Neighborhood News Bureau

Category: COMMUNITY

  • St. Petersburg residents navigate a growing city amid population boom

    St. Petersburg residents navigate a growing city amid population boom

    By Skyla Rogers

    Over the past two decades, steady development has transformed St. Petersburg’s Historic Gas Plant District from a hidden gem into a bustling city. Its boom in population and change in infrastructure has left locals cautiously looking toward the future of the city. 

    St. Petersburg resident, Donna Smith, moved to the city in 2003 from Tuscaloosa, Alabama. 

    “It was kind of smaller then,” Smith said. “It wasn’t a tiny town. It had all the bells and whistles of a city, but … it was nothing like it is now.” 

    As the city experiences the current boom in population, Smith said she’s noticed the city change firsthand through “more traffic, more people and less ease of movement.” 

    According to Smith, the city isn’t the same as it was 20 years ago. Beach trips and visits downtown take strategic planning because parking has increasingly become an issue. 

    Another resident, Don Plese, has lived in St. Petersburg for eight years and in the surrounding area for decades more. He said he worries that the city won’t be able to handle these changes. 

    “It’s kind of scary right now downtown,” Plese said. “You see those 46-story condominiums going up and another one right next to it, and you know those people are going to live here and they’re going to drive here. They’re going to use utilities, and I think the growth should be slow and well planned.” 

    Monica Kile, former executive director of the organization now known as Preserve the ‘Burg, spent years in St. Petersburg working to preserve historic buildings throughout the city.  

    “If you want to have these businesses downtown you need to preserve some of these older buildings so that they have an affordable place to rent,” Kile said. “[Older buildings] have a certain look and feel that you can’t get with a new building. When you lose those, there’s no getting back that unique historic feel of the city.” 

    Plese said his focus is on whether the city can handle its current growth and how that growth might impact the residents, but Smith said she believes the city is doing a fine job thus far.  

    Regarding the busy streets and limited parking, Smith references the SunRunner, the region’s first bus rapid transit service. 

    “The SunRunner was a good way to try to alleviate parking problems at the beaches and downtown,” Smith said. “You can just jump on and ride down from any stop all the way across town.” 

    Smith said she is optimistic about the changes facing St. Petersburg and appreciates the amenities that come with a growing city, while Plese explains that his views might stem from his older perspective, claiming he no longer has the busy life that younger residents may value. 

    “We’ve got a beautiful city,” Plese said. “I think it’s kind of a hidden gem. It’s beautiful and I hate to see it be diminished, however, if I was [younger] and I was looking at more opportunity for jobs and businesses and nightlife going on, I might have a different opinion.” 

    With talks of repairing Tropicana Field after hurricane damage and the construction of a new stadium by 2029, some residents may worry about where their tax dollars are going.  

    According to Smith, the Tampa Bay Rays have been looking for a reason to leave the city for years. She said the team leaving the city could affect the revenues since “the city gives a lot of money to keep the Rays here already.” 

    In the last year, the county commission voted to invest $312.5 million in financing the new stadium to keep the Rays in town. 

    Kile explained she is still in full support of the development of a new ballpark, despite the emphasis she puts on preservation. However, she said she is worried about the impact that losing a Major League Baseball team may have on the city. 

    “I think it would be a turning for the worst,” Kile said. “There have been paradigm shifts in our city’s history, and I think the hurricane and subsequent loss of the Rays could be one of those negative shifts.”

    Smith also said that she would not be surprised if the difficulties that come with a busier city led to others moving elsewhere. 

    “I do think its driving people out, ultimately, who don’t want to live elbow to elbow,” Smith said, adding that she and some of her friends have talked about leaving Florida due to the lack of space. 

    While residents closer to the heart of the city may be feeling the effects of a growing population, Pinellas County has not necessarily undergone the population boom that many are fearful of. The population of the county has increased by only 4.9% between 2010 in 2022. 

    “The increase in population in Pinellas County has been marginal in the last 20 years,” Kile said. “The location of that population has shifted, and that’s why people think there is an increase. I’m not overly concerned about population growth in St. Pete, and I think if people understood those numbers a bit better, they might not be either.” 

    Kile advises that those concerned about developments being made in the city should speak out. 

    “The voices of residents matter when some of these issues are going through the city council,” she said. “Citizens can send an email, go to the hearing [and] speak up because they really do listen.” 

  • Pinellas County students struggle despite increased mental health support

    Pinellas County students struggle despite increased mental health support

    By Stephanie Glass

    Pinellas County schools recently increased their budget for mental health services, but many students feel the expanded resources are not sufficient to address the pressures of modern adolescence. 

    “I think they try, but they really don’t know how to reach out,” a junior from Gibbs High School, who prefers to remain anonymous, said. “It feels like they just tell us to reach out and let us know, but how can I tell you if I don’t feel comfortable?” 

