Fire Station 22 starts rebuilding process
ST. PETE BEACH — Demolition of Fire Station 22 began May 11, more than 18 months after it received crippling damage from 2024 hurricanes Helene and Milton.
The storms, along with cumulative wear from previous storms, left the 1970s-era station inoperable.
St. Pete Beach officials estimate the cost of constructing a new, modern, and resilient fire station at approximately $9 million. Due to budget constraints, city officials and representatives are pursuing a combination of state and federal legislative appropriations, grants, and private funding sources. To date, the city has secured $5 million in state appropriations funding.
For the past 18 months, St. Pete Beach Fire Rescue crews have been operating from a temporary facility that is serving as Fire Station 22. The temporary structure, comparable to a double-wide trailer, spans approximately 1,300 square feet.
“While a temporary structure is never optimal, this updated unit offers acceptable conditions for our first responders as the city actively pursues funding and finalizes plans for a permanent, storm-resilient fire station that will serve the community for generations,” said Deputy Fire Chief Adam Poirrier. “We aim to minimize the time that our crews are housed in this facility due to several factors such as the apparatus and crews exposed to the elements and the need to evacuate during storm conditions. However, the need for a fire station in the southern portion of St. Pete Beach to serve our residents and visitors is critical to ensure a timely and effective emergency response.”
Permits for the new fire station are in the final stages of approval, and the city expects the construction manager to begin the bidding process shortly, officials said.
Hubbard’s Marina named top fishing charter in U.S.
MADEIRA BEACH — Hubbard’s Marina has been named the Best Fishing Charter in the Country in the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards for the fifth consecutive year.
“This recognition means everything to our family and our team,” said Captain Dylan Hubbard. “To earn the support of our guests year after year — and to be voted No. 1 five years in a row — is incredibly humbling. We could not do it without our incredible team. We truly love what we do, and we’re grateful to everyone who continues to support us.”
Hubbard’s was first nominated in 2022 and earned both the top honor for fishing charters and a Top 10 ranking for Best Boat Tour.
Nominees for the 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards are selected by a panel of industry experts and editors, with final rankings determined by public vote — making this honor especially meaningful as it reflects the voices and experiences of customers nationwide.
Hubbard’s Marina was founded in 1928 by Capt. Wilson Hubbard and remains family-owned and operated.
St. Pete Beach Public Library schedule
ST. PETE BEACH — The St. Pete Beach Public Library has set its schedule of upcoming events.
• Monday, May 18, 11 a.m.-noon — Tech Help Walk-In: We offer help with technology basics for phones, computers, and library-related applications. Monday Tech Help is on a walk-in only basis
• Tuesdays, 10 a.m. — Storytime: This lively story time is perfect for children ages 5 and under and their caregivers. Explore stories, songs and movement that build early literacy skills and support motor development.
• Wednesday, May 20, 1-4 p.m. — Mocktails & Masterpieces: Paint by Number: A fun adults-only evening of creativity painting by number while enjoying delicious, alcohol-free mocktails.
• Thursday, May 21, 2 p.m. — A Novel Idea Book Club: Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell. Join for a discussion of Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell. Email: spbbookclub@gmail.com
• Friday, May 22, noon — Feature Film: See spblibrary.com for movie details.
• Friday, May 22, noon-3 p.m. — Big Red Bus Blood Drive. The Big Red Bus will be parked outside the library. Donate blood, help save lives. Walk-ins welcome, you can also register here: https://www.oneblood.org/donate-now/scheduler.html?locationId=1744619
• Saturday, May 23, 2-4 p.m. — Tech Help by appointment: Get help with technology basics for phones, computers, and library-related applications. (No repairs made). For Saturday Tech Help, sign up for a 30-minute appointment here: https://calendly.com/stpbeachlibrary/30min or call 727-363-9238. Please note, because this program will be occurring after regular library hours, all other library services will be suspended during this time.
• Monday, May 25 — The library will be closed in observation of Memorial Day.
Gulf Beaches library schedule
MADEIRA BEACH — The Gulf Beaches Public Library has released a schedule of upcoming events.
• Writers Group: Mondays, 10 a.m.-noon
• Library App Help: Wednesdays, 2-3 p.m. For help with Libby, Kanopy, and Hoopla.
• Mahjong: Thursdays, 11 a.m. Old and new members welcome.
• Investment Club: Thursdays, 2:30-4 p.m.
• Meditation: Fridays, 11 a.m.-noon. Relax and rejuvenate at the end of the week.
• Scrabble: Fridays, 1-4 p.m.
• Storytime: Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. ages 2 and under; Fridays at 10:30 a.m. ages 2-4.
• Book Club: Tuesday, May 19, at 10:30 a.m. “A Fever in the Heartland” by Timothy Egan.
• Adult Art Class: Tuesday, May 19, from 5-7:30 p.m. Watercolor class with artist Deb Barnard. All materials will be provided. Registration required.
• Author Talk: Saturday, May 23, at 11 a.m. Gulf Beaches Library staff member Christine Sloman will present her new memoir, “idk, my dad has dementia,” do a Q&A, and sign copies of her book.
The library is currently accepting gently used donations of books. It does not accept textbooks.
The library is located at 200 Municipal Drive. For more information, visit gulfbeacheslibrary.org.