Latest issueThe Rays' World Series run brought an estimated $40 million to PinellasRead now

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EconomyThe Rays' World Series run brought an estimated $40 million to Pinellas CountyThe Rays' World Series run brought an estimated $40 million economic impact to Pinellas County, according to figures from Visit St. Pete-Clearwater. About $22 million of it was direct visitor spending from Oct. 25 through 29, the five days that included three games against the Brewers.ArtsArt Everywhere is putting nearly 30 arts experiences around Pinellas County through Dec. 6If you're looking for something creative to do, Art Everywhere has plenty. Creative Pinellas picked nearly 30 artists and organizations for pop-ups in museums, galleries, parks, beaches and theaters. The lineup includes The Dalí Museum, The James Museum and Sunscreen Film Festival.BusinessViirtue moves its headquarters to First Central Tower as St. Pete's tech scene growsViirtue, a St. Petersburg telecommunications and AI company, recently moved its headquarters from 401 16th Street N. to 360 Central Ave. (First Central Tower). It started in 2017 in a small office with room for about six employees. Now it has approximately 70, about 20 of them in Florida.DowntownEllison closes on the former police headquarters site, clearing the way for The CentralIf you've eyed the old police headquarters site at 1300 1st Avenue North, construction can move ahead. Ellison Development closed on the property this week, clearing the way for The Central, its mixed-use project in the EDGE District. The city's $6.4 million land sale was signed Nov. 3.Real EstateDowntown condo buyers have more leverage as listings pile upIf you've been eyeing a downtown condo, you have more room to haggle. Downtown St. Petersburg had nearly 16% more homes for sale in September than a year earlier, and properties spent 27% longer on the market. Homes were listed a median of 118 days, according to Realtor.com.UtilitiesTampa Bay Water gets a $10 million state grant to expand its drinking water plantIf your water comes through Tampa Bay Water, this one's for you. The wholesale supplier for St. Petersburg, Tampa, New Port Richey and Pinellas, Hillsborough and Pasco counties won a $10 million Alternative Water Supply Grant to expand its Regional Surface Water Treatment Plant in Tampa. Gov. Ron DeSantis announced the awards Oct. 28.SportsThe U.S. Gymnastics Championships are coming to Tampa in August 2027If you love gymnastics, hold Aug. 12-15 next year. USA Gymnastics announced that the Xfinity U.S. Gymnastics Championships are coming to Downtown Tampa. WTSP reports the four-day meet will feature Olympic and World Championship medalists competing for national titles and spots on U.S. National Teams.RaysThe Rays say another World Series run is within reach in 2027If you're still thinking about October, so are the Rays. Team president of baseball operations Erik Neander says another World Series run is within reach after a 98-win season that ended three wins short of the franchise's first title. The Rays picked up their option on starter Drew Rasmussen, a two-time All-Star, and the Tampa Bay Times reports the team has "every intention right now" of keeping him.Small BusinessSt. Petersburg has opened a food truck academy for aspiring entrepreneursIf you've dreamed of running a food truck, St. Pete now has a class for that. The city paid $65,000 for the academy, which Council Member Deborah Figgs Sanders calls the first of its kind. Students get classroom instruction and hands-on practice, and Bay News 9 reports each one competed in a supermarket-sweep-style contest for money to buy supplies.Getting AroundAn electric air taxi flew from downtown St. Pete to Tampa International on FridayIf you looked up Friday morning, that was Joby Aviation's piloted electric air taxi. The S4 flew from Albert Whitted Airport to Tampa International Airport, lifting off at about 10 a.m. and touching down roughly 20 minutes later, with a BETA Technologies Alia CX300 flying alongside.RaysRays shortstop Taylor Walls wins his first Gold Glove, and the team keeps Drew RasmussenTaylor Walls has the hardware to match the reputation. The Rays shortstop earned his first Rawlings Gold Glove Award Sunday, becoming the first Rays player to win one at shortstop. He's also the club's first winner at any position since Kevin Kiermaier in 2019.

Around St. Petersburg

From Tampa Bay Times, WTSP and 17 more newsrooms, gathered by 6AM News, 6AM City’s local news service, in the last two days.

  1. Tampa Bay Times6 hours ago

    Lightning rally late on the road to beat Wild in overtime, on Tampa Bay Times

    Nikita Kucherov scores the game-winner on the power play.

  2. WTSP6 hours ago

    Flooding leaves Highlands County animal shelter racing to gauge damage as region recovers, on WTSP

    Up to 12 inches of rain flooded a Highlands County shelter’s pantry, but its roughly 200 animals are safe and it has two weeks of food.

  3. WTSP6 hours ago

    Pasco deputy involved in crash on I-75 North, on WTSP

    According to the sheriff's office, the deputy and a civilian were transported for medical attention. Their conditions are unknown at this time.