    A 2024 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study found that 39.7% of students reported persistent feelings of hopelessness, with 28.5% experiencing poor mental health. 

    Suicide attempts were also found to be more prevalent among underclassmen compared to their upperclassmen peers. 

    “Because of my busy schedule, I feel burnt out and drained,” said the junior from Gibbs High School. “I have a lot of self-doubt, and my teachers make it harder because they can be disorganized, which makes me feel insecure and stupid.” 

    The pressures extend beyond daily schoolwork, with looming concerns about college applications, financial stability and future plans. 

    “A lot of my friends are in the National Honor Society, and we are stressed about money and where we’re going,” the junior said. “Can I even get into the college I want at this point?” 

    For some students, the stress is intensified by the uncertainty in how they will afford higher education. 

    “I don’t know if I’ll be able to go to college,” said Karla Jimenez, a sophomore from Pinellas Park High School. “I might have to start working soon to save up.” 

    The county currently offers access to the 988 hotline and other similar suicide prevention communication methods, including foundations that can assist with at-risk students.  

    Each high school in the region is also equipped with social workers, guidance counselors and other various specialists to assist the students. 

    The district has significantly increased the budget for the local schools by adjusting the local taxes and implementing a plan that prioritizes student success and caring relationships.  

    India Stallings, a counselor at Hollins High School, said it may take time before the budget increases lead to tangible changes. 

    “Regarding the impact of recent budget increases, we have not observed any tangible effect thus far,” Stallings said. “Based on our understanding, it is most likely that any significant impact would not be evident until the 2025-2026 school year.” 

    Some students have expressed understanding that the support they do receive is reflective of the efforts of their school staff. 

    “I think the school does the best that they can in balancing the stress,” said Abigail Aldas, a junior at Gibbs High School. “We have good counselors, and they do the best they can.” 

    As Pinellas County commits to the improvement of mental health services, future students can benefit from these efforts and receive better support in managing the challenges they face. 

  • The Nest redefines inclusive spaces in St. Petersburg

    The Nest redefines inclusive spaces in St. Petersburg

    By Kaylen Ross

    The Nest, a community home in St. Petersburg, provides a welcoming space designed while keeping people of color and LGBTQ+ individuals in mind. Operated by Queer Expressions St. Pete, the space also embraces anyone looking to connect, create and heal through collective care. 

    With a focus on grassroots organizing, The Nest has become a vital resource for fostering self-expression in the many forms it takes.  

    The Nest opened its doors to the community in 2023, with a mission to build community-driven spaces outside of traditional institutional frameworks. The organization intentionally avoids corporate influence. Its volunteer team prioritizes mutual aid and reliance on the community, creating a model of care that challenges systems of oppression. 

    The home hosts an evolving schedule of events tailored to a range of ages and interests. Programs include DJ classes led by DJ Empower, a journaling workshop where participants create zines and collages, and Sip + Stitch which encourages communal bonding through crotchet. All events are completely free and open to everyone. 

    Lauren Harris, co-founder of QE and facilitator of the Sip + Stitch program, describes the importance of creating spaces that feel accessible and substance-free.  

    Participants of Sip + Stitch sew, crochet or work on other creative projects while enjoying mocktails in a relaxing atmosphere. 

    “Sip + Stitch is about crafting, sure, but through time spent together and conversations over shared interests, we’ve made genuine friendships,” Harris said. “Everyone still has their day jobs, but the short periods where I can come to The Nest and drop the corporate façade, be myself and chat with people like me is the most special thing.” 

    The Let Kids Be Kids initiative, which encourages children to engage with art in a playful environment, is one of the most appreciated programs for children questioning their sexuality from an early age.  

    The Nest’s mission is to empower the community, especially youth, to make decisions, develop initiatives and express themselves without constraints or expectations. 

    The Nest offers an array of thoughtfully designed resources to meet the needs of its target audience. It includes a fully stocked community kitchen, a library featuring banned books, a maker’s space with free art supplies, a sensory room for relaxation, a community garden and a pay-what-you-can washer and dryer. These features echo their promise to ensure access to tools for well-being and creativity, regardless of financial status. 

    Beyond its physical amenities, The Nest serves as a platform for finding their voice. 

    Dylan Dames, a musician and event facilitator, said performing at events hosted by QE has given him the confidence to explore his artistry as a person of color. 

    “This space encourages experimentation,” Dames said. “It’s a place where your voice is heard without feeling the pressure that you may get from other spaces.” 

    Attendee Yuki Shao echoes this sentiment, describing her experience participating in a lesbian arm-wrestling competition. 

    “I’m a very competitive person, and I wasn’t even scared of losing,” Shao said. “I think this fear is correlated to the idea of judgment which doesn’t exist here at The Nest.” 

