St. Petersburg navigates political divides after 2024 presidential election

The 2024 presidential election has deepened political divides across America, straining relationships in families, workplaces and communities as individuals navigate tense environments shaped by differing political beliefs. (Photo illustration by Abby Duke)

By Abby Duke The 2024 presidential election between U.S. President-Elect Donald Trump and current Vice President Kamala Harris has left more than just political tensions in its wake. As the results pave the way for Trump to return to office in late January 2025, the contentious outcome has fractured friendships, strained family ties and created… Continue reading St. Petersburg navigates political divides after 2024 presidential election

Soccer enthusiasm spreads across St. Petersburg

Al Lang Stadium, home of the Tampa Bay Rowdies, as seen in an overhead view taken in downtown St. Petersburg on Oct. 15, 2024. The stadium has become a central hub for the city’s growing soccer culture. (Photo courtesy of the Tampa Bay Rowdies Communications)

By Daniel Hernandez As soccer becomes an integral part of St. Petersburg’s athletic culture, the sport is gaining momentum through youth programs, amateur leagues and the support of professional teams like the Tampa Bay Rowdies.   Participation across the city is growing, and soccer is carving out its place alongside more established sports in the… Continue reading Soccer enthusiasm spreads 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

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 

Gen Z college grads struggle but remain determined with post-pandemic job hunting  

A typical work-from-home or interview-from-home set up for Gen Z job hopefuls.

Still shaking off the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, Tampa’s Gen Z graduates are beginning to enter the workforce. But are they ready to face the challenges that await? By Joshua Rivera Community & Culture Beat Reporter TAMPA – From the comfort of her ring-light-lit dining room table, 25-year-old Savannah Miller takes part in an… Continue reading Gen Z college grads struggle but remain determined with post-pandemic job hunting  

Beach volleyball players flock to St. Pete for competition and culture

Beachgoers gather around the St. Pete Waterfront to play volleyball. | | Courtesy of City of St. Pete

By Kendra Reese Community & Culture Beat Reporter Pepê Costa’s journey from his childhood in Rio de Janeiro, where he spent his days in the sun-soaked sand, to his current role as a decorated beach volleyball coach, has been defined by his passion for the sport. Having coached in 49 countries, including professional and Olympic… Continue reading Beach volleyball players flock to St. Pete for competition and culture