π️ Mayor’s Update — In Brief
The Mayor reports that crime is down citywide, crediting the St. Petersburg Police Department and the use of new technology to support public safety efforts.
He also emphasized the City’s commitment to budget transparency and encouraged residents to review budget and property tax information available on the City’s website.
Residents are invited to watch or attend the 2026 State of the City address on February 18 at 10:00 AM.
π️ City of St. Pete — Extra Updates (February)
-
Help for Homeowners: The City’s Neighborhood Team (N-Team) assists elderly, disabled, and low-income homeowners with accessibility ramps and minor code-related repairs.
stpete.org/NeighborhoodImprovement -
Water Restrictions: Ongoing drought conditions mean adjusted watering schedules.
Even addresses: Tues & Sat • Odd addresses: Wed & Sun (5–9 a.m. or 7–11 p.m.)
stpete.org/WaterRestrictions -
Arts Grants: The Level Up Arts Grant (nonprofits) and Individual Artist Grant Program are now open.
stpete.org/LevelUpGrant • stpete.org/IndividualArtistGrant -
Firestone Grand Prix: February 27 – March 1 in downtown St. Pete. Expect traffic impacts near the waterfront.
gpstpete.com -
Construction Waste: Renovation debris should not go in curbside bins. City roll-off containers are available.
stpete.org/RollOff -
Report Issues: Use the SeeClickFix app to report potholes, dead trees, and other neighborhood issues.
stpete.org/SeeClickFix
π️ City Council Update — In Brief
The City has begun work on the FY27 budget while facing a projected $18 million shortfall. Council Member Copley Gerdes says the focus will be on conservative budgeting, limiting new spending, and protecting core services — especially Police, Fire, EMS, and essential infrastructure.
π¨ Artist Grant Opportunity: St. Petersburg is offering $5,000 grants to local artists through its Individual Artist Grant Program. Deadline: February 27, 2026. More info at stpete.org/individualartistgrant .
π CommUNITY Festival: March 7, 1:00–9:30 PM at Azalea Park, featuring music, food, vendors, and neighborhood groups.
π² Trail Town News: The Greater Arts District along the Pinellas Trail has been designated a Florida Trail Town, supporting trail connectivity, tourism, and future grant opportunities.
Aron Bryce reports on October 29:
This evening I attended the unveiling of the Sunshine City Mosaic at Sunset Park — a breathtaking 175-foot artwork made of 15,000 tiles, created by local artists Laura Spencer, Alex Kaufman, and George Retkes.
After remarks from Mayor Welch and Council Chair Copley Gerdes, attendees joined a ceremonial walk along the mosaic, taking in the vibrant details that celebrate our city’s creativity, culture and spirit.
Families enjoyed free food, a great sunset and a make your own mosaic station for the kids.
It was a true celebration of west St. Pete and our arts community.
A beautiful day in the Sunshine City!
This evening I attended the unveiling of the Sunshine City Mosaic at Sunset Park — a breathtaking 175-foot artwork made of 15,000 tiles, created by local artists Laura Spencer, Alex Kaufman, and George Retkes.
After remarks from Mayor Welch and Council Chair Copley Gerdes, attendees joined a ceremonial walk along the mosaic, taking in the vibrant details that celebrate our city’s creativity, culture and spirit.
Families enjoyed free food, a great sunset and a make your own mosaic station for the kids.
It was a true celebration of west St. Pete and our arts community.
A beautiful day in the Sunshine City!
Ribbon Cutting Celebration for Love Thy Neighbor Food Pantry
November 8, 2024
Congratulations to Love Thy Neighbor on the ribbon cutting for its new, larger location at 7110 5th Avenue N, three blocks south of its previous spot! This expansion means even more space to serve local families and continue the pantry’s mission of helping neighbors in need across West St. Pete.
The celebration on November 8 brought together volunteers, supporters, and community members who’ve helped make this growth possible.
The West St. Pete food drive supports Love Thy Neighbor food panty. Watch for the next food drive next month.
November 8, 2024
Congratulations to Love Thy Neighbor on the ribbon cutting for its new, larger location at 7110 5th Avenue N, three blocks south of its previous spot! This expansion means even more space to serve local families and continue the pantry’s mission of helping neighbors in need across West St. Pete.