    The philosophy behind QE’s efforts is rooted in mutual aid and the understanding that healing starts with addressing the needs of the most vulnerable. By prioritizing community-driven initiatives, The Nest fosters an environment where creativity and care are intertwined. 

    Its programs aim to subvert systems that often marginalize queer and trans bodies and minds, offering a model of radical healing that is both empowering and restorative, according to its attendees.  

    To protect vulnerable identities such as closeted LGBTQ+, The Nest requires members who want to join to RSVP before receiving the address. 

    As a grassroots organization, The Nest represents the power of collective action. Their commitment to joy, solidarity and inclusion ensures that the space continues to grow as a sanctuary for those seeking connection and purpose in their lives. 

  • Small businesses find hope in their community following twin hurricanes

    Small businesses find hope in their community following twin hurricanes

    By Hannah Edgeman

    In the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, small businesses in the St. Petersburg area are still piecing together their livelihoods. Some owners find themselves close to fully reopening their stores, while others feel stuck in a waiting period, not too far removed from the moments of devastation that occurred in the days following Hurricane Milton. 

    One of these “stuck” individuals is Jenny Williams, the co-owner of The Farmhouse Market and Café, a breakfast and sandwich shop on the outskirts of St. Pete.  

    Williams founded the restaurant with her husband in 2018, and in the six years since it has become a staple in its town. Many residents visit the Farmhouse Market not only for their daily meals and coffee, but also for fresh locally farmed produce and meat. 

    Their steady business came to a halt on Oct. 10, when Milton’s 75 mph winds tore the roof from the building. 

    “This definitely was not even really a thought that something like this could happen,” Williams said. “You know our building is surrounded by windows, and I’ve been through hurricanes before and, you know, and there’s flying debris. That’s something that you could have thought ‘that possibly could have happened’ but never in a million years did we think that.” 

    This loss of ceiling paired with the exhaust fan being ripped away created large holes in the roof, and with the hours’ worth of heavy rain it absorbed, the interior was not salvageable. Their electronics, merchandise and inventory were soaked and destroyed. 

    Now, Williams and her husband are playing the waiting game, postponing rebuilding efforts until they receive funds from their insurance company. She shares feelings of discouragement over already waiting a month and half for a response from the company. 

    While waiting, they are finding hope on the other side of the storm through their community, she said. The Farmhouse Market’s website declares that they “have a vision of supporting local farms and businesses to bring the best and freshest products.” Following Milton, the people they set out to support are now supporting them. 

    When Williams posted on the restaurant’s Facebook page that they would not be reopening for the foreseeable future, customers began to arrive at their front door, not asking for a coffee, but for a chance to help her clean the debris out of her store. 

    “We have been absolutely blown away at the level of heartbreak that the community is actually sharing with us,” Williams said, her voice tight with emotion. “I mean, we don’t deserve the support that they’ve given us.” 

    Damage to small businesses’ buildings is not the only challenge on Florida’s west coast. One set of owners, Rick and Diana Murcar, have had to close a portion of their storefront so they can have a place to live. 

    The Murcars sustained great enough damage to their home that they are no longer able to reside there. Their scuba diving business, Aquatic Adventures of Florida, has a section for storage that has been transformed into a living space for themselves and their dog.

    Since this move is going to be permanent, they will have to learn to minimize the amount of backup products they can store, which is an additional financial burden on top of an already slow season, they said. 

    “The economy and the overall effect of Milton on many peoples’ lives prevents them from enjoying activities considered a luxury by many,” Murcar said. 

    Luckily, on another street in St. Pete, there is hope. Friends of Strays Animal Shelter, the oldest no-kill shelter in St. Pete, made it through both storms with minimal damage to their structure and recently reopened their Cat Box Adoption Center on Nov. 29. 

    Since the Cat Box’s administration area was flooded due to the overwhelming rain, the staff evacuated the cats to a shelter in New York, where the majority of the transferred pets have since been adopted. 

    Even while patching up their own drywall, Friends of Strays made an effort to help pet owners affected by Milton by holding free vaccine and microchip clinics for cats. 

    “We had about 97 cats receive services through that,” said Jessica Salmond, Friends of Strays’ communications and marketing manager. “We also collected pet food donations from the public to give out to families in need that have been affected by the hurricanes, and we worked with nine or 10 different organizations to help distribute that food to families in need.” 

    According to Williams and Murcar, success stories like Salmond’s allow them to remain looking ahead to what the future has in store for them.  

    “Our faith in God is very strong,” Williams said. “We just keep on looking forward to our future plans.” 

  • St. Petersburg navigates political divides after 2024 presidential election

    St. Petersburg navigates political divides after 2024 presidential election

    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 tense workplaces. Americans now face the challenge of navigating an increasingly deep political divide after Trump’s return to power. 

