A History in Photographs: Jordan Park

It’s 1939. You and your entire family lives in what is essentially a shack with three other families. The roof leaks. There’s cracks in the walls, loose floorboards. You have to walk out the front door and around the back to use the toilet. There’s no electricity. There’s no running water. There’s nowhere else to… Continue reading A History in Photographs: Jordan Park

After criticism, another meeting is planned for potential Midtown development

Photo by Lorien Mattiacci

Plans for a potential development bringing residential, retail and industrial jobs to Midtown is being criticized for not giving neighbors enough time to review the proposal. About 20 people attended a community meeting where the plan to redevelop the St. Petersburg Commerce Plot, near the Dome Industrial District, was presented Monday, Nov. 16, according to… Continue reading After criticism, another meeting is planned for potential Midtown development

NAACP St. Pete President: Resident engagement in city election important for Midtown’s future

BY CLARENCE FORD NNB Reporter ST. PETERSBURG – Midtown residents play a key role in upcoming city elections and need to make efforts to vote Nov. 3, according to officials at the NAACP St. Pete Branch. There’s also a lot of money on the line. “The African-American voter can no longer depend solely on one’s… Continue reading NAACP St. Pete President: Resident engagement in city election important for Midtown’s future

Residents want action, not promises, for Midtown

Story and Photos BY INDHIRA SUERO NNB Reporter ST. PETERSBURG – Equality. Infrastructure. Employment training. Without a doubt, Midtown women demonstrate that they are aware of the needs of their community. Most of them do not hesitate when addressing them, especially with upcoming elections Nov. 3. Some of them — like Angela Rouson, the president… Continue reading Residents want action, not promises, for Midtown

Radio for the people

A black radio. "We’re going to have an open door policy", says Gazi Kodzo.

It is the first time that St. Petersburg, Florida, has a radio station with content specifically directed to its African American community. According to its founders, this radio will help black people to be able to express their concerns, frustrations and to show their talent. Without a doubt, Black Power 96 is an example of… Continue reading Radio for the people

Referendum no. 2 asks voters to change district lines

BY CARLY ROMANO NNB Reporter ST. PETERSBURG— Residents get the opportunity to vote on a referendum that could change district lines. Referendum question no. 2 reads: “Shall the City Charter be amended to provide that Council Districts do not need to follow voting precinct lines when it is not practical due to the need for… Continue reading Referendum no. 2 asks voters to change district lines

Midtown barbershop makes the cut

Barbers Shawn Oliveras, Derek Fraley, and Kevin Rix cutting hair at Chago's Barber shop. Photo by Eric Vaughan.

Story and photos BY ERIC VAUGHAN NNB Reporter ST. PETERSBURG –A look around Chago’s Barber Shop and it’s apparent owner Chago Diaz stands firmly behind his mission of acceptance in Midtown. In a sofa near the entrance, awaiting haircuts, sits a gay couple chatting and laughing with one of the other barbers as if they… Continue reading Midtown barbershop makes the cut

Just A Little Love to Restore A Stronger And Diverse Community

The café was renovated to meet modern day demands while keeping the design and layout of the historical Sidney Harden’s Grocery Store.

BY ZENENA MOGUEL NNB Reporter ST. PETERSBURG – It was just another night where the sound of music and laughter filled the air of this vibrant community. It was Midtown in the 1940s bringing out the African-American culture. But, it was not always that way. It took brave and valiant individuals to build the lively… Continue reading Just A Little Love to Restore A Stronger And Diverse Community

“The Deuces”: can the once-vibrant street make a comeback?

Candice Reshef | NNB Entrepreneurs Elihu and Carolyn Brayboy, who grew up in Midtown, have spent $800,000 to buy and restore four buildings along 22nd Street.

BY JAIMIE LUNA and KIM DOLEATTO NNB Reporters ST. PETERSBURG – For decades, they had to sit in the back of the bus. They couldn’t eat at downtown lunch counters, couldn’t catch a movie at one of the big theaters, couldn’t sit on the famous green benches. They couldn’t even try on clothes before they… Continue reading “The Deuces”: can the once-vibrant street make a comeback?

University strives to be ‘beacon of hope’ for Midtown students

Lauren Hensley | NNB Some of the youngsters at the camp, shown here with camp leader Lindsey Hosier (in blue T-shirt), have never been to the beach or to downtown St. Petersburg.

BY LAUREN HENSLEY and SHELBY BOURGEOIS NNB Student Reporters ST. PETERSBURG – From atop the new College of Business building going up at the University of South Florida, Fred Bennett says, you will be able to see some of the city’s poorest neighborhoods. They are places where unemployment and crime are high, opportunities and ambition… Continue reading University strives to be ‘beacon of hope’ for Midtown students