PINELLAS COUNTY NEWS

The Standard Apartments is renting second floor units but is still working on repairs after damage caused by Hurricane Milton. (Spectrum Bay News 9/Saundra Weathers)

3:27

Clearwater apartment complex works to prevent repeat of county's largest water rescue

Hundreds had to be rescued from The Standard Apartments in Clearwater after Hurricane Milton. Repair work there is still being done.

3:27

Pinellas County1 day ago

WORLD WAR II

This piece of wood is one of many reclaimed from a barn near Omaha Beach in France. (Spectrum News)

2:19

WORLD WAR II

Tampa Bay company reclaims old wood that was near Omaha Beach on D-Day

The wood was used in 1792 to build a barn near Omaha Beach, but the structure was recently damaged in a windstorm.

2:19

Pinellas County1 day ago

FOOD PANTRY SUPPLY

Volunteer Kenny Johnson helps pack bags at Good Samaritan Food Pantry, which has been helping feed the community since 1971. (Spectrum Bay News 9/Calvin Lewis)

2:48

FOOD PANTRY SUPPLY

Pinellas Park food pantry says cuts to federal funding is hurting supply as demand continues to rise

Leadership at Good Samaritan Food Pantry say their organization is going through a turbulent time in terms of funding.

2:48

Pinellas County1 day ago

JOB CORPS

3:01

JOB CORPS

Bay area agencies stepping up to help students impacted by Job Corps closure

In St. Pete, there is a scramble to try and find a place for those young people who were living on campus at the job training facility.

3:01

Pinellas County1 day ago

TROPICANA FIELD REPAIRS

In April, the council voted 7-1 to approve $22.5 million in funding to repair the stadium’s torn-off roof. The city is contractually obligated to make repairs to the facility. (Spectrum News/Eddie Jackson)

TROPICANA FIELD REPAIRS

St. Pete city council OKs another $5 million for Trop repairs

The St. Petersburg city council approved more funds Thursday for repairs to Tropicana Field.

Pinellas County2 days ago

MOSAIC DELAY

The 172 foot long Sunshine City Mosaic will be installed at the northeast corner of Sunset Park in St. Petersburg on a sidewalk the city poured in May 2023 (photo: Matt Infante).

2:34

MOSAIC DELAY

St. Pete artists seek another extension on mosaic project

The City Council will vote on Thursday to approve the extension.

2:34

Pinellas County3 days ago

MANAUFACTURED HOUSING

Increasing Affordable Housing Stock with Manufactured Housing

3:05

MANAUFACTURED HOUSING

Increasing Affordable Housing Stock with Manufactured Housing

Experts say that outdated perceptions of quality and design pose key challenges for the mobile home industry.

3:05

Tampa3 days ago

STORM PREPARATIONS

The home in Treasure Island's Sunset Beach neighborhood has been lifted to comply with building code and floodplain regulations (Angie Angers).

3:42

STORM PREPARATIONS

Homeowner: Lifting hurricane-damaged home costs fraction of new build

Knowing his home wouldn’t pass FEMA’s 50% rule, Treasure Island resident Grant Smith decided to lift his 1940s cottage-style home.

3:42

Pinellas County3 days ago

GAS PLANT DISTRICT

The Tampa Bay Times moderated an hour and a half discussion all centered around the 86-acres surrounding Tropicana Field.

3:48

GAS PLANT DISTRICT

St. Pete residents discuss new uses for Tropicana Field site

Whatever the space becomes, many hope it honors the past and shows the vibrancy of St. Pete.

3:48

Pinellas County4 days ago

JOBS CORP SUSPENDED

3:24

JOBS CORP SUSPENDED

Job Corps programs suspended nationwide, students and staff at local facility impacted

Students and staff recently learned the program is being paused, meaning all program operations are suspended.

3:24

Pinellas County4 days ago

PRIDE MONTH

St. Pete Pride's new executive director, Bior Guigni, used to be a pro wrestler for Team USA. She brings more than a fighter's spirit to this new role. (Spectrum News/Saundra Weathers)

2:34

PRIDE MONTH

Former pro wrestler now head of St. Pete Pride

Bior Guigni has competed in sports for years. Now, she's the head of the Bay area organization that has the state's largest Pride parade.

