Neighborhood News Bureau

Category: MIDTOWN NEWS

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Pinellas County battles ongoing erosion with beach nourishment

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 where the sand constantly shifts and inlets open, close and migrate. According to John Bishop, Pinellas County’s coastal management coordinator, beach erosion has always been a problem along the county’s beaches.

While erosion occurs daily due to natural processes, much of the recent damage has been caused by hurricanes and storms.

Sand piled high in front of beachfront condos on Sunset Beach in Treasure Island, nearly seven months after Hurricane Helene and Milton. (Photo by Kylie Perz/NNB)

“It wasn’t until the 1980s that a decision was made to put the beaches back,” Bishop said. “The county began nourishing Sand Key island with the [United States] Army Corps of Engineers in the late 1980s. Beach erosion has been a consistent problem. Our beaches today are largely a man-made feature. Much of our Sand Key project area had no beach or dune when we first began nourishment. The projects that the county does now are more of a maintenance effort to put sand back that had been previously placed.”

Recent storms such as Hurricane Helene and Milton hit the entire coastline of Pinellas County with over seven feet of storm surge, one of the highest water levels experienced in the last 40 years. This caused about three feet of sand to wash over onto other parts of the islands, and the beaches have been in recovery mode since.

Bishop said beach nourishment is essential for protecting both the shoreline and the economy.

Before these projects began, many areas had little to no beaches left, and erosion threatened local buildings and infrastructure.
“Beach nourishment definitely helps,” Bishop said. “The beach allows the waves to start breaking offshore, instead of releasing their energy on seawalls and buildings.”

The process involves pumping sand from offshore and grading it to fit a specific design, which must be repeated every four to six years to maintain beach width.

The county follows a method known as regional sediment management, using sand from nearby inlets like Egmont Shoals, Johns Pass, Blind Pass and Pass-a-Grille to keep waterways open and reduce buildup.

“Without beaches, there would be no place for sea turtles and shorebirds to nest, so this process can also be considered a form of habitat restoration,” Bishop said.

Brenda Murphy, a longtime resident of Pinellas County’s Sunset Beach neighborhood in Treasure Island, said the beach isn’t what it used to be and continues to change with every storm.

“Our neighborhood looks different after every storm, and it’s getting worse as the years go on and storms get stronger,” Murphy said. “It’s scary to see how quickly the shoreline is disappearing and how much everything can change overnight. We’re still seeing piles of sand pushed up along walkways and seawalls, even months later.”

In response to concerns like Murphy’s, Bishop said supporting these projects is essential for the local economy and for protecting infrastructure along the coast. According to Bishop, they’re most effective when built as one continuous stretch without gaps.

Signage at Pass-a-Grille Beach marks the site of an ongoing renourishment project, part of a countywide effort to rebuild eroded shorelines following Hurricanes Helene and Milton. (Photo courtesy of Brian Lowack)

Brian Lowack, CEO of Visit St. Pete-Clearwater, said tourism plays a key role in funding these types of coastal improvements. He highlighted how the From Visitors With Love campaign helps educate residents and local officials about the importance of tourism and its impact on the community.

“This is a great way to show the results of tourism in real dollars and cents and [its] impact on our jobs, incomes and amenities in our community,” Lowack said. “It also allows us to let our residents know that our beach renourishment projects are paid for by the tourist development taxes collected from visitors, meaning no residential taxes are used to help replenish our beaches.”

April 26, 2025
Local boba tea shop combines flavor and anime for customers

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 to their customers,” Miguel Padilla said, a 36-year-old co-owner of Hudson’s Manga Tea Shop.

Boba tea shops’ popularity has increased over the years, including Hudson’s Manga Tea Shop. With the public’s expanded interest in anime and manga, which are comics or graphic novels originating from Japan, Manga Tea Shop combined boba, anime and manga to create three store locations.

Boba, or bubble tea, was traditionally a Taiwanese drink that mixed iced milk tea with tapioca pearls made from starch. Over time, additional flavors and ingredients, such as fruit, became common for boba tea shops to offer.

Padilla said that he saw an opportunity for a Hudson location tea shop early on.