    For 22-year-old Haley Dickey, a server at Streamsong Golf Resort in Central Florida, the fallout of the contentious election has made her workplace an uncomfortable battleground. The tension stems not from her job performance, but from her political beliefs, she said. 

    “I’ve been judged for my decision to vote for President Trump,” Dickey said. “It feels like people see me as a vote and not as a person. It’s made going to work a lot harder.” 

    Dickey said that she has faced subtle but noticeable pushback from some colleagues.  

    “It’s exhausting,” she said. “I try to focus on doing my job, but it’s hard when you feel like you’re walking on eggshells.” 

    Dickey’s experience mirrors a broader national trend. A survey conducted by the American Psychological Association in August revealed that a third of adults report a strain in family relationships due to the current political climate. 

    Susan MacManus, a professor emeritus of political science and political analyst for ABC Action News, sees a growing connection between misinformation and the erosion of interpersonal trust, she said. 

    “When deciding on who to vote for, it’s really a matter of your education, income, personal circumstances and your party affiliation,” MacManus said. 

    MacManus emphasizes that political identity has become more deeply ingrained in personal identity. 

    “It’s a trend we’ve been seeing for some time,” MacManus said. “People don’t want to communicate with those who differ from them, and that’s creating social and familial rifts.” 

    Navigating the outcome of this election, MacManus highlighted an outlier— a factor that influenced many voters’ decisions. 

    “People generally voted most based on the economy,” MacManus said. “When looking through exit polls, it can be seen [that] there were many more working-class voters as well.” 

    Across the country, these divisions are playing out in households, on social media and in the workplace. Families have become estranged, friends have parted ways and some work environments, like Dickey’s, have been stirred by the election results. 

    “Co-workers I used to joke with are distant now,” Dickey said. “It’s like everything’s been colored by the election, even if we’re not talking about it outright.” 

    Similarly, Dickey’s co-worker, 32-year-old Steven Quinones, has faced an opposite polarization at work. Waking up to the outcome of the election, Quinones thought it best to break ties with friends of opposing viewpoints, he said.  

    “I chose to end my outside relationship with three friends from work,” Quinones said. “It wasn’t about Republican versus Democrat, but the man they voted for.” 

    Quinones, of Puerto Rican descent, said he was worried for his family members who came to America seeking a stable future, along with the women in his life who could be affected by abortion laws under a new administration. 

    “Those co-workers were close friends, but I had to do what I thought was best,” Quinones said. “There is just too big of a difference in our values.” 

    Although this riff in relationships has brought discourse at Streamsong Golf Resort, co-workers Dickey and Quinones have remained respectful amongst the opposition. 

    “I could never be rude to those I have cut off or let differing mindsets get in the way of our job,” Quinones said. 

    MacManus said she believes there is hope for healing, but it will require concerted effort from individuals and institutions alike. 

    “We need to get back to basics: civil discourse, empathy and 
    understanding,” she said.  

    Still, MacManus warns that reversing the polarization will not be quick or easy. 

    “These divides didn’t form overnight, and they won’t be fixed overnight either,” she said. “But we can’t give up, relationships and communities depend on it.” 

    For her part, Dickey is trying to find ways to navigate her own divided workplace.  

    “I’ve started focusing on what I have in common with my co-workers,” she said. “We all want the same things—happiness, stability and respect. That’s what I’m trying to remember.” 

    The road to healing may be uncertain, but for many Americans like Dickey and Quinones, the effort to rebuild relationships in the shadow of political division is worth it. 

    “At the end of the day, we’re all human, and the world keeps spinning no matter what,” Dickey said. 

    As the nation reflects on the election aftermath, the question looms: Can Americans find a way to coexist despite their differences? For experts like MacManus, the answer lies in rediscovering shared humanity. 

    “It starts with listening,” she said. “Only by hearing each other’s stories can we begin to rebuild those relationships.” 

  • St. Pete video game store combines retro nostalgia with modern play

    St. Pete video game store combines retro nostalgia with modern play

    By Samuel Talero

    Situated in Pinellas Park lies Unlimited Video Games Superstore and Arcade, a locally owned video game business and part retro arcade. The moment customers step through the door they’re greeted with the sights and sounds of video games, most of which have long been off other stores’ shelves.  

    The store’s owners pride themselves on reconnecting people with games played in their youth or perhaps even letting them discover something new.  

    The advancement of technology means that older pieces of hardware tend to get left behind, such is the case with video games and their consoles. In the future, it may become difficult for people to play classic titles legally, if large video game companies do not provide proper access for a legal way to play them. 