  4. Tampa Bay Times7 hours ago

    Urban Meyer inducted into Florida Gators’ ring of honor, on Tampa Bay Times

    Meyer spend six seasons at Florida (2005-2010), winning national titles in 2006 and in 2008.

  5. Tampa Bay Times13 hours ago

    Florida State makes interim coach Rick Stockstill a winner in 1st game, on Tampa Bay Times

    The Seminoles beat Boston College to win on the road for the first time since November 2023.

  6. Tampa Bay Times16 hours ago

    Ben Johnson vs. Todd Bowles is worth 2 bags of popcorn, on Tampa Bay Times

    The Bears’ savant play-caller going up against the Bucs defense will be on display Sunday night.

  7. Beacon Media16 hours ago

    Woman escorted from Pinellas mosque hearing ran for school board, on Beacon Media

    A Sheriff’s Office incident report identified Kaitlin L. New as the woman who went viral for wearing a niqab on Tuesday.

  8. St Pete Catalyst17 hours ago

    Council endorses $55 million Trails Crossing vision, on St Pete Catalyst

    The plan would transform 12 acres beneath I-275 into public space, with a nonprofit leading fundraising and long-term operations.

  9. St Pete Catalyst17 hours ago

    St. Petersburg’s afternoon paper ended 40 years ago today, on St Pete Catalyst

    The Evening Independent, St. Petersburg’s local-centric afternoon newspaper since 1906, published its final issue 40 years ago today, on Nov. 7, 1986. It was owned by the morning paper, the St.

  10. St Pete Catalyst18 hours ago

    Developer making plans for Wagon Wheel Flea Market property, on St Pete Catalyst

    Belleair Development Group is under contract to purchase the site, which totals 156 mostly-undeveloped acres.

    Also reported bySt Pete Rising

  11. St Pete Catalyst19 hours ago

    What was the World Series worth to St. Pete?, on St Pete Catalyst

    Figures show an estimated $22 million in direct visitor spending during the five-day period from Oct. 25 through 29.

  12. St Pete Catalyst20 hours ago

    City: Veterans Day closures, on St Pete Catalyst

    Certain City of St. Petersburg facilities and services will be closed Wednesday (Nov. 11) in observance of Veterans Day.

  13. Tampa Bay Times20 hours ago

    Florida voters back school taxes while approving tax cuts. What’s the message?, on Tampa Bay Times

    Even as Amendment 3 passed, voters in two dozen counties approved tax referendums benefitting school districts.

  14. St Pete Catalyst20 hours ago

    St. Pete greenlights disputed Chick-fil-A expansion, on St Pete Catalyst

    The operator wants to rebuild the existing restaurant on a larger site with expanded parking and drive-thru capacity.

  15. Tampa Free Press21 hours ago

    CVS Health To Split Into Two Publicly Traded Companies By 2028, on Tampa Free Press

    CVS Health announced Wednesday plans to split into two independent, publicly traded companies after a strategic review by its board of directors. Tampa Free

  16. Sports Talk Florida21 hours ago

    World No. 1 Nelly Korda Chasing History on the LPGA in Tampa Bay at The ANNIKA driven by Gainbridge at Pelican Club; Headlines World-Class Field, Nov. 11-15, on Sports Talk Florida

    About The ANNIKA driven by Gainbridge at Pelican The ANNIKA driven by Gainbridge at Pelican is the LPGA’s annual tournament in the Tampa Bay region and features the world’s best female golfers competing over four rounds for a share of the $3.25 million purse, one of the largest on the LPGA Tour outside of the […]

  17. Business Observer22 hours ago

    Developer closes on purchase of former St. Pete police HQ, on Business Observer

    With the deal now done, construction can begin on a St. Petersburg mixed-use development that includes an office tower and hotel.

  18. WTSP22 hours ago

    RV fire briefly shuts down part of I-75 South in Hernando County, on WTSP

    State troopers said the fire resulted from a mechanical issue. All lanes are back open.

  19. Tomahawk Nation23 hours ago

    Gameday Central: Florida State Seminoles vs. Boston College Eagles-Previews, predictions, how to watch, odds, on Tomahawk Nation

    Under the direction of newly named interim head coach Rick Stockstill, the Florida State Seminole football program will try to do what it hasn’t done in 3 years: win a regular-season road game away from Doak Campbell. The Seminoles (3-5, 1-4 ACC) and the Boston College Eagles (4-4, 2-3 ACC) will meet at Alumni Stadium

  20. WUSFYesterday

    St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport director lays out expansion, improvements plan, on WUSF

    Construction on a new parking garage is expected to begin in January 2027.