2:34

Pinellas County4 days ago

HOUSING

3:01

HOUSING

Significant reductions proposed for housing vouchers

Across Florida, the housing voucher gap is tens of thousands per county.

3:01

Tampa4 days ago

STUDENT MEALS

Second-grade students select their meals during lunch break. (Courtesy: AP)

STUDENT MEALS

Free meals for students on summer break; find your location

More than 3,000 locations across Florida, including churches, schools and libraries, will serve breakfast, lunch, snacks and more all summer long.

Florida4 days ago

LAKE VISTA REC CENTER

Staff members welcomed students back to the Lake Vista Recreation Center in St. Pete for the first time in more than seven months. (Spectrum News/Angie Angers)

3:43

LAKE VISTA REC CENTER

Hit by hurricanes, busy St. Pete rec center opens in time for summer break

After more than seven months, the badly hurricane damaged Lake Vista Recreation Center reopened this week.

3:43

Pinellas County4 days ago

LOCAL BUSINESS

Leaders with Fusion 49th District hold a general meeting on June 2, 2025. (Spectrum News/Eddie Jackson)

1:36

LOCAL BUSINESS

Fusion 49th marks two years of impact in south Pinellas

One business leaders says it is thanks to the group that the area is seeing a boom in foot traffic.

1:36

Pinellas County5 days ago

PIER 60 CONSTRUCTION

Pier 60 in Clearwater Beach has been closed from the bait shop and beyond since Hurricane Helene hit in September 2024 (Angie Angers/Bay News 9).

2:47

PIER 60 CONSTRUCTION

Pier 60 on Clearwater Beach could soon get much needed repairs

Major fixes could be coming to hurricane-damaged Pier 60 sooner rather than later.

2:47

Pinellas County5 days ago

CROSS BAY FERRY

The ferry has run between St. Petersburg and Tampa since 2016 and has attracted passengers on both sides of the Bay. (Spectrum News image)

CROSS BAY FERRY

Hillsborough officials approve funds aimed at restarting Cross Bay Ferry

Hillsborough Area Regional Transit (HART) approved funding Monday that could lead to the restoration of the Cross Bay Ferry service.

Tampa5 days ago

EVERYDAY HERO

Corrine Rungo, who teaches a special needs dance class in Clearwater on Wednesdays, dances with one of her students. (Spectrum News/Rick Elmhorst)

2:19

EVERYDAY HERO

Pinellas County woman teaches a special needs dance class called Rungo Twinklers

Corinne Rungo says she thinks her class called Rungo Twinklers on Wednesday afternoons at the Clearwater Dance Depot is her life calling.

2:19

Pinellas County5 days ago

A memorial that sits in the Sunset Beach neighborhood in Treasure Island. (Spectrum News)

1:42

Community staying 'Sunset Strong' as hurricane season arrives

Treasure Island residents are still rebuilding and preparing for the next storm season with extra precautions.

1:42

Pinellas County6 days ago

2:21

Florida 'tree surgeon' shares tips to prepare trees for hurricane season

Proper tree care can make trees more resistant to Florida’s hurricanes and storms.

2:21

Pinellas County6 days ago

STORM PREPAREDNESS

Pinellas County Hurricane Expo at Willis S. Johns Recreation Center. (Spectrum News)

2:44

STORM PREPAREDNESS

Pinellas County Hurricane Expo draws record number of residents

The event was a great opportunity for residents to learn from experts about how to prepare themselves.

2:44

Tampa1 week ago

HONORING STRIKE LEADER

Abdul Karim Ali looks up at the statue created in honor of his late father, Joseph E. Savage. (Spectrum Bay News 9)

3:13

HONORING STRIKE LEADER

20-foot statue honoring leader of 1968 sanitation strikes now on display in St. Pete

Joseph E. Savage led the 1968 sanitation strikes in St. Pete, where workers demanded better pay and better working conditions.

