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🌱 Patch AM: Lightning May Have Caused USF St. Pete Fire, School Officials Say

Spotted on the St. Petersburg calendar: Maifest in the Biergarten

Tuesday May 5th Patch AM (Patch graphic)

Hello St. Petersburg! Here's our latest buzz. Let's get into it. ☕️️

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In today's newsletter:

  • USF St. Pete fire devastates key marine lab, spares lives
  • Could you qualify for Pinellas’ $813 million hurricane recovery help?
  • How will St. Pete voters fare in the redrawn CD 16?

Also on today's calendar: Maifest in the Biergarten and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: Knock-knock! Who’s there? Irish. Irish who? 🤔 (Answer below!)


Weather forecast:

  • Tuesday: Partly sunny, with a high of 87 and low of 74 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Wednesday: Partly sunny, temps: high: 88, low: 75.
  • Thursday: Partly sunny, with a high of 88 and low of 76 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

• Lightning May Have Caused USF St. Pete Fire, School Officials Say (patch.com) — St. Petersburg residents are reacting after a major fire heavily damaged the University of South Florida’s Marine Science Laboratory on the USF St. Petersburg campus, likely sparked during a lightning storm. Fire crews contained the blaze without injuries, but the building may be a total loss, threatening decades of marine research. Nearby facilities and a scheduled Gibbs High School prom were disrupted, while university leaders vow to rebuild and salvage key materials.    

• Pinellas County completes first home repairs through $813M hurricane recovery program: Here's how to apply (fox13news.com) — Pinellas County’s $813 million People First Hurricane Recovery Program has completed its first home repair and is urging more residents to apply, including many in and around St. Petersburg. While city residents must use St. Pete’s separate federal program, locals can still visit the Park Street office for in‑person help and learn about repair reimbursements, income support, and future aid for businesses and infrastructure.    

• Kurt Hoffman backs Sydney Gruters in the race for a redrawn CD 16 (floridapolitics.com) — Residents in south St. Petersburg are being drawn into a newly redrawn Congressional District 16 that links them with Manatee and several inland counties, potentially diluting their urban voting power. Sarasota Republican Sydney Gruters, now endorsed by multiple sheriffs and former President Donald Trump, is targeting southern Pinellas voters as she runs in this more conservative-leaning district. Local officials warn the change could weaken south St. Petersburg’s voice in Washington.    


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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Kids & Kubs Senior Summer Softball Now At North Shore Park Now —Jon Reynolds Read on Patch
  • A Hope For Foster Children Is Heard by St. Pete Sunrise Rotary —Jon Reynolds Read on Patch
  • Panera Bread Company posted a job opening for Team Member in Pinellas Park. Apply here.
  • Catholic Charities Dioscese of St. Petersburg posted a job opening for Substitute Teacher - Sacred Heart Catholic School Pinellas Park in Pinellas Park. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near St. Petersburg here.

🗞 Nearby News

Gulfport

  • Gulfport Buzz Brain Trivia Night @ Gulfport Brewery (thegabber.com)
  • A "new world" harmony: The inclusive message of a modern bluegrass group (wmnf.org)
  • St. Pete Beach Discusses Resiliency Plan and Marina Proposal (thegabber.com)

Treasure Island

Tampa

  • Seafood Concept To Replace Haven Restaurant In South Tampa (patch.com)

Ok St. Petersburg! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Irish you a happy St. Patrick’s Day! (Thank you Eileen C. for sending it in!)Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!


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