    A collection of games on display at Unlimited Video Games Superstore and Arcade contains games from the Sega Genesis, Sega CD, Sega Saturn, Dreamcast, ColecoVision, Intellivision and Atari series of consoles. (Photo by Samuel Talero/NNB)

    Unlimited Video Games not only attempts to preserve these older game titles but also preserve the hardware they’re played on to provide the proper experience people had on the original releases of those video games, their consoles and classic arcade cabinets. 

    “They don’t make them anymore, they don’t come back,” said Gregg Lonkey, one of the owners of Unlimited Video Games. “It’s something that can be prevented in a lot of cases or at least delayed. It’s just like anything, old cars, old records [and] old buildings.” 

    The business sells games, consoles and gaming peripherals that range from the days of the classic Atari to today’s modern PlayStation 5. Their arcade also houses lots of classic titles that all run on their original arcade software, their sounds overlapping with one another as they draw players in to play a few rounds. 

    A section of Unlimited Video Games arcade, featuring Daytona USA, Metal Slug X and House of the Dead. (Photo by Samuel Talero/NNB)

    Gregory Bush, a front sales associate at Unlimited Video Games, described the things on display as “a mystical treasure trove of pretty much anything you can think of if you’re interested in video games.” 

    While other large-scale retailers are also capable of putting older titles on display, Unlimited Video Games places a lot of emphasis on preservation.  

    Before consoles and games go out on display, they perform tests to make sure that the item in question isn’t damaged and if it is then it undergoes repairs before it hits the shelf. This ensures that customers can buy a console or game that is in working condition. 

    A display of video game consoles on display at Unlimited Video Games Superstore and Arcade contains various different video game consoles from Nintendo and Sony’s history, as well as a Sega CD. (Photo by Samuel Talero/NNB)

    “It’s hard to do game stores right and not just have them be a spreadsheet simulator,” Lonkey said. “If your store is just a spreadsheet simulator, it loses its heart, and when it loses its heart people buy their games on Amazon.” 

    However, this method of business is not without its risks. There is always the risk of consoles or games being beyond the ability to repair. The older video game consoles also may require parts that are no longer being produced, and the business wishes to avoid replacing all of the older parts with newer modern parts. 

    Richard Casimer Dombrowski III, the front house manager of Unlimited Video Games, described how everything that is taken in cannot be tested immediately and that it was ultimately a gamble on whether or not it could be repaired. 

    The store’s focus on retro titles ultimately gives a newer audience a window to see what games were like in the past. Many modern titles in today’s market focus a lot on making the consumer spend as much money as possible on it, something unheard of in older games unless you were an arcade cabinet. 

    A store display at Unlimited Video Games contains games for the Nintendo Gameboy and Gameboy Advance, both in and out of their original packaging. (Photo by Samuel Talero/NNB)

    “It’s different way of companies making games back in the day, in comparison to now,” Dombrowski said. “Back in the day, they really had to show themselves off. The competitiveness of being this game that people will talk about and want to show off.” 

    In addition to preserving older physical media, the store opens the door for people who played these games when they were younger. Unlimited Video Games provides everything a person would need to experience games the same way as they were introduced back when they were released. 

    “Sometimes [people] play a game and recall that Sunday morning of them opening that game and playing it all day and having to keep it on in order to keep playing cause there was no save,” Dombrowski said. “It’s history. History in the sense of memories.”

  • Soccer enthusiasm spreads across St. Petersburg

    Soccer enthusiasm spreads across St. Petersburg

    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 Tampa Bay area. 

    The city’s soccer scene is bolstered by increasing registration numbers for local leagues. Shane Burroughs, general manager of the St. Petersburg FC Aztecs, a semi-professional soccer team in the United Premier Soccer League, shared his perspective on the growing enthusiasm. 

    “I think you can see that participation in the game in our area has increased, especially on the adult recreational side of things,” Burroughs said. “That is positive because that should allude to those adult recreational players introducing the game to their kids at a young age. Unfortunately, it looks like young female participation has dropped over the last few years, but that can be attributed to the rise and popularity of flag football and lacrosse.” 

    Burroughs highlighted the post-COVID era as a turning point for city athletics.  

    “I think one of the driving factors, and this doesn’t relate to just soccer but to sports in general, was coming out of the COVID era and wanting to get kids back outside and into group activities,” he said. 

    Despite the positive trends, challenges remain. Burroughs pointed out one of the most significant hurdles has been access to quality field space. 

    “There are numerous challenges, with one of the most prevalent being access to field space,” he said. “If you are not a club, it is extremely difficult to find available and quality grass fields. St. Petersburg also does not have any turf fields open to the public. While grass is preferred, turf allows for constant programming and mitigates weather issues, allowing for higher usage.” 

    The growing interest in soccer has brought both opportunities and obstacles to the forefront of St. Petersburg’s athletic community, Burroughs said. 