“We noticed trends that more businesses were popping up in this location, more specifically in this plaza,” Padilla said. “We saw an opportunity, it was trending up [and] we thought we’d take it.”

Skye Ingram, 24-year-old manager of Hudson Manga Tea Shop, said that applying for the position provided the perfect opportunity for her.

“I really like anime, and I really like boba, so when I saw that they were opening up a shop over here I thought it was a perfect opportunity to take my personal interests into my work life,” Ingram said.

Manga Tea Shop has a variety of anime and manga themed merchandise such as stuffed animals, keychains and mystery boxes. The art on the walls inside of the shop was made by an employee at the Tampa location Manga Tea Shop, according to Padilla.

“We want the customer to walk in, feel welcome and just provide a warm environment that anyone can walk in,” Padilla said. “So, they don’t feel judged, they’re here to stay [and] they’re here to hang out. We’ll engage in conversation with them and make it an overall positive experience.”

Manga Tea Shop also hosted events including cosplay contests, anime trivia nights and holiday-themed gatherings. At some of these events, raffles and prizes were offered, allowing customers to interact and learn about others in the community.

“[These events] create good opportunities to bring people in,” Ingram said. “A majority of our clientele like anime or manga, [but] we have a select few that are only here for the boba. Even only being here for the boba they ask, ‘Oh, what’s all this artwork? What’s on the tv?’ and it introduces some people into the anime manga scene.”

Manga Tea Shop also added new products for customers, both to snack on and to keep. Along with new mystery boxes, Padilla said that Manga Tea Shop had soft serve ice cream with flavors such as taro or cookies and cream.

With all of the additions to Manga Tea Shop, from the drinks to a manga library, Padilla said that other boba shops did not offer that type of opportunity to their customers.

“I think the anime community is very passionate about anime, so you really have to provide positive experience or else they’re going to know if they walk in and you’re not passionate about something they are passionate about,” Padilla said. “Fortunately, here we don’t have that issue. Everyone here enjoys everything we do and everything we show.”

Hudson’s Manga Tea Shop displayed their new soft serve ice cream for customers on Instagram and Facebook on April 19, and they welcome new and returning visitors to stop by and try the treat in person.

April 23, 2025
Tampa Bay artists react to Doechii’s historic Grammy win

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 that she is a Tampa Bay native and took this monumental moment to remind the biggest names in the music industry of her creative roots.

The shout-out has invigorated local creatives and given them hope for more acknowledgment by labels and scouts.

Another Tampa Bay native, Celyne Mckenzie, creatively known as “Thee Celyne”, has followed Doechii’s career for years. In Tampa’s tight-knit community, she often finds herself in the same artistic circles as early Doechii collaborators.

“Sometimes when artists get big and experience fame, they tend to forget where they come from, but I was super proud of her that she didn’t,” Mckenzie said.

With a wide range of museums, murals, theatres and music venues, Tampa Bay has become a small but mighty hub for creativity and artistic expression. Mckenzie said she has grown into this expressive culture and credits Tampa Bay for her passion of artistry.

“I love the 813 so much,” she said. “Florida is a great state, but Tampa is a gem, and a lot of people don’t know that. I feel like Doechii’s win really was that fire, that resurrection of hope for some creatives in the Tampa Bay area.”

The University of South Florida’s director of contemporary commercial music and CEO of Project Gametime LLC, Kenrick Wagner, acknowledges the struggles of exposure for local artists.

“Look at the major markets in the nation,” Wagner said. “You have New York, Los Angeles and Atlanta. Then outside, you have these pockets and places where music is happening and it’s going on, but not at the forefront.”

Wagner said that through community connection, artists can network and build a strong foundation of support. Independent record labels such as Ybor City Records, Symphonic Distribution and Cigar City Management have been a breeding ground for rising artists.

Alejandro Cornado, creatively known as “Chach” and band member of THA BANNED, said he believes that open mics are where undiscovered talent can be explored. Bars like Shuffle, 7th and Grove, Tori Bar and Sparkman Wharf are a few examples of venues that offer a safe space for creatives to amplify their art.

“To me, in my own eyes, it’s another coming of a renaissance where there are so many different arts and mediums that are being explored in Tampa,” Cornado said. “It’s just more of a reassurance that she won that Grammy and was able to point out to labels, to other artists in the actual scene to take a look at Tampa because there’s so much going on here that goes over people’s head.”

