenges faced during his...
St. Petersburg Woman Arrested for Leaving Suspicious Package
News Summary A 26-year-old woman, Rebekkah Westermeyer, has been arrested in St. Petersburg for leaving a suspicious package at the police department, leading to a SWAT team response. Authorities have...
Concerns Rise Over Impaired Driving Incidents in St. Petersburg
News Summary A series of tragic DUI-related incidents in St. Petersburg over the past week has resulted in fatalities and arrests, raising serious concerns about impaired driving in the area....
POLITICS
Mayor Ken Welch Gears Up for Reelection in St. Petersburg
News Summary St. Petersburg’s Mayor Ken Welch is preparing for his reelection campaign, emphasizing community development and resilience. With fundraising efforts nearing six figures, Welch navigates challenges faced during his...
St. Petersburg’s Marina Redevelopment in Turmoil After Acquisition Shake-Up
News Summary The redevelopment of St. Petersburg’s Municipal Marina faces uncertainty following Blackstone’s acquisition of Safe Harbor Marinas. Originally set for a $26 million contract proposal, city officials now express...
St. Petersburg Faces Funding Challenges for Resilience Initiative
News Summary St. Petersburg’s ambitious St. Pete Agile Resilience (SPAR) initiative aims to tackle climate threats post-Hurricanes Helene and Milton by improving infrastructure. With a capital budget of $248.3 million,...
Concerns Over Gun Violence Surge in Florida
News Summary Florida residents are increasingly worried about gun violence amid legislative efforts to relax gun regulations. Despite a slight decrease in gun violence reported by SafeWise, the state’s ongoing...
St. Petersburg Faces $31.3 Million Grant Funding Shortfall
News Summary St. Petersburg is grappling with a substantial $31.3 million shortfall in grant funding as federal support diminishes. Recent applications for key programs were rejected, leading to a significant...
Pinellas County Experiences Police Shooting Incident
News Summary In a startling police incident early Tuesday, seven deputies in Pinellas County are on administrative leave after a shooting that left a 65-year-old woman with life-threatening injuries. The...
St. Petersburg Residents Shocked by Soaring Water Bills
News Summary Residents of St. Petersburg are facing unprecedented water bill hikes following recent city council rate increases, particularly after Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Many, like Warren Bucknam, are left...
St. Petersburg Residents Left in the Lurch as $45.66 Million Funding Falls Through
News Summary St. Petersburg’s residents are reeling from the loss of $45.66 million in funding for community projects due to political disagreements in Congress. Intended for storm recovery and other...
New Leadership Aims to Tackle Homelessness Challenges in Pinellas County
News Summary The Homeless Leadership Alliance (HLA) in Pinellas County has appointed Cheri Holzbacher as interim CEO, replacing Aaron Swift. Holzbacher aims to enhance the organization’s stability and efficiency amid...
St. Pete Beach Commission Approves $3 Million Spending Plan
News Summary The St. Pete Beach Commission approved over $3 million in spending during a meeting on March 25, addressing key funding for city projects and acknowledging recent election results....
CRIME
Woman Arrested After Leaving Suspicious Package at Police HQ
News Summary Rebekkah Westermeyer, 26, was arrested for leaving a suspicious suitcase at the St. Petersburg Police Department, prompting a swift response from law enforcement and the Tampa Bomb Squad....
Tampa Woman Pleads Guilty in Hit-and-Run Case
News Summary Mackenzie Deaton, a 25-year-old Tampa resident, admitted guilt in a hit-and-run incident that injured a police officer, facing serious charges and legal consequences. The incident occurred during a...
St. Pete Beach Man Arrested After Lottery Win Altercation
News Summary James S. Farthing, a 50-year-old from Kentucky who recently won a $167.3 million Powerball jackpot, was arrested after a violent altercation at TradeWinds Resort in St. Pete Beach,...
St. Petersburg Woman Arrested for Leaving Suspicious Package
News Summary A 26-year-old woman, Rebekkah Westermeyer, has been arrested in St. Petersburg for leaving a suspicious package at the police department, leading to a SWAT team response. Authorities have...