    “The St. Petersburg area brings a sense of family and a culture where fans are fully supportive of the development of the game,” Burroughs said. “They’re not only interested in how well the team is doing but also in how individual players are progressing in their amateur and semi-professional careers.” 

    Bruno De Jesus, a local soccer coach and father of Rowdies player Mateus De Jesus, echoed similar sentiments about the community’s passion for soccer. 

    “I feel like God gave me skills to do something bigger than me,” Bruno De Jesus said. “I love the game—I’ve been playing since I was in the womb—and I’ve been coaching for that reason.” 

    Bruno De Jesus, who has coached for over 20 years, highlighted his efforts in making soccer accessible. 

    “I’ve been able to give back to the community with coaching as I’ve raised sponsorships to allow for minimal cost or no cost for people to play,” he said. “It’s nice to give people the opportunity to play, and now, I get to see those I’ve coached in college and the pros, like Mateus, weekly on ESPN+.” 

    Even though De Jesus lives in Palmetto, he said he recognizes the potential in St. Petersburg’s soccer community.  

    “We don’t know much about the St. Pete soccer atmosphere because we live in Palmetto,” he said, “but I did play against St. Pete FC’s U11 team, and they were a high-level squad with good coaching.” 

    His son, Mateus De Jesus, reflected on how the community shaped his journey playing for the Rowdies. 

    “Playing for St. Pete helped me take steps from playing with kids my age to playing with college kids,” Mateus De Jesus said. “It helped me realize how I need to play with people that are older than me, and I brought what I learned there to playing with the Rowdies.” 

    The strong sense of community and support for the sport in St. Petersburg has played a vital role in fostering talent and enthusiasm for soccer, according to Mateus De Jesus. 

    “The community has been so supportive of me, whether it was when I was playing for St. Pete or for the Rowdies,” Mateus De Jesus said. “They have always been there cheering for whichever team I’m on, and having that support makes the teams play better. The support is super important for development.” 

    With a supportive community and increasing opportunities for youth athletics, the city’s soccer scene is poised to expand even further, bringing the game to a broader audience and inspiring the next generation of players. 

  • Pinellas County rebuilds beaches and restores tourism after hurricane season

    Pinellas County rebuilds beaches and restores tourism after hurricane season

    By Victoria Byrd-Harrington

    After Hurricane season came to an end in late November, Pinellas County has worked to rebuild its coastal reputation through campaigns and safety measures, reassuring discouraged tourists that many beaches are now safe. 

    The fall hurricanes caused significant damage to Pinellas County beaches, including erosion, debris and contamination. To bring back tourists and help local businesses flourish, the city aimed to rebuild confidence by sharing safety updates and promoting the area through targeted campaigns. 

    To rebuild visitor confidence, Visit St. Pete-Clearwater, the county’s tourism agency, launched a locally targeted campaign, Still Shining, a project that updated visitors on available beaches and businesses along the coast. 

    VSPC, in partnership with the City of Clearwater, helped organize storm recovery events at Clearwater Beach, including beach cleanups. They also promoted recovery efforts at Treasure Island and St. Pete Beach and participated in a post-hurricane 
    tourism webinar. 

    A volunteer wearing a Visit St. Pete-Clearwater Still Shining pin helps during The Big Cleanup at Clearwater Beach in early November, an event organized after Hurricanes Helene and Milton. (Photo courtesy of Visit St. Pete-Clearwater)

    Jason Latimer, director of public relations at Visit St. Pete-Clearwater, emphasized the importance of encouraging visitors to return once repair and restoration efforts were underway.  

    While media coverage highlighted significant damage, much of it was already addressed, and most beaches are now open and safe for visitors, according to Latimer.

    “We knew it was important to let folks know that they may have seen images on the news, but it didn’t really represent the entirety of the destination,” Latimer said. “Certainly, we’re working with local businesses and municipalities … to have folks come back and enjoy the beautiful award-winning beaches.” 

    Latimer explained that the tourism agency organized media efforts to encourage tourists to return. These efforts included appearances on Tampa Bay’s NewsRadio WFLA, The Ryan Gorman Show, as well as billboard advertisements. 

    Still Shining also attracted beachgoers with a collection of exclusive discounts on dining, hotels, attractions and spas. The discounts not only provided value but also reinforced the message that the beaches were safe and ready for enjoyment, despite ongoing recovery efforts. 

    Christian Wells, an environmental anthropologist with a doctorate in anthropology, explained that tourists shouldn’t be overly concerned about their safety at the beach. He emphasized that the county would not have reopened the beaches if they believed the hurricane’s effects were still a threat. 

    “The very first thing they would do is provide an assessment to see if there is contamination,” Wells said. “The local government would have to rely on environmental consultants to find the beaches safe for any visitors.” 