    Also reported bySt Pete Catalyst

  21. Chronicle OnlineYesterday

    Season comes full circle as Seven Rivers falls in SSAA playoffs, on Chronicle Online

    ST. PETERSBURG – The Seven Rivers Christian football team began its season on the field at Keswick Christian and three months later the Warriors embraced one another in an emotional

  22. St Pete CatalystNov. 6

    Vintage St. Pete: ‘Snoopy vs. the Red Baron’ at 60, on St Pete Catalyst

    The story of one of the most unlikely hits of the 1960s, and its connection to St. Pete and Tampa.

  23. WTSPNov. 6

    As Florida health insurance premiums go up, some people consider a private plan, on WTSP

    Florida healthcare plans are seeing double digit premium increases, leading more people to consider a private plan.

  24. WFLANov. 6

    Friends of Citi worker killed by enraged man in disbelief, mourn her loss, on WFLA

    For many of Leanne Selman’s friends, it’s been less than 24 hours since they heard she had passed away. Deputies say that on Wednesday, Jacob Pearson stormed into Citibank’s campus in Hillsborough County with a rifle, a handgun, and 90 rounds; Leanne Selman, who’d never met him, died at his hands over 2,500 dollars that the suspect owed to the bank, according to investigators. Leanne’s friends remember her for her talent and character.

  25. Lakeland LedgerNov. 6

    Class 6A football full brackets: recruits to watch, biggest question, on Lakeland Ledger

    An in-depth look at each region in Class 6A ahead of the 2026 football playoffs.

  26. Tampa Bay 28Nov. 6

    Gulfport stormwater upgrades could take 170 years as city searches for funding, on Tampa Bay 28

    Almost two centuries is how long it could take to fix stormwater flood issues in Gulfport, according to local experts, but now the City of Gulfport is working to speed up that timeline.

  27. FOX 13 Tampa BayNov. 6

    Live portrait challenge | Florida For Reel, on FOX 13 Tampa Bay

    St. Pete artist Callie McCarthy (@calliemccarthyart) joins Emari Craft and Scott Tavlin live in the FOX 13 studio to paint their portraits in real time! Watch as Scott and Emari face off in a chaotic 60-second draw-off, and catch this week's wild trending moments across Florida.

  28. FOX 13 Tampa BayNov. 6

    A new exhibit opening at the Dali Museum, on FOX 13 Tampa Bay

    The Dali Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston are collaborating on a new exhibit opening November 7th in St. Petersburg. FOX 13 photojournalist Travis Anthony takes us for a look.

  29. Bay News 9Nov. 6

    The James Museum spotlights Native American culture with first celebration, on Bay News 9

    The James Museum in St. Petersburg hosts a free Native American Heritage Month celebration with artist demos, storytelling and family activities.

  30. Tampa Bay TimesNov. 6

    South Florida’s US Attorney has abruptly resigned, on Tampa Bay Times

    The resignation comes amid scrutiny of the office.

  31. WTSPNov. 6

    CAIR suspends Florida operations after domestic terrorist designation takes effect, on WTSP

    CAIR and its Florida chapter say they will appeal the decision, arguing the state's actions violate their constitutional rights.

  32. Tampa Bay TimesNov. 6

    CAIR temporarily ceases operations in Florida after court ruling, on Tampa Bay Times

    A judge left in place the group’s designation as a “domestic terrorist organization.”

  33. Tampa Bay TimesNov. 6

    New case filed against ex-Pinellas deputy accused of abusing license plate reader database, on Tampa Bay Times

    The new charge filed Friday comes one week after Pinellas prosecutors dropped the first case against Karl Gwynne.

  34. Sarasota PatchNov. 6

    Young Brothers Run T-Shirt Company | Former Police HQ Redevelopment | New Whole Foods: FL Business, on Sarasota Patch

    Here are the latest business news headlines from Florida Patch news sites.

  35. WFLANov. 6

    Gabby Petito's family 'determined' to help in search for Bryan 'Vladek' Hasel 5 years after disappearance, on WFLA

    Bryan Hasel walked away from an encounter with Florida police and was never seen again.

  36. Tampa Bay TimesNov. 6

    After wild week, where do Lightning go with Nikita Kucherov?, on Tampa Bay Times

    Agent Dan Milstein says it’s time for his client to “move on.” But can there still be a happy ending for the team and it’s disgruntled star?

  37. Tampa Bay TimesNov. 6

    Pasco’s new sheriff lays out priorities, challenges and plan for 2028, on Tampa Bay Times

    After an unusual sequence of events leading to his appointment, Sheriff Jeffrey Harrington is officially on the job.

  38. That's So TampaNov. 6

    Tampa Bay’s Power Design launches Build the Nation to pave a path to careers in skilled trades, on That's So Tampa

    As Tampa Bay, Florida, and the entire country experience unprecedented growth, there is a massive shortage of the people needed to make it happen. As it turns out, one of

  39. WMNFNov. 6

    Dalí: Disruption + Devotion opens in St. Pete with paintings from the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, on WMNF

    Unlike some of his surrealist peers, Dalí often honored the great master artists who came before him. Thus, Dalí: Disruption + Devotion.

