New PSTA express route to link downtown St. Pete, Tampa airport
The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority will launch express bus service between downtown St. Petersburg and Tampa International Airport in October.
The route, numbered 727, will make nine stops downtown before running directly to the airport via the Howard Frankland Bridge express lanes. Buses will run seven days a week from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. and will be equipped with luggage racks.
“This is more than a new route. It’s a transformational investment in how our region moves,” said Brad Miller, PSTA chief executive officer. “For the first time, residents and visitors will have a direct, premium transit connection from the heart of downtown St. Petersburg to Tampa International Airport.”
Davis, O’Toole join Girls Inc. board
PINELLAS PARK — Girls Inc. of Pinellas has appointed Evetta Davis and Erin O’Toole to its board of directors.
Davis is associate director of learning, education and development for the information technology organization at Raymond James & Associates. She has more than 22 years in corporate learning, professional development and workforce readiness, and has also worked at T. Rowe Price and PricewaterhouseCoopers. She holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing and management and a master’s in adult education.
O’Toole is administrative director of operations at Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital, where she oversees facilities management, environmental services, security, valet services and operational strategy. She began her career as an intensive care unit nurse. She holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Boston College and an MBA from George Washington University.
Deaf Fest to offer free resources, screenings
ST. PETERSBURG — The Pinellas County Deaf Collaborative will hold its fifth annual Deaf Fest from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Aug. 15, at the Lealman Exchange Community Center, 5175 45th St. N.
The free event is open to the public, and American Sign Language interpreters will be available.
County agencies and community organizations will offer:
• Back-to-school items and resources
• A hurricane preparedness session
• Free hurricane kit items while supplies last
• A text-to-911 demonstration
• Employment services and job placement help
• Certification and paid internship information
• Mental health resources
• Free wellness screenings from BayCare
• Consumer protection information
• Tutoring, library and workshop resources
The Goodrich Family Foundation and Leonardo’s Pizzeria will provide free pizza.
For more information, email ema@pinellas.gov, chat online at pinellas.gov from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, or call 727-464-4062 (TDD/TTY) or 727-464-3800 (voice).