Around town: South Pinellas news briefs | St. Petersburg

Events to highlight Women’s History Month

ST. PETERSBURG — In celebration of Women’s History Month, the city of St. Petersburg is holding two special events designed to celebrate, empower, and connect women across the community.

• Blooming Business: Accelerating Women Entrepreneurs

Wednesday, March 25, from 9:30 a.m.-noon

Hammock Hall at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve

3010 31st St. S

Blooming Business is centered around celebrating, connecting, and empowering women entrepreneurs, business owners, and professionals. Attendees will have the opportunity to network with peers, engage in insightful “table talk roundups,” and hear from a keynote speaker who will share her journey and experiences in business. Exhibition space will be available for businesses to showcase their products and services.

The event is free; registration is required. For more information, contact Kourey L. Hendryx-Bell at 892-5351 or visit https://tinyurl.com/bdz5emaa

• Her Story, Our Future: Women Leading the Way

Tuesday, March 31, at 1 p.m.

Sunshine Senior Center

330 Fifth St. N.

This special event will spotlight five accomplished women who have made an impact in their respective fields. Attendees will hear firsthand accounts of their professional journeys, gain insight into what inspires their leadership, and take part in an afternoon dedicated to empowerment, recognition, and community connection.

Here are the panelists

• Keynote speaker: Melissa Seixas, state president, Duke Energy Florida

• Lynn Harrell-Johnson, president, National Council of Negro Women St. Petersburg Metropolitan Section

• Stephanie Morge, vice president of learning & development, Power Design, Inc.

• Rita Wesley, executive assistant to the mayor, city of St. Petersburg

• Jeannine Williams, chief assistant city attorney, city of St. Petersburg.

The event is free and open to public. For more information, contact the Sunshine Senior Center at 893-7101 or visit https://tinyurl.com/vhxeza3h

Housing Authority hosts Jordan Park picnic

ST. PETERSBURG — The St. Petersburg Housing Authority hosted a spring family picnic event in Jordan Park for SPHA residents on March 10, bringing together SPHA families and community partners for an afternoon focused on connection, wellness, and neighborhood unity.

SPHA residents enjoyed outdoor activities, accessed helpful community resources, and strengthened relationships with neighbors and local organizations.

A highlight of the event was a youth martial arts demonstration by SPHA students enrolled in the Shihan School of Survival. SPHA’s Jordan Park Youth Program introduced martial arts classes last year in partnership with the Shihan School of Survival. SPHA youth showcased the martial arts skills they have developed in the class.

Additional events included prescription eyeglasses for youth by Moxy Vision Program, fresh produce market by Positive Impact St. Pete, a tree climbing activity by Pathfinder Outdoor Education, as well as music and DJ by DJ Dondy, face painting by Face Painting Brittni, and balloon creations by Awesome Austin’s Entertainment.

Water treatment facilities to host open houses

ST. PETERSBURG — The city of St. Petersburg will host a behind-the-scenes look at the city’s water treatment facilities during a series of open houses this spring. Attendees can gain more insight into how wastewater is collected, processed into reclaimed water, and distributed at one of the three water reclamation facilities in St. Pete.

Plant operators and city staff will lead tours to show the flow of water from beginning to end and answer questions. Tours will begin hourly at 9 a.m. with the last tour starting at 11 a.m.

Open house dates:

• Saturday, March 28, 9 a.m.-noon

Northwest Water Reclamation Facility

7500 26th Ave. N.

• Saturday, April 11, 9 a.m.-noon

Northeast Water Reclamation Facility

1160 62nd Ave. NE.

• Saturday, May 2, 9 a.m.-noon

Southwest Water Reclamation Facility

3800 54th Ave. S.

The majority of the tour is outdoors and is a walking tour. Attendees should be prepared to be in the sun and wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes.

Photo ID is required for entry and children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Registration is not required.

Facilities are not ADA accessible by default, but reasonable accommodations can be made by calling the Water Resources Department at 727-893-7261.