BELLEAIR BLUFFS — The free Bluffs Hurricane Expo will run from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, June 6, at the Belleair Bluffs Community Center, with nearly two dozen vendors and agencies on hand days before the Atlantic hurricane season begins.
Participants will include Pinellas County Emergency Management, Largo Fire Rescue and state Rep. Kim Berfield, who will share information on state services and programs. The 2026 season runs June 1 through Nov. 30.
City Clerk Alexis Silcox, who has spearheaded the expo, told commissioners May 18 that Lowe’s Home Improvement on Ulmerton Road has signed on as a new participant and will raffle off a $700 generator.
“I’ve been trying to get Home Depot or Lowe’s to participate for the last couple of years,” she said.
More information is available at belleairbluffs.org.
July 4 block party loses key partner
Planning is also underway for the city’s Independence Day Block Party, set for 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, July 4, at City Park. The free event will feature live music, a complimentary meal, paid food and drink vendors, a touch-a-truck display and other family activities. Public works crews this week began hanging banners marking America’s 250th anniversary.
One familiar partner, however, will be missing. City Administrator Debra Sullivan told commissioners the Bluffs Business Association, a longtime collaborator, has “shifted gears” and will donate money to the event rather than supply volunteers.
That leaves the city holding the bag — literally. The goodie bags traditionally filled by the BBA with giveaways from local merchants are empty.
“We will have our bags, and we are encouraging local businesses to drop their items off at City Hall in advance of the event,” Sullivan said. Staff will stuff the bags, she said, and the city is seeking volunteers to hand them out.
“I’ll help,” Mayor Chris Arbutine said.
“If they don’t want to do it, then we’ll do it,” Commissioner Suzy Sofer added.
More information is available at belleairbluffs.org.