The celebration on November 8 brought together volunteers, supporters, and community members who’ve helped make this growth possible.
The West St. Pete food drive supports Love Thy Neighbor food panty. Watch for the next food drive next month.
November 4 announcement
Roaring 20's Soiree Coming March 7th
Marking 100 years since the grand opening of the Jungle Hotel, a celebration so big that even Babe Ruth showed up.
November 7
Roaring 20's Soiree Coming March 7th
Marking 100 years since the grand opening of the Jungle Hotel, a celebration so big that even Babe Ruth showed up.
November 7
Keeping the Creek Clear
A crew was spotted Thursday morning along Jungle Country Club Creek at 13th and Farragut, hard at work clearing out the culvert. Using a ladder and vacuum equipment, they removed built-up debris to help improve drainage before the next big rain.
Big thanks to the team for keeping things flowing smoothly!
November 12
A Thank You Note from Birds in Helping Hands
Thanks again to Shelley and Birds in Helping Hands for joining us at our November meeting and sharing their incredible work. We’re grateful for everything they do to protect and care for our local wildlife!
If you’d like to help Shelley and Birds in Helping Hands continue their amazing work rescuing and caring for injured birds right here in St. Pete, consider making a donation. Every bit of support helps them save more wildlife in our area.
November 11
More Than 10,000 WWII Army Veterans Began Their Service Here in the Jungle
Veterans Day honors all U.S. military veterans, living or deceased.
It’s a day to recognize and thank everyone who has served in the Armed Forces, whether in war or peace.
Observed every year on November 11, marking the armistice that ended World War I.
In July 1942, the Army Air Forces opened a Basic Training Center in St. Petersburg, To house thousands of trainees, seventy area hotels were leased by the War Department, including the Jungle Hotel, now Admiral Farragut Academy. By February 1943, at the peak of the Army's occupation, the city's hotels were full. There was an urgent need for additional training facilities, so a decision was made to erect a tent city on the Jungle golf course (now the Azalea neighborhood) to handle 10,000 recruits. In early February 1943, hundreds of tents went up on the former golf course and Piper-Fuller Airfield, each tent equipped for five or six men. A large portion of the Azalea neighborhood of today was covered in canvas.
November 15
Block Party & Outdoor Family Movie Night – Recap
Thank you to everyone who came out tonight for our Azalea Block Party & Outdoor Family Movie Night on the north end of Farragut Drive! We had a wonderful turnout and an evening full of great food, lots of laughs, and just the right amount of chilly November weather to remind us it’s almost the holidays.
The front yard setup and buffet table was great and the kids had a blast on the bouncy inflatable slide.
As the sun went down, everyone bundled up a little tighter and settled in for “Free Birds,” our feature presentation. The movie was a perfect choice for this time of year, a goofy, fast-paced Thanksgiving adventure that kept the kids entertained and gave the adults a few good laughs. The chilly weather didn’t seem to bother anyone as the blankets and jackets came out.
Overall, it was a terrific night of community, conversation, and shared fun. Thank you to Loren and Veronica for hosting, and thanks to everyone who brought food, helped set up, or just came out to enjoy the evening.
Looking forward to the next one scheduled for December 13!
December 3
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Azalea Neighborhood Association meeting last night!
City Update:
Ryan Adelberg, Legislative Aide, District 1, spoke briefly and answered questions. He shared that:
• The Science Center project is in the final stages of acquiring the land from the city.
• There are no new updates on the Jungle Pier rebuild (still planned, but a shorter pier).
• No significant news regarding any development at Tyrone Square Mall.
St. Pete Fire Rescue arrived by fire truck to collect our donations for Margie’s Toy Drive — hundreds of dollars in gifts thanks to the generosity of our neighbors. Thank you to everyone who contributed!
We also welcomed our new Community Service Officer, James Montanez, who reported 16 calls in the past few months and no major incidents in the neighborhood.
Cookies and bagels were enjoyed, neighbors mingled, and we wrapped up with our annual board election.
Steve and Amy were re-elected to the board of directors.
