New U-Haul dealer: St. Pete Auto Works adds trucks, trailers
ST. PETERSBURG — St. Pete Auto Works LLC has signed with U-Haul Co. of Florida to be a U-Haul neighborhood dealer.
St. Pete Auto Works at 3180 Sixth St. S. will offer essential services such as U-Haul trucks, trailers, towing equipment, and moving supplies.
Normal business hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday. To reserve U-Haul products at this dealer location call 727-341-9784 or visit https://tinyurl.com/2e4wtv29.
Are vertical-takeoff aircraft in Whitted future?
ST. PETERSBURG — A task force looking at the future uses of Albert Whitted Airport has recommended that the small downtown airport start making updates that would provide electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft a designated parking area at the airport.
The report was released March 2 by the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Task Force.
Formed by the city council in February 2025, the task force was charged with evaluating how Advanced Air Mobility, an emerging air transportation system that uses electric aircraft to move passengers, cargo, and provide services in urban and regional environments could be developed in St. Petersburg and across the region.
The report recommends taking a phased approach that begins within the next three years with the designation of on-airfield parking areas for electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, installation of electrical charging infrastructure, use of existing runways for takeoff and landing, enhanced fire safety systems and improved multimodal and public access. Over the longer term, the task force envisions the construction of a dedicated vertiport, or multiple vertiports, to meet future market demand.
A central recommendation is that the introduction of AAM must not come at the expense of existing operations at Albert Whitted.
The task force was composed of experts in aviation, transportation, innovation and economic development and met 14 times over 10 months to examine vertiport planning, airspace integration, power and electrical needs, zoning and land use, and the growth of the eVTOL manufacturing industry.
City seeks nominations for Senior Hall of Fame
ST. PETERSBURG — The St. Petersburg Parks & Recreation Department Office on Aging is now accepting nominations for the 42nd Annual Senior Hall of Fame.
This annual program recognizes senior volunteers who generously dedicate their time, talents, and leadership to strengthening the St. Pete community. Residents are encouraged to nominate outstanding seniors whose service and commitment have made a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Nominees must be at least 62 years of age, be residents of Pinellas County and have demonstrated exemplary volunteer service to the St. Pete community to qualify for induction. Nominations are open until Friday, March 6. To submit a nomination, visit https://tinyurl.com/5xew2dny.
Scholarship applications open for summer youth arts camp
ST. PETERSBURG — Funding Futures, a scholarship initiative of the St. Petersburg Arts Alliance to provide financial support to attend art-focused summer camps, is now accepting applications for Summer 2026.
Through grants and scholarships, Funding Futures helps students ages 10–17 attend summer camps offering a wide range of artistic disciplines — including theater, performing arts, visual arts, multimedia arts, and literary arts. These participating programs provide a supportive and creative environment where young people collaborate on team projects, create original artwork, perform on stage and in musicals, and build confidence and character along the way.
Applications will be accepted through April 30. Both families seeking scholarships and arts organizations interested in partnering can visit [https://stpeteartsalliance.org/education/funding-futures] to learn more about the program, the application process, and available funding.
Skanska completes construction of appellate court building
ST. PETERSBURG — Construction and development firm Skanska has completed the new $59 million Florida Second District Court of Appeal Courthouse in downtown St. Petersburg.
The three-story, 51,708-square-foot courthouse will serve as the permanent home for the Second District Court of Appeal, which hears appeals from the Sixth Circuit (Pasco and Pinellas counties), the Twelfth Circuit (Sarasota, Manatee, and DeSoto counties), and the Thirteenth Circuit (Hillsborough County).
The building, located at 525 Mirror Lake Drive N., is named in honor of the late State Attorney Bernie McCabe, who served Pinellas and Pasco counties for nearly 50 years until his passing in 2021.
Designed by architecture firms DLR Group, the architect of record, and Wannemacher Jensen Architects, the associate architect, the facility features 15 judicial chambers on two levels, a ceremonial courtroom and lobby, and three floors of office space for judicial personnel and Clerk of Court services. The project also includes a 7,800-square-foot central energy plant and secured ground-floor parking.
Florida Foodies Fest sets two-day culinary festival
ST. PETERSBURG — The Florida Foodies Fest, a new two-day celebration of Florida’s vibrant food and maker scene, will take place Saturday, April 11, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday, April 12 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Win! Derby.
Win! Derby is located at 10490 Gandy Blvd. N, the former site of Derby Lane Greyhound Racing. Admission is free and pets are welcome.
The festival will bring together food trucks, restaurants, craft beverages, packaged food makers, artisanal vendors, and foodie-focused small businesses from across the state. Attendees can expect a wide variety of cuisines, sweet and savory treats, local brands, foodie competitions, chef demos, and an energetic festival atmosphere designed for families, friends and pets.
Saturday’s events will be highlighted by the Florida Weiner Dog Derby, where dachshunds take center stage in races, parades, and fan-favorite contests.
Confirmed vendors include an impressive mix of culinary talent and creative small businesses, including Caribbean and Cuban cuisine, Venezuelan arepas, lobster, Mexican street food, sandwiches, kettle corn, empanadas, baked goods, shaved ice, ice cream, macarons, hot sauces, honey, jams, jerky and specialty beverages. Shoppers will also find local makers offering jewelry, art, home decor, pet accessories, wellness services and more.
Businesses interested in participating as vendors can email ester@localshops1.com for more information or Facebook https://www.facebook.com/events/win-derby/florida-foodies-fest/849134134295703/.
Florida Foodies Fest is organized by SIK Promotions, SaucyQueen Events, and LocalShops1
Allegiant begins nonstop service to Huntsville, Alabama
ST. PETERSBURG — Allegiant has begun non-stop service from Clearwater International Airport (PIE) to Huntsville International Airport (HSV) in Alabama. To celebrate, the company is offering one-way fares on the new route as low as $39.
The new flights will operate up to twice weekly. Flight days, times and the lowest fares can be found only at Allegiant.com.
Seats and dates are limited, and fares are not available on all flights. Flights must be purchased by March 7 for travel by June 4.
Eckerd College Marine Yard Sale returns
ST. PETERSBURG — Lucky shoppers will find used powerboats, sailboats, accessories, watersports equipment and vintage nautical equipment at Eckerd College’s 37th Annual Marine Yard Sale at 4200 54th Ave. S. beginning at 9 a.m. on March 14.
All sales benefit the Eckerd College Search and Rescue program, the nation’s only student-run maritime search and rescue team which performs more than 400 assists a year at no cost to the community.
Doors close at noon. All sales are final.