Though Doechii’s acknowledgment of local artists has momentarily spotlighted Tampa’s creative prowess, many artists know that more noise will need to be made to grasp the attention of major industry players.

“It’s not going to change overnight,” Wagner said. “But what it is going to do is shift the attention from the major markets across the nation to start looking for where we can find the next popular sound or where the wave of the culture is going to go.”

For talent scouts and record labels now looking to Tampa Bay, local artists encourage them to disregard the successful music formula and focus on genuine raw talent.

“I would definitely say for record labels and talent scouts to be more personable,” Cornado said. “Go to these venues, there’s going to be something you like when you do go and dabble.”

Mckenzie said that if scouts are looking for a replica of Doechii, the results will be lackluster.

“There’s so many different flavors and so many different varieties, and you’ll truly miss out if you try to come and recreate something,” Mckenzie said. “Look at what raw talent we have here, and go with that because that’s what makes us special. We’re not like anybody else.”

April 22, 2025
Food trucks revolutionize the local resturant scene

By Destiny McDaniel

On Saturday evenings, Scott Street in Ybor City fills with parked cars and crowds as diners gather outside a local restaurant, soaking in live music and the glow of fairy lights. Meanwhile, across town, a food truck prepares for the dinner rush alongside others in a bustling lot. From burgers to ice cream, food trucks are revolutionizing the way people eat their meals.

Food trucks are becoming more popular and common in Tampa and St. Petersburg, replacing sit-down restaurants as more people opt for truck dining rather than sit-down restaurants.

Over the past decade, food trucks have increased in popularity, offering a cheaper and more convenient way for chefs to serve the public.

In contrast to traditional restaurants that require a massive upfront of cash, a long-term lease and a full team of employees, food trucks offer a low-cost alternative. Their mobility allows them to serve in several places instead of being tied to one site.

Chefs operating food trucks often have greater flexibility to experiment with menus, adapting their offerings to suit each new location.

“They’re just as convenient location-wise because they move around much more easily,” said Brie Grant, an expert chef for over a decade in the Tampa-Lakeland area. “But when they run out of food, that’s it—pack up shop.”

Food trucks are also beginning to be the preferred choice over restaurants due to the growing annoyance of tipping culture.

“When dining out at a restaurant, customers usually must pay 15-20% tip on top of the bill, and that can add up to a meal,” Grant said. “Food trucks have more of a take-it-or-leave-it tipping practice though, so that dining out is not as costly. Food trucks typically serve meals faster than traditional restaurants, too, so food trucks can also be appealing to busy people. But yes, food trucks are a winner in popularity. I did think of getting one myself.”

While some see food trucks as a more affordable and efficient alternative to traditional dining, others argue the experiences serve entirely different purposes.

“I don’t believe you can compare dining in a food truck versus dining in a fine dining restaurant,” explained Koy Wilson, a Tampa fine dining restaurant manager. “Food trucks are for grab-and-go meals, while fine dining is about being served and relaxing. I don’t think that food rucks are overtaking restaurants, at least not yet. But with the new generation, maybe that will happen.”

Food truck culture has been thriving in Tampa, with plenty of festivals celebrating the food truck restaurants. On Feb. 22, the city experienced its annual Tampa Taco Festival at Al Lopez Park, with over 20 food trucks serving all different types of tacos.

“Honestly, food trucks just hit differently,” Melda Pajazetovic said. “You really can’t get this type of flavor in a restaurant.”

Recent events, such as SoulFest on April 5 — which featured soul food-inspired trucks — and Tampa’s International Food Truck Festival 5.0 on April 12-13, highlighted the growing influence of food trucks on the local culinary scene. Their mobility enables them to efficiently serve large crowds at major gatherings, often making them a more convenient option than traditional restaurant catering.

Many festivals and gatherings choose food trucks due to their convenience, quick service and ability to provide diverse menu options on-site.

As businesses evolve, food trucks are growing more popular. With their mobility, affordability and versatility, they are revolutionizing the way people eat, one stop at a time.