Joelle has stepped down, so at the moment Steve and Amy are the two serving board members.
Thank you all for your continued support of the Azalea Neighborhood Association and happy holidays to everyone!
December 10
Science Center Groundbreaking Will be on January 9
"There's a new future planned for the St. Pete Science Center after some passionate discussion by residents and Council Members...the future is looking as bright as the kids who walk those hallways the sale of the building is now final...Passioned pleas to revive the Science Center convinced St. Pete leadership to sell the property to the St. Petersburg STEM Group." Construction starts in April. Opening in 2027 before summer camp.
https://www.fox13news.com/video/1753448
December 14
Babe Ruth Is in the Holiday Spirit
The Zamora family reports that our Babe Ruth statue (created by Azalea neighborhood artist Blake Emory and commissioned by yours truly) was spotted yesterday wearing a Santa cap.
We headed down to the Museum of History to take a photo, but the cap had already disappeared. So we used Photoshop to give you an idea of how it looked.
Whether real or imagined, it’s clear Babe is feeling the holiday spirit.
December 18
Thank you West St. Pete!
Because of the incredible generosity and teamwork of our West St. Pete neighborhoods, the 2025 West St. Pete Food Drive was a huge success!
Together, you helped raise 5,830.53 lbs of food in support of Love Thy Neighbor Food Pantry’s efforts to combat food insecurity in our community!
This achievement reflects what’s possible when neighbors come together with compassion and purpose.
A heartfelt thank you to Eagle Crest, Crossroads Area, Azalea , Jungle Prada, Holiday Park, Live Oaks, Old Pasadena , Westminster Heights, Jungle Terrace, and Lake Pasadena Estates for stepping up and showing what community truly looks like.
"How do we change the world? One random act of kindness at a time."
December 17
A crew was spotted Thursday morning along Jungle Country Club Creek at 13th and Farragut, hard at work clearing out the culvert. Using a ladder and vacuum equipment, they removed built-up debris to help improve drainage before the next big rain.
Big thanks to the team for keeping things flowing smoothly!
November 12
A Thank You Note from Birds in Helping Hands
Thanks again to Shelley and Birds in Helping Hands for joining us at our November meeting and sharing their incredible work. We’re grateful for everything they do to protect and care for our local wildlife!
If you’d like to help Shelley and Birds in Helping Hands continue their amazing work rescuing and caring for injured birds right here in St. Pete, consider making a donation. Every bit of support helps them save more wildlife in our area.
November 11
More Than 10,000 WWII Army Veterans Began Their Service Here in the Jungle
Veterans Day honors all U.S. military veterans, living or deceased.
It’s a day to recognize and thank everyone who has served in the Armed Forces, whether in war or peace.
Observed every year on November 11, marking the armistice that ended World War I.
In July 1942, the Army Air Forces opened a Basic Training Center in St. Petersburg, To house thousands of trainees, seventy area hotels were leased by the War Department, including the Jungle Hotel, now Admiral Farragut Academy. By February 1943, at the peak of the Army's occupation, the city's hotels were full. There was an urgent need for additional training facilities, so a decision was made to erect a tent city on the Jungle golf course (now the Azalea neighborhood) to handle 10,000 recruits. In early February 1943, hundreds of tents went up on the former golf course and Piper-Fuller Airfield, each tent equipped for five or six men. A large portion of the Azalea neighborhood of today was covered in canvas.
November 15
Block Party & Outdoor Family Movie Night – Recap
Thank you to everyone who came out tonight for our Azalea Block Party & Outdoor Family Movie Night on the north end of Farragut Drive! We had a wonderful turnout and an evening full of great food, lots of laughs, and just the right amount of chilly November weather to remind us it’s almost the holidays.
The front yard setup and buffet table was great and the kids had a blast on the bouncy inflatable slide.
As the sun went down, everyone bundled up a little tighter and settled in for “Free Birds,” our feature presentation. The movie was a perfect choice for this time of year, a goofy, fast-paced Thanksgiving adventure that kept the kids entertained and gave the adults a few good laughs. The chilly weather didn’t seem to bother anyone as the blankets and jackets came out.
