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Rise and shine, Tarpon Springs! Groundbreaking 100% affordable housing, $126 million beach restoration, SPC Japanese festival, and more. Let’s get to it!
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
Details on unit mix and funding: Ground was broken last week on Olea on 126 in Largo, a rare 100% affordable, 144-unit family community, with units reserved for lower-income households and completion expected in June 2027 — get project costs and timeline.
Record time shoreline restoration: Pinellas County leaders celebrated earlier this month the completion of a $126 million beach renourishment, adding sand from Clearwater to Treasure Island with bed tax dollars to boost storm protection — see where the sand went.
Expanding to ten locations: Buddy Brew Coffee announced a partnership with Sprouts Farmers Market to open its first Pinellas cafe, bringing local roasts closer to Tarpon Springs. Opening dates have not been announced — get all the details.
Safer housing initiative underway: Nearby New Port Richey is moving forward with two coastal cottage homes in Edgewater Gardens, flooded during Hurricanes Helene and Milton, using elevated designs on city-owned lots to strengthen resilience — get all the project details.
Gold continues to hold strong: After its best year in decades, gold remains near historic highs as investors look for stability amid inflation and debt. American Hartford has a free guide that covers everything you need to know. They’re also offering up to $25,000 of free silver on qualified accounts – check it out here.
Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.
Compare car insurance rates (it’s free): The average car insurance bill is roughly $175/month. I was paying more until I took a few minutes to compare quotes where I live. I ended up switching and cut my premium in half. Even if you’re not ready to switch, it’s worth checking – this comparison tool makes it easy.
*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
Ongoing roadwork snarls commutes: Curlew Road’s drainage project in Pinellas County is still underway and slowing drives. One lane remains closed around the clock, squeezing traffic at a key intersection and causing long backups. The $10.8 million project is expected to wrap up sometime in 2026. See what’s causing backups.
Prepare for civic leadership: Applications are open for Pinellas County University’s six-week civic program starting March 4. It explores how county government works, highlights the Strategic Plan, and emphasizes emergency preparedness. The application deadline is February 20, and participants finish with a graduation ceremony and a signed diploma. See when to apply.
Sweet Greek fix: When only flaky phyllo will do, Hellas Restaurant & Bakery delivers with baklava cheesecake, galaktoboureko, and kourabiedes that disappear faster than your willpower. A longtime Sponge Docks staple, it’s the move when your week needs powdered-sugar optimism and a little edible sunshine.
French vibes, great hair: When your ends feel meh, La’ Riviera Salon quietly nails it with thoughtful cuts, rich color, and blowouts without the drama. A low-key favorite locals trust to look polished for school pickup, office Zooms, or last-minute dinner plans.
What do people see when they search your name? Search results can surface past mistakes or outdated information that no longer reflects who you are. BetterReputation helps remove and clean up unwanted content so your online presence matches your real life today. Not worried about yourself? Doesn’t hurt to mention it to family or friends who might be.
Access cash without selling your home: A reverse mortgage can help cover everyday expenses, support healthcare needs, fund home improvements, or reduce pressure on 401(k) withdrawals – all while staying in your home. Longbridge offers a free calculator to estimate how much flexibility your home could provide, with no commitment required.
The weight loss game has changed: New GLP-1 medications work with your body’s natural hormones to help reduce appetite and support steady weight loss under medical supervision. Remedy Meds connects you with licensed clinicians online to see if you’re a good candidate. They’ll evaluate your health, provide transparent pricing, and ship medication straight to your door.
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📆 Around town this week
Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →
All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
🎭 Dunedin Mardi Gras @ Dunedin Brewery | Tuesday (2/17) at 5:00 PM – Fat Tuesday in downtown Dunedin means beads, brass, and your neighbor dancing like it is 1999. The parade rolls down Douglas from Beltrees to Skinner, with floats, live music, and local bites before and after. Leave the cooler and the Labradoodle at home.
🐚 Master Gardeners: Oyster Odyssey @ New Port Richey Public Library | Tuesday (2/17) at 5:30 PM – Feel like learning something useful, then making something pretty? Dr. Megan Moore and the Master Gardeners pair a no-nonsense talk on oyster restoration with a hands-on art session, supplies included, so you leave with shell art, bragging rights, and small-talk cred you can actually use.
🔨 Resin Cutting Board Class @ Thumbprint Art Cafe | Wednesday (2/18) at 6:30 PM – Thumbprint Art Cafe is hosting a resin cutting board class with Char Lowry, and yes, they supply everything, including the confidence. Think less Pinterest fail, more conversation piece you can actually chop on. Call to save your spot, 727-203-2452.
📚 Book Time @ Brooker Creek Preserve & Environmental Education Center | Thursday (2/19) at 10:30 AM – Got a tiny human who pockets pinecones like souvenirs? Book Time at Brooker serves up a cozy preschool story, hands-on nature play, and fresh air, so they connect with the real world, you catch a breather, and everyone sleeps better.
🎎 SPC Japanese Festival @ Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art | Thursday (2/19) at 1:00 PM – Skip the emails and pop into LRMA for an afternoon of Japanese culture with visiting masters of Noh, ink, and tea. Expect origami, sumi-e kimonos, ikebana, tattoo lore, and a tea talk that upgrades your kettle, plus a suggested $10 donation, free for SPC students.
🚶 Watershed Walk @ Brooker Creek Preserve & Environmental Education Center | Friday (2/20) at 9:30 AM – Take a Watershed Walk at Brooker Creek Preserve to see where our water goes, why wetlands keep us sane, and what small fixes at home actually help. Less kumbaya, more aha moments, with sturdy shoes, local insight, and ammo for your next HOA debate.
🎤 Tim Dorsey @ Rusty Bellies | Friday (2/20) at 7:00 PM – Catch Tim Dorsey live, working vocals and keyboard like your favorite corner piano bar, minus the sticky floor. Settle in for smooth tunes, a few stories, and that sweet, keys-first vibe that turns a quick drink into a lingering evening.
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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📻 Tarpon Springs report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 68°F – Low: 53°F – Precip: 1%
Mostly sunny, with a high near 68. Northwest wind around 8 mph. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 53. North northeast wind around 6 mph.
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Tomorrow – High: 76°F – Low: 57°F – Precip: 4%
Sunny, with a high near 76. Northeast wind 3 to 7 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 57. East northeast wind around 3 mph.
This house is wild
This Lake Tarpon waterfront retreat was completely renovated in 2021 with new roof, HVAC, electrical, and kitchen and bath remodels. Walls of glass frame the heated saltwater pool and views. Two bedrooms plus flex office. Private dock with unrestricted boating on 2,500+ acres. Impact windows, no flood insurance, no HOA, no CDD, minutes to beaches, Pinellas Trail, and Sponge Docks.
Take a peek inside →
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🔥 Worth a peek
We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we genuinely think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week:
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