Palm Harbor Library launches community photography project
Palm Harbor Library is inviting the public to participate in its Community Photography Project to explore the art of visual storytelling using hands-on film photography.
Through a series of in-person modules, registered and selected participants will be guided step-by-step through the traditional film photography workflow. The three-month, six-module program will cover how to plan a photography project, operate a film camera effectively, and develop a clear creative vision. The modules will run on select Fridays from June through August.
Visual storytelling is more than an artistic skill; it is a powerful tool for building empathy and strengthening relationships, the library said in a press release. The CPP and Palm Harbor Library aim to give participants the tools to document their experiences in a thoughtful and impactful way. This aligns with PHL’s mission to support local art. The project gets underway as Americans celebrate America250, creating “a unique opportunity to articulate what is meaningful and memorable about who we are and how we fit into our community and our country. With the CPP, participants can develop a creative practice to express themselves.”
The library will hold an information session on Friday, May 22, from 3:15-4:45 p.m.
Cueni Brewing Co. to brew StacheStrong for brain cancer research
DUNEDIN – Cueni Brewing Co. is participating for the third year in a national beer collaboration with StacheStrong. Over 350 unique craft breweries have poured or canned more than 1 million beers to date to help raise funds and much needed awareness for brain cancer research. Participating breweries will raise money through sales of their specialty beer, and each brewery will have a unique recipe.
Cueni Brewing’s contribution to brew StacheStrong for 2026 will be Cueno Mas, a Mexican lager. For every pint or mug sold, $1 will directly support StacheStrong. StacheStrong is close to the hearts Cueni brewers because Jon Cueni, head brewer and company co-owner, lost a cherished mentor, Larry Benson, to brain cancer. Benson was the longtime owner of American Bathtub Refinishers in Ohio before Cueni purchased it from him.
“Being in a position to not only provide hope for families and patients diagnosed with brain cancer but also serve as a catalyst for change by collaborating with Cueni Brewing Co. to raise significant funds and awareness for brain cancer research is something I’m truly passionate about,” said Colin Gerner, president and co-founder of StacheStrong.
The campaign will kick off during the spring of 2026.
Pinellas sets water system maintenance
Pinellas County Utilities will temporarily change its water disinfection process to chlorine from Monday, May 18, through Saturday, June 6. During this time, drinking water may smell or taste slightly different but there will be no impact to water pressure or service.
This semiannual switch temporarily changes the method of water treatment from chloramine to chlorine disinfection to improve water quality and minimize the potential for any future problems in the water system.
Kidney dialysis patients should not be impacted but can contact their dialysis care provider for more information about chlorine disinfection. Fish owners should not be affected if they already have a system to remove chloramines but should contact local pet suppliers with any questions.
There have been no indications of significant bacteriological contamination problems in the system, and the water will continue to meet all federal and state standards for safe drinking water. Pinellas County Utilities water customers will benefit from this, as well as customers in the cities of Belleair, Clearwater, Pinellas Park and Safety Harbor.
Applicants sought for business exploration program
DUNEDIN — City officials have launched a new program for business owners and managers aimed at strengthening connections between the business community and city operations.
The Dunedin Business Education and Exploration Program (BEEP) offers participants a behind-the-scenes look at how city departments operate, with a focus on departments and services that directly impact businesses and opportunities for collaboration. The six-week program will include sessions on permitting, utilities, public safety, infrastructure, events, culture and economic development.
Sessions will be held from 4:30-6:30 p.m. beginning Tuesday, June 16. To apply, visit https://tinyurl.com/4tj2h5dv
Student achievement
• Jill Faulkner Foster of Tarpon Springs is one of over 9,400 candidates to graduate from the University of Georgia’s recent spring commencement ceremonies.
Auxiliary to promote boating safety during National Safe Boating Week
CLEARWATER — In recognition of National Safe Boating Week, members of U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 11-1 Clearwater will host several free vessel safety checks and other public boating safety events designed to help area boaters prepare for a safe summer on the water.
Vessel safety checks are a free service provided by the Coast Guard Auxiliary to help recreational boaters ensure their vessels meet federal and state safety equipment requirements. Boats that pass the inspection receive a current Vessel Safety Check decal.
