Neighborhood News Bureau

Category: COMMUNITY

  • Pet adoptions surge across Flordia shelters after hurricane season

    Pet adoptions surge across Flordia shelters after hurricane season

    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 the storms passed. Not a single bark or meow remained. Every animal found a temporary home, bringing companionship and comfort to those processing the storm’s aftermath. 

    “During times of crisis, people seek out comfort and security and pets fulfill that need in such a meaningful way,” said Jennifer Applebaum, a researcher at the University of Florida who specializes in the human-animal bond.  

    Applebaum spent years studying how pets provide psychological support to their owners, particularly in high-stress situations.  

    “Pets offer unconditional love and a calming presence, which can be an anchor for people when everything else feels uncertain,” Applebaum said.  

    Her findings highlight the growing significance of pets as emotional comfort, providing stability and helping owners cope during traumatic events. 

    The connection between pets and their owners is no secret. According to a study by the American Psychiatric Association, nearly 69% of pet owners reported that their animals helped reduce stress and anxiety, while 66% said their pets provide a calming presence, especially during tough times. 

    The research showed that cat owners are more likely than dog owners to say that their pets ease anxiety, making them ideal companions during storms and other stressful events.  

    In times of need, simply knowing a furry companion is nearby can bring its owner great relief. For Olivia Gignac, a Pinellas County resident, her cat, Lola, became a lifeline when Hurricane Milton struck. 

    Gignac was forced to evacuate her home for the second time after Hurricane Helene, but having Lola with her helped her cope with the stress, she said. 

    “Lola kept me grounded through it all,” Gignac said, “Feeding her, making sure she felt safe, it gave me something else important to focus on.”  

    She explained how caring for Lola provided a sense of routine and purpose, distracting her from the chaos that surrounded them.  

    The meaningful connection between them provided strength for the two and helped with the anxiety of forced isolation, she said. Her story is one of many others that show how pets serve their owners during natural disasters, providing stability when other forms of support are not accessible. 

    Kimberly Chandler, founder of FLUFF Animal Rescue in Pinellas County, witnessed firsthand the increase in adoptions and fostering around times of disaster. 

    Chandler noted that many families initially took in animals as fosters to help free up shelter space, only to realize they could not imagine life without them.  

    “It warmed my heart to see so many fosters find their forever homes because the bonds that were formed were so deep,” Chandler said, referring to those who chose to give their fostered pets a permanent home after the hurricanes. 

    Applebaum’s research supports these claims, showing adoption rates spike during the aftermath of a natural disaster.  

    Shelters across Florida, including Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control, reported having nearly empty shelters after hurricanes Helene and Milton. This leap in adoptions demonstrates the emotional support individuals received when fostering pets during a crisis.  

    For rescue organizations like FLUFF, the hurricanes reinforced the importance of coming together as a community. Chandler explained how local volunteers and workers played a vital role in helping these animals find homes. She recalled residents lining up to not only take animals, but also provide supplies needed.  

    “It was a reminder of the power of community and how people will come together when it matters the most,” Chandler said. 

  • Sector FM revives St. Petersburg’s music scene

    Sector FM revives St. Petersburg’s music scene

    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 Hate Change.  

    The idea to create a radio station was sparked through live broadcasts and community-centered events while touring the U.K. 

    “When we saw how simplified live radio could be, we thought, the Gulf Coast needs this—a radio station,” Gainey said. 

    Their vision was met with enthusiastic support from friends back home, including Zoe Robinson, also known as DJ Fesssi K. According to Gainey, their friends were eager to help turn that vision into reality, turning what started as a side quest into a community movement. 

    Parks and Gainey’s experiences on tour ignited the concept for Sector FM, Gainey said. According to the two artists, they were exposed to a vibrant radio culture in the U.K. and realized the potential for something similar in their hometown.  

    “There’s always something sick going on,” Robinson said. “I get put onto so much new music. A lot of us are really into DJing or singing ourselves, but we also love listening to other stations like NTS and Foundation FM. It made perfect sense to bring that energy to St. Pete, where we knew it could create real influence.” 
     
    Although Sector FM’s studio recordings take place at St. Petersburgs The Factory, The Bends’ atmosphere comes alive during live performances, giving audiences an in-person taste of the magic of radio, Robinson said.  

    A key factor in Sector FM’s success has been its partnership with The Bends, a dive bar that has become the venue for many of the radio station’s live shows. A frequent customer of The Bends emphasized the synergy between the station and the dive bar.

    “Sector FM has brought a unique energy to the space, boosting foot traffic and connecting us with a whole new crowd,” the customer said. 