Overall, it was a terrific night of community, conversation, and shared fun. Thank you to Loren and Veronica for hosting, and thanks to everyone who brought food, helped set up, or just came out to enjoy the evening.
Looking forward to the next one scheduled for December 13!
December 3
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Azalea Neighborhood Association meeting last night!
City Update:
Ryan Adelberg, Legislative Aide, District 1, spoke briefly and answered questions. He shared that:
• The Science Center project is in the final stages of acquiring the land from the city.
• There are no new updates on the Jungle Pier rebuild (still planned, but a shorter pier).
• No significant news regarding any development at Tyrone Square Mall.
St. Pete Fire Rescue arrived by fire truck to collect our donations for Margie’s Toy Drive — hundreds of dollars in gifts thanks to the generosity of our neighbors. Thank you to everyone who contributed!
We also welcomed our new Community Service Officer, James Montanez, who reported 16 calls in the past few months and no major incidents in the neighborhood.
Cookies and bagels were enjoyed, neighbors mingled, and we wrapped up with our annual board election.
Steve and Amy were re-elected to the board of directors.
Joelle has stepped down, so at the moment Steve and Amy are the two serving board members.
Thank you all for your continued support of the Azalea Neighborhood Association and happy holidays to everyone!
December 10
Science Center Groundbreaking Will be on January 9
"There's a new future planned for the St. Pete Science Center after some passionate discussion by residents and Council Members...the future is looking as bright as the kids who walk those hallways the sale of the building is now final...Passioned pleas to revive the Science Center convinced St. Pete leadership to sell the property to the St. Petersburg STEM Group." Construction starts in April. Opening in 2027 before summer camp.
https://www.fox13news.com/video/1753448
AZALEA WINTER FESTIVAL — THIS SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13!
Some neighborhoods stick with the same old holiday boat parade every year. Others roll out golf carts or tinsel-covered trailers.
But Azalea is going three times bigger and three times more fun.
Join your neighbors for the Azalea Winter Festival on December 13, a holiday triple-feature!
The holiday Bicycle Parade
Kids and families will lead the way with a festive bike-and-scooter parade in the neighborhood!
Meet at the Azalea Park playground at 5:00 PM
Bring your decorated bikes or scooters
Parade rolls out at 5:40 PM
Route heads west toward Jungle Country Club Creek
Finishes around 6:10 PM at Farragut’s north end the site of the holiday block party hosted by Loren and Vee Zamora!
. Block Party on Farragut
The parade ends at the neighborhood block party!
Mingle, take photos, grab snacks, and enjoy the holiday lights and decorated bikes up close.
Outdoor Family Movie Night: The Grinch (2018)
After the excitement, settle in under the stars for the holiday movie feature. Bring chairs, blankets and holiday cheer! Popcorn provided
See you Saturday!
This is a neighbor-organized event, with the Azalea Neighborhood Association helping spread the word.
December 14
Babe Ruth Is in the Holiday Spirit
The Zamora family reports that our Babe Ruth statue (created by Azalea neighborhood artist Blake Emory and commissioned by yours truly) was spotted yesterday wearing a Santa cap.
We headed down to the Museum of History to take a photo, but the cap had already disappeared. So we used Photoshop to give you an idea of how it looked.
Whether real or imagined, it’s clear Babe is feeling the holiday spirit.
December 18
Thank you West St. Pete!
Because of the incredible generosity and teamwork of our West St. Pete neighborhoods, the 2025 West St. Pete Food Drive was a huge success!
Together, you helped raise 5,830.53 lbs of food in support of Love Thy Neighbor Food Pantry’s efforts to combat food insecurity in our community!
This achievement reflects what’s possible when neighbors come together with compassion and purpose.
A heartfelt thank you to Eagle Crest, Crossroads Area, Azalea , Jungle Prada, Holiday Park, Live Oaks, Old Pasadena , Westminster Heights, Jungle Terrace, and Lake Pasadena Estates for stepping up and showing what community truly looks like.
"How do we change the world? One random act of kindness at a time."
December 17
Azalea has been nominated in two categories of The Mayor’s Neighborhood Awards,
celebrating community spirit, connection, and creativity across St. Pete!
