Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: COVID-19 Rates Growing In 48 States: What To Know About Vaccines In FL

Coming up on the St. Petersburg Patch calendar: 9/11 Memorial Ceremony

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Saturday September 5th Patch AM
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What's up St. Petersburg! Let's start this morning right by getting caught up on what's going on around town. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Pinellas wastewater data shows rising COVID levels as new vaccines near
  • How a new St. Pete rule could save artists' studios
  • How will Rays' move reshape business and redevelopment near Tropicana Field?

Also on today's calendar: 9/11 Memorial Ceremony and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: Where do math teachers go on vacation? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Saturday: A t-storm around in the p.m., with a high of 90 and low of 81 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Sunday: Clouds and sun with a t-storm, temps: high: 90, low: 80.
  • Monday: A stray afternoon t-storm, with a high of 89 and low of 79 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. COVID-19 Rates Growing In 48 States: What To Know About Vaccines In FL (patch.com) — Rising COVID-19 activity across Florida now includes elevated wastewater levels in Pinellas County, signaling increased transmission risk for the St. Petersburg area. Updated 2026–27 vaccines targeting the XFG variant are expected later this month, with eligibility focused on seniors and younger residents with high-risk conditions, though insurance coverage may depend on pending federal recommendations.
   

2. As downtown grows, St. Pete adds a new tool to help artists keep their space (stpeterising.com) — St. Petersburg has approved a new arts funding development bonus that lets downtown and corridor developers pay into a city fund in exchange for extra building space. The money will help artists and arts organizations buy or keep studios and galleries, aiming to slow the loss of creative spaces as rents rise and redevelopment pushes some artists out of St. Pete.
   

3. Grand Central District businesses prepare for Rays departure (baynews9.com) — St. Petersburg's Grand Central District businesses are bracing for fewer Tampa Bay Rays game-day crowds once the team moves to a new Tampa stadium, raising concerns about lost revenue and event support. At the same time, owners and neighborhood leaders are eyeing the massive Tropicana Field and Historic Gas Plant District redevelopment, which could bring new housing, a museum, parks, and customers if City Council approves the plans.
   

4. St. Pete police credit Flock camera for hit and run arrest amid community concerns (wfla.com) — St. Petersburg police say Flock license plate cameras helped them identify a suspect in a fatal August hit-and-run, even as the state orders the devices off state roads. Local residents are split, with some praising the investigative benefits and others worried about constant tracking and potential misuse, keeping the debate over surveillance and safety very close to home.
   

📸 Around St. Petersburg

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🗓 Upcoming Events in St. Petersburg

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📣 St. Petersburg Shout Outs!

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Horsepower and Hope: Annual Classic Car Showcase Returns to Ronald McDonald House St. Pete on Nov 7 —The JP Emerson Show Read on Patch
  • SPECTRUM posted a job opening for Retail Sales Specialist - Part-Time in Pinellas Park. Apply here.
  • RTX posted a job opening for General Manufacturing Assembler - 1st Shift (onsite) in Seminole. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near St. Petersburg here.

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: Times Square (Thank you Jean K. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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