SPHA hosts senior prom for senior residents
ST. PETERSBURG — The newly constructed The Legacy at Jordan Park was the scene of a special senior prom on May 28, with music, dancing, and community for its senior residents.
The event was hosted by SPHA and sponsored by Conviva Senior Primary Care and Archwell Health. Sofia Forte’s Catering catered the event, and DJ Joey G provided the music.
The Legacy at Jordan Park is a three-story, 60-unit senior midrise (for households 62 years and older). The building is owned and managed by SPHA.
The event was organized by SPHA’s Social Services Department, led by Director of Social Services Kiara Lovett. “Many of our seniors haven’t had an opportunity like this in years, and we wanted to create a space where they can truly let loose, relive memories, and feel seen and celebrated. From the music to the atmosphere, everything is designed to bring back that feeling of stepping onto the dance floor and just enjoying life in the moment,” said Lovett.
Bay Pines VA opens state-of-the-art hospital kitchen
St. PETERSBURG — Bay Pines VA Healthcare System officially opened its newly renovated hospital kitchen May 27, marking a major milestone in improving food service operations and enhancing the overall care experience for Veterans receiving inpatient services.
The previous kitchen ceased operations in February 2023, and the extensive renovation and modernization project was completed over the course of 39 months. The new facility is designed to support a more efficient, veteran-centered dining experience, while strengthening nutritional services across the healthcare system.
The upgraded kitchen will allow Bay Pines VA to introduce bedside ordering and room service to acute care inpatients, as well as residents in our Mental Health Rehabilitation Programs and our Community Living Center.
“The opening of this kitchen is transformational for our operations,” said Bay Pines VA Chief of Nutrition and Food Services David Folio. “The new space gives our team the ability to deliver a higher level of service to veterans. Patients in building 100 will have greater flexibility in when they choose to eat and what they choose to eat, which improves food and nutrition intake.”
City to raise flag to mark Pride Month
ST. PETERSBURG — City officials will kick off Pride Month on Thursday, June 4, with the ceremonial raising of the St. Pete Pride flag and a special community pop-up celebration. Both events are free and open to the public.
Mayor Kenneth T. Welch, city officials, and community members will gather to raise the Pride flag at 9 a.m. outside of City Hall (175 Fifth St. N).
Remarks at the flag raising will be delivered by Welch, Council Chair Lisset Hanewicz, and St. Pete Pride President Dr. Byron Green-Calisch.
The pop-up event starts at 8 a.m. outside City Hall and lasts until noon. The family-friendly event will feature music, food, games, and giveaways. The first 400 attendees will receive a free limited-edition St. Pete City Pride flag to proudly display for the month of June and beyond. In addition to the flags, the city will have We Are St. Pete and St. Pete Pride-themed giveaways available.
For more information on Pride events and activations, visit https://tinyurl.com/4hhtdrfu
SPC videography students sweep WEDU selections
Students in the DIG2284 Advanced Videography capstone course at St. Petersburg College achieved the rare distinction of having all three semester projects selected to air on WEDU Arts Plus. The broadcast-ready documentary pieces include “Ladies Rock Camp,” following women discovering confidence through music; “Keeping the Past Alive,” highlighting art conservation work at the Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg; and “Recipe for Success,” profiling a self-taught chef’s journey from dishwasher to French bistro owner. The projects are expected to air in June, August and September 2026.
SPC professor research on organic chemistry assessment published
St. Petersburg College Organic chemistry professor Alexa Green has published new research in the Journal of Chemical Education titled “Best Practices for Question Prompt Design of Creative Exercise Assessments in a Two-Semester Organic Chemistry Sequence.” Her study explores “creative exercises,” open-response assessment tools that help instructors better evaluate student understanding of complex chemistry concepts and quickly identify misconceptions to improve instruction in real time.
SPC Day 2026 set for Sept. 12 at Midtown block party
As St. Petersburg College approaches its 100th anniversary, SPC Day 2026 will celebrate its 99th on Saturday, Sept. 12, at Midtown Center in South St. Petersburg. In partnership with the city of St. Petersburg, the event will feature a street block party with live entertainment, vendors, family-friendly activities and community celebration, marking SPC’s annual day of giving presented by Suncoast Credit Union.
Raymond James Bank to host homebuying expo
ST. PETERSBURG — Raymond James Bank will host the 35th Annual Home Ownership for People Everywhere (HOPE) Expo on Saturday, June 27. The free workshop provides potential homebuyers with crucial information to help them meet their goals, including down payment assistance programs. It also features 28 exhibitors, including lenders, real estate agents, home inspectors, credit counselors, down payment assistance and more.
Participants who complete the workshop will also receive their home buyer certificate, which may be required by some first-time home buyer programs. Registration for the event closes on Friday, June 19.
The adult-only event is free and open to the public, with homebuying education classes offered in English. For more information or to register, visit hopeexpo.org.
The expo will be held at Raymond James Financial: 880 Carillon Parkway, Tower 4, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Duke Foundation awards $130K to groups for storm prep plans
ST. PETERSBURG — The Duke Energy Foundation is awarding $130,000 to 10 organizations that are preparing communities across Florida for storms, while also strengthening their resiliency and capacity for safe, coordinated recovery.
The organizations include three area groups:
• American Red Cross: $25,000
• Gulfport Senior Center Foundation: $30,000
• Hernando County Board of County Commissioners: $10,000
“Since 2021, the Duke Energy Foundation has granted $3.9 million to nonprofit partners supporting storm readiness and response throughout the sunshine state,” said Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president. “Through this funding, we are equipping boots-on-the-ground first responders with the resources they need to help our communities act quickly when facing an emergency and recover as fast as possible when it’s over. And we know this work — especially when paired with our ongoing grid hardening efforts that help reduce power outages and speed up restoration — has and will continue to improve outcomes for our customers when it matters most.”
Local recipients of the grants expressed gratitude for the funding.
Julie Starr, Gulfport Senior Center Foundation grants coordinator, commented: “Partnering with Duke Energy directly strengthens community resilience in Pinellas County by equipping vulnerable seniors with the tools, education and coordinated support needed to withstand extreme weather events. Together, we will ensure older adults facing financial hardship are safer, better prepared and less dependent on emergency response systems during times of crisis.”
Erin Thomas, Hernando County emergency management director said: “Hernando County Emergency Management is deeply grateful for its partnership with Duke Energy. Through this collaboration, we have been able to significantly enhance our HERricane Summer Camp – expanding beyond introducing participants to the public safety field to also providing advanced training opportunities for returning campers. By welcoming returning participants as mentors, we are able to further grow the program while fostering leadership development and empowering the next generation.”