Azalea nominations:
Neighborhood Spirit — recognizing community-led efforts like the Babe Ruth Centennial Celebration, which ultimately helped inspire the installation of the Babe Ruth statue now on display at the St. Petersburg Museum of History
Neighborhood Communications — for the ways we keep neighbors informed, connected, and engaged through meetings, updates, and shared neighborhood projects
These nominations reflect participation, ideas, and neighbors showing up for one another. If you’d like to check out the nominations and cast a vote, you can do so here:
https://form.jotform.com/253435479906165
Thank you to everyone who helps make Azalea a welcoming neighborhood.
December 19
Lighted Trolley Heralds Arrival of Yuletide Here in the Jungle
St. Petersburg Times - December 20, 1938:
Lighted Trolley Heralds Arrival of Yuletide Here
Gaily bedecked with more than 800 vari-colored lights and other Christmas trimmings, a city street car, the municipality's contribution to the Kiwanis lighting campaign, made its initial run last night from the Sixth Street transfer station to the municipal pier, carrying a party of 28, including a score of city officials and others.
The illuminated car was suggested to the city officials by William Sutherst from a post card picturing such a car in England.
The car will run each evening on all the municipal lines from now until Christmas, but will carry no passengers.
December 20
celebrating community spirit, connection, and creativity across St. Pete!
Azalea nominations:
Neighborhood Spirit — recognizing community-led efforts like the Babe Ruth Centennial Celebration, which ultimately helped inspire the installation of the Babe Ruth statue now on display at the St. Petersburg Museum of History
Neighborhood Communications — for the ways we keep neighbors informed, connected, and engaged through meetings, updates, and shared neighborhood projects
These nominations reflect participation, ideas, and neighbors showing up for one another. If you’d like to check out the nominations and cast a vote, you can do so here:
https://form.jotform.com/253435479906165
Thank you to everyone who helps make Azalea a welcoming neighborhood.
December 19
Lighted Trolley Heralds Arrival of Yuletide Here in the Jungle
St. Petersburg Times - December 20, 1938:
Lighted Trolley Heralds Arrival of Yuletide Here
Gaily bedecked with more than 800 vari-colored lights and other Christmas trimmings, a city street car, the municipality's contribution to the Kiwanis lighting campaign, made its initial run last night from the Sixth Street transfer station to the municipal pier, carrying a party of 28, including a score of city officials and others.
The illuminated car was suggested to the city officials by William Sutherst from a post card picturing such a car in England.
The car will run each evening on all the municipal lines from now until Christmas, but will carry no passengers.
December 20
White pelicans spotted this week
About 10 miles south of Azalea at the Tampa Bay Watch estuary in Tierra Verde
December 20
Azalea talent on the big screen at The DalΓ Museum
Proud to share that Blake Emory, the Azalea-based artist from Farragut Drive who created the Babe Ruth statue, has a film screening at The DalΓ Museum on January 15 as part of Surreal Films Night, celebrating the 10-year anniversary of the Sunshine City Film Festival.
Blake’s film, The Ethereal, Episode 1: The God Particle (20 minutes), is a sci-fi adventure about a scientist who discovers he is the entangled God Particle — and must choose between saving himself or the fate of humanity. It’s imaginative, philosophical, and very much in the spirit of a surreal evening at The DalΓ.
The night also features:
SIMI: Episode 1 & 2 — Directed by Debbie Garrett (40 minutes)
Location: The DalΓ Museum – Raymond James Community Room
Date: January 15, 6:00 pm
Cost: $15
Great to see Azalea creativity showing up in such a fitting venue. On a personal note, I’m honored to appear in the film’s credits with a Special Thanks to Steven “The Commissioner” Elftmann, seen on the edit screen in the image below.
Congrats to Blake on another impressive creative milestone!
Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=juDj17PmsiY
Facebook Page for The Ethereal: https://www.facebook.com/p/The-Ethereal-100079224859510/
December 25
About 10 miles south of Azalea at the Tampa Bay Watch estuary in Tierra Verde
December 20
Azalea talent on the big screen at The DalΓ Museum
Proud to share that Blake Emory, the Azalea-based artist from Farragut Drive who created the Babe Ruth statue, has a film screening at The DalΓ Museum on January 15 as part of Surreal Films Night, celebrating the 10-year anniversary of the Sunshine City Film Festival.