    The return of live music has revitalized The Bends, making it a central gathering spot for fans of St. Pete’s ever-evolving music scene. 

    For artists like Deja Denice, a singer and DJ who has performed on Sector FM, she said the platform has been a refreshing experience.  

    “In less than a year, I went from being the oddball listener and being scared to get on aux around friends to DJing at a festival,” Denice said. “On Sector FM, there are no oddities, but we are side-eying if you’re moving inauthentically.”  

    Through programming that has an emphasis on community engagement, Sector FM is becoming a cornerstone of St. Pete’s underground music scene.  

    “The goal is to keep growing, feature more artists outside of our friend bubble, and make live radio something so undeniably vital within our city,” Parks said.

  • St. Petersburg residents consider moving after hurricane damage

    St. Petersburg residents consider moving after hurricane damage

    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 seek new beginnings elsewhere. 

    “For this business, the slow season is already from summer through October, so it was already quiet,” said Dorian Benash, an associate at Graphi-ko Gallery about local businesses. “With the hurricanes, we noticed even fewer customers coming in. People are more often window shopping. Folks have less spending money because they are focused on cleaning up and getting their lives back together.” 

    When it comes to flood zones, many businesses worry about their potential relocation. 

    “My boss has been here for about 14 years and is pretty set on sticking it out,” Benash said. “Fortunately, this shop is not in a flood zone, but we’ve even discussed getting a second job just to keep up with the bills.” 

    Damaged furniture and personal belongings still sit curbside along multiple neighborhoods, showing the aftermath of Hurricane Helene and Milton. (Photo by Christopher Hooker/NNB)

    For many Floridians, frequent hurricanes have become a way of life, with most viewing them as manageable challenges. However, this year’s storms seem to have shifted that perspective, especially in Tampa Bay, which usually escapes severe damage. Now, some residents are beginning to consider moving further inland. 

    “I know quite a few people who have volunteered to help clean up other areas of St. Pete,” Benash said. “It is a great feeling to see neighbors coming together, helping older couples pull out moldy furniture from their homes. It is truly rewarding.”  

    The St. Pete area, known for its tranquil beaches, typically draws in tourists seeking a coastal escape. The beaches are now currently devastated but in recovery, and it is unlikely tourists will be returning soon. 

    Other businesses, like the Rocket Fizz franchise, were not as fortunate. While their St. Pete location was spared, their location on Clearwater Beach suffered a foot of flood water, forcing the owner to close it down. 

    Cynthia Calleia, a Rocket Fizz sales associate, described the hardships she and her family faced.  

    “The last hurricane left me out of work for six days, and I did not qualify for FEMA assistance,” Calleia said. “I am working here now and waiting to go back to my regular job just to stay afloat. The silver lining has been helping others in tougher situations. Just because we made it out okay does not mean we cannot help those with nowhere else to turn.” 

    With what feels like considerable time and effort from the community, some residents see the recovery process as progress. However, others are considering relocating to avoid future weather threats. 

    Streets turn into spots of temporary landfill after the destruction of Hurricane Helene and Milton. (Photo by Christopher Hooker/NNB)

    Lillie Williams of Pinellas County recollects her experience during Hurricane Milton. 

    “I was asleep in the other bedroom during Hurricane Milton, and I heard a huge crashing noise that startled me out my sleep,” Williams said. “The next thing that I knew, a large branch had fallen through my roof.  I am forever grateful to be alive, but the thought of starting over is truly overwhelming and disappointing. I’ve nearly lost everything. Having to contact all my financial institutions and repeat my situation over and over is just the icing on the cake.” 

    Willams noted that once she overcomes this challenge, she is seriously considering moving further inland, away from large bodies of water. 

    “As someone on a fixed income, starting over at my age with nothing is beyond words,” Williams said. “I lost material possessions, but it is the irreplaceable things like pictures of my grandchildren growing up that truly affects me the most.” 

  • AI challenges St. Petersburg’s art scene

    AI challenges St. Petersburg’s art scene

    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 which the city is known. 

    “As a creative in the modern world, I am neither ‘strongly against’ nor ‘strongly for’ AI in the art world because I see how it can have both a positive and negative effect,” said Hailey Kammerer, an upcoming traditional artist navigating AI’s growing presence in today’s art.

    As AI becomes more prominent, St. Petersburg’s art scene is confronting new challenges. While some artists embrace the creativity that AI can offer, others, like Kammerer, express concerns about ethical issues and the potential loss of authenticity in the city’s creative spaces. 

