San Martin Bridge now one lane for utility work
ST. PETERSBURG — The city of St. Petersburg has closed one lane of the San Martin Bridge and traffic delays are expected on San Martin Boulevard and 83rd Avenue N through October. Drivers who use this corridor as a cut-through between Gandy Boulevard and Fourth Street N are encouraged to seek alternate routes.
During this period, motor vehicles and bicycles will share the roadway in a single-file configuration. Temporary traffic signals will alternate vehicle flows across the bridge in both directions, resulting in extended delays during peak travel times.
The city is relocating a 24-inch wastewater force main and a 12-inch drinking water main. These utilities are being moved beneath Riviera Bay in preparation for Pinellas County's planned replacement of the San Martin Bridge, scheduled to begin in fall 2027, which will increase bridge clearance for boat traffic.
Housing Authority STEM spring break aimed to inspire
ST. PETERSBURG — A two-day STEM spring break program hosted by the St. Petersburg Housing Authority introduced SPHA students to real-world environmental challenges while encouraging curiosity about science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) careers.
On March 16, students participated in a "Pesky Pollution Workshop," where they learned about pollution and micro-plastics, and their impact on marine ecosystems. On March 18, students went on a field trip to The Florida Aquarium in Tampa.
The Spring Break program was part of SPHA's Gulf Futures 3D initiative, a grant-funded STEM program designed to build scientific and environmental literacy among youth in SPHA communities. The initiative’s mission is to empower students through a dynamic blend of classroom learning and place-based experiences that ignite curiosity and creativity with emerging 3D technologies.
The program is funded through a $740,860 grant from the Gulf Research Program (GRP) of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.
New director appointed at Bay Pines VA
David J. VanMeter has been appointed the new executive director of the Bay Pines VA Healthcare System, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs announced.
VanMeter previously served as the deputy medical center director of the Tampa VA Healthcare System, a position he had held since 2016.
He was associate director at the Tampa VA from 2013 to 2016 and, prior to that, was the assistant director of the Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans Hospital in Columbia, Missouri.
A native of Kentucky, VanMeter earned a dual bachelor’s degree in business administration and financial management from the University of Kentucky Gatton School of Business and a master’s degree in healthcare administration from the University of Kentucky Martin School of Public Policy.
Duke grant continues support for SPC lineworker program
Duke Energy has announced the company’s foundation will continue to support St. Petersburg College’s Electrical Lineworker Training Program through a $50,000 grant. This partnership enables the college to provide students with industry-recognized training and skills that allow them to pursue entry-level positions at electric utilities.
The program, which ranges from 14 to 20 weeks, helps jumpstart the careers of students in the program, while also creating a steady talent pipeline for the industry.
The Electrical Lineworker Training Program at SPC was established in 2021. To date, nearly 300 students have graduated from this program – and more than 40 of them have been hired by Duke Energy.
Foodies Fest sets two-day culinary festival
ST. PETERSBURG — Food lovers across the Tampa Bay region are invited to come hungry and leave happy at the inaugural Florida Foodies Fest, a brand-new, two-day celebration of Florida’s food and maker scene.
This family-friendly festival takes place Saturday, April 11, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday, April 12, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Win! Derby, 10490 Gandy Blvd. N (formerly Derby Lane).
Admission is free and pets are welcome. The festival grounds are behind the Derby building and all visitors must go through the building to access the Florida Foodie’s event.
Florida Foodies Fest brings together food trucks, restaurants, craft beverages, packaged food makers, artisanal vendors, and foodie-focused small businesses from across the state. Attendees can expect a wide variety of cuisines, sweet and savory treats, local brands, foodie competitions, chef demos, and an energetic festival atmosphere designed for families, friends and pets.
A highlight on April 11 is the Florida Weiner Dog Derby, where dachshunds take center stage in races, parades, and fan-favorite contests. The race will take place at noon Saturday, followed by the Wanna-be Wiener dog race at 2:30 and the Agility Rally fun competition at 3 p.m.
Additional events include:
• Pie eating, cake eating and empanada eating contests
• Demonstrations of pasta making and beekeeping.
• Chef competitions
Businesses interested in participating as vendors can email ester@localshops1.com for more information or Facebook https://www.facebook.com/events/win-derby/florida-foodies-fest/849134134295703/.
Workshops to teach composting
ST. PETERSBURG — Residents are invited to attend free educational workshops to learn about residential composting and obtain a free compost bin from the city of St. Petersburg. St. Pete's composting program aims to help single-family residential customers minimize their environmental impact by turning kitchen and yard waste into usable, nutrient-rich fertilizer.
Workshop dates have been added through 2027 and are free to attend with prior registration. Workshop dates and registration can be found at https://tinyurl.com/438f6a5a
After completing the workshop, residents will receive a free compost bin to take home. Attendees can expect to learn about the composting process, what items can be composted and receive resources to be more successful in composting.
Residents with questions about the workshops can email composting@stpete.org.
More sustainable practices for residents, like recycling, solar panels, and water conservation can be found at https://tinyurl.com/yebbm2pw.
SPC to offer bachelors in construction technology
St. Petersburg College has launched a new Bachelor of Applied Science in Construction Technology to meet the area’s rising workforce demands.
The major is designed to prepare graduates for leadership roles in the construction field, including project managers, superintendents, field engineers, cost estimators and infrastructure technicians. Developed in collaboration with local industry leaders, the degree aligns closely with current workforce needs across Tampa Bay, SPC said in a press release.
Coursework emphasizes project management, adaptive reuse, coastal construction, and sustainable building practices, equipping students with the technical expertise and practical experience needed to lead complex projects.
The bachelor’s degree builds on SPC’s Associate in Science degree in Building Design and Construction Management and Associate in Arts transfer plans. Students can also earn certificates in Sustainable Construction Technology and Field Survey Technician, and industry-recognized certifications in OSHA 30 and the Association of General Contractors Certified Associate Constructor.
Arts Alliance offers summer camp scholarships
ST. PETERSBURG — Funding Futures Summer Camp Scholarships are now open for youth ages 10–17, helping connect students to visual and performing arts programs across Pinellas County.
From painting and photography to theater, dance, and music, there are so many camps to explore, and this scholarship can help make it possible.
Parents and guardians of students between the ages of 10 and 17 can apply for the scholarships, as well as recreation centers offering arts programming, and art-focused summer camp providers.
Application deadline is April 30; applicants will be notified by May 15.
For more information, email info@stpeteartsalliance.org.
