Beach mayors to provide updates on state of the beaches
The Institute for Strategic Policy Solutions and the Pinellas Beaches Chamber will host a conversation — moderated by former Bay News 9 anchor Al Ruechel — about the state of the beaches with several beach mayors. Participating mayors include:
• John Doctor, Treasure Island
• Anne-Marie Brooks, Madeira Beach
• Karen Love, Gulfport
• David Will, Redington Beach
This is a free virtual and/or in-person program from 5:30-7 p.m. on Thursday, April 23. The program will be available virtually via the ISPS website and in person at Treasure Island City Hall, 10451 Gulf Blvd.
The session will be followed by a reception to meet and greet the mayors.
Advance registration is required for in-person attendance. To register, visit https://isps.spcollege.edu/events/2026-state-of-the-beaches-mayors-town-hall
Get storm ready at hurricane expo
TREASURE ISLAND – Hurricane season runs from June 1 to Nov. 30. To help residents and business owners get ready, the city of Treasure Island is hosting a Hurricane Expo on Friday, April 17, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Treasure Island Community Center, 1 Park Place and 106th Avenue.
The event will feature a presentation by Mike Clay, the chief meteorologist at Spectrum Bay News 9.
New this year, local mitigation partners will be available to provide education, information, and resources about storm protection and mitigation for homes, condos, mobile homes, and businesses. See live demonstrations of flood and wind mitigation products.
Additionally, city and county staff will discuss storm response plans, evacuation procedures, and how residents and businesses can prepare before a storm hits. Attendees will receive essential safety and survival tips, flood insurance information, Red Cross resources, and more.
Residents are encouraged to visit mytreasureisland.com/stormready to sign up for Alert Pinellas, check their evacuation zone, and gather storm preparation materials.
St. Pete Beach Public Library News
ST. PETE BEACH — The St. Pete Beach Public Library is located at 365 73rd Ave. Here is a schedule of upcoming events.
Monday, April 13, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. – Tech Help: Get help with technology basics for phones, computers, and library-related applications. Monday Tech help is on a walk-in only basis
Tuesdays, 10 a.m. – Story Time! This lively story time is perfect for children ages 5 and under and their caregivers. Explore stories, songs and movement that build early literacy skills and support motor development.
Tuesday, April 14, 12 p.m. – Myths-vs-Facts: The Truth About Hospice Service. Learn the facts about compassionate end-of-life care with Empath Health.
Wednesday, April 15, 1-4 p.m. – Mahjong: Bring some friends and play Mahjong. The library will provide both the American and Chinese versions of the game. This is not an instructional or guided gaming program. Seating is limited.
Wednesday, April 15, 5:30 p.m. – Feature Film: See spblibrary.com for movie details.
Thursday, April 16, 2 p.m. – A Novel Idea Book Club: “How to Stop Time” by Matt Haig. Email spbbookclub@gmail.com
Friday, April 17, 12 p.m. – Feature Film: See spblibrary.com for movie details.
Saturday, April 18, 12-1:30 p.m. – Sock Hop 75th Anniversary Ice Cream Social. Step back in time and celebrate 75 sweet years of stories, community, and connection.
Saturday, April 18, 2-4 p.m. – Tech Help: Get help with technology basics for phones, computers, and library-related applications. (They do not make repairs). For the Saturday Tech Help, they offer walk-ins, or you can sign up for a 30-minute appointment at https://calendly.com/stpbeachlibrary/30min or call 727-363-9238. This program will be occurring after regular library hours, so all other library services will be suspended.
Gulf Beaches library sets events
MADEIRA BEACH — The Gulf Beaches Public Library is located at 200 Municipal Drive in Madeira Beach. Here is a schedule of upcoming events:
• Writers Group: Mondays, 10 a.m.-12 noon
• Library App Help: Wednesdays, 2-3 p.m. For help with Libby, Kanopy, and Hoopla.
• Mahjong: Thursdays, 11 a.m. Old and new members welcome.
• Investment Club: Thursdays, 2:30-4 p.m.
• Meditation: Fridays, 11 a.m.-12 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, and the library website at gulfbeacheslibrary.org