• Saturday, May 23, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., West Marine Clearwater: Flotilla 11-1 members will partner with West Marine in Clearwater to offer free vessel safety checks. Boaters are encouraged to bring their trailered boats to the parking lot for examination while also visiting the Auxiliary information table for boating safety resources and educational materials.
• May 23-24, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. — Boat America Boating Safety Class. To be presented on Zoom. Boat America is a comprehensive boating safety course covering topics such as navigation rules, required safety equipment, trailering, communications, weather, and emergency preparedness.
To register or learn more about upcoming class dates, contact Flotilla 11-1 Clearwater at clwtr.auxboating@gmail.com or visit: https://clwboatingsafety.com/boater-class-registration/
SPC to mark first responder grads with mental health certification
St. Petersburg College will celebrate the graduation of its latest class of participants in the Applied Mental Health Advanced Technical Certificate program in a ceremony Monday, May 18, 3 p.m. at the Clearwater campus, 2465 Drew St.
The ceremony will feature keynote speaker John Violanti, a nationally recognized expert on police stress, trauma and suicide. A former New York State Police officer with 23 years of service, Violanti has authored more than 20 books and 150 peer-reviewed articles and continues to lead research on law enforcement mental health. He is presently a full research professor in the Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, School of Public Health and Health Professions, University at Buffalo, N.Y.
The program equips officers with the knowledge and skills needed to manage job-related stress, identify mental health concerns and support peers and community members in crisis, SPC said in a press release. Graduates develop competencies in emotional intelligence, counseling techniques and resource navigation, and are prepared to serve as mental health liaisons within their agencies for a minimum of three years.
Baseball championship returning to Clearwater
The 2026 American Athletic Conference baseball tournament is returning to its longtime home at BayCare Ballpark in Clearwater, home of the Clearwater Threshers of the Florida State League and Single-A affiliate of Major League Baseball’s Philadelphia Phillies. All 12 conference baseball tournaments since the American was reconstituted in the summer of 2013 have been held at BayCare Ballpark.
This year’s championship will be contested from May 20-24 in a modified double-elimination format featuring the top eight seeded American baseball teams at the conclusion of the regular season.
Individual day passes to attend the 2026 American Baseball Championship are $10 for adults and $8 for seniors, students, children and military service members. Tournament passes for all five days of baseball are $40 for adults and $25 for seniors/students/children/military. The cost to park at BayCare Ballpark is $5 per day, and all ticket prices do not include service fees for online and telephone orders.
Fans may visit www.TheAmerican.org/baseball to purchase tickets and view the latest information on the 2026 American Baseball Championship.
CMA back at beaches as sea turtle nesting season begins
CLEARWATER — Clearwater Marine Aquarium has officially kicked off its annual sea turtle nesting season patrol. Sea turtle nesting season officially runs May 1 through Oct. 31 and marks a critical period as adult turtles return to the beaches where they were born to lay eggs.
“We want to remind locals, visitors and new residents that nesting season is underway,” said Carly Oakley, sea turtle conservation program manager at CMA. “Simple, thoughtful actions can make a real difference in protecting these animals during a vulnerable stage of their lives.”
Recent nesting seasons have demonstrated notable growth. In 2025, CMA recorded 405 nests — the highest total in years — compared to 271 in 2024 and 227 in 2023.
Loggerhead sea turtles remain the most common nesting species in the region, with occasional nests from green sea turtles and rare appearances by leatherbacks, Kemp’s ridleys and hawksbills. All five species are federally listed as threatened or endangered.
While green sea turtles have been reclassified from endangered to threatened, they — along with loggerheads —continue to receive federal protection. CMA typically documents one or two green sea turtle nests each season.
Working in partnership with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and Pinellas County, CMA tracks nest counts, false crawls, hatchling disorientation events, predation, obstructions, and human-related impacts.
CMA monitors a 21-mile stretch of coastline along Florida’s west coast. Each morning, a dedicated team of biologists, volunteers, and interns surveyed beaches to identify tracks, locate and mark nests, and gather essential data.