New Pope Francis: Diocese of St. Pete Reacts

The Diocese of St. Petersburg has announced a Mass of Thanksgiving at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at St. Timothy Catholic Church in Lutz.

PHOTOS: $1.99 Million New Home in Indian Rocks Beach

Check out this three-story Harbor Drive home listed on AOL Real Estate.

FWC Hopes to Protect Imperiled Beach-Nesting Birds

The draft action plan for imperiled beach-nesting birds spells out steps to conserve these four species with the ultimate goal that they no longer will be listed as threatened, a FWC news release said.

Recount Friday For Treasure Island Election

One of five referendum questions on Tuesday's ballot ended in a tie vote.

Madeira Beach Development: What You're Saying

We asked Patch readers what they thought of a planned Marriott Hotel and other development projects in the works for Madeira Beach. What do you think?

Blood-Sucking Gallinippers Set to Invade Gulf Beaches

The giant mosquitoes are poised to arrive as Florida’s rainy season gets under way.

Treasure Island Election Results Are In; Recount Needed

Voters went to the polls to decide five referendum questions in Tuesday's election, one of which ended in a tie.

PHOTO: St. Pete Beach in Spring Break Spotlight

A shot of the beach near the Don Cesar Hotel is part of AOL Travel's Florida spring break 2013 road trip.

Pinellas Beaches Jail Bookings: March 4-10

The following report shows charges associated with residents arrested by Treasure Island Police and booked at Pinellas County Jail between March 4-10.

What You're Saying About 'The Chicken Church'

Does a Madeira Beach church building look like a chicken? Here's what Patch readers had to say.

Bike for Books Program Rewards Students for Reading

For every five books that a student read, they were given an entry to the bike drawing at 17 participating Pinellas County Schools.

Sen. Jack Latvala Curses Out Florida Reporter

The Pinellas Republican state senator was not happy to go through emails to fulfill a public records request, the Florida Times-Union reported.

Marriott Hotel on Madeira Beach: Are You in Favor?

What do you think of the planned hotel and all the recent development in the area? Join the conversation on Patch.

Rain Likely Along Beaches as ‘No Name Storm’ Anniversary Arrives

Storms are anticipated to move into the area tonight and stick around through Tuesday, March 12 – the 20th anniversary of a historic weather event that wreaked havoc throughout the Tampa Bay area.

How Walkable is Your Gulf Beach Community?

A national website ranks Madeira Beach as the most walkable of the Pinellas beaches along the Gulf.

Top Headlines: 'Chicken' Church, Makeover at Mermaids Bikini Bar, Human Trafficking

OK, so you had a busy week. We understand. Let us catch you up on all the highlights from Pinellas Beaches Patch!

Pinellas Trail to Connect to Treasure Island

Bicyclists and beachgoers in Treasure Island will soon be able to take the Pinellas Trail to downtown St. Pete.

OMG PD: Osprey Shooting, Marble Slingshots, Child Given Mushrooms

We compile the odd, unusual ‘oh my gosh’ police items from throughout the Tampa Bay region.

Popular Blogs of the Week

We have super bloggers on Pinellas Beaches Patch. Check out some of the more popular posts from the past week.

Don't Forget to Spring Your Clocks Forward Sunday

Daylight Saving Time begins at 2 a.m. Sunday. and yes that means you'll be losing an hour of sleep Sunday.

Have You Seen the 'Chicken Church' in Madeira Beach?

The Church by the Sea in Madeira Beach is becoming famous for its building, which from the right angle looks like a chicken.

New App Lets You Keep Up With Your Reps. in Tallahassee

The app, which is now available to download from iTunes, allows you to watch live meetings and see what your local representatives are voting on.

Man Pleads Guilty to Human Trafficking, Sexual Battery

Kenyatta Cornelous, 42, was sentenced to 19 years in jail on charges of human trafficking, sexual battery and prostitution. The case has ties to a Treasure Island home used to lure women.

Does Your Insurance Cover Sinkholes?

Should you be worried if your property is protected from an unexpected sinkhole?

PHOTOS: Mermaids Gentlemen's Club Gets a Remodel, New Color

In addition to getting rid of the familiar purple paint job outside, the inside of Mermaids on St. Pete Beach has been overhauled. What do you think of the new look?

GALLERY: $5.2 Million Home on St. Pete Beach

Check out this listing from AOL Real Estate.

PHOTOS: $3.75 Million Beachfront Condo in Indian Shores

Check out this listing from AOL Real Estate.

Review: St. Pete Beach's Riviera Supper Club a 'Welcome Upscale Newcomer'

Here's what the Tampa Bay Times had to say about this recently opened St. Pete Beach restaurant. Do you agree?

Madeira Beach Nuisance Law Could Be Model For New Port Richey

A city councilwoman there who is concerned about public safety recently reached out to Madeira Beach about its chronic nuisance ordinance.

Can Things 'Turn Around' For Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary?

That's what one Patch reader wants to know. What's your take?

Pinellas Beaches Jail Bookings: Feb. 26 - March 3

The following report shows charges associated with residents in Gulf beach communities booked at Pinellas County Jail between Feb. 26 and March 3, along with others arrested in those communities.

Seen on YouTube: Indian Shores Sunsets

Check out this cool video seen on YouTube. Got videos or photos you want to share? Post them here on Patch!

Seen on YouTube: 350-Pound Goliath Grouper Catch

Check out this cool video seen on YouTube. Got videos or photos you want to share? Post them here on Patch!

Seen on YouTube: Sailing at Indian Rocks Beach

Check out this cool video seen on YouTube. Got videos or photos you want to share? Post them here on Patch!

Seen on YouTube: School of Stingrays at Indian Shores

Check out this cool video seen on YouTube. Got videos or photos you want to share? Post them here on Patch!

Rescue Groups Trying to Fill Void Left By Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary

One nonprofit is in talks with Largo about creating a new rescue facility there following the news that Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary has stopped taking in injured birds due to financial troubles, the Tampa Bay Times reports.

VIDEO: Indian Rocks Beach Sunset Timelapse

Check out this cool video seen on YouTube. Got videos or photos you want to share? Post them here on Patch!

Do You Love the Gulf Beaches Public Library?

The library served about 83,000 visitors last year. Were you one of them? What do you like about the library, or what needs to be improved?

St. Pete Beach Police Savings Could Go Toward Corey Ave. Improvements

City commissioners are looking to pass on the projected $433,000 savings from dissolving the police force in November, the Beach Beacon reports.

Which Beach Intersection Needs to be Improved?

Officials are considering traffic improvements and beautifications at the intersection of Walsingham Road and Gulf Boulevard in Indian Rocks Beach. What do you think should be done? Are there other intersections around town that need improvement?