Beaches chamber helps local businesses find grant funds
ST. PETE BEACH — The Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce has selected seven Chamber member as recipients of the 2026 Glazer Family Small Business Fund, which is designed to help local small businesses overcome challenges, strengthen operations, and continue making a positive impact in their communities.
The latest funding round awarded grants to 52 small businesses across the Tampa Bay region, bringing the total number of businesses supported to 350 since the program’s launch in 2024. The Glazer Family has invested $1.6 million through the initiative to help local businesses recover, grow, and continue serving their communities.
This year’s Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber member recipients include:
• Buried Treasure Marketing
• Captain Clearwater
• Iris Shine Cleaning
• JoJo’s Boutique
• Short & Sweet Events
• Spice & Tea Exchange of John’s Pass
• Swigwam Beach Bar
Madeira Beach honored for festivals, marketing
The city has won four awards for its signature events and marketing from the Florida Festivals & Events Association through the group’s annual SUNsational Awards.
The awards recognize innovation, creativity and excellence in Florida’s festivals and events industry. More than 200 events statewide entered across multiple categories, with winners chosen by a panel of industry professionals.
Madeira Beach’s awards:
• John’s Pass Seafood Festival — first place, television; second place, Facebook
• Madeira Beach Burger Week — second place, promotional poster
• Legends Never Die 5K — third place, multi-agency program
“These awards are a testament to the dedication and creativity of our Recreation Department, event partners, sponsors, volunteers and city staff who work year-round to create outstanding experiences for our residents and visitors,” said Max Michalski, the city’s acting recreation director. “We’re honored to be recognized by the Florida Festivals & Events Association and remain committed to delivering exceptional events that bring people together.”
Madeira Beach plans 9/11 remembrance ceremony
MADEIRA BEACH — The city will host its 25th annual 9/11 Day of Remembrance at 8:45 a.m. Sept. 11 at Patriot Park.
The ceremony honors the 2,977 people killed in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and recognizes the first responders who answered them.
The program will include remarks from city leaders, the presentation of a commemorative wreath, the tolling of bells and a display of 2,977 American flags, one for each life lost.
The event is free and open to the public. Parking is available at the Madeira Beach Marina.
St. Pete Beach library sets weekly programs
The St. Pete Beach Public Library has scheduled the following programs:
• Monday, Aug. 24, 11 a.m. to noon — Tech Help Walk-In: Assistance with technology basics for phones, computers and library applications. Walk-ins only.
• Tuesday, Aug. 25, 10 a.m. — Story Time: Stories, songs and movement that build early literacy and motor skills, for children 5 and younger and their caregivers.
• Wednesday, Aug. 26, 4 p.m. — Read Together Book Club: Read “The Wishing Spell” by Chris Colfer beforehand, as a family or independently, then join the discussion and activities inspired by the book.
• Thursday, Aug. 27, 10-11 a.m. — Inclusive Art Hour with Creative Clay: Make art alongside teaching and member artists from Creative Clay, a nonprofit that provides expressive, educational and vocational arts experiences for people with disabilities. All materials provided.
• Friday, Aug. 28, noon — Feature film, with popcorn. Details at spblibrary.com.
• Saturday, Aug. 29, 1-3:30 p.m. — Open mah-jongg: Bring friends and play. Not instructional.
• Saturday, Aug. 29, 2-3:30 p.m. — Tech Help by appointment: Assistance with technology basics for phones, computers and library applications. No repairs. Sign up for a 30-minute slot at calendly.com/stpbeachlibrary/30min or call 727-363-9238. The program runs after regular library hours, so all other library services will be suspended during that time.