Local markets expand across St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg November’s Mezzo Market crowd fills the street on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. (Photo by Riley Benson/NNB)"

By Riley Benson Despite the sweltering Florida heat and sidewalks still in recovery mode from Hurricane season, St. Petersburg locals can be spotted out at a neighborhood market. From handmade candles to taxidermy bugs, there’s an option for every niche.  Arguably, the most popular markets are the weekly Saturday Morning Market and monthly Mezzo Market. Recently,… Continue reading Local markets expand across St. Petersburg

Pet adoptions surge across Flordia shelters after hurricane season

On the left, a North Carolina volunteer cares for a dog rescued during Hurricane Helene. On the right, an animal shelter is damaged by the hurricane, leaving the shelter completely unlivable for its animals. (Photo courtesy of GreaterGood.com)

By Cassia Machado As Hurricane Helene and Milton charged across Florida, animal shelters became makeshift sanctuaries, filled with anxious pets and restless barks. Volunteers were called to urgently work cataloging each animal and securing safe spaces as cities grappled with back to back hurricanes. With each adoption and foster placement, the shelter’s noise levels grew until… Continue reading Pet adoptions surge across Flordia shelters after hurricane season

Sector FM revives St. Petersburg’s music scene

A Sector FM DJ spins tracks at the local dive bar, The Bends, in St. Petersburg. (Photo by Kaylen Ross/NNB)

By Kaylen Ross As the beat drops, neon lights reflect off drinks and local DJs spin tracks at a crowded dive bar in St. Petersburg, The Bends. Seen as the heartbeat of Sector FM, a Florida-based radio station, the faces behind the music come from Vonne Parks and Andre “Dre” Gainey, members of the band They… Continue reading Sector FM revives St. Petersburg’s music scene

St. Petersburg residents consider moving after hurricane damage

Debris, along with collected trees branches and uprooted stumps, lie along the curb of an old southeast neighborhood near the USF St. Petersburg campus. (Photo by Christopher Hooker/NNB)

By Christopher Hooker Debris continues to litter neighborhoods, with moldy furniture and vegetation still piled along curbsides. Many residents still wear expressions of disbelief, as they grapple with the sudden upheaval of their lives. Following the destruction left by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, many St. Petersburg residents are weighing whether to rebuild their lives or… Continue reading St. Petersburg residents consider moving after hurricane damage

AI challenges St. Petersburg’s art scene

In this AI-crafted image from McArthur Freeman’s Instagram in 2022, vibrant colors and abstract forms blend together to tell a story. Freeman’s work continues to push the boundaries of AI in art, offering a glimpse into what's possible with this new technology. (Photo Illustration by McArthur Freeman)

By Tyler Tran Artificial Intelligence, known as technology that allows computers to imitate human intelligence, is reshaping the art world by introducing new opportunities and ethical concerns.  As AI-driven creations enter mainstream galleries and artist studios, St. Petersburg’s vibrant art scene may face a significant transformation. Some fear AI’s influence could dilute the authenticity for… Continue reading AI challenges St. Petersburg’s art scene

Statewide ban on public homeless encampments spurs controversy  

Florida's statewide ban on public homeless encampments, put forth through House Bill 1365, spurs controversy in the St. Petersburg area. (Photo by BKP/Adobe Stock Photo)

By Kairo Munoz Following two back-to-back hurricanes in October, the city’s law enforcement, shelters and homeless organizations cope with the enactment of House Bill 1365.  With the law being touted as a violation against the rights of the unhoused community, critics worry about the negative consequences that come with enforcing it.  Signed into law by… Continue reading Statewide ban on public homeless encampments spurs controversy  

Local arcade hosts niche community gaming scene 

Gamers use a spread of Neon Dreams Arcade's various Japan-imported machines, including, Pop’n Music, Soul Calibur II, King of Fighters and Initial D. (Photo by Samuel Talero/NNB)

By Samuel Talero Located in Largo, Neon Dreams Arcade hosts a variety of different arcade-style video games imported from Japan. Rather than serve as just a showcase for overseas games, Neon Dreams specializes in attracting fans to the same spot in St. Petersburg, fostering a community where people with similar taste can meet new friends… Continue reading Local arcade hosts niche community gaming scene 

St. Pete’s EDGE District balances preservation amid growth 

The EDGE District Gateway Marker stands as a landmark, welcoming all to St. Petersburg’s dynamic and historic neighborhood. (Photo by Jack Hernandez/NNB)

By Jack Hernandez   Once a quiet industrial zone, St. Petersburg’s EDGE District has blossomed into a lively hub for arts, dining and entertainment. As new businesses, high-end shops and luxury residences transform the area, the district stands at a pivotal moment, balancing its historic character with the pressures of modernization.  The EDGE District’s journey… Continue reading St. Pete’s EDGE District balances preservation amid growth 

Displaced seniors in St. Petersburg face uphill battle after twin hurricanes 

Managers from a rehab facility enjoy their coffee provided by Elli Baldwin’s team at Sunways Senior Living Concierge as a show of appreciation for all their work provided to seniors during the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. (Photo by Elli Baldwin)

By Abby Duke The streets of St. Petersburg have become a sobering reminder of the raw power of nature, as back-to-back Hurricanes Helen and Milton leave a trail of destruction in their wake. Many of the city’s senior citizens are now facing the unimaginable, as their homes have become unlivable. Left vulnerable and displaced, St. Pete’s… Continue reading Displaced seniors in St. Petersburg face uphill battle after twin hurricanes 

St. Pete Pride hosts annual FrankenPride event amid statewide LGBTQ+ restrictions 

Remnants of the crowd walk through St. Pete Pride’s FrankenPride as it nears its end on Oct. 27, 2024. (Photo by Skyla Rogers/NNB)

By Skyla Rogers Florida’s largest pride organization, St. Pete Pride, held its fourth annual FrankenPride event Oct. 27 from 12-5 p.m. on the 2800 through 3100 blocks of Central Avenue, creating a safe environment for all ages and identities.   Founded in 2003 following the abrupt shutdown of Tampa Bay’s pride event, St. Pete Pride works… Continue reading St. Pete Pride hosts annual FrankenPride event amid statewide LGBTQ+ restrictions