City to celebrate nation’s 250th anniversary with “We Are St. Pete | America250”
ST. PETERSBURG — The city of St. Petersburg will celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with a nonpartisan, community-wide initiative: “We Are St. Pete |America250” that will feature free public events, educational opportunities, and community activities.
The list of events and activities that are currently planned include:
America250 Reading Lists
In partnership with the St. Petersburg Library System, residents can explore curated reading lists and educational resources highlighting U.S. history, civic engagement, and the American experience. Resources are available at:
https://tinyurl.com/bdhpfcmm
This event is online and ongoing.
Parks & Recreation Youth Poster Display
When: Summer 2026
Where: Various city facilities
Nearly 3,000 youth from 13 city recreation centers and programs participated in the We Are St. Pete | America250 Youth Poster Contest, creating artwork that celebrates America and St. Pete’s place in its story. Selected posters will be displayed at city facilities throughout the summer.
America250 Flag Raising Ceremony
When: Wednesday, July 1, at 9 a.m.
Where: St. Petersburg City Hall, 175 Fifth St. N
“The Fourth” Independence Day Celebration
When: Saturday, July 4, from 4-10 p.m.
Where: St. Pete Pier, 600 Second Ave. NE
This free, family-friendly event features live music, a craft beer garden, Uncle Sam’s Market, a Family Fun Zone, food vendors, roaming entertainment, and more.
The day starts with the Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital St. Pete Pier Run, a 4-mile walk/run with race waves starting at 6:15 a.m. and 7:45 a.m. Registration and fee required: https://tinyurl.com/bdz7rx8f
The celebration concludes with a fireworks show at 9 p.m.
13th Annual Veterans Day Ceremony
When: Wednesday, Nov. 11, (time and location to be announced)
“St. Pete Votes!” launches ahead of historic 2026 Election Cycle
ST. PETERSBURG — St. Petersburg has launched a renewed voter education effort ahead of the 2026 election, one of the most significant election years in state and local history, city officials say in a press release.
For the first time in St. Petersburg’s history, voters will choose the U.S. senator, Florida governor, St. Petersburg mayor, and city council members on the same ballot, along with several important local referendums that will shape the city’s future.
Begun in 2024 to encourage voter registration and participation, the St. Pete Votes campaign will continue its mission of encouraging residents to make their voices heard at the ballot box.
“2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the United States, a solemn reminder of how far our nation has come and how many people throughout history have fought, struggled, and sacrificed to secure and protect our right to vote,” said Mayor Kenneth Welch. “From the earliest fights for representation, to women’s suffrage, to the Civil Rights Movement, each generation has moved us closer to a truly inclusive democracy. We honor that legacy every time we cast a ballot.”
The city urges residents to review recent changes to Florida voting laws, particularly those affecting vote-by-mail ballot requests, voter ID requirements, and deadlines. Voters are encouraged to check their registration status, confirm their polling place, and review updated guidance to ensure a smooth voting experience.
As in the 2024 campaign, St. Pete Votes will partner with neighborhood associations, local organizations, and community leaders to share voter education materials and promote civic participation.
Residents can access registration links, sample ballots, early voting locations, and more at VotePinellas.gov.
Key dates for the 2026 elections:
Primary Election
Deadline to register: July 20
Early Voting: Aug. 8-16
Election Day: Aug. 18
General Election
Deadline to register: Oct. 5
Early Voting: Oct. 19-Nov. 1
Election Day: Nov. 3
‘Get It Done’ registration set at SPC
St. Petersburg College (SPC) will host a one-stop college enrollment July 7-16 across all its campuses and online.
Designed as a one-stop opportunity to complete enrollment steps, the events allow students to apply for admission, connect with advisors, explore financial aid options and prepare for classes. Fall classes begin Aug. 17.
Students get their $40 application fee waived if they attend any online or on-campus Get It Done event.
Participants can receive support with admissions, financial aid, scholarships, career exploration and student resources.
Online Get It Done sessions will take place July 7-13, followed by in-person events July 14-16.
On-Campus Events
• July 14: Tarpon Springs Campus, AD Building, 600 E Klosterman Road, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
• July 14: Clearwater Campus, LA Building, 2465 Drew St., 3-6 p.m.
