PINELLAS COUNTY NEWS

This piece by famed French jewelry designer Jean Schlumberger is among the many on display at the Museum of Fine Arts in St. Petersburg through March 31, 2019. (Kim Leoffler/Spectrum Bay News 9)

On the Town: Designer Jewelry Sparkles at MFA St. Pete

Pinellas County

During a red-carpet celebration in Palm Coast for the new movie, "Bernie the Dolphin," actor Kevin Sorbo said people ask him all the time to make more family-friendly movies. (Spectrum News)

On The Town: 5 Things to Know About New Movie "Bernie the Dolphin"

Florida

McMullen Booth Road lanes reopened early Tuesday. (Laurie Davison/Spectrum Bay News 9)

McMullen Booth Road Lanes Reopened After Gas Main Repairs

Pinellas County

Treasure Island Police responded to this home Monday morning in order to check on the welfare of a woman who reportedly phoned a friend to call for help. (Josh Rojas/Spectrum Bay News 9)

Police: Treasure Island Man Kept Wife Prisoner for Days, Beat Her

Pinellas County

The body of Jordan Belliveau was found days after his mother reported him missing. File photo

Largo Mom Accused of Killing Toddler Due to Give Birth While in Jail

Pinellas County

This van owned by Pinellas Hope of Catholic Charities, was damaged this past weekend when it was struck by a tractor trailer while it was parked on the group's property. The driver left the scene of the crash. (Tim Wronka/Spectrum Bay News 9)

Pinellas Faith-Based Group Seeks Help After Van Badly Damaged

Pinellas County

This week's Everyday Hero introduces you to Jane Williams, co-founder of The Banyan Odyssey.

EVERYDAY HERO: The Banyan Odyssey Helps the Handi-Capable

Pinellas County

The section of MLK Street in St. Petersburg featured in this week's Traffic Inbox is part of the city's Complete Streets Program.

TRAFFIC INBOX: Concerns With New Lanes on MLK in St. Pete

Pinellas County

St. Petersburg police said Cameron Baxley failed to yield to two pedestrians in the crosswalk at the intersection of 1st Avenue North and 3rd Street North. (Angie Angers/Spectrum Bay News 9)

Man Charged with DUI in St. Pete Hit-And-Run Involving Two Pedestrians

Pinellas County

FDOT will be conducting road repairs across the Bay area, resulting in lane closures, starting Sunday, December 9 through Saturday, December 15. (file photo)

County-By-County Road Closures Starting Sunday Due to FDOT Repairs

Tampa

A real ice skating rink has opened in Albert Whitted Park as part of the Holidays in the Sunshine City event. (Katie Jones/Spectrum Bay News 9)

Ice Skating Rink Opens in Downtown St. Petersburg

Pinellas County

The fire happened Saturday morning on Stonegate Drive in Belleair. (Trevor Pettiford, Spectrum Bay News 9)

Belleair Mansion Destroyed in Early-Morning Fire

Pinellas County

Michael Drejka was in court Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. His trial date on a manslaughter charge has been set for Aug. 19.

Court Date Set in Fatal Clearwater Convenience Store Shooting

Pinellas County

Police lights

St. Pete Police Issue Warning About Hoax Threats

Pinellas County

Power outages are common during storms. (File photo)

Bay-Area Power Outage Maps

Tampa

handcuffs graphic

Detectives: Tarpon Springs Man Bit Girlfriend's Children, Left Scars

Pinellas County

A stretch of the East Lake corridor now under scrutiny following Wednesday's crash that critically injured an East Like High School student while she was on her bike. (Spectrum Bay News 9)

Pinellas Teen Struck by Car Recovering From Crash

Pinellas County

Operation Toy Soldier is trying to collect more than 3,000 toys and gifts to give to families of veterans and active duty service members. (Katie Jones/Spectrum Bay News 9)

Operation Toy Soldier: Showing Support to Military Families During the Holidays

Pinellas County

It's the season of giving — and Clearwater firefighters are asking for your help collecting toys for children who are in the hospital during the holidays. (City of Clearwater)

Clearwater Firefighters to Hold Toy Drive For Sick Kids

Pinellas County

Students East Lake

School Officials Eyeing Student Safety After Girl, 15, Struck by Car

Pinellas County

The City of St. Petersburg is considering a 5-cent fee for every single use bag taken from a store or restaurant carry out.