    “Keeping up with all the AI technological advances nowadays can be challenging,” Kammerer said, emphasizing her openness to learning while not abandoning traditional methods. 

    Kammerer, who recently interned at Evolve & Co., — a team of brand researchers and digital strategists– uses AI for specific design tasks like quick selections and background removals. 

    She believes artists shouldn’t feel pressure to discard established techniques just to adapt to new trends. Instead, she believes artists can balance innovation with tradition by integrating AI tools selectively. 

    One of the ethical concerns surrounding AI in the art world involves the question of originality and the respect owed to human artists. Kammerer criticized AI’s reliance on data that often includes other artists’ works without consent or compensation– a method she finds both disappointing and devaluing. 

    “As a creative who genuinely loves the process of creating, I find it disappointing that typing in a compilation of words to generate a complete design or illustration gives it the potential ability to replace certain jobs and individuals,” Kammerer said. 

    Although she doubts AI can fully replace human artists, she worries that reliance on AI may undervalue the personal touch and experiences that can be seen in human-created art, she said.

    McArthur Freeman, a traditional artist and USF associate professor who has incorporated AI into his work, views technology as a tool with unlimited potential. Freeman’s project, “Imagine Blackness,” expresses representation in AI-generated art. 

    An AI-generated portrait from McArthur Freeman’s “Imagine Blackness” series in early 2023 explores themes of identity and representation. Freeman uses AI to visualize alternate realities, creating a vision that challenges traditional perceptions of Black identity. (Photo Illustration by McArthur Freeman)

    He shared that over the years, as technology has advanced, he now sees the computer differently. He sees the computer as his medium, and he uses AI as one of many tools for tasks like concept development. However, Freeman also acknowledged its ethical concerns.  

    “One significant issue is whether or not AI companies can use the work of others to train models,” he said, noting the lack of consent and compensation in training datasets.  

    Despite these concerns, Freeman sees the technology’s potential to work collaboratively with artists in a way that would elevate creative expression. 

    Freeman also acknowledges that AI could disrupt commercial art jobs, particularly in roles like illustration or video editing where speed and cost may outweigh artistic vision.  

    Fine arts, like gallery and museum pieces, are less likely to be overshadowed by AI given their emphasis on unique perspectives and personal expression, Freeman added. 

    As AI art continues to make its way into the art scene, St. Petersburg may see its artistic landscape shift in many ways. For a city known for its street murals, galleries and art studios, the area thrives on its hands-on community driven approach to art. The rise of AI generated work could allow artists to experiment with new forms, possibly broadening the city’s art appeal.  

    While technology makes it easy to produce art that’s convincing and at a fast pace, there’s a possible risk of ruining the character of St. Pete’s local art community. The individuality of local artists could be in jeopardy and residents like Reece Townsend fear that this could undermine the city’s creative spaces. 

    “St. Pete’s art is about the people, the stories and the creativity that make it unique,” Townsend said. “AI-generated sort of feels lifeless, like it’s taking shortcuts that don’t really end up having that human touch.” 

    Townsend said that pieces like the Vitale Brothers’ mural, a tribute to the Tampa Bay Rays and their new City Connect uniforms, authentically represent the city’s spirit for art. 

    “Look at the City Connect mural by the Vitale Brothers,” Townsend said. “That’s a piece that truly represents our city.”  

    As AI technology continues to evolve, St. Petersburg’s art community faces an uncertain yet intriguing future, with artists and the community debating whether AI is a valuable complement or a disruption to the city’s vibrant culture. 

  • Statewide ban on public homeless encampments spurs controversy  

    Statewide ban on public homeless encampments spurs controversy  

    By Kairo Munoz

    Following two back-to-back hurricanes in October, the city’s law enforcement, shelters and homeless organizations cope with the enactment of House Bill 1365. 

    With the law being touted as a violation against the rights of the unhoused community, critics worry about the negative consequences that come with enforcing it. 

    Signed into law by the state’s governor on March 20 and enacted on Oct. 1, the statewide mandate prohibits local governments from allowing homeless residents to sleep on public property such as sidewalks, streets and parks.

    The other half of the bill will go into effect at the beginning of next year, allowing residents, business owners and even the attorney general to submit an injunction against the city, along with an affidavit as proof that the problem has gone unresolved for more than five business days. 

    In addition, the bill allows counties and municipalities to vote on whether to temporarily allocate public property for camping and sleeping for upward of a year, with exception to “fiscally constrained” counties. The Florida Department of Revenue does not consider Pinellas County to be fiscally constrained.