3:13

Pinellas County1 week ago

NONPROFIT FUNDING NEEDS

The S.T.O.R.Y 727 summer camp is for kids aged 5 to 17 and is not your typical camp — they do fun things, but they also focus on education and making sure students are ready for school in the fall. (Spectrum Bay News 9/Fallon Silcox)

2:49

NONPROFIT FUNDING NEEDS

S.T.O.R.Y 727 looks for community help to host summer program after funding falls through

Leaders at the nonprofit say the organization needs some extra community support this year to put on its annual summer camp for kids.

2:49

Pinellas County1 week ago

While classroom doors will remain locked, districts will have more discretion. Now, the exterior perimeter of schools must be locked down, but not every single door and gate. The law also defines times. (Spectrum News/Fallon Silcox)

2:27

School districts given more flexibility with revised locked door law

The chief of security for Hillsborough County Schools says while there is more flexibility, students’ safety will not be compromised.

2:27

Florida1 week ago

GETTING THERE

1:54

GETTING THERE

Project eyes replacement of 100-year-old Tarpon Springs bridge

From their dock, Lisa and Robert Faison have seen the bridge deteriorate with time and their slice of paradise in Tarpon Springs change.

1:54

Pinellas County1 week ago

AFFORDABLE HOUSING

3:45

AFFORDABLE HOUSING

'Yes, In God’s Backyard' bill part of proposed affordable housing solution

State leaders recently passed a bill that would bring churches in to help with the affordable housing shortage.

3:45

Pinellas County1 week ago

CROSS BAY FERRY

Pinellas officials approve funds to revive Cross Bay Ferry

The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority voted unanimously Wednesday to accept federal grant money to start sending two ferries across the bay.

Pinellas County1 week ago

Camp Wai Lani celebrates summer starting camp after storm damage. (Spectrum News)

2:22

Palm Harbor Girl Scouts camp reopens after storm damage

The property was severely damaged by flooding and storms in 2024.

2:22

Pinellas County1 week ago

Hi-res satellite image of Hurricane Milton (Courtesy / NOAA/CIRA)

21:32

Tampa Bay's complete guide to Storm Season 2025

Coming off of a tough 2024 season, the Tampa Bay community has been forever changed.

21:32

Tampa1 week ago

BayCare nurses check on a patient at St. Anthony's Hospital. (Spectrum Bay News 9/Erin Murray)

2:54

BayCare expands well-being program to help nurses

After piloting a nurse well-being program for three years, BayCare expands the program to all facilities after seeing positive results.

2:54

Pinellas County1 week ago

STORM PREPS

St. Pete Beach resident Rick Hilber testing his generator and lift ahead of hurricane season. (Spectrum News/Erica Riggins)

3:04

STORM PREPS

Early hurricane preps: Pinellas County residents not waiting until June 1 to get disaster supplies, emergency plans in place

With hurricane recovery efforts still ongoing, residents are switching their focus from rebuilding to prevention ahead of storm season.

3:04

Pinellas County1 week ago

Elevated home under construction in Gulfport (Jeff Joiner / Spectrum News)

2:37

Elevating your home to protect against flooding and comply with FEMA rules

Property owners with substantial damage are required to bring those homes into compliance by demolishing and rebuilding or elevating above flood level

2:37

Tampa1 week ago

CRANE SAFETY

No one was injured last October when the crane working on a 46-story condominium and office building, which will be the tallest residential tower on Florida’s Gulf Coast, and crashed into a nearby building. (Spectrum News image)

0:59

CRANE SAFETY

St. Peterburg officials stress crane safety ahead of hurricane season

Ahead of the upcoming hurricane season, St. Pete Mayor Ken Welch says the city is doing whatever it can to protect people from construction cranes.

0:59

Pinellas County1 week ago

TRAVEL BUSINESS

Some Pinellas County businesses have noticed a dip in international tourists, like Gulfside Resorts in Indian Rocks Beach. (Spectrum News/Jeff Van Sant)

1:58

TRAVEL BUSINESS

New travel data shows a drop in international tourists coming to U.S.

