Mayors to update state of Pinellas beaches

The Institute for Strategic Policy Solutions and the Pinellas Beaches Chamber will host a conversation on April 23 about the state of the beaches with several beach mayors.

Moderated by former Bay News 9 anchor Al Ruechel, participating mayors will include John Doctor of Treasure Island, Anne-Marie Brooks of Madeira Beach, Karen Love of Gulfport, and David Will of Redington Beach.

The event is free and can be viewed in-person or virtually. It will be presented from 5:30-7 p.m. at Treasure Island City Hall, 10451 Gulf Blvd. The presentation can be viewed online via the ISPS website, isps.spcollege.edu.

Advance registration is required for in-person attendance. To register visit: https://isps.spcollege.edu/events/2026-state-of-the-beaches-mayors-town-hall/.

The session will be followed by a reception.

St. Pete Beach Public Library News

The St. Pete Beach Public Library has set its schedule of upcoming events.

• Tuesdays, 10 a.m. — Story Time! This lively story time is perfect for children ages 5 and under and their caregivers. We’ll explore stories, songs and movement that build early literacy skills and support motor development.

• Tuesday, April 7, 3:30-5 p.m. — Topics in American History: David Busch examines important topics in American history.

• Wednesday, April 8, 1-4 p.m. — Mahjong: Bring some friends and play Mahjong. We’ll provide both the American and Chinese versions of the game. This is not an instructional or guided gaming program. Seating is limited.

• Wednesday, April 8, 5:30 p.m. — Feature Film: See spblibrary.com for movie details.

• Thursday, April 9, noon. — Plant & Paint with HAPPYSOUL (18+) Decorate mini planters with affirmations and vibrant designs, then plant something to nurture — symbolizing how self-care and growth start within. It’s hands-on, healing, and perfect for blooming hearts.

• Friday, April 10, noon. — Feature Film: See spblibrary.com for movie details.

• Saturday, April 11, 11 a.m. — “The Gilded Age in Tampa Bay: When Florida Learned to Dream Big.” Inspired by the renewed public fascination of the era through HBO’s The Gilded Age, Dr. Greg Thompson will explore how Florida, once seen as remote and undeveloped, became a playground for ambition, architecture, and luxury at the turn of the 20th century. Learn about figures such as Henry B. Plant, who built the grand Tampa Bay Hotel (now the University of Tampa), and John Ringling, whose Venetian-style mansion in Sarasota embodied America’s new appetite for status, art, and leisure.

• Saturday, April 11, 2-4 p.m. — Tech Help: We offer help with technology basics for phones, computers, and library-related applications. (We do not make repairs). For our Saturday Tech Help we offer walk-ins, or you can sign up for a 30-minute appointment here: https://calendly.com/stpbeachlibrary/30min or call 727-363-9238. Please note, because this program will be occurring after our regular library hours, all other library services will be suspended during this time.

Beaches Chamber sets tourism brunch

ST. PETE BEACH — Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual National Tourism Week Brunch Friday, May 8, in partnership with Visit St. Pete-Clearwater.

This year’s event emphasizes the Chamber’s strategic partnership with VSPC, the official destination marketing organization for Pinellas County, whose efforts continue to drive visitation, elevate the Tampa Bay Beaches brand, and support the long-term success of the local tourism economy.

Held in recognition of National Travel & Tourism Week, the brunch will bring together hospitality leaders, tourism partners, and local businesses to celebrate the power of collaboration and the shared commitment to promoting the region as a top destination.

For more information or to register for the brunch, visit https://tinyurl.com/2nvud2xa

Gulf Beaches library announces events

MADEIRA BEACH – The Gulf Beaches Public Library at 200 Municipal Drive has announced its schedule of upcoming events.

• Writers Group: Mondays, 10 a.m.-noon

• Library App Help: Wednesdays, 2-3 p.m. — For help with Libby, Kanopy, and Hoopla.

• International Movie: Wednesday, April 8, at 2 p.m. — “The Art of Nothing.”

• Mahjong: Thursdays, 11 a.m. — Old and new members welcome.

• Investment Club: Thursdays, 2:30-4 p.m.

• Meditation: Fridays, 11 a.m.-noon. — Relax and rejuvenate at the end of the week.

• Scrabble: Fridays, 1-4 p.m.

• Storytime: Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. — ages 2 and under; Fridays at 10:30 a.m. — ages 2-4.

• Book Club: Tuesday, April 21, at 10:30 a.m. — “The Trees” by Percival Everett.

• Adult Art Class: Tuesday, April 21, from 5-7:30 p.m. — Watercolor class with artist Deb Barnard. All materials will be provided. Registration required.

• AARP Tax Help: Through April 14 — Appointment required. Please call 727-346-8256 to make an appointment.

The library is currently taking gently used donations of books; no textbooks.

For more information, visit Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, or visit gulfbeacheslibrary.org.