By Christiana Eckard Maraschino cherries, PEZ candy, Jelly Belly treats and Entenmann’s Little Bites all share more than fan-favorite status — they contain Red No. 3, a dye set to be banned from shelves by 2027. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s recent decision to ban Red No. 3, an artificial food dye that gives… Continue reading Pinellas County adapts to the FDA’s recent ban on Red No. 3
Author: ajtaylor3
Crane safety preemption laws are becoming a citywide concern
By John Mancini Following the destruction of the Tampa Bay Times building, officials in St. Petersburg have finally had enough of not being able to regulate their own laws and rules regarding hoisting safety equipment. St. Petersburg Sen. Darryl Rouson and Rep. Lindsay Cross have filed a bill demanding the state of Florida allow the city to… Continue reading Crane safety preemption laws are becoming a citywide concern
Wartime legacy lingers in historic neighborhoods
By Julian Borrmann Before it became a vacation hotspot, St. Petersburg was a wartime stronghold. With more than 100,000 military trainees flooding the city, 62 local hotels were converted into barracks and hospitals. This massive influx reshaped the community, as many soldiers and their families remained in Florida long after the war ended. Rui Farias, a… Continue reading Wartime legacy lingers in historic neighborhoods
CASA Pinellas creates a safe haven in the community
By Jensen Horvath Since its founding in 1977, Community Actions Stops Abuse Pinellas has served the local community as a nonprofit center for survivors of domestic violence. In doing so, the organization offers a range of services, from legal representation to emergency sheltering. To sustain these efforts, CASA hosts a variety of community-driven fundraising events… Continue reading CASA Pinellas creates a safe haven in the community
Leadership St. Pete celebrates 55 years of shaping the city
By Dayana Melendez Every Friday morning at a downtown café, a group of professionals gather for breakfast. They’re not coworkers or longtime friends — at least not in the traditional sense. Five years ago, they were strangers thrown together in Leadership St. Pete’s Class of 2017. Today, they’re part of an invisible network that has… Continue reading Leadership St. Pete celebrates 55 years of shaping the city
FEMA’s future in question after 2024 hurricane devastation
By London Evans, Julian Borrmann, Kayla Buckingham and Victoria Whitlock Since 1979, the Federal Emergency Management Agency has made it possible to recover quickly and return to normal everyday life after natural disasters occur. With the organization facing potential changes, waterfront locals are anxious for answers about whether they will receive aid in the next… Continue reading FEMA’s future in question after 2024 hurricane devastation
Lack of representation creates need for accessible fashion
By Noah Chase Finding stylish and adaptive clothing can be a challenge for people with disabilities, as the fast-paced fashion industry prioritizes trends over inclusive design. “I realized there was a huge need for clothing for people with disabilities and chronic illnesses,” said Tampa Bay fashion designer, Lady Natasha Fines. “I brought it up to the… Continue reading Lack of representation creates need for accessible fashion
Jordan Park Youth Program helps local children flourish
By Ailyn Garcia The St. Petersburg Housing Authority’s Jordan Park Youth Program is an initiative that provides free after-school programs for the children of Jordan Park. They have mentorship, educational and recreational activities available. Kiara Lovett, the director of social services for SPHA, believes this initiative has created a safe and supportive environment for the… Continue reading Jordan Park Youth Program helps local children flourish
New law could mean less flooding for Pinellas County residents
By Rhiannon McIsaac, Kadin Knowles, Paola Bisbal and John Mancini During major storms, Pinellas County residents face the real threat of speeding vehicles pushing flood water into their front yards and homes, leading to damage that could have been avoided. Pinellas County lawmakers hope to regulate vehicle speeds in areas vulnerable to flooding, as well… Continue reading New law could mean less flooding for Pinellas County residents
Tampa Bay Collard Green Festival celebrates health, culture and community
By D’Asya Collier-Williams This year’s Tampa Bay Collard Green Festival in St. Petersburg marked a major milestone for the local community, blending food, health and culture. What started as a small fundraiser in a church basement in 2018 has grown into an annual event that draws hundreds of attendees from across the city. “We started with just a… Continue reading Tampa Bay Collard Green Festival celebrates health, culture and community