Library program to explore guide dog training
ST. PETERSBURG — The North Branch of the St. Petersburg Library will host a free program on how puppies are trained to become guide and service dogs at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19.
The presentation, at the library at 861 70th Ave. N, will cover how the dogs are matched with people who are blind or visually impaired, veterans, people with Type 1 diabetes and Gold Star family members.
Dogs Inc., formerly Southeastern Guide Dogs, will present the program. The Friends of the North Branch Library is the sponsor.
Reservations are required. Register at tinyurl.com/5aupym44 or through the group’s Facebook page, FriendsOfNorthBranchLibrary.
Two ramps reopen at 54th Avenue N. interchange
ST. PETERSBURG – Two ramps at the Interstate 275 interchange with 54th Avenue N. reopened Sept. 11 after five months of construction.
The southbound I-275 Exit 26 ramp to 54th Avenue N. and the westbound 54th Avenue N. entrance ramp to southbound I-275 had been closed since early April. Crews rebuilt the ramps, installed noise barriers, completed drainage work and poured concrete paving for southbound I-275 travel lanes.
Work continues along the I-275 corridor, and drivers should stay alert through the work zone.
Hubbard’s Marina reopens Johns Pass boutique
MADEIRA BEACH — Hubbard’s Marina has reopened its boutique in John’s Pass Village, nearly two years after Hurricane Helene damaged the building.
The storefront, on the village’s main walkway, sells tickets, trip information and retail merchandise to visitors. Helene, which struck in late September 2024, left the building with significant structural damage, and permitting and repairs took longer than expected.
“While we were able to open our main locations just days following these back-to-back major hurricanes at the end of 2024, this location has taken some more time due to structural issues,” said Dylan Hubbard, CEO of Hubbard’s Marina. “However, we are happy to be out of the permitting and building process and ready to look forward to a bright future not only for this store, but for all of our region as we continue to demonstrate resilience and determination to put those disasters in our rearview.”