Mentors of the Write Field put boys on the right path

The mentors have been quietly molding their young charges for most of the school year.

In its second year, the Write Field 2.0 is a mentoring program that helps minority middle school boys improve academic performance and gain life skills. Write Field is a collaboration of the Poynter Institute for Media Studies and the Tampa Bay Rays. They joined forces with local schools, law enforcement, businesses and community groups to create the program....

Fort De Soto Park celebrates 50 years

For half a century, Fort De Soto, a sandy, sun-kissed gem, has attracted millions of visitors from around the globe.

Its 1,136 acres makes it Pinellas County's largest park. The beaches are ranked among the nation's best.

On Saturday May 11, Fort De Soto Park officials, friends and volunteers will celebrate its 50th anniversary. It's a milestone the entire Tampa Bay area should toast....

Gospel brunches coming to Jannus Live

Take a casual stroll along some corridors of the Sunshine City on any given Sunday and it's clear that residents here enjoy Sunday brunch offerings. The Vinoy, Parkshore Grille and Red Mesa Cantina are just a few of the popular spots that are usually teeming with patrons.

Well, move over, a larger downtown venue is setting a plate at the table for the brunch munch.

Jannus Live, at 16 Second St. N, is offering an all-you-can-eat buffet that also allows patrons to praise as they graze....

St. Petersburg's police chase policy merits review

I've never been a fan of the St. Petersburg Police Department's chase policy. I am not alone.

That sentiment has been echoed time and time again since the policy was reinstated in 2010.

A week ago I was able to see firsthand the effects of the policy on 54th Avenue S west of 16th Street, when things don't go as planned.

While most of us were sleeping, police gave chase to a silver Kia that rammed an officer's vehicle as he investigated an auto theft near 43rd Street S....

Party to launch Artbook Tampa Bay app, an eyeful for iPad

Remember the folks from One St. Pete?

It was a grass roots campaign aimed at uniting and healing the Sunshine City in the spring of 2011 after the murders of three police officers.

That effort was the brainchild of Kevin Hohl, chief strategy officer for HD Interactive, a Tampa software development company specializing in mobile apps.

These folks were responsible for the illuminated series of photographs, drawings and QR codes that were projected on buildings throughout downtown two years ago....

Here's hoping new plans revive the historic Kress building

When a district begins to thrive, it's not unusual to find a few spots that struggle to catch the wave.

Here in the Sunshine City, with the arts, new restaurants, an evolving craft beer market and new housing developments sprouting, it seems odd when other spaces appear to be trapped in a revolving door of failed ventures.

Such is the case with the historic Kress building at 475 Central Ave....

St. Petersburg's arts community grows again

One of the Sunshine City's newest districts has quickly become the city's arts hub.

Last week I mentioned a couple of Salt Creek Artworks artists setting up shop in the Warehouse Arts District.

This week, patrons of St. Petersburg's Second Saturday Gallery Walk will notice a few welcome additions.

For starters, there's no longer an excuse for not venturing to the district. Last month, many people took advantage of the free trolleys that allow exploration of more than 25 galleries and studios....

Williams Park question seems to defy answers in St. Petersburg

Williams Park, a passive green space in the heart of St. Petersburg's central business district, has been a gathering place for the homeless for quite some time. A decade ago, when all eyes were fixated on the developing skyline along tony Beach Drive, they moved in, with little or no protests. After all this time, they've been there long enough to claim squatters rights.

They've survived the 2010 pan-handling ban and suspensions from the park. In 2011, the city removed some park benches to prevent the homeless from sleeping in public spaces. They endured being shipped off to Pinellas Hope. But each time, they seem to find their way back home, to the park....

Pinellas should lead the way in light rail

Is Pinellas County on the fast track for adding a light rail system? A vote next week by the County Commission to put a sales tax increase on next year's ballot could set things in motion. Most commissioners favor adding the question to the ballot, but how will voters react?

The pipe dream of evolving into a true metropolitan region starts with mass transit.

There are a couple of reasons why Pinellas should lead the effort for the region:...

Politics continues to get in the way of Rays solution

“I'll probably blow your mind today . . ."

Those were the remarks of St. Petersburg Mayor Bill Foster at Thursday's City Council meeting. He seemed to be weary of the political maneuvering that appears to have a firm grip on almost every issue on the city's agenda these days. Such is life in an election year.

Like a tenured professor lecturing a remedial class on the finer points of city administration, Foster's statements were measured. ...

Midtown missteps reveal weak city leadership

If the hiccups of city government were a round of golf, a host of senior officials would need to take a mulligan.

In the last two weeks, it seems that our fearless leaders have been forced to take penalties in the proverbial sand traps in Midtown.

First there is the $7.1 million debacle that is the closure of the Sweetbay in Midtown. The jury is still out on which party — Sweetbay or City Hall — is being truthful about communications that preceded the announcement of the store's closure....

'Love notes' preface chamber Good 'Burger Awards

In what appears to be early Valentines, "love notes" have been landing at the doorsteps of individuals, businesses and organizations throughout the Sunshine City.

If you or your organization are a recipient of said note, congratulations are in order.

The "love note" is really a nomination for the Good 'Burger Awards from the St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce. A Good 'Burger is a business, organization or individual making a positive impact on the community....