St. Petersburg has secured $2.29 million in federal funding for drainage improvements along MLK Street South and near Fourth Street North and 88th Avenue North, two areas that have experienced serious street flooding during heavy rain and recent storms.

Each project is expected to cost about $10 million, so the grants will cover only part of the work. Separately, voters will decide Nov. 3 whether the city can issue up to $600 million in property-tax-backed bonds for broader drainage, wastewater and drinking-water improvements across St. Pete.

St. Pete Vibes hit the Pier for sprint training with Dr. Shawn Baker MD, best known for his carnivore lifestyle and fitness philosophy. Locals gathered to train, soak up longevity tips, and push their pace against one of the city’s best views. Just another afternoon where St. Pete proves the Pier is more than a place to catch the sunset.

Starting in October, PSTA’s new 727 Express will run from downtown St. Petersburg to Tampa International Airport with nine downtown stops, Wi-Fi, air conditioning, luggage racks, and a $2.25 one-way fare. Service is planned for 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily, using Howard Frankland Bridge express lanes. The route should also improve connections among the airport, downtown, and Gulf beaches, too.

Translation? Fewer airport rides that cost more than your flight snacks.

The latest renderings for the Rays Forever Home show how the proposed ballpark could stay active long after the final inning.

Beyond baseball, the venue is designed to accommodate major concerts and touring shows, graduations, championship sporting events, sports festivals, civic gatherings, and community programming of nearly any size.

The pitch is clear: this would not simply be a place to watch the Rays. It would be a year-round gathering space built for some of the region’s biggest moments.

St. Pete artist Makaila is asking the local community to rally around her family as her mom faces a serious medical crisis. Once a hospice nurse, her mother can no longer work in that role because of a neurological condition that has required multiple surgeries. Makaila says her mom’s brain shunt is failing and needs to be replaced to prevent fluid from building up in her brain. Frequent seizures limit her to working no more than 30 hours per week, below the threshold required for employer-provided health coverage. Makaila created a GoFundMe to help pay for the surgery and related medical care.

Zyler Cosby caught this brown pelican mid-stretch, serving full wingspan and zero personal-space awareness along the waterfront. A very St. Pete reminder that some locals arrive by boat, some by bike, and some simply glide in like they own the dock.

PHOTO CREDIT: ZYLER COSBY

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See you around town.

What a week it’s been in St. Pete.

From local wins and community stories to new projects, big conversations, and everything in between, we hope this week’s edition helped you stay connected to the city we all love.

Thanks for spending a few minutes with us every week. Every share, every reply, and every person who joins the newsletter helps us keep shining a spotlight on the people, businesses, and stories that make St. Pete special.

We’ll be back next week with more local vibes, more hidden gems, and whatever this city decides to throw our way.

Until then, stay vibey, support local, and we’ll see y’all around St. Pete! 🌴

St. Pete Vibes

6077 Bahia Del Mar Blvd, 33715, St. Petersburg