April 21, 2025
St. Petersburg celebrates artists at the Second Saturday ArtWalk

By Kylie Perz

St. Petersburg Second Saturday ArtWalk unites the city’s art districts for a lively monthly event, allowing visitors to explore new exhibits, meet local artists and engage in the community. From 5 to 9 p.m. on the ArtsXchange campus, studios and galleries open their doors to showcase their one-of-a-kind pieces, offering food, wine and music to create an immersive experience.

According to Terry Marks, CEO of the Arts Alliance and organizer of the ArtWalk, the event’s primary goal is to encourage, engage and introduce residents and visitors alike to the galleries that are offered throughout the many art districts in St. Petersburg.

Artwork fills the walls of the Soft Water Gallery, a participating space in Second Saturday ArtWalk showcasing a range of local and regional artists. (Photo by Kylie Perz)

“It’s an opportunity not only to meet the artists and purchase art but to really have a sense of community, for people to meet each other, learn more about what’s going on in the arts world and support emerging artists,” Marks said. “This is especially important for underrepresented artists, such as African American and BIPOC artists, by giving them exposure as well.”

According to Marks, the experience brings multiple districts together makes art more accessible, encourages people to support small businesses, and keeps the city’s creative spirit thriving.

“We did an economic impact study with Americans for the Arts, a nonprofit organization, and discovered that $132 million in revenue comes from the arts sector and impacts the city of St. Petersburg,” Marks said. “We’re an economic driver not only for our residents but also for tourism. ArtWalk is an opportunity for the galleries to be open during hours they typically aren’t for Second Saturday.”

David Williams, artist and former visual journalist, brings a unique perspective to this event as a regular attendee.

“When I accepted a job with the St. Petersburg Times in 1987, there was no ‘art scene’ here,” Williams said. “That didn’t start until the mid-90s when local artists started taking over rundown, unused space and showing their work and the work of others. From that seed, it has grown into the lively art scene you see today. I believe the Artwalks are a way to keep the public informed as to what is going on with the arts in their community.”

Anna Ayres, a participating artist in the ArtWalk, has been part of St. Petersburg’s art scene for the past decade. She graduated from the University of Vermont with a minor in studio art and continued her artistic journey by finding ways to get involved, such as showcasing her work at arkets and events like ArtWalk. She has painted murals around the city, with some of her other artwork featured at Soft Water Gallery in the Warehouse Arts District, where she now assists with Second Saturday’s.

A mural by Anna Ayres brings bright, Miami-inspired charm to The Gabber Newspaper, with Roseate Spoonbills reading under palms and orange branches. (Photo courtesy of Anna Ayres)

“The energy is unmatched for Second Saturdays,” Ayres said. “It is so incredible to witness the community coming out, experiencing art, interacting and engaging in something so connecting for us. It’s an incredibly positive and rewarding type of evening. It just feels good to be a part of something so unique.”

Creating art often requires long hours of isolation and intense focus, which can sometimes feel lonely and be challenging at times, Ayres said. Events like the Second Saturday ArtWalk provide an opportunity to connect with others.

“The ArtWalk provides a space to share our process and our triumphs, and to engage with the community of other artists and, most importantly, art appreciators,” she said. “This gives it even more life than it has on its own. It’s like being a musician. Making the songs is one part of the process, and then sharing the songs with an audience brings a whole new energy. It’s the ripple effect of creativity. It has the power to affect others in a hugely positive way, inspiring, encouraging and motivating each other towards healthier ways of being.”

According to Ayres, these community-driven events not only foster meaningful connections but also breathe new life into the often solitary process of making art.

Artist Anna Ayres adds finishing touches to her vibrant mural at The Gabber Newspaper, painting playful roseate spoonbills and tropical details in a Miami-inspired palette. (Photo courtesy of Anna Ayres)

“The Artwalk is such a fun, positive way to encourage the community and to witness the creative process of artists,” Ayres said. “It’s not an easy vocation, and organic networking is the best way to create those relationships that make it possible. It is literally impossible to survive as an artist without the support of others, like any business or industry.”

For aspiring artists who are looking to become involved in events like this, Ayres said she encourages artists with some words of advice she wishes she had received earlier in her career.

