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Good morning, St. Petersburg! In today’s edition: Pet store crackdown, a gem show, a Sarah Brightman and Andrea Bocelli tribute, and more. Let’s get to it!
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
New standards for animal retailers: Pinellas commissioners voted to tighten pet store rules after investigators found 200 puppies in unsanitary conditions, doubling inspections and speeding puppy death reporting. Friends of Strays’ chair calls it positive — see what’s in the ordinance.
Early learning gains momentum: The YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg will expand infant and toddler care at its preschools this year, adding classrooms in South St. Pete to help families access affordable, high-quality care — learn more about the expansion.
Major real estate opportunity: St. Petersburg published a Jan. 4 notice opening a 30-day window for competing redevelopment proposals for the Historic Gas Plant District, about 86 acres, with submissions due by February 3 — get the timeline and scope.
Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.
Protect your nest egg: Savvy investors are turning to gold amidst today’s inflation, national debt, and market uncertainty for a reason. It holds its value when everything else feels shaky. Case in point: it’s up ~62% since this month last year. If you’re curious about adding it and other precious metals to your portfolio, American Hartford has a super helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free, and definitely worth a read — check it out here.
*We do our best to avoid paywalled articles. If any slip through, let me know which ones and I’ll permanently remove them from our source list!
Highlights this week:
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🫶 We got your back
Rebuilding assistance moves forward: Pinellas County has started issuing its first hurricane recovery checks, with $302,243.80 distributed so far through federal housing programs. Since October, 3,860 residents have applied. Aid covers home repairs, reimbursements, homebuyer help, and landlord repairs. Programs are open to households earning up to 120% of the area median income. Get all the details.
Kid energy, contained: When the wiggles hit, Run + Play Kids Cafe offers two-hour open play and coffee from Bean Wandering, so you can sip while they climb, pretend, and burn it off in a clean, socks-on space. Bookable sessions and a sweet party room make planning easy.
Skip the wind and wait: Whether you’re squeezing in a drop-in or leveling up at clinics, St. Pete Athletic packs 14 indoor pickleball courts, plus table tennis and padel. Enjoy food, coffee, and craft beer delivered courtside. Friendly vibes, live scoreboards, instant replays, and DUPR integration keep matches smooth and bragging rights indisputable.
Thinning hair? Same: I’ve been shedding a lot, and recently noticed my ponytail feeling thinner. After way too much panic-Googling, I discovered Keranique’s hair regrowth system. Everything with them is surprisingly easy: no quizzes, no pills, no choosing between dozens of products. Just grab the kit and follow the instructions. The best part? It’s $75 off right now, you’ll get three free gifts, AND you’ll get your money back if you don’t love the results.
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📆 Around town this week
All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
🧠 Coffee with a Curator @ The Dalí Museum | Wednesday (1/7) at 10:30 AM – Coffee with a Curator is pouring hot takes on Existentialism with Alberto Giacometti and Salvador Dalí: Through & Beyond Surrealism. Madeline Martin-Seaver leads a conversational dive into creativity, nothingness, and why your espresso suddenly feels profound. Come for the art, stay for the existential chuckle.
🎨 Abstract Acrylic Painting for Adults @ Gulfport Public Library | Wednesday (1/7) at 1:00 PM – Channel your inner Rauschenberg at the library’s monthly adult craft, where canvas, tape, acrylics, and a few surprisingly satisfying tools turn into abstract masterpieces. It’s low pressure, high fun, and gloriously messy. Registration required, so claim a spot before your muse wanders.
🛍 St. Pete Night Market @ Ferg’s Sports Bar & Grill | Wednesday (1/7) at 6:00 PM – First Wednesday means Ferg’s turns into a free night market, with local makers, live music, and enough food trucks to ruin your dinner plans in the best way. Grab a cold one, browse the art, pet some dogs, and call it community, not errands.
🎨 Painting: Impressionism the Easy Way @ DRV Gallery | Thursday (1/8) at 9:30 AM – All the Monet vibes, none of the art school angst. Over four sessions, Jack Providenti teaches no-drawing, five-step painting for landscapes or seascapes in oils or acrylics, with guided mornings or paint-what-you-want afternoons, beginners and intermediates welcome. $145, space is limited, register early.
🎤 Sarah Brightman and Andrea Bocelli Tribute @ The Palladium Theatre | Thursday (1/8) at 7:00 PM – Whether you wore out your Time to Say Goodbye CD or just want goosebumps, this tribute to Sarah Brightman and Andrea Bocelli delivers the big notes without airport security. Lyric soprano Elona Krasavtseva brings drama, sparkle, and high Cs, so bring tissues and your bravos.
💎 St Petersburg Gem Show @ The Coliseum | Friday (1/9) at 10:00 AM – St. Pete’s gem show is rolling in with tables of minerals, fossils, beads, and the kind of sparkle that makes you forget you already own five quartz points. Think museum you can take home, plus AC. Bring curiosity, comfy shoes, and double-check details.
🎸 Crush and more @ OCC Road House & Museum | Friday (1/9) at 6:00 PM – Grab your crew and hit OCC Road House for CRUSH’s debut, blasting 80s to 2000s alt and rock, with Tampa Bay’s Whiskey Throttle keeping the throttle wide open. It’s free, which pairs with a $75 VIP table for six, koozies included, bragging rights guaranteed.
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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📻 St. Petersburg report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 74°F – Low: 57°F – Precip: 0%
Mostly sunny, with a high near 74. South southwest wind around 6 mph. Later: Patchy fog after 1am. Mostly clear, with a low around 57. North wind around 3 mph.
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Tomorrow – High: 75°F – Low: 60°F – Precip: 0%
Patchy fog before 9am. Sunny, with a high near 75. South southeast wind 2 to 6 mph. Later: Patchy fog after 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 60. Southwest wind around 3 mph.
This house is wild
Spanish revival style meets modern ease in St. Petersburg. Terracotta roof tile, smooth stucco, and wrought iron details pair with tropical landscaping. Inside, hand-laid tile, exposed beams, and large windows amplify an open layout. The chef’s kitchen features granite counters, stainless appliances, and custom cabinetry. The primary suite offers a calm retreat with a spa-like bath.
Outdoor living shines with a courtyard for al fresco dining, a covered porch off the primary, a side patio, and a secluded rooftop terrace reached by spiral stair for sunrise and sunset views. Detached garage adds flexibility. One or more photos have been virtually staged. Includes a 13 month home warranty.
Take a peek inside →
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