Blake’s film, The Ethereal, Episode 1: The God Particle (20 minutes), is a sci-fi adventure about a scientist who discovers he is the entangled God Particle — and must choose between saving himself or the fate of humanity. It’s imaginative, philosophical, and very much in the spirit of a surreal evening at The DalΓ.
The night also features:
SIMI: Episode 1 & 2 — Directed by Debbie Garrett (40 minutes)
Location: The DalΓ Museum – Raymond James Community Room
Date: January 15, 6:00 pm
Cost: $15
Great to see Azalea creativity showing up in such a fitting venue. On a personal note, I’m honored to appear in the film’s credits with a Special Thanks to Steven “The Commissioner” Elftmann, seen on the edit screen in the image below.
Congrats to Blake on another impressive creative milestone!
Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=juDj17PmsiY
Facebook Page for The Ethereal: https://www.facebook.com/p/The-Ethereal-100079224859510/
December 25
shared from Discover Florida Tours
December 31
OBSERVING CENTENNIALS
The centennial of the Rolyat Hotel (now Stetson University College of Law) grand opening is today, December 31.
On February 10, 1926, the Jungle Hotel (now Farragut Hall) opened as the centerpiece of the Jungle Country Club, one of Florida’s most ambitious resort developments of the 1920s. Babe Ruth was in town for spring training and played the course that day, instantly linking the Jungle to baseball history. Nearly 100 years later, the building remains a landmark on Azalea ground.
December 24
Do You Dream of Spending Every
Christmas in a Home of Your Own Like This,
Where Christmas Means so Much More?
From Nov 24, 1955 St. Petersburg Times
December 31
OBSERVING CENTENNIALS
The centennial of the Rolyat Hotel (now Stetson University College of Law) grand opening is today, December 31.
On February 10, 1926, the Jungle Hotel (now Farragut Hall) opened as the centerpiece of the Jungle Country Club, one of Florida’s most ambitious resort developments of the 1920s. Babe Ruth was in town for spring training and played the course that day, instantly linking the Jungle to baseball history. Nearly 100 years later, the building remains a landmark on Azalea ground.
December 24
Do You Dream of Spending Every
Christmas in a Home of Your Own Like This,
Where Christmas Means so Much More?
From Nov 24, 1955 St. Petersburg Times
St. Petersburg Police Department
πππ ππ©π€π§π’
We are saddened to share the unexpected passing of Storm, one of our Mounted Patrol horses.
We are grateful for Storm’s dedicated service and the role he played in our Mounted Patrol Unit. His steady presence, strength, and calm demeanor made a lasting impact on both our agency and the residents he served.
Thank you, πππ¨π«π¦, for your service.
January 6
New meeting signs throughout the neighborhood
Thank you, Sylvia, for taking the lead on placing the meeting signs this weekend, and thanks as well to the Azalea Recreation Center for posting the notice on their lighted billboard along 22nd Avenue.
I don't suppose there are many of you still around who remember the 1970 hit song by The Five Man Electrical Band which includes the lyrics:
Sign, sign
Everywhere a sign
Blockin' out the scenery
Breakin' my mind
Do this, don't do that
Can't you read the sign?
In this case, we’re hoping these signs don’t block out the scenery, just point the way to the meeting.
January 1
Happy New Year!
January 8
Azalea Neighborhood Meeting Recap
Thank you to everyone who attended last night’s Azalea Neighborhood Association meeting. We had 28 in attendance including our newest Azalea resident, Dallas, just 2½ weeks old, who attended in a stroller and remained impressively quiet throughout the meeting. Logan Sykes served as the meeting chair.
We were joined by Ryan Adelberg, legislative aide representing the City Council office, who provided a brief update and answered questions from neighbors.
Tiki Tim Eskridge and Shani Duvall stopped by to talk about upcoming events at Tiki Tim’s and generously brought some delicious hoagie roll appetizers for the group that were much appreciated.