“It’s so important to keep artistic endeavors sacred by not putting pressure or expectations on them,” she said. “It helps to have a separate vocation that keeps you afloat, allowing your passion for art to be reserved for creating and not for making sales. That way, when you do make sales, it’s just fun and a bonus. Putting all your needs on your passion can change it, and then it becomes less about soul and more about necessity.”

April 21, 2025
Soaring egg prices scramble restaurant operations citywide

By Alisha Durosier

The servers, baristas and bussers of the St. Petersburg brunch restaurant Taylor Sam’s found themselves adjusting to a new normal in late January when they were told they were no longer permitted one free breakfast item per shift or discounts on all menu items.

New store policy now requires restaurant staff to pay for what they order during their shifts and pay full price for menu items featuring eggs.

The policy change is in direct response to the rise in egg prices, which have reached historical highs this year.

According to Michael Owens, head chef of Taylor Sam’s, when the flagship store opened in New Jersey in 2013, he recalls eggs being under a $1 per dozen. As of March 14, Owens said his latest shipment of eggs cost $9.02 a dozen.

“As of right now, we actually have taken every step we could possibly think of to not bring that impact to our customers,” Owens said. “We have made every attempt to not increase our prices.”

The egg problem is not specific to the local brunch spot, nor is it new. The price of eggs has notably been an ongoing issue since 2020, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on national supply chains.

The recent price hikes, however, have been exacerbated by a perfect storm of continuing supply chain issues, high inflation rates and an outbreak of the Avian Flu, which is impacting chicken farms nationwide.

This year’s first record-breaking peak occurred in January when the average price of a dozen eggs in the U.S. peaked at $4.95. In late February, some U.S. cities saw an average peak as high as $8 before the price sharply declined back to approximately a $4 average.

Additionally, the United States Department of Agriculture predicts the price of eggs will grow “at above-average rates.”

Angad Dang, a hospitality and tourism management professor instructing a restaurant operations course on USF’s Sarasota-Manatee campus, highlights two ways restaurants often navigate price hikes.

“They [restaurants] have to constantly… price match,” Dange said, “So they’re not always buying stuff from one vendor, and at the same time, sometimes, they have to increase the prices for the consumer as well because that’s going to be the person that actually eats the prices. So what is the cost of goods compared to what is the profit margin that you want to make? That’s how you do your menu pricing.”

Wooden Rooster, a local St. Petersburg cafe that specializes in crepes, employs both of these methods, utilizing several local vendors and increasing some of the prices on their menu items.

“We are still doing our best to give the best product and not allowing it to change the way we serve our guests,” Wooden Rooster’s General Manager Melissa Phillips said. “We are taking the hit as a company.”

Phillips emphasized that while the price of eggs has continuously changed due to inflation, the costs have “significantly gone up” in the past year.

For Wooden Rooster, 40 pounds of eggs cost $45 last year. Currently the price for the same amount of eggs sits at $95.

“We have had issues getting eggs due to our vendors being out of stock,” Phillips added. “We have also had to change our product from time to time because of vendors not having our product in stock.”

So far this year, a little over 37 million commercial birds have died.

According to Dr. Sten Vermund, a pediatrician and infectious disease epidemiologist, once the Avian Flu is detected within a flock of chickens, the standard approach for farmers is to cull, or slaughter, the entire flock to prevent the virus from spreading.

“With millions of chickens being killed in the U.S., and some ducks and some geese, you end up with a rise in the price of eggs because you have fewer eggs being produced,” Vermund said.

Vermund also said that while chickens are easy to breed and hatch, it will take some time for farms to rebuild their stock of poultry.

“It still will take a better part of six months to a year to replace those millions of dead poultry, and of course, if we don’t get a good handle on the H5N1 epidemic, then the new fresh crop of poultry could also get infected,” he said.

The cost of eggs is starting to decrease, yet it still remains unstable. Owens said he hopes that prices become more manageable, otherwise, Taylor Sam’s may have to look into more alternative ways to maintain their preferred profit margins.

“I hope I’m wrong, but I personally believe that we will never see eggs below $6 a dozen again,” he said. “If I could open a chicken farm and produce enough eggs, I sure as hell would give it a shot.”