    Any designated public property will be monitored by the state’s Department of Children and Families, keeping in check that all basic and necessary standards and procedures that ensure safety, sanitation and access to mental health and substance abuse treatment are being followed lest the property be decertified. 

    Factoring in the cost to upkeep the property alongside the cost of its designation alone, among other expenses, has left critics concerned about the amount of money required just for local governments to comply with this mandate. 

    Serving both Pinellas and Pasco County, the Public Defender’s Office, Sixth Judicial Circuit, additionally expressed concern over the criminalization of homeless residents, highlighting a disparity where contributors lack the funds to provide the homeless with resources as taxpayers’ money is being used to comply with HB 1365’s demands. 

    “Until all of the stakeholders are properly funded to adequately address the needs of the unhoused community in Pinellas County, and throughout Florida, this bill could potentially put people in the criminal justice system who have never been and should never be there,” said the Public Defender’s Office, Sixth Judicial Circuit, in a statement to the Neighborhood News Bureau. “It will put an immense strain on law enforcement, the jails, as well as taxpayers, as the jails’ costs are directly covered by them.” 

    Despite the distress this law has had on critics, St. Petersburg Police’s Sergeant Todd M. Hancock of the Police Assisting the Homeless unit argued that too many people were misinterpreting the law. 

    “What I’m most worried about is people not fully understanding it [HB 1365], and then thinking that it’s a broad brush for anybody sleeping anywhere in the public view, which is not what it says,” Hancock said. 

    The PATH unit, of which Hancock manages as its third supervisor since its inception in 2019, is composed of six officers, a case manager and a social worker. Hancock said he recognizes the unit as the closest thing St. Pete’s police department will have to a non-enforcement unit. It serves as the go-to dispatch group for matters involving homelessness, portraying a supporting presence in the unhoused community. 

    Before Oct. 1, any unlawful encampments were considered ordinance violations, but as of now it can be a Florida state statute violation. Whether law enforcement relies on one or the other is a matter of jurisdiction. 

    Hancock said he prefers not to put either ordinance or statute into use and has spoken to briefing patrols about the enactment of this law. 

    “We’re not walking around trying to kill mosquitoes with sledgehammers,” Hancock said. “We’re not here to overdo things.” 

    Instead, Hancock opts to offer the homeless a helping hand by providing them with information on nearby shelters where they can receive the care and help they need. 

    Kathleen Beckman, the chair of the executive committee of the Pinellas Continuum of Care, worked alongside the Homeless Leadership Alliance of Pinellas to erect a task force designated to confront foreseeable challenges spurred by the ratification of the bill. 

    Throughout the summer, Beckman’s task force discussed alternatives to expand shelter space, such as the use of portable classrooms and even considered starting their own version of Dignity Bus, a mobile emergency shelter located within eastern Florida that provides sleeping quarters to the homeless. Beckman said that the major problem with these ideas was finding providers willing to fund and staff such projects, along with following through with many code requirements so that they’re up to par. 

    As of now, Pinellas County’s 2024 Point in Time Count report highlighted a 7% decrease in sheltered individuals and a 12% increase of unsheltered persons compared to last year. 

    Beckman said that the number of homeless people is likely to go up thanks to Hurricane Helene and Milton, which she said may have caused city officials to put HB 1365 concerns to the wayside. 

    Frustrated with the likelihood of rising homelessness, Beckman addressed how the problem was further being compounded by the state’s refusal to prioritize mental health and substance abuse, also highlighting the consequences of the Sadowski Fund raids as the contributor to the state’s housing crisis. 

    “There is not enough low- and moderate-income housing in the whole state, and in particular, in Pinellas County,” Beckman said. “We are at a huge deficit of affordable housing for our type of workforce, and our type of workforce is tourism and service industry, and those jobs do not pay high wages.” 

    The next Task Force meeting is pending, and even now, many still worry with the anticipation of the enactment of the bill’s second half on Jan. 1, 2025.  

  • Local arcade hosts niche community gaming scene 

    Local arcade hosts niche community gaming scene 

    By Samuel Talero

    Located in Largo, Neon Dreams Arcade hosts a variety of different arcade-style video games imported from Japan. Rather than serve as just a showcase for overseas games, Neon Dreams specializes in attracting fans to the same spot in St. Petersburg, fostering a community where people with similar taste can meet new friends and play together. 

    While the modern video game world allows people to play with their friends online, the experience can be considered isolating or impersonal. Online gaming requires people to stay at home, and not once do players get a glimpse of the person they are gaming with.  