The World Travel and Tourism Council says there has been a significant drop in international tourism to the U.S.

1:58

Tampa1 week ago

STORM PREPARATION

The money is meant for residents impacted by Hurricanes Idalia and Helene. Shore Acres is among the neighborhoods hit hard by both storms. (Spectrum News image)

3:56

STORM PREPARATION

St. Pete asks public to weigh in on draft action plan for hurricane recovery funds

The draft plan allocates $159 million in HUD funds to areas like housing and infrastructure to help people impacted by Hurricanes Idalia and Helene.

3:56

Pinellas County1 week ago

ON THE TOWN

Members of Tampa Bay band FLO-RAW jam out during a rehearsal at the Lao Arts and Cultural Center in St. Petersburg. They will be one of the bands performing at the HAAPI Festival, which will feature vendors, artists and musicians representing the Asian American and Pacific Islander community. (Spectrum News/Eugene Buenaventura)

3:14

ON THE TOWN

Bay area band continues family tradition at St. Pete’s HAAPI Festival

What makes Tampa Bay band FLO-RAW unique is not only their performances, but the people who make up the band.

3:14

Pinellas County1 week ago

HUMAN INTEREST

Cheryl Schaeffer kayaking at Bay Pines Memorial Park. (Spectrum News)

2:40

HUMAN INTEREST

Tampa veteran starts Women Veterans League to offer support and community

Cheryl Schaeffer started the Women Veterans League of Tampa Bay to bring veterans like her together into one group.

2:40

Pinellas County1 week ago

DUNEDIN FIRE

Emergency crews were dispatched early Tuesday to a fire alarm activation at Mease Life, a nine-story independent and assisted living facility located at 700 E. Manor Boulevard. (Spectrum News image)

DUNEDIN FIRE

Assisted living facility fire prompts large response in Dunedin

Emergency crews were dispatched early Tuesday to a fire alarm activation at Mease Life in Dunedin.

Pinellas County1 week ago

Ricky Glisson helps a veteran onto a golf cart to take him to another building. (Spectrum Bay News 9/Matt Lackritz)

1:35

Bay Pines Health Care System looking for additional volunteers

From wheelchair transport, the food pantry, to driving people around in golf carts, volunteers play a big role at the hospital.

1:35

Tampa1 week ago

MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL

Tampa Bay's Brandon Lowe hits a 2-run homer against the Toronto Blue Jays on Sunday, May 25, 2025, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL

Rays rout Blue Jays 13-0 for a 5-game winning streak

The win marked Tampa Bay's fourth shutout of the season.

Tampa1 week ago

YEAR AFTER STORMS

Victoria (far left), baby Callahan and Jordan Hearin were just able to move back in their home in March, which needed repairs after significant damage from hurricanes Helene and Milton last year. (Spectrum News/Randy Levine)

2:00

YEAR AFTER STORMS

After laboring through Milton in 2024, Shore Acres family hardens home for upcoming hurricane season

Victoria Hearin went into labor while evacuating due to Milton, and the family is trying to ensure they can remain in their home this year.

2:00

Pinellas County1 week ago

A Pinellas County woman is using a billboard to make a life-saving plea to strangers in hopes of finding it that match. (Spectrum News/Melissa Eichman)

3:11

Woman needing kidney transplant holding out for her hero

Collins and her parents hope to find a “Hero 4 Jo” — that’s one of the slogans shared on social media and other materials being distributed.

3:11

Tampa1 week ago

Renovations taking place at the Florida Holocaust Museum in St. Petersburg. (Spectrum News)

1:58

Florida Holocaust Museum CEO discusses safety after D.C. shooting

Part of the current renovations taking place at the museum focus on safety improvements.

1:58

Pinellas County2 weeks ago

The Spice & Tea Exchange at John's Pass opened up this past Wednesday after it was forced to close due to Hurricane Helene. (Spectrum News/Randy Levine)

2:24