Pinellas County Archives - Creative Loafing Tampa

Two people wearing 727 shirts make hand signs forming a 7 2 and 7

Arts & Entertainment

Pinellas County celebrates 727 Day with deals and events all next week

Pinellas businesses offer more than 100 exclusive deals over three days.

by Leif Helland July 17, 2026July 17, 2026

Restaurants, bars, shops and local attractions celebrate the 727 area code with over 100 exclusive deals over three days. Discounts on food and drinks, special pricing on tours, reduced museum admission, staycations, spa treatments and more are available through Visit St. Pete-Clearwater’s free mobile passport.

An aerial view of Treasure Island and the damage on Gulf to Bay Blvd from beach sands and flood damage after Hurricane Helene in 2024.

Pinellas nonprofit to give away generators, chainsaws and more at hurricane expo

Experts will offer vital info on how to prepare for and respond to the next big storm.

by Selene San Felice May 7, 2026May 8, 2026

Aerial view of St. Pete Beach, Florida, showing turquoise Gulf waters, white sand coastline, and luxury beachfront resorts under a clear blue sky.

New Census data shows Pinellas County witnessed second largest population decline in country

The third biggest loss in the country was Miami-Dade.

by Mitch Perry and Florida Phoenix March 27, 2026March 27, 2026

Brian Scott, Chair, speaking at a public meeting while seated at a desk with a microphone, nameplate, papers, gavel, and electronic devices in front of him.

Arts & Entertainment

Column: Pinellas County Commissioner Brian Scott’s argument to defund Creative Pinellas doesn’t hold water

The nonprofit wasn’t established to fund tourism, but has put art in front of Pinellas County visitors.

By Jennifer RingSeptember 4, 2025September 4, 2025

Hillsborough County wants to work with DeSantis’ ‘DOGE’ team—and residents can apply to help

Pinellas is getting in on the action, too.

by Selene San Felice April 12, 2025July 25, 2025

Support students and teachers by voting ‘Yes’ on Hillsborough and Pinellas school board referendums

Hillsborough could really use the love.

by Ray Roa October 24, 2024February 2, 2025

Tampa Bay counties will receive voting accommodations due to Hurricane Milton, DeSantis says

In Pinellas and Taylor counties, early voting will end on the day of the election instead of the third day before the election.

by Jay Waagmeester and Florida Phoenix October 17, 2024November 10, 2024

Over 16,000 properties in Pinellas County are uninhabitable following Hurricane Helene

“This is weeks, not days, and it’s going to require the efforts of so many in order to help our residents regain their life.”

by Mitch Perry and Florida Phoenix October 2, 2024August 4, 2025

Pinellas County waterfront homeowners file appeal in public beach access fight

The waterfront property owners argued that the ordinance was an unconstitutional “taking” of their private property.

by Jim Saunders and News Service of Florida September 12, 2024March 24, 2025

Arts & Entertainment

From city hall to Al Lang Field, there are a bunch of 727 Day events happening in Pinellas this weekend

Free St. Pete flag anyone?

by Ray Roa July 25, 2024July 28, 2025

The Florida Supreme Court building with six white pillars.

Pinellas must pay taxes on land it owns in Pasco, says Florida Supreme Court

Justices upheld a 2019 decision by the 2nd District Court of Appeal that said Pinellas County could be taxed on 12,400 acres it owns in Pasco County.

by Jim Saunders and News Service of Florida June 28, 2024October 31, 2024

Atlanta’s Truist Park offers a slick, corporatized view of the Tampa Bay Rays stadium ordeal

The home of the Braves reeks of AstroTurf, not grassroots.

by Thomas Hallock May 13, 2024July 16, 2025

Fort De Soto’s new pier opens to the public next week

New fishing spot unlocked.

by Colin Wolf September 20, 2023July 21, 2025

Tampa Bay environmentalists push back on proposed fracked gas pipeline expansion

Environmentalists say expanding fossil fuels will only hurt the local environment and residents.

by Justin Garcia January 17, 2023June 4, 2025

Tampa Bay cold weather shelters opening for Christmas weekend

Lows will be near or at freezing in some parts of the area over the next few days

by Justin Garcia December 23, 2022December 31, 2023

Arts & Entertainment

Pinellas’ November arts calendar is busy as hell

Here are nearly two dozen ways to experience art in the 727 this month.

by Jennifer Ring November 9, 2022September 13, 2024

St. Petersburg couple in financial dispute with landlord after apartment ceiling collapsed

Terrier Properties has decided not to renew the couple’s lease after they demanded compensation for damages.

by Justin Garcia October 20, 2022July 28, 2025

Tampa Bay shelter and sandbag locations open ahead of Hurricane Ian

Counties across Tampa Bay are urging residents to prepare for Hurricane Ian.

by Justin Garcia September 26, 2022August 10, 2023

Neo-Nazis gave ‘Heil Hitler’ salutes at St. Pete Beach and waved flags around Pinellas County last weekend

The National Socialists of Florida also showed up at the Turning Point USA conference in Tampa last month.

by Justin Garcia August 29, 2022June 27, 2025

Cops seize guns of Clearwater man who threatened Black landscapers with rifle

The seizure of the guns comes after Berry exhibited red flags as a potential danger to the public, law enforcement says.

by Justin Garcia July 29, 2022July 14, 2025