    Neon Dreams aims to address this isolation by bringing people together to play games in a shared physical space, replicating the online experience in real life. 

    “We just wanted to make a place where everyone could hang out all the time,” said Dallas Huete, one of the owners of Neon Dreams. “We love the people that we have, and we love the current state of it.” 

    Neon Dreams features a variety of games from different eras and genres, most notably fighting and rhythm-based games which have a large online following. The arcade hosts monthly tournaments for these games, allowing fans to gather and socialize.  

    Friends have a quick chat in between songs while playing the arcade game Pump it Up at Neon Dreams Arcade in Largo, Florida. (Photo by Samuel Talero/NNB)

    Cody McIntyre, co-owner of Neon Dreams, described the arcade as a space where people can learn to play fighting and rhythm games directly from others, rather than relying on the internet or online resources. 
     
    According to McIntyre, finding a local community for a game can be difficult, as traditional meeting spaces rarely draw in that kind of audience. This may result in people seeking their gaming communities online, but that can leave an unfulfilled need to socialize. 

    “A lot of people, like gamers, are not trying to go to a bar or a club,” arcade regular Joshua Fisher said. “Some people want to not be inside all day. They want to go out. They want to communicate with people, they want to make new friends, and there’s not a lot of areas to do that.” 

    While larger-scale arcade businesses are more common, they tend to focus on a general audience rather than the specific niche that Neon Dreams hits. 

    “You’re really not a part of the community, and I don’t feel like I make friends there,” said Katie Lynn Locasto, another regular at Neon Dreams, reflecting on her times at other chain arcades. 

    Arcades that operate under the specific niche of imported Japanese fighting and rhythm games, such as Neon Dreams, aren’t very common in the St. Petersburg area. This can be attributed to several challenges in establishing an arcade, including securing a lease, finding suitable real estate or sourcing the machines themselves 

    “Maintaining [machines] is the hardest part,” Huete said. “Once you replace the parts, you have a good machine, but you have to have the knowledge, the patience and the skill to troubleshoot.” 

    According to its owners, community lies at the heart of what Neon Dreams sets out to accomplish. It’s a place where someone with a specialized interest can meet others and have the opportunity to make unlikely friends while playing unique games. 

    “An arcade without a community isn’t an arcade,” Huete said.

  • Back-to-back hurricanes test St. Petersburg’s resilience

    Back-to-back hurricanes test St. Petersburg’s resilience

    By Riley Benson

    From June to November, Floridians brace for the possible tropical storms that will come their way. After the 2024 hurricane season, St. Petersburg residents know a thing or two about repairing after a storm. 

    Hurricane Helene made landfall in late September. Then, with the city barely beginning the recovery process, Hurricane Milton made landfall a week and a half later. From fallen cranes and blown-off baseball roofs to flooded homes and boil-water warnings, St. Petersburg has seen its share of storms this fall. 

    Richie Floyd, chair of the Health, Energy, Resilience and Sustainability Committee of the St. Petersburg City Council, said surviving back-to-back storms can bring a community closer together. 

    “I think anybody who walked outside after the storm saw that their neighbors were talking to their neighbors, asking people how they’re doing and sharing things,” Floyd said. 

    Along with the committee and city council, Floyd worked to support the city before and after the storm.

    In the immediate aftermath, Floyd helped decide where the city needed to put its major focus, like organizing debris pickup and setting up comfort stations across town. 

    Throughout the city, there’s major clean up needed from fallen trees and pieces from wind-damaged structures. Meanwhile, the comfort stations consist of portable laundry stations and food trucks for all city residents to have easy access. 

    “I’ve seen a lot of the community coming together,” Floyd said. “There’s been a bunch of people who weren’t impacted reaching out and asking how they can join volunteer efforts to help clear people’s lots or clean out people’s houses.” 

    Some residents, like Franklin Alves and Justin Cournoyer, were some of the thousands of people in St. Petersburg who experienced the community efforts of neighbors firsthand. 

    Alves, who’s been a resident of Campbell Park for over a decade, said he witnessed residents come together to help one another. 

    Along with Alves, Cournoyer and other Campbell Park residents call themselves “the remnants of the gas plant” in reference to the Gas Plant District which used to spill into Campbell Park before the development of Interstate 75 and Tropicana Field. 

    Prior to the Rays’ introduction to the city in the 1980s, the area was predominantly home to African Americans who had been living there for almost a century. 

