Latest News in St. Petersburg, FL

Your trusted source for local St. Petersburg, FL news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.

Port Tampa Bay workers join national strike

Dozens of longshoremen at Port Tampa Bay participated in a national strike, demanding a 75% pay raise and restrictions on automated machinery in their new contract. The strike was initiated after the U.S. Maritime Alliance rejected these demands, prompting workers to join the picket line. This labor action highlights ongoing tensions between labor unions and employers in the maritime industry.

Seabird sanctuary survives Helene with no loss of life

The Seaside Seabird Sanctuary in Indian Shores has reported no loss of life among its birds following Hurricane Helene's storm surge. Staff and volunteers returned to the sanctuary to find the facility intact despite the severe weather. The sanctuary's resilience showcases its effective preparedness and response to natural disasters.

FEMA Disaster Recovery Center to open in Largo

FEMA will open a Disaster Recovery Center at the Largo Public Library to assist residents affected by Hurricane Helene. The center will open on October 2nd and will provide support to those in need during the recovery process.

‘The Hollow’ play opening postponed at the Off-Central

The Off-Central theater in St. Petersburg has postponed the opening of the one-person show "The Hollow," originally scheduled for this week, to October 9. The performance will now run through October 20, allowing more time for preparations.

Local storm death toll climbs to 11

The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office reported that the local death toll from Hurricane Helene has risen to 11, with fatalities occurring across various locations including Indian Rocks Beach and St. Pete Beach. The article highlights the impact of the storm on the community and the ongoing response efforts.

How to avoid becoming a post-storm scam victim

Residents of the Tampa Bay area are urged to stay vigilant against scams following Hurricane Helene's impact. The Pinellas County Consumer Protection office has released guidelines to help homeowners avoid fraudulent contractors and schemes during this vulnerable time.

Helene has caused over $2 billion in local damage

Hurricane Helene has wrought over $2 billion in damages in Pinellas County, prompting local officials to extend a state of emergency for an additional week. The storm, described as the worst in a century by Administrator Barry Burton, has also resulted in at least nine fatalities. Recovery efforts are underway as the community grapples with the aftermath.

Duke launches dedicated outage website for Pinellas beaches

Duke Energy Florida has launched a dedicated outage website to assist the approximately 9,600 Pinellas County customers currently without power. This initiative comes in response to extensive damage affecting an estimated 15,000 additional homes and businesses. The new webpage aims to provide crucial power restoration information specifically for the barrier islands.

Beaches chamber of commerce opens resource centers

The Tampa Bay Beach Chamber of Commerce has launched three resource centers on barrier islands in partnership with the Tampa Bay Rays, Duke Energy, and Pinellas County Economic Development. These centers offer essential services including power, recovery information, food, and water to support the local community. Open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., these facilities aim to aid residents and visitors in need.

St. Pete deploys mobile restrooms

The City of St. Petersburg has deployed mobile restrooms equipped with showers to assist residents affected by Hurricane Helene. These facilities are strategically located at various parks and recreation centers throughout the city, with additional locations planned.

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