April 21, 2025
Vinyl records captivate a new generation

By Emma Lamison

Vinyl records are making a strong comeback in St. Petersburg. The music industry is changing, with artists using various types of records to create a unique collectible item that helps them connect with their fans more.

“My walls in my room are covered with my vinyl on display shelves to show off my favorite album artworks,” said CJ Neil, a vinyl collector with 90 records in his collection. “Some of them are just so beautiful that they should be actual art pieces.”

Neil, who was born and raised in St Petersburg, said his love for vinyl collecting started during high school, but he grew up with vinyl when his dad first introduced him as a kid.

“The first album I remember listening to with my dad was Pink Floyd’s “The Dark Side of the Moon,” Neil said. “The album was a story from beginning to end. Artists today should make more concept albums, so people listen to the album from start to finish.”

Another buyer of vinyl, Gabbi Valles, is barely beginning her own collection.

“Did you know that vinyl was the primary medium for music for most of the 20th century,” Valles said. “It’s crazy to think about, and it is still going strong.”

Collecting vinyl has also become a way for the young generation to express their individuality and their musical taste. Online vinyl-collecting communities are thriving, with apps that allow users to catalog and archive their vinyl collections.

“I love the Discogs app,” Neil said. “It comes in handy when someone asks how many records I own. The app also allows users to see what vinyl is trending, [and it allows you to] buy and sell vinyl to each other and see their estimated collection value.

Neil said his collection value is currently around $2,300, though it is not as high as other collectors he has met.

Artists have recognized the growing demand for vinyl, and record labels have adapted their marketing strategies to cater to the collectors.

Artists often release limited edition vinyl variants, which creates a sense of urgency and exclusivity for fans.

Bananas Records is a popular record store in St. Petersburg that caters to both collectors and casual music fans. It sells many new and old vinyls, including rare and special editions.

“The limited variants can include different cover art from the original, special colored vinyl or sometimes bonus tracks that are not available on other formats,” said Genevieve Stout, Bananas Records manager.

Record Store Day is an annual event that celebrates independent record stores and vinyl culture, and it has played a big role in the vinyl resurgence. The event began in 2008 and is a major day for collectors.

“Our Record Store Day is a full week event,” Stout said. “We have local artists play at our store. It’s a fun time.”

The most recent Record Store Day occurred on April 12, with many collectors and fans there to celebrate the resurgence of vinyl in St. Petersburg.

April 21, 2025
Local theatre thrives from New Port Richey citizens’ support.

By Alyssa Moritz

Richey Suncoast Theatre has seen a surge in community support in recent years, helping the New Port Richey venue expand its reach.

“In the time I’ve been here, the support has definitely grown,” said Alyssa Vargas, a 21-year-old actress. “We’ve definitely seen an increase in support for the theatre, but I think since I’ve started there, there’s always been a community of people that love it and come and support it regardless.”

Richey Suncoast Theatre’s community and audience continued to grow to the delight of its staff. Seats in the audience gradually filled over the years to accommodate the full house watching various performances, along with other events.

One play in March, “Calendar Girls,” brought citizens of New Port Richey to support the local theatre with its actors. From live plays to movie nights, citizens had options to choose from to contribute to Richey Suncoast Theatre’s livelihood.

Vargas said that the current staff promoting the theatre on social media helped reach a wider audience.

“Our social media advertisements and market has grown as we’ve gotten some different people in office,” Vargas said.

This increase in attention led to a larger budget for Richey Suncoast Theatre’s performances. This included new stage props, sets and events being held for the theatre.

Jess Glass, a 44-year-old creative theatre director, said that this budget helped allow for more creativity with the theatre’s technology.

“We can do more dynamic things with the lighting designs that we weren’t able to do before,” Glass said. “But also, because we have more income, we’re able to put more money into things like our sets for shows. Things like that just add so much and these are things we definitely couldn’t have done three years ago, even because we just didn’t have the money for the budget.”

Partnering with small local businesses has helped the Richey Suncoast Theatre expand its reach and strengthen ties within the community. The mutual support also fostered lasting connections with area residents.

“We have tribute bands, comedians and we do have movies,” Glass said. “That’s one huge thing: we diversified the offerings of the theatre, which has brought way more people in and more money. Because we’re making quite a bit more than what we were when we were doing theatrical events, it means we can also put more money into our theatrical events.”