    “The coolest part about Campbell Park is that, like, we have a lot of generational housing and residents that have been here for a really long time,” Alves said. “We can actually see Tropicana Field from our house because we’re so close. And so for Justin and I, we saw the beginnings of the tarp getting [torn] right off. It felt like a pretty powerful impact.” 

    Earlier this year, the city of St. Petersburg announced plans to redevelop the Gas Plant District to bring new housing and a brand-new baseball stadium for the Rays. Due to recent storm damage, including the torn roof of Tropicana Stadium, the stadium’s future is now uncertain. 

    “Seeing the tarp of the dome of Tropicana Field ripped to shreds,” Cournoyer said. “This shows you how fragile things are and how city priorities can change in an instant.” 

    Alves and Cournoyer are both actively involved in the neighborhood and the redevelopment plans the city had proposed for the area. 

    “You’ll probably see us show up to city hall to talk and advocate for ourselves because we’re at the crossroads of a lot of different projects and a lot of different issues that the city is facing,” Cournoyer said.  

    In the early stages of the redevelopment plan coming together, the duo worked with the city to help get benefits for those who lived in the area. Despite the community’s struggles, Campbell Park residents continue to band together and rebuild, post-hurricanes. 

    “We’re very strong together,” said Cournoyer. “We’re a very scrappy, resilient group that helped each other out.” 

  • St. Pete’s EDGE District balances preservation amid growth 

    St. Pete’s EDGE District balances preservation amid growth 

    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 parallels the nationwide conversation on urban redevelopment, particularly as St. Petersburg undertakes the $6 billion Historic Gas Plant District project, adding complexity to the growth-versus-preservation debate. 

    For longtime resident Eleanor Grant, 78, who has lived in St. Petersburg for over 50 years and visits the EDGE District often, the changes bring both excitement and concern.  

    “With all the new construction and redevelopment plans, especially around the Historic Gas Plant District, I’m not sure how these changes will impact tourism,” Grant said. 

    While Grant said she appreciates economic growth, she worries that the unique qualities that drew people to the area may be overshadowed by rapid development. 

    The EDGE District’s transformation from an industrial area to a cultural destination exemplifies the power of urban redevelopment. Initially defined by its warehouses, factories and industrial roots, the district fostered a resilient community. 

    In the late 20th century, artists and entrepreneurs began converting spacious industrial buildings into galleries, studios and shops, sparking an art-driven revival that drew wider attention and investment. 

    Now, the influx of high-end retail and luxury condominiums presents a new challenge: how to maintain the district’s essence while fueling economic growth.  

    This tension is a common thread in urban redevelopment, where modern infrastructure and historic preservation often clash. 

    Debbie Reeser, the Board President of the EDGE Business District Association, emphasized the unique challenges faced by long-standing businesses.  

    “Escalating lease rates are the largest challenge for small business owners who do not own the property where their business is located,” Reeser said.  

    Reeser also mentioned that parking has been an issue, though a new garage under construction is expected to alleviate this. Along with this, for property owners, rising insurance costs and increased product expenses threaten profit margins. 

    Despite these pressures, Reeser said, many established business owners are excited about the neighborhood’s transformation, recognizing that growth brings more customers to their doors. 

    Newer businesses, meanwhile, are actively contributing to the district’s evolving identity. Reeser highlights the role of new hotels and other establishments in enhancing what the EDGE District has to offer. However, these businesses face the challenge of fitting into a historically rich district while pursuing modern business goals.  

    “I believe these are not mutually exclusive,” Reeser said, acknowledging the higher costs for developers who choose to renovate and preserve older buildings. “We like to remind all developers that it is our unique historic character that brings customers to our district and, consequently, adds to their profitability.” 

    Jeremy Cunningham, 32, has lived in St. Petersburg for a decade, witnessing firsthand the area’s rapid transformation. As a frequent visitor to the EDGE District, along with living nearby, he enjoys the growing number of local shops, galleries and bars, but also feels the impact of rising rent costs, he said. 

    “When I first moved downtown, rent was affordable, and it felt like a tight-knit community of artists, young professionals and families,” Cunningham said. “Now, the rent has nearly doubled, and some of the people who made this area so vibrant can’t afford to stay.”  

    Cunningham said he appreciates the new businesses and infrastructure, but worries about long-term affordability.  

    The EDGE District’s development reflects broader trends in urban redevelopment across the United States, where unique, arts-focused areas face potential dilution as luxury establishments move in. 

    “Growth is good, but it should be balanced,” Cunningham said. “If we do not preserve what makes downtown unique, we risk losing the community that brought it to life in the first place.” 

