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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Morgan Whiteley
May 14, 2026 727-893-8134
mwhiteley@tampabay.com
The Tampa Bay Times and the Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg bring together a panel of experts to discuss how food shapes a thriving community
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The Tampa Bay Times, in partnership with the Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg, will host a free community conversation on Tampa Bay’s food system at the upcoming Spotlight Tampa Bay event, “Farm to Table: How Food Shapes a Thriving Community.” The forum will take place at 5 p.m. on Thursday, May 28, at the Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg’s Center for Health Equity, 2333 34th St. S., St. Petersburg.
From 5-6 p.m., explore the community resource center, which will include booths from The Sustainable Living Project, 360 Eats, the Sustainable Urban Agriculture Coalition, Healthy St. Pete, 15th Street Farm, the American Culinary Federation’s Tampa Bay chapter, The Sustany Foundation, the Pinellas Beekeepers Association, Beech Kombucha and the Tampa Bay Times.
At 6 p.m., local experts and community leaders will participate in a panel discussion on how food shapes our region. How does the food we love get to our table? And what roles do we all play in making healthy food accessible to everyone in our community? In this free panel discussion, local residents, growers, and nonprofit and community leaders will discuss how Tampa Bay’s food system connects to every facet of our daily lives – from which foods are available to us to how much they cost – and what we can do to make the system stronger. Hear from local leaders dedicated to fighting food insecurity, farmers striving to uphold sustainable foodways and more. Plus, don’t miss our immersive tasting experience before the event.
“We believe strong communities are built when people understand the systems that shape their daily lives — including the food on our tables,” said Times CEO Conan Gallaty. “By convening this conversation with local leaders and residents, we hope to spark greater awareness, collaboration and action to ensure healthy, affordable food is accessible to everyone in our community.”
The conversation, moderated by Michelle Stark, food and dining editor at the Tampa Bay Times, will feature Rev. Howard Gunn Jr., co-founder of the Florida Black Farmers & Agriculturalists Association; Emmanuel Roux, founder of 15th Street Farm; Jennifer Yeagley, CEO of the St. Pete Free Clinic; and Monica Petrella, food system program coordinator at Homegrown Hillsborough.
“Our reliable and equitable access to nutritious food is a critical component of our health, so we must come together to talk about it,” said Dr. Kanika Tomalin, president and CEO of the Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg. “When we gather to hear from experts, ask questions and learn together, we can better drive the changes needed to ensure that good health helps all of our community members thrive.”
Doors open at 5 p.m. The resource center will be held from 5-6 p.m. The panel discussion, which will include questions from the audience, will be held from 6-7:30 p.m. Attendees should register at tampabay.com/spotlight. Admission and parking are free. For more information about the Spotlight Tampa Bay community conversation series, email mwhiteley@tampabay.com.
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About the Tampa Bay Times
The Tampa Bay Times, winner of 14 Pulitzer Prizes, is Florida’s largest newspaper and a trusted source for news. As a locally owned and independent media organization, the Times also operates tampabay.com. In addition to its flagship publication, the company publishes the free weekly tbt* Weekend and Bay magazine, offering comprehensive coverage of local news, entertainment and lifestyles.
About the Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg
The Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg is a private foundation formed in 2013 following the sale of the nonprofit Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. As the steward of an endowment to support health equity in Pinellas County, the foundation leads, funds, advocates and partners to create a community in which all people can lead healthy lives. The foundation advances racially equitable health outcomes by improving the systems and conditions that shape them. It opened its Center for Health Equity in 2019. To learn more, visit healthystpete.foundation.
Morgan Whiteley
Vice President of Marketing and Philanthropy
727-893-8134 (direct line)
Detour Planned for Wednesday Night: US 19 South of Northside Drive
Clearwater, FL – Beginning at 10 p.m., Wednesday, February 25, through 4 a.m. Thursday, February 26, a temporary detour will occur on US 19 just south of Northside Drive, weather permitting.
During this detour, motorists will have to use SR 580 (Main Street), to Belcher Road or McMullen Booth Road, and then SR 586 (Curlew Road) to access US 19. Medians will be open to motorists needing to make U-turns on either side of the work zone. Access to residents, businesses, and emergency vehicles to be maintained.
Advanced warning signs and electronic message boards will assist motorists traveling through the area. Drivers should use caution while traveling through the work zone and remain alert for construction workers.
This temporary closure is necessary for crews to perform overhead sign structure work as part of the ongoing improvements to US 19 from SR 580 to north of CR 95 in Pinellas County. For more information on this project or to sign up to receive construction updates and traffic alerts, please visit FDOTTampaBay.com
You are receiving this email because the email address sodonnell@pinellas.gov is signed up to receive FDOT email alerts for project 256774-3-52-01 US 19 New Interchanges and Roadway Improvements from SR 580 to the north of CR 95.
View the project webpage.