    In addition to restoring sand and infrastructure, the county’s experts would have carefully looked for contaminants such as sewage water, biological or chemical fungus and red tide, Wells added.  

    He stressed that the county would not intentionally “increase the risk for illness” to attract visitors back to the beaches. 

    Florida’s Healthy Beaches Program conducted weekly water samplings at Pinellas County beaches to test for enterococci, a bacterium that indicates the presence of E. coli, viruses and other harmful microorganisms. If the department found poor water quality, a warning would be posted, and a public service announcement would be issued.  

    Local visitors and tourists can view the state of their nearby beaches online if concerned with any health risks, including water contamination and other environmental factors. 

    Despite the county’s efforts to restore its beaches, some businesses feel tourists are still discouraged. Small business owner Diane Butterfield, who runs Kilwins Ice Cream – Chocolate – Fudge, a franchise in Madeira Beach, expressed her ongoing struggle.  

    After reopening following Hurricane Milton, her business struggled with low customer volume, reaching only 10% of normal operations. 

    “The challenges we’ve faced obviously are financial… making payroll, making rent {and] making inventory payments,” Butterfield said, emphasizing the financial strain of operating with fewer customers. 

    Over time, however, business gradually improved, with customer volume rising to around 25% of its usual levels. While the recovery had been slow, Butterfield remained hopeful, she said.  

    “There is clearly an effort to support businesses who have reopened,” Butterfield said. “We greatly appreciate and depend upon the support of residents and the few tourists who are here.” 

    While challenges remained for small businesses like Kilwins, the steady progress in Pinellas County offered the possibility of making a full recovery. The county’s work to restore its beaches has made the area safer and more inviting, providing a foundation for the revival of local businesses and tourism. 

  • Rising rents threaten artists’ presence in Warehouse Arts District

    Rising rents threaten artists’ presence in Warehouse Arts District

    By Jack Hernandez and Madelyn Siner

    In the eyes of the community, The Warehouse Arts District in St. Petersburg has been a key part of the city’s cultural fabric. Known for its repurposed industrial spaces, the district has provided artists with places to work and opportunities to thrive. However, as property values rise and redevelopment changes the area, local artists are facing new challenges that could impact their ability to continue working in the district. 

    Artists and organizations are responding with efforts to maintain the district’s creative focus while adapting to ongoing changes. From securing affordable studio spaces to increasing public awareness, these efforts reflect broader discussions about how to preserve the cultural identity of growing cities. 

    One artist navigating these challenges is Juan Alonso-Rodriguez, who moved to St. Petersburg in 2022. With decades of experience in the art world, Alonso-Rodriguez provides a firsthand perspective on how the changing district is affecting its artists. 

    Surrounded by minimalist contemporary works in his studio, Alonso-Rodriguez reflected on his journey as an artist. His clean, geometric designs and use of bold colors convey a simplicity that belies the thought and emotion behind each piece, he said. 

    Born in Cuba and raised in Miami, Alonso-Rodriguez began his career in San Francisco, California, before spending 40 years in Seattle, Washington, where his work gained recognition in galleries and public spaces. 

    “In Seattle, I was able to grow because there were opportunities to show my work and support systems like public funding for the arts,” he said. “It made a big difference for my career and the art community overall.” 

    When Alonso-Rodriguez moved to St. Petersburg in 2022, he was drawn to the Warehouse Arts District for its reputation as a creative hub, he said.

    While he said he appreciates the district’s collaborative spirit, he noted that the lack of large-scale galleries and rising costs can make it challenging for artists to thrive in the area. 

    Like many artists in the district, Alonso-Rodriguez faces increasing expenses. His studio lease includes a 3% annual rent increase—a manageable amount for him, but a potential barrier for others. 

    “I’m lucky because I have galleries in other cities that sell my work,” Alonso-Rodriguez said. “But for artists just starting out, it’s tough to afford the cost of working here.” 

    He also observed differences in public funding for the arts between Florida and Washington. Programs like Seattle’s Percent for Art initiative, which allocates a portion of public construction budgets to art, provided critical support for the local art scene. 

    “Public funding helps artists and enhances the city as a whole,” Alonso-Rodriguez said. “It encourages developers to include art in their projects, which benefits everyone.” 

    Despite these challenges, Alonso-Rodriguez said he values work spaces like the ones provided by ArtsXchange, a project led by the Warehouse Arts District Association that offers affordable studios and collaborative opportunities. 

    “Spaces like this help artists stay in the area,” he said. “They’re essential for keeping the district creative, even as the city grows.” 

    He also stressed the importance of community involvement, encouraging artists to advocate for policies that support the arts. 

    “Engaging with city officials and educating the public about the benefits of art can make a big difference,” he said. “Art isn’t just something extra, it’s an important part of the city’s identity and economy.” 