St. Pete to Consider Plastic Bag Fee to Help Protect Environment

Pinellas County

East Lake crash

Girl, 15, in Critical Condition After Being Struck By Car Near East Lake High

Pinellas County

File photo of traffic

Public to Provide Input at 'Complete Streets' Meeting in St. Pete

Pinellas County

Bubba Clem

Exclusive: As Hulk Hogan Lawsuit Ramps Up, Bubba Weighs In

Hillsborough County

police lights

Authorities Identify Body Found in Water Near Howard Frankland

Pinellas County

Corey Dunlap is on chemotherapy and countless other treatments for his leukemia. (Family photo)

7-Year-Old Leukemia Patient, Family Hoping for Donor

Pinellas County

Deadly crash image

Pedestrian Hit, Killed by Vehicle in Seminole

Pinellas County

Pack a Sack

Dunedin Church Group Packs Sacks to Fight Hunger

Pinellas County

police lights

Police: Woman Drove 4-Year-Old Boy While Under Influence of Narcotic

Pinellas County

The renovated Belleview Inn, which re-opens this week, sits in the heart of the new Belleview Place housing project in Belleair. (Tim Wronka/Spectrum Bay News 9)

Former Belleview Biltmore Set to Re-Open

Pinellas County

file photo of handcuffs

Police: Three Charged in Clearwater With Operating Illegal Drug House

Pinellas County

The Tampa Bay Rays exceeded expectations and won 90 games in 2018, but where the team will play long-term is still in question. (File photo)

Deadline Approaching for Rays; Hillsborough Leaders Want Commitment

Hillsborough County

Allegiant

Allegiant Retires Aging Fleet of MD-80 Planes

Pinellas County

Artwork by Yalanda Speights, 46, entitled "Mae", on display at Creative Clay in St. Petersburg. Speights died December 1 from injuries sustained in a traffic crash on November 24. (Melissa Eichman/Spectrum Bay News 9)

Family Members Remember St. Pete Crash Victim Through Her Art

Pinellas County

Stolen car crash

Woman Dies Week After St. Petersburg Stolen Car Crash

Pinellas County

Pinellas County officials say red tide conditions are improving along county beaches. (Angie Angers/Spectrum Bay News 9)

Pinellas County Ends Red Tide Cleanup Operations

Pinellas County

Here is what the Greek Orthodox Church will look like once it's completed by Easter of 2019. (Spectrum Bay News 9 image)

Greek Craftsmen Travel to Palm Harbor to Build Greek Orthodox Church

Pinellas County

The Camaraderie Foundation organized a family fun day for military families at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. (Jorja Roman/Spectrum Bay News 9)

Clearwater Marine Aquarium Hosts Fun Day for Military Families

Pinellas County

The 4th annual WMNF Ukulele Festival, "Uke It Out," is Saturday at Cage Brewing in St. Petersburg.

On The Town: 4th Annual Ukulele Festival in St. Pete

Pinellas County

The annual Wreaths Across America Day is just two weeks away, and at Bay Pines National Cemetery, they are more than 32,000 wreaths short. (Katie Jones/Spectrum News)

Wreaths Across America Coordinator at St. Pete Cemetery Struggles for Support

Pinellas County

Looking to adopt a new furry friend for the holidays? Pinellas County Animal Service has started a program called "Home for the Holidays" that allows residents to foster dogs for two nights in hopes they find the perfect fit for their family. (Pinellas County Animal Services)

December Campaign Aims to Give Dogs a 'Home For The Holidays'

Pinellas County

Pinellas County

Missing Biker's Body Found Off I-275, Family Says

Pinellas County

mobile home fire

Early-Morning Fire Guts St. Petersburg Mobile Home

Pinellas County

Left to right: Raymond Sass, Tyler Vogel, Jonathan Hubbard, Brock Cunningham, and Dominic Baratta all signed letters of intent Wednesday. Sass will attend Brown University in Rhode Island, while his classmates will all attend Eastern Florida State College in Melbourne. (Josh Rojas/Spectrum Bay News 9)