Concerns Rise Over Impaired Driving Incidents in St. Petersburg
News Summary A series of tragic DUI-related incidents in St. Petersburg over the past week has resulted in fatalities and arrests, raising serious concerns about impaired driving in the area....
Concerns Over Gun Violence Surge in Florida
News Summary Florida residents are increasingly worried about gun violence amid legislative efforts to relax gun regulations. Despite a slight decrease in gun violence reported by SafeWise, the state’s ongoing...
ECONOMY
St. Petersburg Leaders Call for Increased Safety Measures
News Summary In response to rising safety concerns due to recent violent incidents, St. Petersburg community leaders are advocating for enhanced safety measures. This follows a neighborhood shooting that has...
St. Petersburg’s Marina Redevelopment in Turmoil After Acquisition Shake-Up
News Summary The redevelopment of St. Petersburg’s Municipal Marina faces uncertainty following Blackstone’s acquisition of Safe Harbor Marinas. Originally set for a $26 million contract proposal, city officials now express...
St. Petersburg Faces Funding Challenges for Resilience Initiative
News Summary St. Petersburg’s ambitious St. Pete Agile Resilience (SPAR) initiative aims to tackle climate threats post-Hurricanes Helene and Milton by improving infrastructure. With a capital budget of $248.3 million,...
Critical Volunteer Shortage Strikes Meals on Wheels in Pinellas County
News Summary The Meals on Wheels program in Pinellas County is facing a severe volunteer shortage, impacting essential meal deliveries for seniors. With a growing number of elderly residents needing...
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...
Pinellas County Residents Raise Concerns on Hurricane Recovery Fund Use
News Summary Residents of Pinellas County are expressing their concerns regarding the allocation of $813 million in federal hurricane recovery funds after Hurricane Helene’s devastation. Many residents are struggling with...
Florida Week in Review: Notable Events from the Sunshine State
News Summary This week in Florida has been filled with significant news, ranging from a 30-year-old mystery in Lithia to alarming charges against a former teacher in Bradenton. Key developments...
St. Petersburg Faces $31.3 Million Grant Funding Shortfall
News Summary St. Petersburg is grappling with a substantial $31.3 million shortfall in grant funding as federal support diminishes. Recent applications for key programs were rejected, leading to a significant...
St. Petersburg Residents Shocked by Soaring Water Bills
News Summary Residents of St. Petersburg are facing unprecedented water bill hikes following recent city council rate increases, particularly after Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Many, like Warren Bucknam, are left...
St. Petersburg Residents Left in the Lurch as $45.66 Million Funding Falls Through
News Summary St. Petersburg’s residents are reeling from the loss of $45.66 million in funding for community projects due to political disagreements in Congress. Intended for storm recovery and other...
SPORT
St. Petersburg Leaders Call for Increased Safety Measures
News Summary In response to rising safety concerns due to recent violent incidents, St. Petersburg community leaders are advocating for enhanced safety measures. This follows a neighborhood shooting that has...
Tampa Bay Rays Relocate to Steinbrenner Field for 2025 Season
News Summary In a significant development, the Tampa Bay Rays will play their entire 2025 MLB season at Steinbrenner Field after Hurricane Milton damaged Tropicana Field. The team is undergoing...
Tampa Bay Rays Stadium Deal Collapses Amidst Hurricane Damage
News Summary The Tampa Bay Rays have decided to halt plans for a $1.3 billion stadium deal in St. Petersburg, complicated by unforeseen circumstances, including damage from Hurricane Milton. The...
Tampa Bay Rays Abandon Stadium Plans After Hurricane Damage
News Summary The Tampa Bay Rays have officially abandoned plans for a new downtown stadium following significant hurricane damage to Tropicana Field. Rays owner Stu Sternberg announced the cancellation, shifting...
Rare Bonefish Caught at Skyway Fishing Pier
News Summary In a remarkable fishing adventure, Angel Cruz caught a rare bonefish at the Skyway Fishing Pier in Pinellas County. During a chilly January morning, Cruz’s catch measured approximately...
Tampa Bay Spreads Holiday Cheer at Local Children’s Hospital
News Summary On December 10, 2024, rookie players from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers visited Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, bringing joy to young patients with smiles, gifts, and games. The...
