Trei Johnson, Author at Creative Loafing Tampa

A photo by Trei Johnson showing Doretha standing behind a black folding table set up as a "Hydration Station" along Central Avenue in St. Petersburg, Florida. Captured in a full-length outdoor shot, Doretha wears a wide-brimmed sun hat and a patterned top while resting both hands on a large white cooler with a blue lid. A handwritten white sign attached to the front of the table reads "HYDRATION STATION" in dark lettering. In the background, an open asphalt parking lot and commercial storefront buildings sit under a bright, partly cloudy sky in natural daylight.

Meet Doretha, a St. Pete woman who gives away water bottles in the name of kindness

Her hydration station brings relief on Central Avenue.

by Trei Johnson and Gulfport Gabber August 5, 2026August 5, 2026

A man crossed Central Avenue from the Grand Central Bus Terminal, approached Doretha’s folding table and asked whether she was giving away water. Doretha smiled, said yes, and handed him a cold bottle. He thanked her, pressed it against his forehead and then his chest before walking back across the street to catch his connecting […]

A high-altitude aerial drone photograph by ByDroneVideos showing a panoramic view of St. Pete Beach, Florida. The shot looks northwest along the barrier island, highlighting a vibrant turquoise intracoastal waterway flowing between residential neighborhoods of coastal homes, boat docks, and palm trees. To the left, white sand beaches meet the clear blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico under a bright, cloudless blue sky extending to the horizon in natural daylight.

St. Pete Beach commissioners want more resident input before ruling out a property tax increase

The city’s current 3.0913-mill rate generates an estimated $15.98 million in gross property tax revenue.

by Trei Johnson and Gulfport Gabber August 4, 2026August 4, 2026

An aerial drone photograph overlooking the coastline of St. Pete Beach, Florida, on a bright, sunny day. In the foreground, vibrant emerald green water meets a stretch of bright white sand that extends outward, bordered by a long, rocky breakwater jetty. Along the shoreline, mid-rise condominiums and resort buildings line the beach, while a calm intracoastal waterway runs parallel on the right side of the frame, lined with coastal homes and boat docks. The scene stretches toward the horizon under a clear, expansive blue sky.

July seminar to discuss who controls access to St. Pete Beach

City officials will focus on Florida’s customary use doctrine and how it applies to the shoreline.

by Trei Johnson and Gulfport Gabber July 9, 2026July 9, 2026

A close-up photograph of black and white stenciled street art by D.N.Z. on a cracked concrete wall at the John's Pass Bridge in Treasure Island, Florida, taken on June 23, 2026. The right side of the image reveals the edge of a stenciled black and white figure, surrounded by white, diagonal dashed lines painted onto the grey concrete. A clear rectangular protective panel is bolted into the wall, partially covering the artwork. Resting in the pale sand at the very base of the wall is a small, real bouquet of bright yellow sunflowers and green sprigs.

Arts & Entertainment

Banksy-esque street art from UK artist DNZ lasts one day at John’s Pass Bridge

D.N.Z created the piece before officials painted it over.

by Trei Johnson and Gulfport Gabber July 9, 2026July 9, 2026

A sunny outdoor photograph of the colorful "Historic Waterfront" welcome sign in Gulfport, Florida. The artistic sign, featuring a painted arrow, a pink flamingo illustration, and theatrical masks, sits on a lush green lawn surrounded by mature trees, landscaping, and tropical palm trees. A residential building is visible in the background under a bright blue sky.

Gulfport officials say playground closures, permitting delays, public safety issues, all possible if voters approve property tax amendment in fall election

Gulfport already cannot not cover its public safety costs with property taxes alone, even before any reduction.

by Trei Johnson and Gulfport Gabber June 24, 2026June 24, 2026