Dunedin High Baseball Players Get Scholarships to Play at Same College

Pinellas County

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Hepatitis A Spike Prompts Florida Public Health Advisory

Florida

Albert Whitted Airport crash

Plane Ends Up in Water Off Albert Whitted Airport Runway

Pinellas County

crime scene file photo

Seminole Woman Commits Suicide During Standoff With Deputies

Pinellas County

This photo shared on the GoFundMe page for seven-week-old Gwendolyn Eydelman shows Gwendolyn's hand held gently by that of her mom, Mariah Salmon. Gwendolyn died on November 19, 2018. (Courtesy of Mariah Salmon)

Judge denies bond to Largo man accused of killing newborn

Pinellas County

Pinellas County has had the highest number of manatees killed by red tide in the state with 16 deaths. (Spectrum Bay News 9)

FWC: Red Tide Has Killed 16 Manatees in Pinellas County

Pinellas County

car crash

As Car Thefts Continue, St. Pete Youth Group Looks For Change

Pinellas County

police lights

Largo Man Arrested, Charged in Death of 7-Week-Old Baby

Pinellas County

Bay area residents have spent several weeks dealing with red tide issues. (File photo)

Pinellas County Ends Red Tide Cleanup; Problems Persist in Manatee

Pinellas County

St Pete crash

Women Injured After 4 in Stolen Vehicle Cause St. Pete Crash

Pinellas County

The red tide crisis Pinellas County has been dealing with for months has been slowly clearing up. (Spectrum Bay News 9)

Pinellas County Starting to See Relief From Red Tide

Pinellas County

Twenty-seven-year-old Jimmy Butler hasn’t been heard from since early Sunday morning, according to his family. (Courtesy of the Butler family)

Family of Missing Tampa Bay Area Man: Bike May Be Clue in Search

Pinellas County

Gallagher’s Pumpkins and Christmas Trees is back in business again. (Holly Gregory/Spectrum News)

St. Pete Christmas Tree Business Makes Comeback After Tornado

Pinellas County

Clearwater Police Department is bringing in extra patrols to help cut down on crime on Black Friday. (Katie Jones/Spectrum News)

Clearwater PD Warns People to Shop Smart on Black Friday

Pinellas County

The Coffee Pot Turkey Trot in St. Petersburg benefits North Shore Elementary School. (Spectrum News image)

St. Pete Turkey Trot Benefits North Shore Elementary

Tampa

Sunshine Skyway Bridge in the Tampa Bay area. (Spectrum News image)

Filmmaker Turns Sunshine Skyway Bridge Crash into Documentary

Tampa

Family and friends held a vigil for the two teens who were killed in a crash in St. Petersburg on Monday. (Saundra Weathers/Spectrum News 9)

Vigil Held for Teens Killed in St. Petersburg Crash

Pinellas County

The community came out to donate and enjoy the 3rd annual Safety Harbor Gobble Wobble 5k walk, run and drive. (Safety Harbor Gobble Wobble)

PHOTOS: 3rd Annual Safety Harbor Gobble Wobble Saw Donations

Pinellas County

The head of food services for Tampa's Metropolitan Ministries Luis Soto says the food preparation for the Thanksgiving meal started a week ago. (Spectrum Bay News 9)

Tampa Ministry Serves Up Thanksgiving Meals For Those In Need

Hillsborough County

Some Bay Area fishermen rescued a young dolphin that got its tail wrapped in a crab pot rope on Saturday, in the Gulf of Mexico, a few miles west of John’s Pass in Madeira Beach.

Exclusive: Bay Area Fisherman Rescue Dolphin Tangled in a Crab Pot Rope

Pinellas County

Scott Piwinski

Coming Home For a Final Thanksgiving

Pinellas County

Clearwater mural

Downtown Clearwater To Be Transformed By Muralists

Pinellas County

St Pete crash

POLICE: 2 Killed in Stolen Car Crash in St. Petersburg

Pinellas County

It was a beautiful Monday at St. Pete Beach as red tide problems have largely gone away.

