Sidewalk chalk art spreads important messages in St. Petersburg

The Global Love Project symbol found on a sidewalk on Central Avenue. (Photo by Jensen Horvath)

By Jensen Horvath  Before Julia Morris ever picked up a piece of chalk, she was inspired by the temporary messages she saw scattered across downtown St. Petersburg. Now, as a dedicated participant in the Global Love Project, she’s made it a weekly ritual to share uplifting messages through chalk art, impacting the community one sidewalk… Continue reading Sidewalk chalk art spreads important messages in St. Petersburg

A local company embraces change as Gen Z enters the workforce

Nicole Andersen (left) and Abdul Muqeet Khawaja (right) participated in a volunteer tree-planting event sponsored by their company, Jabil, in January. (Photo courtesy of Abdul Muqeet Khawaja)

By Mahika Kukday  When Nicole Andersen was gearing up to graduate from the University of South Florida last year, she was also picturing her future employer, but the image in her head didn’t look like what it used to for previous generations.  At 22, Andersen is part of Generation Z, those born between 1997 and… Continue reading A local company embraces change as Gen Z enters the workforce

Your Neighborhood Produce aims to provide fresh food at affordable prices

Inside the Your Neighborhood Produce storefront on April 2, there are a variety of fruits and vegetables being sold at an affordable price. (Photo courtesy of Kelli Casto)

By Ailyn Garcia  Your Neighborhood Produce is a storefront that sells fresh and affordable produce, helping fund and further the mission of Kelli Casto’s non-profit organization, Saving Our Seniors.   Its mission is to fill the gap between Medicare and seniors suffering from financial limitations.  “What is the primary goal of this?” Casto said. “To create… Continue reading Your Neighborhood Produce aims to provide fresh food at affordable prices

St. Petersburg’s hidden nature preserves need vital protection

At Dr. Gabe Vargo's Birds of Prey Aviary at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, rescued raptors help educate the public about local wildlife and conservation efforts. (Photo by London Evans)

By London Evans While many locals and tourists who come to St. Petersburg know about the beach, St. Petersburg is full of hidden parks, green spaces and nature spots that are often overlooked.  The History of St. Petersburg explains why officials kept the nature preserves and parks over time. StPete.org tells the lost stories of… Continue reading St. Petersburg’s hidden nature preserves need vital protection

Ready for Life offers stability to foster youth facing homelessness 

In honor of National Nonprofit Day, Ready for Life staff celebrates their mission to serve former foster youth and recognize the vital role of community partners, volunteers and mentors in that work. (Photo courtesy of Ready for Life)

By Dayana Melendez  For many young people who have gone through the turbulence and instability of growing up in foster care, moving from group home to group home, what they hope for most is a sense of normalcy.  “I want a career, a wife [and] a family of my own one day,” said Nicolas Burke,… Continue reading Ready for Life offers stability to foster youth facing homelessness 

Underage drinking remains a major problem in Florida

Underage drinking often comes from peer pressure and opportunity, according to experts. Engaging in underage drinking is illegal and poses many risks towards developing youths in Florida. (Photo courtesy of Adobe Stock)

By Paola Bisbal  Alcohol continues to be the most widely abused substance amongst underage youth in the United States, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. It is a prevalent issue that poses serious public health problems and legal consequences.  Data collected and analyzed by the Oxford Treatment Center found that people… Continue reading Underage drinking remains a major problem in Florida

Published
Categorized as COMMUNITY

The relationship between the Rays and St. Petersburg remains uncertain 

Damage to Tropicana Field’s roof remains visible more than a month after the Tampa Bay Rays pulled out of a new stadium deal. The city has committed $22.5 million toward repairing the roof, with work expected to begin in August. (Photo by John Mancini)

By John Mancini   Over a month has passed since the owner of the Tampa Bay Rays, Stuart Sternberg, called off the deal that would’ve built a new stadium for the major league baseball team. The deal was stopped due to financial and negotiation issues. Now, residents and city officials are wondering what the next… Continue reading The relationship between the Rays and St. Petersburg remains uncertain 

A weekend in Tampa Bay leads to UConn’s 12th championship 

The 2025 Women’s Final Four, held April 4-6 at Amalie Arena, set a record for the city and showcased its growing role in advancing women’s sports. (Photo by D’Asya Collier-Williams/NNB)

By D’Asya Collier-Williams  Tampa Bay hosted the NCAA Women’s Final Four for the fourth time, setting a record for the city and showcasing its growing role in advancing women’s sports.  The 2025 Women’s Final Four, held April 4-6 at Amalie Arena, featured powerhouse programs and drew in thousands of fans. The University of Connecticut captured its 12th… Continue reading A weekend in Tampa Bay leads to UConn’s 12th championship 

Hidden coffee shops brew community in St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg's Patrona Costal Café sits on the edge of the water near Gandy Bridge. (Photo by Christiana Eckard/NNB)

By Christiana Eckard  In St. Petersburg, local coffee shops offer a unique blend of community and creativity. While tourists often visit more popular spots along Central Avenue, smaller independent cafes are also drawing attention from those looking for a different experience.  The independently owned Patrona Costal Café and Bean Wandering coffee shop aren’t just serving… Continue reading Hidden coffee shops brew community in St. Petersburg

Rooted in ancient tradition, henna’s popularity grows across town 

Henna art is displayed by the artist Elisa Giacona in St. Petersburg. (Photo courtesy of Soulshine Henna)

 By Noah Chase  Henna use, once primarily tied to cultural and ceremonial traditions, has expanded into a global industry and is embraced today as a popular form of self-expression and body art.  “In Central Florida, nobody really knew what henna was—only in smaller circles,” said Tampa Bay henna artist Nadiyah Mahmood of Henna by Nadi… Continue reading Rooted in ancient tradition, henna’s popularity grows across town