Unsubscribe from email alerts for project 256774-3-52-01 US 19 New Interchanges and Roadway Improvements from SR 580 to the north of CR 95
Stay connected. Follow FDOT District 7: Facebook | Instagram | X | YouTube
Pinellas: Cold night shelters open Saturday and Sunday nights
Cold night shelters in Pinellas County will be open Saturday night, Jan. 31, and Sunday night, Feb. 1, the Homeless Leadership Alliance has announced. The shelters will be open from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Shelter guests are accepted until the shelter is full. All sites provide a warm and safe place to sleep, and many sites also serve a meal. Shelters are activated when the National Weather Service expects the “feels like” temperature to hit 40 degrees or below across the county between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m.
The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) will provide free bus rides to and from Cold Night Shelters both evenings from 5 p.m. through 7 a.m. the next day. Riders must tell PSTA drivers they are going to a Pinellas Cold Night Shelter when boarding to ride fare-free.
The following cold weather shelters are available to adult men and women:
Tarpon Springs
Clearwater
Pinellas Park
St. Petersburg
Families with children will be placed in family shelters on cold nights (if space is available). Families should call 2-1-1, First Contact, for information about family shelters.
The Homeless Leadership Alliance is in need of volunteers for this and future activations. Those interested in volunteering should visit pinellashomeless.org/become-a-volunteer to learn more.
Stacy O’Donnell
Executive Aide to Chairman Dave Eggers
Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners
315 Court Street, Clearwater, FL 33756
sodonnell@pinellas.gov
Office (727) 464-3276
All government correspondence is subject to public record law.
Water Shortage Order issued for Pinellas County
One-day-per-week watering restrictions go into effect Feb. 8
Due to below average rainfall and declining water supply throughout the region, the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) has issued a Phase II Water Shortage Order that includes Pinellas County and other surrounding counties under their jurisdiction. The order goes into effect on Feb. 8, 2026.
Pinellas County Utilities will move to one-day-per-week watering for all customers. Customers should monitor Pinellas County Utilities’ water restrictions webpage at pinellas.gov/watering-schedule-and-rules for up-to-date information, as restrictions can change at any time. The current authorized irrigation schedule using reclaimed, potable, well, lake or pond sources for Utilities customers is as follows:
Customers north of SR580
Customers south of SR580
Residents who do not receive their water from Pinellas County Utilities should verify their watering days and restrictions with their water supplier.
For water conservation tips, Florida-Friendly Landscaping guidance and more, visit pinellas.gov/water-conservation.
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Communications Department 333 Chestnut Street, Clearwater, Florida 33756 (727) 464-4600 • www.pinellas.gov
Our Vision: To Be the Standard for Public Service in America.
Pinellas County has launched the People First Hurricane Recovery Programs to provide vital housing and financial assistance to impacted residents whose needs were not fully met by insurance, FEMA, or other federal/state aid. Please share this important information with our industry employees.
Applications are now open. To apply for the program, Pinellas County residents can:
RecoverPinellas.gov
FAQ
Press Release
· Proper permits ensure that repair improvements are safe and performed to code.
· They protect homeowners from future issues, including FEMA compliance and ineligibility for recovery funds.
· Permits are needed for any storm-related repairs to structures located in floodplains affected by last year’s hurricanes.
Pinellas County is waiving penalty fees for after-the-fact building permits through Dec. 31, 2025, to help residents in unincorporated areas bring storm-damaged properties into permitting compliance and support long-term recovery. Homeowners who live in municipalities should check with their city about fees.
Building permits – or after-the-fact permits if work was completed without one – are required for all repairs to all structures, including manufactured homes, located in floodplains affected by last year’s storms. Securing proper permits helps protect homeowners from future issues such as FEMA audits, reduced property values, complications during property sales and ineligibility for recovery funds.
Typically, permit fees are doubled when work begins or is completed without prior approval. By County Commission resolution, residents can now obtain after-the-fact permits for the standard fee, which funds inspections and other safety services.
Permits ensure that repairs meet the Florida Building Code and County floodplain regulations, keeping homes safe and preserving eligibility for the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Failure to obtain proper permits could jeopardize both individual flood insurance coverage and the countywide insurance discount Pinellas residents receive through FEMA’s Community Rating System.
Obtaining permits also positions homeowners to qualify for upcoming Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) programs. Pinellas County will begin opening applications in October for home repair reimbursements and full rehabilitation projects supported by our $813 million federal disaster recovery allocation. More information about financial resources is available at recover.pinellas.gov.
Residents should apply for permits for any storm-related repairs already completed or still underway, including work on drywall, windows, doors, electrical, plumbing and mechanical components and/or systems. Additional documentation may be required for properties in flood-prone areas. Applications, required forms and status tracking are available through the County’s online permitting portal. Staff are available to guide residents through the process and ensure all documentation is complete.
To apply, visit pinellas.gov/after-the-fact-permitting. For in-person help, visit the Building and Development Review Services office at 440 Court Street, Clearwater, or call (727) 464-3888 (Option 5).
