Manatee County warns against harassment as skyway cruise port debate intensifies
TERRA CEIA, Fla. - Manatee County leaders are speaking out after what they describe as harassment and threats aimed at county employees and their families over a proposed cruise terminal near the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. In a statement released Wednesday, County Administrator Charlie Bishop said staff members have...
Mayor Welch to review Gas Plant development proposals: 9 in total
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Mayor Ken Welch on Tuesday will see all nine proposals for developing the 86-acre historic Gas Plant District. Ark Ellison Horus and Kettler was the first group to file a proposal, and since then, more have come in. They are from Foundation Vision Partners, Freedom Communities Company, Logical...
Barbouni at Baba transforms into Basque-inspired pintxos and cocktail pop-up
One of our favorite spots in St. Pete is taking a one month break to make way for a tasty pop-up experience. Barbouni, the tinned fish and raw bar at Baba on Central, announced that it will take a pause for the month of February as the space becomes home to Barra-Barra, a Basque-inspired pintxos and cocktails pop-up...
Dump Duke says public power is cheaper, more reliable, than what St. Pete is...
Dump Duke held a press conference last Wednesday supporting a municipal takeover of St. Petersburg’s electric grid. The group said that even among investor-owned utilities, Duke Energy’s rates are exorbitant, and said investors are less responsive to customers than local elected officials are to voters. St....
San Diego man sentenced for methamphetamine distribution and money laundering
TAMPA, Florida - Omar Pitter, a 45-year-old from San Diego, has been sentenced to 33 years and 4 months in federal prison for shipping over 65 kilograms of methamphetamine to Florida and conspiring to launder the proceeds. Pitter was found guilty by a federal jury after a four-day trial in September 2025, announced...
The iconic 87-year-old Seahorse Restaurant reopens in Pass-a-Grille after year-long closure
Seahorse Restaurant, an 87-year-old Pass-a-Grille institution, welcomed its first customers in more than a year this week, after a long period of post-hurricane reconstruction. The waterfront breakfast spot closed in late 2024 after sustaining several feet of flood damage from hurricanes Helene and Milton. Located at...
St. Petersburg issues RFP for study on replacing Duke Energy
Responding to advocacy by the City Council and community groups, the City of St. Petersburg released a request for proposal (RFP) Friday for a feasibility study on the creation of a municipal utility to replace Duke Energy. “The City of St. Petersburg, Florida (“City”) is seeking the services of qualified...
Local fave Pete’s Bagels opens new bagel shop and cafe in Tarpon Springs
The beloved local bagel brand Pete’s Bagels is now open on the downtown Tarpon Springs waterfront, marking more than just a new brick-and-mortar location, but evidence that small, local businesses are thriving in Pinellas County. The first-ever outpost for Pete’s in Tarpon Springs officially made its debut on...
BOGO apps at this downtown St. Pete brewpub are the tastiest deal around
If you’re trying to save money but still want to enjoy yourself, you can have your nachos and eat them too, thanks to Voodoo Brewing Co. The downtown St. Pete brewpub is serving up one of February’s best dining deals. For a limited time only, enjoy buy one, get one free appetizers every Monday–Thursday throughout...
Lyft driver accused of choking and threatening to kill passenger
TAMPA, Fla. - A Lyft driver has been arrested after he allegedly choked and threatened to kill a passenger in his car, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. The investigation began on October 8, 2025, after a woman reported that her Lyft driver pulled into a grassy area and put the car in park.