DISASTERS
Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital Invests in Storm Preparedness
News Summary In response to Hurricane Milton’s impact, Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg, FL, is allocating $37 million for storm preparedness initiatives. This investment aims to enhance...
Residents Evacuated from Clearwater Condominiums Due to Safety Concerns
News Summary Approximately 60 residents were evacuated from the South Beach III Condominiums in Clearwater after a crack was found in a concrete support column. The evacuation, ordered as a...
Woman Arrested After Leaving Suspicious Package at Police HQ
News Summary Rebekkah Westermeyer, 26, was arrested for leaving a suspicious suitcase at the St. Petersburg Police Department, prompting a swift response from law enforcement and the Tampa Bomb Squad....
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 Residents Displaced After Electrical Fire
News Summary An electrical fire at Lutheran Apartments in St. Petersburg on December 16 displaced 275 residents, mostly seniors. The fire caused extensive damage, leading to evacuations and temporary housing...
Pinellas County Residents Raise Concerns on Hurricane Recovery Fund Use
News Summary Residents of Pinellas County are expressing their concerns regarding the allocation of $813 million in federal hurricane recovery funds after Hurricane Helene’s devastation. Many residents are struggling with...
Florida Week in Review: Notable Events from the Sunshine State
News Summary This week in Florida has been filled with significant news, ranging from a 30-year-old mystery in Lithia to alarming charges against a former teacher in Bradenton. Key developments...
St. Petersburg Increases High-Water Vehicle Fleet After Hurricane Helene Flooding
News Summary In response to the severe flooding from Hurricane Helene, St. Petersburg has expanded its fleet of high-water vehicles from one to four. This decision follows a record number...
Coast Guard Searches for Missing 69-Year-Old Boater Near Piney Point
News Summary The Coast Guard is engaged in a search operation for Russell Trudeau, a 69-year-old boater missing since Sunday. His 17-foot boat was found adrift near Piney Point, prompting...
St. Petersburg Secures $159.8 Million for Hurricane Recovery
News Summary St. Petersburg has received $159.8 million in disaster recovery funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. This funding will support long-term recovery efforts, enhance housing,...
HEALTH
Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital Invests in Storm Preparedness
News Summary In response to Hurricane Milton’s impact, Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg, FL, is allocating $37 million for storm preparedness initiatives. This investment aims to enhance...
Critical Volunteer Shortage Strikes Meals on Wheels in Pinellas County
News Summary The Meals on Wheels program in Pinellas County is facing a severe volunteer shortage, impacting essential meal deliveries for seniors. With a growing number of elderly residents needing...
Pinellas County Residents Raise Concerns on Hurricane Recovery Fund Use
News Summary Residents of Pinellas County are expressing their concerns regarding the allocation of $813 million in federal hurricane recovery funds after Hurricane Helene’s devastation. Many residents are struggling with...
Florida Week in Review: Notable Events from the Sunshine State
News Summary This week in Florida has been filled with significant news, ranging from a 30-year-old mystery in Lithia to alarming charges against a former teacher in Bradenton. Key developments...
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 Celebrates First Ever Envision Award
News Summary St. Petersburg has received its inaugural Envision Award, recognizing its commitment to sustainable infrastructure and resiliency. This prestigious award by the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure highlights the city’s...
Weekly Florida Crime Roundup: From Murder to Mayhem
News Summary This week’s crime roundup in Florida highlights a series of alarming incidents, including a murder in St. Petersburg, alarming teacher arrests, and tragic accidents. A missing girl was...
Pope Francis Hospitalized with Double Pneumonia
News Summary Pope Francis has been hospitalized since February 14, 2025, due to a serious case of double pneumonia. While receiving treatment, he continues to demonstrate resilience in his faith,...
St. Petersburg Launches Community Support Hub for Mental Health
News Summary St. Petersburg has inaugurated its first Community Support Hub on 22nd Street South to enhance mental health services. Initially operated by The Well, it resumed services under Gulf...
Setback in Revitalization of St. Petersburg’s Euclid Methodist Church
News Summary Efforts to restore St. Petersburg’s Euclid Methodist Church, purchased for $1.1 million, faced a significant setback when the Community Planning and Preservation Commission denied the proposal for a...
SHOWBIZ
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
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
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...
