Hubbard’s Marina to go plastic-free for vessels
MADEIRA BEACH — Hubbard’s Marina says the company plans to go completely plastic-free across its entire fleet beginning Jan. 1.
As part of this initiative, Hubbard’s Marina is transitioning from traditional plastic water bottles to reusable aluminum bottles. To do this, the company will install filtered water refill station on every vessel. Additionally, the popular free beer and wine sunset cruise will move from plastic cups to eco-friendly paper cups, eliminating single-use plastics entirely across guest operations.
Hubbard’s currently uses over 100,000 plastic water bottles annually.
“Our marine environment is at the heart of everything we do,” said Hubbard’s Marina. “Moving to a fully plastic-free operation reflects our commitment to protecting our waterways and setting an example for responsible tourism.”
The change will affect Hubbard’s Sea Adventures, Hubbard’s Marina, Hubbard’s Ferry, Hubbard’s Media, Hub’s Marine Fabrication, the iconic Friendly Fisherman Seafood Restaurant, Don’s Docks Seafood Market, Fuel and Bait Shop, and Hub’s Ranch & Grove (home to Wonderfield Farm).
Hubbard’s Marina was recently named a finalist in the “Sustaining St. Pete” category of the 13th Annual St. Pete Chamber Good ’Burger Awards.
IRB tree lighting to ignite holiday events
INDIAN ROCKS BEACH — The city of Indian Rocks Beach will kick off the holiday season here with a tree lighting ceremony on Friday, Dec. 5.
The event begins at 7 p.m. at 12th Avenue Park, at the corner of the 12th Avenue Beach Access and Gulf Boulevard. It will include cookies, cocoa and Santa.
Festivities will continue Sunday, Dec. 7, with the annual Christmas Street Parade beginning at 1 p.m. on East Gulf Boulevard. The parade will weave through the finger streets and end at Kolb Park, 1507 Bay Palm Blvd.
The Lighted Boat Parade will begin at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, at the Holiday Inn Harbourside, ending the city-sponsored holiday events.
For more information or to register for the street parade and/or the boat parade visit: www.indian-rocks-beach.com or call City Hall: 727-595-2517.
Beaches Chamber launches holiday gift guide
ST. PETE BEACH — The Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce has published its annual Buy Beaches First Holiday Gift Guide, which is designed to inspire residents and visitors to buy beaches first, support small businesses, and keep holiday spending within the Tampa Bay beaches.
The digital gift guide features products, experiences, gift cards, dining options, retail items, staycations, event spaces, and more — all offered by Chamber members. Categories include For Her, For Him, Relax & Recharge, Family Fun, Finds Under $100, Home Goods, and Local Venues for holiday parties, and local holiday events to attend.
The Gift Guide is part of the Chamber’s larger Buy Beaches First initiative, created to encourage residents and visitors to support local businesses year-round.
Gulf Beaches library announces activities
MADEIRA BEACH — The Gulf Beaches Public Library is located at 200 Municipal Drive. Information regarding the library can be found on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, as well as its website at gulfbeacheslibrary.org. Here is a schedule of upcoming events:
• Writers Group: Mondays, 10 a.m.-noon
• Storytime: Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. ages 2 and under.
• Adult Coloring Book Group: Wednesday, Dec. 3, 11 a.m.-noon. New at the library? Take some time to calm your mind? Coloring books, markers, and colored pencils will be provided.
• Library App Help: Wednesdays, 2-3 p.m. For help with Libby, Kanopy, and Hoopla.
• Closed: Thursday, Nov.27, and Friday, Nov. 28. Thanksgiving.
• International Movie: Wednesday, Dec. 10, at 2 p.m. Delegation.
• Book Club: Tuesday, Dec. 16, at 10:30 a.m. The Housekeeper and the Professor, by Yoko Ogawa.
• Adult Art Class: Tuesday, Dec. 16, from 5-7:30 p.m. Watercolor class with artist Deb Barnard. All materials will be provided. Registration required.
St. Pete Beach Library events
The St. Pete Beach Library set its schedule of upcoming events.
• Monday, Dec. 1, 11 a.m.-noon — Tech Help: Get help with technology basics for phones, computers, and library-related applications. Monday Tech help is on a walk-in only basis.
• Monday, Dec. 1, 5-5:45 p.m. — Mayor’s Open Office: Ask questions and discuss concerns with St. Pete Beach Mayor Adrian Petrila.
• 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.
• Wednesday, Dec. 3, 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. — SHINE: One-on-one Medicare Counseling (by appointment only). Specially trained volunteers can assist with Medicare, and health insurance questions by providing free one-on-one counseling and information. SHINE is a free program offered by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs and the Area Agency on Aging of Pasco & Pinellas. Call 727-363-9238 or register at the Circulation Desk for a Medicare counseling session for help during the open enrollment process. By appointment only.
• Wednesday, Dec. 3, 11 a.m. — Donut Happy Hour: Socialize with other adults while enjoying donuts and coffee.
• Thursday, Dec. 4, 2:30 p.m. — Friends Board Meeting: Join the Friends of the Library for their monthly board meeting.
• Friday, Dec. 5, noon — Feature Film, with light refreshments. See spblibrary.com for movie details.
• Saturday, Dec. 6, 11 a.m. — Game On: Come try out the all-ages interactive projector game system, interactive lightboard, and interactive game table!
• Saturdays, 2-4 p.m. — Tech Help Saturdays. Get help with technology basics for phones, computers, and library-related applications. (No repairs made). For Saturday Tech Help, walk in or sign up for a 30-minute appointment at https://calendly.com/stpbeachlibrary/30min or call 727-363-9238. Please note, because this program will be occurring after regular library hours, all other library services will be suspended during this time.
Visit SPBLibrary.com for details about other programs.