West Nile Virus detected in north Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco
Pinellas County Mosquito Control has seen increased transmission of mosquito-borne West Nile Virus through its sentinel chicken illness detection program and is urging residents to protect themselves and their loved ones from mosquitoes and prevent mosquito breeding.
Florida Department of Health in Pinellas County (DOH-Pinellas) has issued a Mosquito-Borne Illness Advisory due to the increased activity. West Nile Virus has been detected in sentinel chicken flocks throughout the state, including in Pinellas, Pasco and Hillsborough counties. In Pinellas County, positive tests have come from Oldsmar and east Tarpon Springs, initiating enhanced mosquito treatments such as additional truck fogging, aerial larviciding, and ground inspection for additional breeding locations.
Pinellas County Mosquito Control additionally works closely with the Florida Department of Health to monitor cases of mosquito-borne illness activity in our county and respond with mosquito treatment to reduce the risk of the illness spreading. If you believe you have a mosquito-borne illness, please immediately call DOH-Pinellas at (727) 824-6932.
“Our staff are working long hours across the county to apply preventative treatments for mosquitoes,” said Alissa Berro, section manager for Pinellas County Mosquito Control and Vegetation Management. “We’re forecast to get a lot of rain this weekend, so it’ll be important for residents to dump standing water after it accumulates – that’ll take away mosquito breeding grounds.”
The best way for residents to prevent mosquito bites is to follow the 3 Ds:
Residents are encouraged to use screens on open windows and doors to prevent mosquitoes from entering their home.
Visit https://pinellas.gov/mosquito-control/ for additional resources, including a public treatment map that displays recent and upcoming treatments to an area.
Executive Aide, Commissioner Dave Eggers
TBFB members, associates, friends, and family: the 2025 hurricane season has begun. Activity is increasing in the tropics. Tampa Bay Free Beaches encourages all Floridians to prepare their businesses and homes during the next few weeks to be prepared. Let us all be ready and be safe this hurricane season. ➡️ Review DBPR’s Hurricane Guide:
➡️Always stay alert and keep up to date on any topical activity.
National Hurricane Center
Stay Safe Out There
Residents can prepare for storms by picking up 10 bags per vehicle
Pinellas County will host self-serve sandbag events at two County parks on Friday and Saturday, June 13 and 14, to help residents prepare for the 2025 Hurricane Season.
Residents can also check with their municipalities or check the list below to see if there are more convenient options for them.
Temporary sandbag sites at John Chesnut Sr. Park, 2200 East Lake Road S, Palm Harbor, and Walsingham Park, 12615 102nd Ave., Seminole, will be open from noon to 6 p.m. on Friday, June 13, and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 14, or for as long as supplies last. Residents can fill up to 10 bags per vehicle, and staff will be on hand to help elderly or disabled residents. Bags will be provided, and a limited number of shovels will be available.
Pinellas County also offers self-serve sandbag filling sites in the same County parks for storms that are forecast to approach the County, but pre-storm lines can be long, and all sandbag operations will shut down 48 hours ahead of anticipated landfall. Residents who are interested in obtaining sandbags are encouraged to prepare early by participating in this event.
Sandbags are only effective against flooding less than 15 inches. Many people saw more than two feet of storm surge flooding during Hurricane Helene last September. A growing number of companies are offering alternate flood barriers. Residents in surge- or flood-prone areas are encouraged to research those options.
Chesnut and Walsingham parks will remain open during the sandbag events. Pinellas County is not offering pre-filled sandbags.
Municipal residents
Most Pinellas County Government offices under the County Administrator will be closed Thursday, June 19, in observance of Juneteenth. Offices of the Property Appraiser and Tax Collector will also be closed.
Offices of the Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller and Supervisor of Elections will be open during their normal hours. The courts of the Sixth Judicial Circuit (Pinellas and Pasco) will conduct their regular schedules.
Parks & Conservation Resources
The administration office, Heritage Village, Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center and Weedon Island Cultural and Natural History Center will be closed.
Animal Services shelter
The offices and adoption center at Pinellas County Animal Services will be closed.
Building Services
Pinellas County Building Services office locations will be closed, and inspections will not take place.
Contractor Licensing
Pinellas County Contractor Licensing office and the Pinellas County Construction Licensing Board will be closed.
Human Services
Pinellas County Human Services office locations will be closed.
Solid Waste Disposal Complex
The Disposal Complex/Scalehouse will be open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Administration Building, Household Hazardous Waste Center and Swap Shop will be closed.
Utilities
The Business and Customer Services Call Center and the lobby at 14 S. Fort Harrison will be closed. Customers can make payments online and can reach the answering service at (727) 464-4000 for emergencies.
Normal County operating hours will resume on Friday, Jun 20.
Tampa Bay Free BeachesPost Office Box 951Palm Harbor, FL 34682
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