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This Pinellas beach town just won a victory in beach access fight
A federal judge Monday sided with the Pinellas County town of Redington Beach in a long-running legal fight with waterfront property owners about public beach access. U.S. District Judge Virginia Hernandez Covington issued a 53-page ruling that said the town had adequately shown a history of “customary use” by the public of parts of the beach that are privately owned.
A trailblazer for justice: how James B. Sanderlin shaped civil rights in St. Pete
You’ve probably driven past James B. Sanderlin School in St. Pete, but who is this revered school named after? Sanderlin was a true trailblazer in St. Petersburg, Florida. As the first Black judge in Pinellas County, Sanderlin’s legacy goes far beyond the courtroom. He was the legal powerhouse behind the Courageous 12, a group of Black police officers who boldly stood up for their right to equal treatment within the force.
Pinellas school board race draws complaint over ad featuring DeSantis
A Pinellas County School Board member seeking re-election alleges Republican leaders crossed legal boundaries in campaign ads that endorse her challenger. In a complaint to the Florida Elections Commission, Eileen Long says mailers and texts in support of opponent Erika Picard violate a state law that says candidates cannot be identified by their party in non-partisan races.
County dedicates $8 million to affordable housing projects
Affordable housing projects in Largo and St. Petersburg received a $7.94 million boost from Pinellas County officials Tuesday afternoon. County commissioners unanimously approved the appropriations, which will support a combined 164 homes for low-income households. The total cost for the two developments is nearly $70 million. The Pinellas County Housing...
Police: Major St. Pete fentanyl distributor busted after months-long investigation
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Authorities in St. Petersburg and Pinellas County gathered Thursday morning to detail the results of what they say is one of the largest drug busts seen in the city's history. According to Chief Anthony Holloway, more than 10 kilos of fentanyl and various amounts of...
Pinellas County Jail earns reaccreditation from American Correctional Association
PINELLAS COUNTY-Florida - The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office Department of Detention and Corrections has been awarded reaccreditation by the American Correctional Association (ACA). ACA auditors visited the Pinellas County Jail from May 29, 2024, through May 31, 2024, and submitted a detailed report on the facility to the accreditation commission. The ACA reviewed fundamental correctional practices, including inmate and staff safety, record maintenance, enhancing staff morale, and facility operations. The commission unanimously awarded the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office with a three-year reaccreditation. The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office is a Triple Accredited Agency, recognized by the National Sheriff's Association, for corrections, correctional health care, and law enforcement. Less than 1% of the sheriff's offices in the United States hold Triple Accreditation. ACA accreditation aims to improve facility operations through adherence to clear standards relevant to all areas of the facility, including safety, security, order, inmate care, programs, justice, and administration. The standards developed by ACA form the foundation of the accreditation process, defining policies and procedures necessary for the operation of correctional programs that safeguard the life, health, and safety of personnel and offenders within the correctional system.
Things to do around Pinellas: Aug. 15-21
10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday-Sunday, Aug. 16-18. Imagine Museum, 1901 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. Celebrate comic culture. Meet comic artists, participate in comic-themed artist workshops, watch superhero films, and more. On Aug. 16, participate in the Mastering Inking Workshop with Josh Rodriguez. On Aug. 17, join quick 15-minute movie discussions and attend a book signing with Tony Armer, Jimmy Palmiotti and Amanda Conner. Aug. 18 features Vincent's Workshop, where you can make comic book characters out of duct tape. Costume contests will be held daily. $15 standard museum admission, $10 Florida residents, $7.50 for Comic Convention passholders or dressed in cosplay, $5 for Comic Convention passholders in cosplay. Kids up to 17 years old in cosplay get in for free. https://tinyurl.com/ywyes3rs.
The ASPCA Rescued Over 100 Dogs From a Dogfighting Operation
In August of 2023, the St. Petersburg Police Department, the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement launched Operation Pedigree: a mission intended to investigate a dogfighting ring they had discovered operating in several counties in Florida. This summer, they were able to arrest 23 suspects on drug trafficking and dog fighting charges — and with the help of the ASPCA, they saved over 100 dogs from horrific conditions.
Boozy Adult Book Fair set for Pinellas County this fall
Do you remember the thrill of a school book fair, where you could browse endless shelves of books and discover new favorites? Well, get ready to relive that nostalgia—only this time, with a grown-up twist. On October 11, from 6pm to 9pm, The Gilded Page in Tarpon Springs is...
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