    The Duncan McClellan Gallery is a local glass gallery that features rotating exhibitions from national and international artists. Irene McClellan is the manager of the gallery and the wife of the creator, Duncan McClellan. 

    Blown glass art pieces are displayed at the Duncan McClellan Gallery. (Photo by Madelyn Siner/NNB)

    “St. Petersburg is an arts destination,” Irene McClellan said. “We have people come in from all over the world for the arts. We represent artists from all over the world and we have their artwork here, but the rents are going up through the roof.” 

    Susan Antoinette, a local abstract and mixed media artist, has been with ArtsXchange since their grand opening in 2017 and in the Warehouse Arts District since 2015. 

    “We had purposely moved to St. Pete for its art community,” Antoinette said. “It was really exciting to be a part of a grassroots organization for artists. I really wanted to find a community of other artists to be able to collaborate with and to be inspired by, and St. Pete definitely offers me that.” 

    WADA offers Antoniette an affordable space to create her art through ArtsXchange, she said. She has also been on the project’s membership committee, events committee and education committee, and she later joined the board as chair for WADA. 

    “I feel very fortunate to have a studio at the ArtsXchange,” Antoniette said. 

    WADA’s mission is to offer affordable and sustainable studio space for artists and support the local art community. According to Antoniette, there are no other art spaces nearby that are “even comparable by price.” 

    However, as the city of St. Petersburg continues to grow, rent prices in the Warehouse Arts District have risen, making the space less accessible to local artists.

    “The city of St. Pete has been coining St. Pete as the city of arts and culture, but the money has not showed up,” Antoniette said. “It’s not getting back to the artists. There are a lot of great wonderful things in St. Pete that could continue if we had the support from the government.” 

  • Local markets expand across St. Petersburg

    Local markets expand across St. Petersburg

    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, the November Mezzo Market boasted over 140 vendors at their market with hundreds of attendees, including local influencers.  

    Both Saturday Morning Market and Mezzo Market have almost 20 thousand followers on Instagram, making them the most followed markets in the city. 

    “[The Saturday Morning Market] is a huge source of pride for locals,” said Amy Karol, a resident of Clearwater for almost 20 years. “We love seeing people go down with their bags and baskets to visit their usual Saturday stops. You can hear people chatting with the vendors and get the sense these are relationships that have existed for years.” 

    According to Karol, her family makes plans every month to drive down to the St. Petersburg markets.

    “This year having the market back so quickly after the storms is creating a sense of normalcy for all of us,” she said. 

    November’s Mezzo Market sign paves the entrance of their tent on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. (Photo by Riley Benson/NNB)”

    However, after the sun goes down, there’s a more hidden genre of local shops, like New Moon Makers Market and Groovehive Market. 

    New Moon Makers Market was first started in 2021 by Artemis Moon, who said she felt that the more traditional markets in the city lacked diversity in sellers and visitors, especially as a “taxidermy- and insect-centered maker.”  

    That’s when the idea to start her own market, dedicated to all the outcasts of St. Petersburg, began to evolve in her mind. 

    According to Moon, there were about six vendors at the very first New Moon Makers Market, and she was only handing out flyers at select spots in town, like Black Crow Coffee. Even on a small scale, the reaction from the community was enough to grow the market to over 30 vendors. 

    “Although I did give it the little ‘baby push’ of what I wanted the market to be, I always swear that it was not my doing,” Moon said. “It was 100% the queer community, that showed up for us, and really pushed us to keep going.” 

    Similar to New Moon Makers Market, Adriana Catalinotto noticed that all of the most popular markets were missing live music and mostly took place during the day, she said. 

    Wanting to create her own vision for a late-night market, Catalinotto began Groovehive Market, a showcase of local artists, vintage goods and a place to connect with the community. 

    “People tell me that every market feels like such a safe and welcoming environment,” Catalinotto said. “It doesn’t feel judgy, and it doesn’t feel like a hierarchy system, and it feels like everyone is welcome. I also am really happy that I can have different cultures represented and keep it an inclusive space for everybody too.” 

    The diversity and expansion of local markets in St. Petersburg reflect a growing demand for spaces where community members can gather and support small businesses. For vendors at New Moon Makers and Groovehive, these markets provide opportunities to carve out spaces that reflect the city’s evolving culture. 

    “Markets can be competitive, in the sense that the bigger markets won’t really encourage newer vendors to be part of it, because they don’t want to ‘babysit’,” Catalinotto said. “But I want to help nurture these vendors and get them into the community.” 

    For many local market organizers and vendors, despite the chaos that St. Petersburg recently experienced with Hurricanes, all markets, big and small, have shown that these events only strengthen the community. 

    For many, these events remain a vital part of life in St. Petersburg, as it continues to foster community engagement while giving small businesses a platform to thrive.