Sunset Beach Pavilion reopens
TREASURE ISLAND — The Sunset Beach Pavilion on Treasure Island officially reopened, after sustaining extensive damage from Hurricane Helene in 2024.
“The beloved pavilion has been restored to its original glory,” the city said in a press release. “The city utilized the same exceptionally durable wood (IPE wood) from the original construction during the refurbishment, ensuring the pavilion’s historic character and strength remain intact.
The Sunset Beach Pavilion has long served as a gathering place for neighborhood parties, weddings, receptions, and quiet moments enjoying the beautiful views of Sunset Beach. The last event held at the pavilion took place more than 600 days ago, prior to the severe damage caused by Hurricane Helene.
Have ice cream, talk with the mayor
MADEIRA BEACH — The next Conversations with the Mayor will be June 23 at Haze Ice Cream, 15231 Gulf Blvd.
Networking will begin at 8:30 a.m., with conversation beginning at 9 a.m.
This is an opportunity to connect, ask questions, and hear updates about what’s happening in the community.
Big Red Bus sets beach blood drive
INDIAN SHORES — The Big Red Bus will be at Indian Shores, 19305 Gulf Blvd., on Wednesday, June 17, between 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
All successful donors will receive a $20 eGift card, First Responder t-shirt and free wellness checkup.
St. Pete Beach issues scam alert
The city of St. Pete Beach reports it has been made aware of a fraudulent letter being distributed to local lodging and business owners claiming that the city has implemented an “Environmental Tax on lodging accommodations” to fund sea turtle habitat protection, beach preservation, environmental education, and coastal sustainability programs.
This information is false, officials said in an email. The city has not implemented any such tax and advises that anyone receiving such a letter should not submit payment or provide personal or financial information.
“The scam notice may include links, websites, QR codes, or payment instructions designed to appear legitimate,” the city says. “Residents and business owners are strongly encouraged to avoid clicking any links, scanning any codes, or responding to the notice in any way.
“If you receive a suspicious letter, email, text message, or phone call claiming to represent the city and requesting payment, always verify the information through official city channels before taking action.”
Credit Union donation aids summer camp
TREASURE ISLAND — Officials here say a $5,000 charitable gift from the Suncoast Credit Union will support the city’s summer camp program as well as the Everyone Plays Fund.
The Summer Camp program aims to make camp accessible to all children by offering scholarships to families experiencing financial hardship. These scholarships help ensure that children who might otherwise be unable to attend camp can participate in a safe, fun, and enriching summer experience.
Financial assistance is available to qualifying families to help cover a portion of the camp registration and field trip fees, so every child can enjoy all activities.
Suncoast Credit Union, Florida’s largest credit union, founded the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation to promote the education, health and emotional well-being of children in the community. Each time a Suncoast member uses their debit or credit card, the credit union donates four cents to the Foundation to fund local initiatives. Since its inception in 1990, the Foundation has raised and donated over $61 million.
Gulf Beaches Library sets activities
MADEIRA BEACH — The Gulf Beaches Public Library has scheduled various activities and events for the coming week.
• Writers Group: Mondays, 10 a.m.-noon
• 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 Lovers Club: Tuesday, June 16, at 10:30 a.m. — ‘Extra Life: A Short History of Living Longer’ by Steven Johnson.
• Poetry Contest: May 22-June 22. Visit the library website or see staff for entry form. Winners will receive up to $100 cash prizes.
• Adult Summer Reading: Started June 1. Read a book, tell us about it, enter for a chance to win a $30 Barnes & Noble gift card.
• America250: Stop by the library during June and July to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the nation. Sign a copy of the Declaration of Independence and receive a free flag.
The library is currently taking gently used donations of books — no textbooks, please. The library also offers ongoing tech help with library apps like Kanopy, Hoopla, and Libby.
The Gulf Beaches Library is located at 200 Municipal Drive in Madeira Beach. Find it on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and visit the website at gulfbeacheslibrary.org.
St. Pete Beach Public Library News
ST. PETE BEACH — The St. Pete Beach Public Library has set its schedule of upcoming events.
• Monday, June 15, 11 a.m.-noon — Tech Help-Walk-In: Get help with technology basics for phones, computers, and library-related applications. Monday Tech help is on a walk-in only basis
• Monday, June 15, 3-5:30 p.m. — Book Bedazzling (10+) Add some sparkle at the library’s Book Bedazzling program for ages 10 and up!
• 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.
• Tuesday, June 16, 4-5 p.m. — Dinosaur Eye Craft: Bring your creativity to life at this all-ages dinosaur eye craft program! Using clay and a variety of decorative materials, participants design their own realistic or imaginative dinosaur eye creation. Customize the colors, textures, and details to make your craft uniquely yours. Whether fierce, friendly, or fantastical, every dinosaur eye will be one of a kind.
• Wednesday, June 17, 1-4 p.m. — Mahjong: Bring some friends and play Mahjong. (Not instructional)
• Thursday, June 18, 10 a.m. — Boogie & Bubbles: 20 minutes of music and movement. Great for ages 2-5.
• Thursday, June 18, 2 p.m. — A Novel Idea Book Club: West with Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge. Email: spbbookclub@gmail.com
• Friday, June 19, closed. — Juneteenth
• Saturday, June 20, 2-3:30 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. This program will be occurring after regular library hours, so all other library services will be suspended during this time.