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The Duke Energy Foundation is contributing $200,000 to 15 economic development organizations in Florida to help attract businesses to the state, with the St. Petersburg Area Economic Development Corporation receiving $12,500 to promote the city and Historic Gas Plant District. Mike Swesey, CEO, emphasized the grant's role in making St. Petersburg a highly desirable location for businesses.
City and county officials have begun renovations on the former Edward White Hospital in St. Petersburg, Florida, to convert it into affordable housing for seniors. The project will create 71 apartments for seniors aged 62 and older, addressing a critical need for affordable housing in the community. The initiative is part of a larger effort to revitalize the area and enhance the well-being of its senior residents.
A St. Petersburg family of four, including a pregnant mother, was displaced from their home due to a fire that caused total loss of the property. Neighbors and local community members have rallied together to provide support and assistance to the family during this difficult time. Fortunately, no one was injured in the incident, which is believed to have started in the dryer.
A crash on the Sunshine Skyway Bridge in Manatee County caused significant traffic delays on Saturday afternoon, blocking the northbound lanes. First responders arrived on the scene shortly after the incident was reported, but the situation is still developing. Updates will follow as more information becomes available.
Volunteers in St. Petersburg gathered at Upham Beach to plant approximately 1,500 sea oats in an effort to restore and preserve the sand dunes damaged by recent storms. This initiative, supported by various local organizations, emphasizes the ecological importance of sea oats in stabilizing dunes and providing habitat for wildlife. The event also aimed to raise awareness about the necessity of native plants in maintaining coastal ecosystems.
The mayor of St. Petersburg, Ken Welch, has responded to public backlash by suspending the HR director after controversial five-figure bonuses were awarded to city staff involved in the Rays-Gas Plant redevelopment project. Despite initially defending the bonuses, Welch rescinded them after city councilors raised concerns about the decision and its alignment with city policy and state law. The HR director took responsibility for the missteps, and ten of the seventeen employees have returned the bonuses.
Local comic book artist Josh T. Rodriguez is leading a workshop called "Master the Art of Inking" at the Imagine Museum in St. Petersburg, Florida, aiming to inspire participants through the art of comic creation. The workshop focuses on various aspects of inking, allowing attendees to explore their creativity and develop their artistic skills. Participants engage in hands-on learning, fostering a communal atmosphere of inspiration and exchange.
Tampa Bay entrepreneurs are preparing for a Neighborhood Commercial Business Expo in St. Petersburg to celebrate National Black Business Month and showcase local Black-owned businesses. The event aims to highlight the opportunities within Florida, which has the highest number of Black-owned businesses in the U.S. As part of a commitment to diversity and inclusion, local officials encourage community support for these businesses.
St. Petersburg City Council has taken steps to restore some tenant protections after a state law removed local regulations. The council passed a resolution to negotiate a "tenants notice of rights" for affordable housing deals, aiming to empower renters while recognizing the limitations imposed by state law. This initiative reflects ongoing concerns about housing stability and discrimination against vulnerable tenants.
St. Petersburg city leaders are considering the possibility of establishing their own electric utility in light of recent rate hikes by Duke Energy. City Council member Richie Floyd is advocating for a feasibility study to explore this option, aiming to enhance the city's negotiating power with the energy provider. This discussion follows similar initiatives in neighboring Clearwater, where city officials are also exploring alternatives to their current utility provider.