James Montanez, our community service officer from SPPD, provided a crime update. The vehicle stolen from Robinson Drive has been recovered, and there was otherwise little to report, which is always good news.
The remainder of the meeting was an open discussion, focusing on ideas for growing association membership and planning for an Azalea booth at the March 7 CommUNITY Festival.
Thanks again to everyone who came out and helped make it a productive evening. We look forward to seeing you at the next meeting.
Next meeting: February 4
Azalea Neighborhood Association:
Website: azalea33710.org
Facebook: "Azalea Neighborhood Association Group"
https://www.facebook.com/groups/419801124195279
email: azaleaassociation@yahoo.com
Membership: $25 per year per household (visit website)
This morning’s celebration of the St. Petersburg Science Center was an inspiring moment for West St. Pete, our city, and our region.
I’m deeply grateful to Councilmember Copley Gerdes for acknowledging the critical role West St. Pete neighborhoods played in advocating for this project, and to Mayor Ken Welch for recognizing both the neighborhoods and CONA’s leadership. Special thanks to Joe Hamilton, who did all of that and took a moment to acknowledge me by name — something I truly appreciate.
Working alongside the CONA Board and West St. Pete neighborhoods to advocate for the Science Center was one of the biggest highlights of last year. This effort showed what’s possible when neighborhoods organize, collaborate, and stay committed to a shared vision.
Thank you to Mayor Welch, all City Council members who’ve participated including former Councilman Robert Blackmon, as well as former Congressman Charlie Crist, CONA, the West St. Pete neighborhoods, State Reps Linda Chaney and Berny Jacques, State Senator Darryl Rouson, Jenna Jean Byrne and Water Warrior Alliance, and everyone who was involved. There are so many people to thank.
A special note of gratitude to Joe Hamilton, the true champion of this project, whose leadership, persistence, and belief in this vision helped get it across the finish line.
And thank you as well to Irv Cohen, the St. Petersburg Group, and the St. Petersburg Foundation for their partnership and commitment to making this Science Center a reality.
This project is a true game changer for West St. Pete, the City of St. Petersburg, and Pinellas County as a whole.
The reimagined Science Center builds on a decades-long legacy and will serve as a cutting-edge hub for science, technology, and innovation — including hands-on learning, an AI Center of Excellence, immersive student experiences, restored planetarium programming, and community spaces that will inspire and educate generations to come.
January 14
Outdoor Family Movie Night Recap
Thanks to everyone who came out last night for the Outdoor Family Movie Night and block party at Loren & Veronica’s place. It was a relaxed, easygoing evening with good neighbors, good kids, and plenty of fresh air.
We watched The Lorax, but the real star of the night was the new (safely caged) trampoline, which kept the kids happily bouncing for most of the evening.
Pizza Hut pizza hit the spot, popcorn was popping, and Loren also debuted a brand-new fire pit he built himself, which became a gathering point.
It was a great mix of quality people and kids, which made for a really nice neighborhood vibe.
Big thanks to Loren & Veronica Zamora for hosting and opening up their backyard.
More neighborhood get-togethers coming soon — hope to see you at the next one!
January 21
Attention Azalea Neighbors…
If you live in Azalea, this is your neighborhood association.
(Click on the image above to see complete map.)
The Azalea Neighborhood Association is how neighbors come together with a united voice to stay informed, to speak up to the City, and to look out for what makes this area special. As new development and big changes approach West St. Pete, having an organized, active neighborhood matters more than ever.
Membership is our only source of funding. It’s what allows us to advocate for the neighborhood, support local events, and represent Azalea when decisions are being made that affect us all.
We’re currently inviting neighbors to join or renew. Even a small contribution helps ensure Azalea has a seat at the table and a voice that’s heard.
Learn more about why membership matters and how to join: Join our Facebook group:Thanks for being part of Azalea 
My 7-year-old neighbor JoJo stopped by and gave me this card. It's on my refrigerator. Thank you, Jojo.
January 29
Something I heard on Farragut Drive
caused me to jump out of my chair. It made me feel good, but the birds were upset. I haven't seen one around here in many moons.
You are now up to date!