Gulf Beaches library to reopen<\/p>\n
MADEIRA BEACH \u2014 A big celebration is planned here to mark the grand reopening of the Gulf Beaches Public Library.<\/p>\n
Closed for more than a year after being devastated by hurricanes Helene and Milton, the grand opening on Feb. 26 from 5-7 p.m. will reveal a newly refurbished, designed and decorated home, and an expanded slate of programs and services.<\/p>\n
Co-hosting the celebration is the Pinellas Beaches Chamber. Light refreshments, live jazz, a silent auction and more will enhance the evening filled with stories of the library\u2019s resiliency. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own stories to tell. Event sponsors include Henry Ashwood Music, VS Importing, Redington Beach Liquors, VS Importing, Socially Funded Charity Auctions and Publix.<\/p>\n
The event is free and open to the public.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are thrilled to share our grand opening with our incredible community,\u201d said Library Director Stanley Silverstein in a press release. \u201cGBPL began as a humble endeavor in 1952 and relocated to its current location in 1969. We serve 15,000 patrons from our beaches alone, and more from all over Pinellas County. That equates to roughly 4,000 that come through our doors each month. So it is an understatement to say how meaningful it is to be able to welcome back our beloved library community, many of whom are still building back their own homes and lives after the devastation of the storms. Last year I heard regularly how eager they\u2019ve been to return \u2013 and now they have.\u201d<\/p>\n
Still lacking finishing touches, the library was among the first along the beaches to open its doors on Feb. 10, 2025, five months after the storms.<\/p>\n
The five beach towns of Treasure Island, Madeira Beach, Redington Beach, North Redington Beach and Redington Shores, collectively fund GBPL.<\/p>\n
The library is located at 200 Municipal Drive in Madeira Beach.<\/p>\n
Gulf Beaches Library sets activities<\/p>\n
MADEIRA BEACH \u2014The Gulf Beaches Public Library will host the following events:<\/p>\n
\u2022 Closed: Monday, Feb. 16. Presidents\u2019 Day.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Adult Coloring Book Group: Wednesdays, 11 a.m.-noon. New at the library. Coloring books, markers, and colored pencils will be provided.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Library App Help: Wednesdays, 2-3 p.m. For help with Libby, Kanopy, and Hoopla.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Mahjong: Thursdays, 11 a.m. Old and new members welcome.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Investment Club: Thursdays, 2:30-4 p.m.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Meditation: Fridays, 11 a.m.-noon. Relax and rejuvenate at the end of the week.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Scrabble: Fridays, 1-4 p.m.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Storytime: Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. Ages 2 and under; Fridays at 10:30 a.m. Ages 2-4.<\/p>\n
\u2022 AARP Tax Help: Feb. 3\u2013April 14. Appointment required. Call 727-346-8256.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Book Club: Tuesday, Feb. 17, at 10:30 a.m. \u201cMilkman\u201d by Anna Burns.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Adult Art Class: Tuesday, Feb. 17, 5-7:30 p.m. Watercolor class with artist Deb Barnard. All materials will be provided. Registration required.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Library Fundraiser: Thursday, Feb. 26, at 5 p.m. Enjoy live music and food while you bid on gift baskets from local vendors. Participate in the burying of a new time capsule to be opened in 2076!<\/p>\n
The library is currently accepting gently used donations of books, CDs, DVDs, and audiobooks; no textbooks.<\/p>\n
Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber to host annual dinner<\/p>\n
ST. PETE BEACH \u2014 The Annual Dinner hosted by the Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce will be held Feb. 26, 5:30 p.m., at the TradeWinds Resort Pavilion.<\/p>\n
The evening will bring together business leaders, community partners, elected officials, and stakeholders for an intentional experience focused on relationships, recognition, and forward momentum. Attendees will reflect on milestones achieved over the past year, celebrate the individuals and organizations behind that progress, and look ahead to the priorities and opportunities shaping the Chamber\u2019s future.<\/p>\n
The annual dinner will begin with an EXPO on the Pavilion Lawn from 5:30-6:30 p.m. The evening continues with dinner and a program from 6:30-8 p.m. A silent auction, sponsored by Socially Funded, will take place during the EXPO.<\/p>\n
General admission tickets are $90, which includes the EXPO business showcase, dinner and one drink ticket. A table of 10 is $1,000.<\/p>\n
Rotary ready to \u2018run the beach\u2019<\/p>\n
INDIAN ROCKS BEACH \u2014 The annual \u201cRotary Runs the Beach\u201d race will be held Saturday, March 14, beginning at 8 a.m. from 1700 Gulf Blvd.<\/p>\n
Founded in 2018 by the Indian Rocks Beach Rotary Club, the event has generated well over $100,000 for local organizations. Participation has grown from 170 runners and $8,000 raised in its first year to 400 participants and $30,000 in proceeds.<\/p>\n