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

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 

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 

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 

St. Petersburg launches major project to restore disappearing seagrass

A sign at the Bay Pines boat ramp reminds boaters to protect nearby seagrass beds. (Photo by Kayla Buckingham/NNB)

By Kayla Buckingham  After years of a concerning amount of lost seagrass across Tampa Bay, the city of St. Petersburg is launching a massive summer project that aims to restore one of our water’s most critical natural resources.  The North Shore Park Seagrass Bank Mitigation Project is planning to rehabilitate more than 30 acres of… Continue reading St. Petersburg launches major project to restore disappearing seagrass

Pinellas County battles ongoing erosion with beach nourishment

Boardwalks on Sunset Beach in Treasure Island remain closed nearly seven months after Hurricane Helene and Milton. The sign warns beach goers of unsafe conditions as they have yet to be repaired. (Photo by Kylie Perz/NNB)

By Kylie Perz Beach erosion has been an ongoing issue faced by Pinellas County, but officials warn it’s worsening as sea levels rise and storms intensify. In response, the county is pushing beach renourishment projects to protect buildings, support tourism and keep the man-made shorelines that help protect the area.  Barrier islands are dynamic environments… Continue reading Pinellas County battles ongoing erosion with beach nourishment

Local boba tea shop combines flavor and anime for customers

Hudson's Manga Tea Shop displayed their new soft serve ice cream for customers on Instagram and Facebook on April 19. (Photo courtesy of Hudson's Manga Tea Shop's Instagram)

By Alyssa Moritz  The Manga Tea Shop in Hudson is gaining popularity, as it draws in customers with its unique blend of boba tea and an anime-themed atmosphere. “You can come here, and you can engage with other fans of anime […] and I think a lot of other [boba] places don’t offer that opportunity… Continue reading Local boba tea shop combines flavor and anime for customers

Tampa Bay artists react to Doechii’s historic Grammy win

At the 67th annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, California, Doechii becomes third woman to accept Best Rap Album Award for “Alligator Nites Never Heal." (Photo courtesy of Doechii on Instagram)

By Canela Vasquez  On Feb. 2, songwriting rapper Doechii made history as the third woman to win Best Rap Album at the Grammys.   During her acceptance speech, she highlighted the talent in Tampa, and urged “labels go to Tampa, there’s so much talent there.”  As the self-proclaimed “swamp princess,” Doechii has never hidden the fact… Continue reading Tampa Bay artists react to Doechii’s historic Grammy win