Richey Suncoast Theatre received a lot of help from the city of New Port Richey as well, according to the president of the theatre’s board, 43-year-old Angela Sarabia.

One example is a $100,000 grant the theater received in 2024 from the New Port Richey Community Redevelopment Agency for renovations.

“We feel lots of support from the city,” Sarabia said. “So, that grant allows a certain amount of money to be spent on external improvements to the theatre so things that involve the building and things like that. Once we determine we’ve gotten an expense that meets the requirements to the grant, we must pay for those improvements, then we can get reimbursed through that fund […] But we feel very supported by that.”

The local support has allowed Richey Suncoast Theatre to host more events, leading to higher revenue. Compared to 2024, the theater is seeing a significant increase in profits this year, Sarabia said.

“Ticket sale information is harder to nail down, but looking at this year and comparing it to last year, we are on track to more than double our income by the end of the year,” Sarabia said.

With the support from the local community, Richey Suncoast Theatre continues to perform and host events for attendees to enjoy.

“People are coming out to support us, and they do have opinions, and they do have feelings, like it’s really, really exciting,” Vargas said. “That’s again where we feel the community too, that’s their support.”

April 17, 2025
The hidden stories behind city murals inspire locals

By London Evans

Colorful murals now line the streets of St. Petersburg, transforming the city into an open-air gallery that began taking shape a decade ago when officials eased restrictions on street art.

It all began around 10 years ago when local authorities relaxed their restrictions on street art and welcomed local artists’ ideas to turn the small town into a real arts destination, according to Visit St. Pete Clearwater.

This city has a wide range of art from early public sculptures and artistic initiatives to the celebration of its murals today. Some murals explore the clash between modern urban life and tradition, while others highlight the evolving role of public art.

“I really like a newer one that I always pass by on Third Street North right before it merges onto Fourth Street,” Avery Siwinski said. “It’s huge and it’s of a woman. It’s beautiful.”

Murals and artwork look over St. Petersburg sharing messages of hope and inspiration. (Photo by London Evans)

Siwinski said she has lived in the Historic Old Northeast area her whole life, and she’s witnessed the evolution of the arts in her hometown.

“I would say one of my favorite areas in general for murals is this parking lot between First Avenue North and Central Avenue on the 600 block,” Siwinski said. “There are easily over five in that one area and they change sometimes. I used to work nearby there and walk by every day, and I just witnessed different things occurring there daily like tourists taking pictures or artists creating new murals.”

The PixelStix app offers an interactive way to explore murals throughout downtown St. Petersburg. This technology is now being adopted by mural organizations across the country, according to SHINE Mural Festival, which takes place annually every October.

Emily Ding, another St. Petersburg resident, said she has been painting murals for over eight years. She is the artist behind “The Yearling” in downtown St. Petersburg.

“’The Yearling’ is about how growth can be painful but simultaneously beautiful, and how we can remain soft despite hardship,” Ding said. “The deer is surrounded by sharp thorns but is blooming with soft and delicate white wild roses. The title came from a local who told me about a coming-of-age novel based in St. Petersburg about a boy and a fawn he rescued, and it seemed fitting to use the same title for my piece.”

Murals and artwork look over St. Petersburg sharing messages of hope and inspiration. (Photo by courtesy of SHINE Mural Festival)

The Visit St. Pete Clearwater tourism company have weekly mural tours. The St. Petersburg Arts Alliance is one of many organizations that support public art and the arts community in the city.

“I recommend SHINE Mural Festival,” said Dan Katz, business manager for Florida CraftArt. “They invite both local and international artists.”

Katz said they also offer walking and biking mural tours, along with private tours for schools and individuals seeking a more personalized experience.

“We typically get between 10 to 25 people on our Saturday tours, and our private tours range from two to 30 people, depending on the organization or individual booking,” Katz said. “During the winter months, our tours are very popular and run every week.”

The tours have become more than just a weekend activity—they’re a way for locals and visitors alike to connect with the city’s creative identity and celebrate community pride.