• July 15: St. Petersburg/Gibbs Campus, SU Building, 6605 Fifth Ave. N., 3-6 p.m.
• July 16: Seminole Campus, UP Building, 9200 113th St., 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
• July 16: Downtown Center, Lobby, 244 Second Ave. N., 4-6 p.m.
• July 16: Midtown Center, Lobby, 1300 22nd St. S., St. Petersburg, 4-6 p.m.
Can’t attend in person or looking for a more convenient option to Get It Done? Take part in a webinar and receive the $40 application fee waiver when applying to SPC.
• July 7: Virtual Drop-in Sessions: 9-10 a.m., noon-1 p.m., 6-7 p.m.
• July 8: Short-Term Training and Certificate Program Information Session: Noon-1 p.m.
• July 8: Baccalaureate Showcase: 6-7 p.m.
• July 9: Virtual Drop-in Sessions: 9-10 a.m., noon-1 p.m., 6-7 p.m.
• July 13: Health and Veterinary Technology Associate Programs Showcase: Noon-1 p.m.
• July 13: Free Money for College: 6-6:30 p.m.
Sunshine Health to open center in Pinellas
PINELLAS PARK — Sunshine Health has opened a Community Connections Center at 8800 49th St. N., Suite 409, in Pinellas Park.
The new center serves as a local hub where Sunshine Health members and residents can ask questions, access health education, discover community resources, and learn about programs and services that enhance their health beyond the doctor’s office, the company said in a press release.
Nonprofit organizations can also utilize the space at no cost for community programs.
Sunshine Health is a wholly owned subsidiary of Centene Corp.
Local families get keys to new Habitat homes
ST. PETERSBURG — The Honrado, Soto, and Unterberger families became instant homeowners June 18 when they were handed the keys to their new homes courtesy of Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside.
In ceremonies at The Grove, St. Petersburg Councilman Corey Givens Jr. presented each family with a Bible, and St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch officially welcomed the families to their new community.
“This is what progress looks like in our city when we work together with focus and intentionality,” said Welch. “I want to thank Mike Sutton (Habitat president and CEO), the Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside team, all the board members, volunteers, community partners, and everyone who played a role in making this possible. To the Honrado, Soto, and Unterberger families, we extend our warmest congratulations. Today marks a new chapter, and we could not be happier for you.”
Jazhel Honrado addressed the crowd on behalf of the new homeowners. “We’d like to first thank Habitat — everyone here was integral in making this a reality,” said Honrado. “We can’t express enough how much this means to us. We
Palladium concert to mark 250th U.S. anniversary
ST. PETERSBURG — The Palladium Theater at St. Petersburg College will celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with “America 250: Together in Harmony” on July 1 at The Palladium, 253 Fifth Ave. N.
The concert features vocalist Allyson Briggs, bandleader Dan Gabel and an 18-piece orchestra performing music spanning more than two centuries of American history.
From patriotic classics to swing-era favorites, the performance will highlight the songs and cultural moments that have shaped the American experience, bringing together world-class and local musicians for an evening of music and celebration.
All Children’s cardiomyopathy program named Center of Excellence
ST. PETERSBURG — Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital has been recognized as a Center of Excellence by the Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Association, making it one of only two pediatric centers in Florida and the only one on the West Coast of Florida to achieve this distinction.
Earning this achievement means the program has been evaluated by HCMA and proven to provide high-quality care to patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy consistent with guidelines and are dedicated to HCM treatment and research, the hospital said in a press release.
Patients receive high-quality care and specialized disease management that is comprehensive, multidisciplinary and all-inclusive. The clinic treats through a team approach through a variety of treatments including medical therapy, heart-failure management and education. A multi-specialty team of cardiologists, cardiac intensive care specialists, cardiac anesthesiologists and cardiac surgeons provide clinical and technical support for the program.
The program also offers a dedicated inpatient service as well as a dedicated HCM clinic. The clinic includes a genetic counselor, social worker and exercise physiologist. The team utilizes data-driven evidence-based protocols to manage this fragile cohort of patients.