    His concerns reflect a common sentiment: while progress is positive, it should support inclusivity and diversity, ensuring that residents, artists and small businesses remain integral to the community. 

    The EDGE District’s transformation illustrates the broader challenge of balancing urban growth with cultural preservation. As St. Petersburg continues to evolve, the EDGE District’s journey offers valuable lessons for other historic areas navigating similar redevelopment pressures.  

    The perspectives of residents, business owners and city officials underscore the importance of preserving community character amid change. With thoughtful planning and active community involvement, the EDGE District has the potential to thrive as a dynamic neighborhood that honors its past while embracing new opportunities.  

    This balanced approach could ensure that the district continues to serve as both a cultural landmark and an evolving urban space, preserving its legacy as it grows. 

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

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

    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 seniors grapple to find housing and resources.

    Many seniors lived in older homes or properties that have not been updated to withstand dual hurricanes. Now, their lives are uprooted as they find themselves with damaged roofs, shattered windows and flood damage. 

    “These hurricanes left so many vulnerable,” said Pinellas County’s Florida Department of Health Public Information Officer Samantha Goodfellow. “It’s hard enough making it through the storm and then face finding a new home after.” 

    With so many in need of help, Goodfellow directs seniors in search of assistance to the We Are St. Pete Fund. Through a collaboration between the City of St. Pete and Pinellas Community Foundation, the contributions help those impacted by the hurricanes. 

    “As of right now, there is over $800,000 raised to help assist residents in need,” Goodfellow said. “Seniors of St. Pete need that help, [and] many are on fixed incomes and need that financial assistance right now.” 

    In the aftermath of these hurricanes, seniors face a unique set of challenges. When limited in financial resources and compounded by mobility issues, this can restrict their ability to relocate or rebuild quickly.

    Many rely on public transportation or the goodwill of neighbors to get them where they need to go, and seniors may be unable to access online resources for locating emergency shelter or assistance. Efforts by Sunways Senior Living Concierge have attempted to help those seniors facing such challenges by becoming a vital resource for those struggling in times of need. 

    “Sunways is stepping in to offer long-term solutions, from housing to transportation, but the need is overwhelming,” said Co-Founder and President of Sunways Senior Living Concierge Elli Baldwin. 

    Baldwin’s team connects displaced seniors in need of short or long-term housing with facilities and shelters that can assist, offering relocation services as well. They offer their services for free for seniors and their families, helping to compare care options that best suit their needs. 

    “The biggest thing was urgency when it came to moving seniors into a safe spot between the two storms and then reassessing the damage after Milton,” Baldwin said. “It was an aggressive deadline that our team had to move quickly for seniors.” 

    With limited inventory in the housing market, seniors face difficulty finding shelter that meets their needs, specifically when senior living facilities are unavailable. 

    “Rentals for displaced seniors looking for shelter are a huge help,” Baldwin said. 

    Beyond immediate relief, community members are encouraged to help support their elderly neighbors directly. Through volunteer work and engaging with the senior community, checking in can make all the difference, she said. 

    “Volunteering with Meals on Wheels and just checking on your senior neighbor are great ways to be involved,” Baldwin said. 

    Baldwin’s team continue their service outside of assisting seniors, spending time to thank case managers in hospitals and rehabs by serving breakfast and coffee. According to Linda Burhans, a caregiver advocate and coach, the emotional toll of displacement cannot be forgotten, as many seniors find themselves leaving behind their lives to find aid. 

    “St. Pete has a large senior community,” Burhans said. “We must make sure they’re safe and supported. It’s important we make that effort during times like this; no one can go through it alone.” 

    Burhans rallied behind caregivers who faced the difficulties of finding shelter for their loved ones and providing support to seniors that lost everything in the storm’s wake. Calling to check in on one senior, Burhans found that she had to be rescued from her home. 

    “I called to check in on a senior I was close to who hadn’t been able to evacuate, [and] she told me her house had flooded, and water was up to her breasts before a neighbor was able to get to her,” Burhans said. 

    As St. Petersburg recovers, it’s clear that special attention must be given to its senior citizens, whose long-standing ties to their homes and neighborhoods make their losses particularly painful. With the help of organizations like Sunways Senior Living Concierge and the We Are St. Pete Fund, the city’s senior community will not face this recovery alone.  

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

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

    By Skyla Rogers

    Florida’s largest pride organization, St. Pete Pride, held its fourth annual FrankenPride event Oct. 27 from 12-5 p.m. on the 2800 through 3100 blocks of Central Avenue, creating a safe environment for all ages and identities.  