Murals and artwork look over St. Petersburg sharing messages of hope and inspiration. (Photo by London Evans)

“A lot of the more recognizable murals impact the community by creating recognition and a sense of community such as the ‘love your neighborhood’ one by Tombolo Bookstore which I think has been created into stickers,” Siwinski said.

According to the artists, the murals help give tourists a sense of the city’s personality, creating a connection to an unfamiliar place.

“I also enjoy the smaller projects that can be found throughout the alleyways of our arts districts that allow for full creative license and reflect the city’s history and culture,” Katz said.

These large-scale murals highlight the impact of public art, showcasing stories important to locals and visitors of all walks of life.

“I value storytelling and believe in the importance of public art as an inclusive and barrier-free way for communities to enjoy and experience art,” Ding said. “What we as artists and muralists choose to paint is an important decision that forever adds to local neighborhood identities. I place emphasis on creating visual stories and emotive pieces that people can explore and hopefully resonate with.”

April 17, 2025
Pinellas County adapts to the FDA’s recent ban on Red No. 3

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 food a bright red color, forces Florida’s food industry to adapt.

The ban, enacted due to health concerns, has created discussions among health experts, food manufacturers and consumers about its potential impact and what it could mean for the industry’s future.

As businesses reformulate products and consumers learn about the ban, it marks a shift toward cleaner food production for all of Florida and the United States.

“This ban is a step in the right direction, but the ultimate goal is to reduce reliance on ultra-processed foods altogether,” said Dr. Lauri Wright, USF’s director of nutrition programs.

“I shy away from vilifying additives and focus instead on the bigger picture of moving away from ultra-processed foods,” she said.

She emphasized that while the ban is significant, it should be part of a larger push for better nutrition. While banning certain ingredients marks a positive change, experts agree that addressing the broader food system is essential for long-term health improvements.

“Instead of focusing on one dye, we should encourage people to adopt a more whole-food-based diet,” Wright said. “Artificial dyes are just one piece of the puzzle.”

The FDA’s decision is based on recent research that connects Red No. 3 to significant health risks. While studies have shown carcinogenic effects in animals, human studies have remained inconclusive.

The dye, which is used in most candies and snacks, has been associated with endocrine disruption, behavioral concerns in children and gut health disturbances.

These findings have prompted public health experts like Wright to advocate for broader changes in food safety regulations.

Stephanie Ferry, a nurse who specializes in cancer treatments at Morton Plant Hospital, emphasized the importance of health awareness.

“I think people should understand what they are putting in their body,” Ferry said. “One hundred years ago, yes, people were chain-smoking cigarettes, but things have changed. We need to start taking care of our health and see what is right in front of our faces.”

Ferry also said that education about these dyes and ingredients is crucial to creating a healthier environment for everyone.

“This isn’t being spoken about enough,” Ferry said. “It isn’t being taught in my kids’ schools, so I doubt it’s being discussed anywhere else. Not knowing what is bad for your health is just as detrimental as ingesting these artificial dyes.”

Laurie Lieber, manager of Tasty Treats Café, said that she was “unaware of the ban.”

Tasty Treats Café, located in St. Petersburg, offers a variety of bakery items, cakes and other food options. The family-operated store was unaware of what Red No. 3 was and did not give any indication for reformulation.

As businesses work through the transition, consumers adjust to the new reality. Outside Rocket Fizz, a candy shop in St. Petersburg known for its nostalgic and brightly colored sweets, shoppers had mixed reactions to the ban.

“I had no idea they were banning Red No. 3,” said Angela Robinson, a resident who had just purchased a bag of cherry-flavored sour gummies.

“I guess it’s a good thing if it’s bad for you, but I also feel like we’ve been eating this stuff for years,” Robinson said. “How dangerous can it be?”

Others were more focused on what it meant for their favorite treats.

“I love how the wax bottles candies look and taste,” Rocket Fizz customer Olivia Marsh said. “If they can find a natural way to keep them the same, I’m all for it. But I don’t want them to change too much—I buy them because they remind me of my childhood.”

As Florida businesses and shoppers navigate these changes, experts agree that the ban signals a growing movement toward cleaner, more transparent food production. Whether this shift will lead to broader policy changes remains to be seen, but for now, consumers can expect to see reformulated products on store shelves soon.

April 17, 2025