Local News
Community news from our local sources
Published October 23Urgent 911 graduation alert: The law has changed
Students who complete all the required coursework but are unable to pass state-mandated tests or attain the state-required GPA (2.0) will no longer receive a certificate of completion. Photo courtesy of Ron Lach BY GOLIATH J. DAVIS, III, Ph.D. | Contributor PINELLAS COUNTY —…
Published October 23Important Update: Change to High School Graduation Requirements
Insert Date Subject: Important Update: Change to High School Graduation Requirements Dear Parents and Guardians, I want to inform you about an important change to Florida’s high school graduation policy that might affect some students this school year (2025–26). New state…
Published October 23Harnessing the power of AI for good
By Dr. Kanika Tomalin | President and CEO, Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg The following column is based on remarks by Dr. Kanika Tomalin at September’s Spotlight Tampa Bay: How AI Can Strengthen Our Communities event. The last column I wrote in college, just about 30…
Published October 22The Woodson celebrates faith leaders during Clergy Appreciation Month
ST. PETERSBURG – The Woodson African American Museum of Florida was honored to welcome spiritual leaders from across the community in recognition of Clergy Appreciation Month. More than two dozen faith leaders gathered in fellowship as the Museum expressed heartfelt gratitude for…
Published October 21Powerstories Theatre and Studio@620 share untold Civil Rights story CADILLAC CREW, Nov 6 – 16
St. Petersburg, Fla. — This November, two of Tampa Bay’s most groundbreaking theaters join forces to spotlight the women who carried the Civil Rights Movement from behind the scenes. CADILLAC CREW by Tori Sampson runs Nov. 6–16, 2025, at The Studio@620, presented in partnership…
New academic partnerships will propel St. Pete startups
The USF Institute of Applied Engineering is strengthening ties in St. Petersburg.
Tampa Bay Tech reveals awards finalists
The region’s largest tech council will honor founders, educators and projects Nov. 7 at Armature Works.
Published October 17How to move J Hop forward
‘Some have said that if Principal Brittnee Scott fails, it should be because she is not up to the job, not due to undermining or a lack of supervisory and district support,’ said Dr. Goliath Davis. GOLIATH J. DAVIS, III, Ph.D. | Contributor ST. PETERSBURG — In my last column, I…
Investment platform fuels growth of Pete’s Bagels
Pete's Bagels is offering Small Business Bonds to support expansion while maintaining independent ownership.
Published October 10The Colonel: Committed patriot and public servant
Don McRae’s quiet, calming style, unselfish commitment, loyalty, and devotion served him well as he was appointed to higher levels of service as human rights director, deputy city manager, assistant city manager, deputy city administrator, chief of staff and eventually city…
Published October 10Marjorie Evelyne Johnson goes home at 101
Marjorie Evelyn Johnson passed away at age 101. ST. PETERSBURG — Marjorie Evelyn Johnson passed away on Sept. 5, 2025, at the age of 101. An only child, Mrs. Johnson took her first breath on Jan. 7, 1924, in Brooklyn, New York. Her parents, William and Kathleen Blackman,…
Published October 10Helping young minds grow: The importance of social-emotional development in early childhood
Preschool children participate in a group storytelling activity that helps them identify and express emotions — a key part of social-emotional learning in early childhood programs. Early learning experts stress that emotional growth is just as vital as academic learning for young…