    Founded in 2003 following the abrupt shutdown of Tampa Bay’s pride event, St. Pete Pride works year-round to promote education, self-expression and a safe community for queer individuals 

    In recent years, Florida’s policy regarding the LGBTQ+ community has made headlines for the increasing restrictions on speech within classrooms (HB 1069), medical freedoms (SB 254) and more.  

    However, the city of St. Petersburg has been dubbed a success story through the Human Rights Campaign 2023 Municipal Equality Index, which examines how inclusive municipal laws, policies and services are for LGBTQ+ people who live and work there. Despite Florida’s state policies, St. Petersburg earned a perfect score, making it one of the most inclusive cities in the state for LGBTQ+ residents and visitors. 

    The president of St. Pete Pride, Byron Green-Calisch, said the organization’s goal is to promote a safe community while uplifting the individuals in it.

    “We encourage people to express themselves in ways that makes sense for them at all of our events,” Green-Calisch said. 

    Many of St. Pete Pride’s events are geared toward education, focusing on exposing people to the culture of queer communities, he said.

    “It’s hiding the vegetables in the sauce,” Green-Calisch said. “In how we push our mission of educating people and creating a better space where they can be their true authentic selves.”  

    A portion of street art displays a message at the entrance of St. Pete Pride’s FrankenPride event on Oct. 27, 2024. (Photo by Skyla Rogers/NNB)

    Green-Calisch also emphasized the organization’s close relationship with local officials and police to make sure that “the organization uses [its] privilege to push back” when opportunities to engage in self-expression are in jeopardy. 

    One attendee, Carys Mullins, noted that events like FrankenPride, designed to be family-friendly, often encourage people to adjust their behavior to accommodate a younger audience.

    “At LGBTQIA+ events specifically, adult gatherings tend to feature more political activism and sometimes more intense protests,” Mullins said. “Just like I think it’s important to have family-friendly concerts or parties, kids should be able to experience festivals and concerts that are mindful of them.”  

    According to Mullins, while there should still be spaces reserved for adults to have fun, exposing kids and teenagers to LGBTQ+ topics can help minors understand their own feelings.

    “At the end of the day,” they said, “attempting to hide kids from the idea that princes can love other princes sometimes is simply silly.” 

    Former USF LGBTQ+ resource coordinator, Callen Jones, said they believe education plays a large role in continuing to build a more inclusive St. Petersburg.

    “Pride and LGBTQ+ inclusion is a simple conversation about respecting people for who they are even when that is different than who you are,” Jones said, “[and] that has a place for all children and families.” 

    A forgotten piece of memorabilia from St. Pete Pride’s FrankenPride exhibits themes of self-expression on Oct. 27, 2024. (Photo by Skyla Rogers/NNB)

    Green-Calisch explained that from the perspective of the organization, most resistance he has seen comes from outside queer communities due to large amounts of misinformation.

    According to researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles, only 5.4% of adults in Florida are estimated to identify as a part of the LGBTQ+ community, yet 22.5% of hate crimes are targeted at queer people, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
    Despite the statistics, when asked if he believed the city was becoming more progressive, Green-Calisch said he has witnessed the city face challenges and its people rise to meet them.  

    While Green-Calisch sees the city as an ally in “maintaining safety while still celebrating difference,” Mullins expressed concern about the future safety of the LGBTQ+ community in St. Petersburg after seeing Florida’s recent political trends. 

    “I know several people who’ve left the Tampa Bay and St. Pete area for other states due to the new discriminatory laws,” Mullins said. “So, while the city feels safe and inclusive now, I worry about its future as well as the future of the whole state.” 

    Mullins’ concerns reflect real challenges, they said. In 2023, Governor Ron DeSantis signed HB 1069, a bill that restricts discussions on sexual orientation and gender identity in elementary and middle schools. This is just one of several recent measures that limit LGBTQ+ rights and education in Florida. 

    “We have opportunities to show [kids] that it gets better than what you’re currently experiencing,” Green-Calisch said. “So that we can turn queer youths into queer adults.”  

    Green-Calisch alluded to the growing suicide rate of children who identify with the LGBTQ+ community compared to their straight peers. According to The Trevor Project, LGBTQ+ youth are four times more likely to attempt suicide than others their age. 

    “Pride means being unafraid to be yourself,” Mullins said. “It means having pride in your community and supporting and empowering your neighbors. I think pride can teach kids to be confident and help them feel safe being their authentic selves, rather than stressing about the pressure to fit into an ever-shrinking box of arbitrary expectations.”