  40. Tampa Bay TimesNov. 6

    74% of St. Pete voters approved tax for flooding, sewage fixes. What happens next?, on Tampa Bay Times

    Environmentalists cheered voters’ choice, but the city’s next mayor has some concerns.

In brief

The short notes of 5AM St. Petersburg’s last two editions. Open one to read it, with its sources.

  • Trails CrossingSt. Petersburg City Council unanimously accepted a $55 million master plan to turn about 12 acres beneath Interstate 275 into parks, trails and public gathering spaces.

    St. Petersburg City Council unanimously accepted a $55 million master plan to turn about 12 acres beneath Interstate 275 into parks, trails and public gathering spaces. Friends of Trails Crossing co-founder John Barkett said the group isn't asking the city to fund construction.

    News Notes · Today’s editionSource: St Pete Catalyst

  • Chick-fil-ACity Council voted 7-1 Thursday, Nov. 5 to approve land-use and zoning changes for a portion of the property at 4201 4th Street N., overturning an earlier rejection.

    City Council voted 7-1 Thursday, Nov. 5 to approve land-use and zoning changes for a portion of the property at 4201 4th Street N., overturning an earlier rejection. Vice Chair Richie Floyd cast the lone dissenting vote.

    News Notes · Today’s editionSource: St Pete Catalyst

  • TodayThe James Museum of Western and Wildlife Art is hosting its first Native American Heritage Month celebration today, Sun., Nov.

    The James Museum of Western and Wildlife Art is hosting its first Native American Heritage Month celebration today, Sun., Nov. 8, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free, with live artist demonstrations, storytelling and family activities.

    News Notes · Today’s editionSource: Bay News 9

  • Police HQA developer has closed on the purchase of the former St.

    A developer has closed on the purchase of the former St. Petersburg police headquarters. Construction can now begin on a mixed-use development that includes an office tower and hotel.

    News Notes · Today’s editionSource: Business Observer

  • AirportPIE director Mark Sprague told a Florida Economic Club gathering Wednesday that the airport is focusing on infrastructure enhancements and exploring conceptual designs for a terminal that will eventually accommodate 4.5 to 5 million passengers.

    PIE director Mark Sprague told a Florida Economic Club gathering Wednesday that the airport is focusing on infrastructure enhancements and exploring conceptual designs for a terminal that will eventually accommodate 4.5 to 5 million passengers. Airport leaders earlier this year decided to rescope a large terminal improvement project.

    News Notes · Today’s editionSource: WUSF

  • Flood tax74% of St. Pete voters approved a new tax Tuesday to speed up fixes for flooding and sewer problems exposed during the 2024 hurricanes.

    74% of St. Pete voters approved a new tax Tuesday to speed up fixes for flooding and sewer problems exposed during the 2024 hurricanes. Environmentalists cheered the result, but the city's next mayor has some concerns, the Tampa Bay Times reports.

    News Notes · Saturday’s editionSource: Tampa Bay Times

  • GulfportFixing stormwater flooding in Gulfport could take 170 years, according to local experts.

    Fixing stormwater flooding in Gulfport could take 170 years, according to local experts. The city is searching for funding to speed that up.

    News Notes · Saturday’s editionSource: Tampa Bay 28

  • Senior housingThe St. Petersburg Housing Authority plans to expand Clearview Park Apartments at 3200 37th Ave.

    The St. Petersburg Housing Authority plans to expand Clearview Park Apartments at 3200 37th Ave. N. with a four-story building that would give leasing preference to seniors. Florida YIMBY reports the plan calls for renovating 18 of the 22 existing apartments and demolishing four. SPHA's Michael Lundy told St Pete Rising the waiting list shows "a lot of need for elderly housing."

    News Notes · Saturday’s editionSources: St Pete Rising, Florida YIMBY

  • Wagon WheelPinellas Park-based Belleair Development Group is under contract to buy about 156 acres at 7801 Park Blvd.

    Pinellas Park-based Belleair Development Group is under contract to buy about 156 acres at 7801 Park Blvd. N., where the Wagon Wheel and Mustang flea markets operated until 2020. Owner Christian Yepes confirmed the company is exploring options for the site.

    News Notes · Saturday’s editionSource: St Pete Rising

  • SHINE muralsThe 12th SHINE Mural Festival runs Nov. 6-15, with 13 mural artists painting in St.

    The 12th SHINE Mural Festival runs Nov. 6-15, with 13 mural artists painting in St. Petersburg. Five of them live in the Tampa Bay area, WUSF reports. The Times has a guide to the free, community-wide event downtown.

    News Notes · Saturday’s editionSources: WUSF, Tampa Bay Times