After Months, is the Red Tide Finally Gone?

Pinellas County

Crime scene

Deputies Investigate Death of 71-Year-Old Man

Pinellas County

Make-A-Wish Southern Florida built a playground for 13-year-old Brock Napolitano, who has special needs. (Trevor Pettiford/Spectrum Bay News 9)

Make-A-Wish Builds Playground for Child With Special Needs

Pinellas County

A fire broke out inside a room at the Flamingo Resort in St. Petersburg on Sunday. (Courtesy of Sage Tracy)

Firefighters Respond to Fire at Flamingo Resort in St. Pete

Pinellas County

traffic alert

Motorcyclist Killed in Crash on Howard Frankland Bridge

Tampa

Small business owners in St. Petersburg want people to shop locally this holiday season. (Katie Jones/Spectrum Bay News 9)

St. Pete Business Owners Want You to Shop Local for the Holidays

Pinellas County

crime scene tape file photo

Man Fatally Shot Overnight at Pinellas Park Apartments

Pinellas County

police line

Police: 1 Critically Injured in St. Petersburg Shooting

Pinellas County

Left: Composite image released by St. Petersburg Police of the unidentified man killed in a traffic crash on November 14; Right: Ring the man was wearing at the time of the crash. (Courtesy of St. Petersburg Police)

Police Ask Public's Help in Identifying Man Killed in St. Pete Crash

Pinellas County

Largo police located the stolen French bulldog in Tampa on Friday. (Largo Police Department)

Police: Stolen French Bulldog Puppy Found; Suspect Charged

Pinellas County

Clearwater crime scene

Body Prompts Death Investigation at Home Near Clearwater

Pinellas County

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Police: Motorcyclist, 44, Killed in St. Pete Crash

Pinellas County

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Police: Pedestrian Killed in St. Pete Crash

Pinellas County

Aerial view of intersection of North 50th Street and E. Columbus Drive in Tampa. A chase involving a suspect vehicle and Tampa Police ended in the intersection with a crash Wednesday, November 14, 2018. (Courtesy of Sky 9)

1 Captured, 1 Sought After Tampa Police Vehicle Chase

Pinellas County

The $79 million, 167,000-square-foot complex is taking shape. (Trevor Pettiford/Spectrum Bay News 9)

Construction Taking Shape on St. Pete Police Headquarters

Pinellas County

The Complete Streets Program has improved both safety and the look of many roadways.

GETTING THERE: Clearwater Residents Can Weigh in on Complete Streets Program

Pinellas County

Police lights

Florida Woman Accused of Stealing Lobster From Restaurant Tank

Pinellas County

police

Police: Tarpon Springs Man, 25, Charged With Murder After Shooting Father

Pinellas County

Pinellas Technical High School student Alyssa Franzani feeds cows on the school's campus.

Pinellas Technical High School to be Renamed After Receiving Major Donation

Pinellas County

St. Petersburg Fire Rescue personnel outside a home damaged by fire Tuesday morning, November 13, 2018. (Jorja Roman/Spectrum Bay News 9)

St. Pete Family Happy to be Alive After Fire Damages Home

Pinellas County

Celebrate Outreach sign showing future "tiny home" along with ceremonial shovels where the group broke ground Monday on a future home for a homeless veteran. (Dalia Dangerfield/Spectrum Bay News 9)

Tiny Homes to Offer Big Hopes for Struggling Veterans

Pinellas County

police

Clearwater Police Officer Facing Second Arrest in 2 Weeks

Pinellas County

PSTA bus involved in a fatal crash on Monday, November 12, 2018. (Courtesy of SKY 9)

Man, 58, Charged with DUI Manslaughter in Indian Rocks Beach Crash

Pinellas County

Alan Landers was awarded the Barbara Bush Citizen Patriot Award on Sunday night.

6th-Grader Saluted For Helping Send Vets on Honor Flights

Pinellas County

This is an image from one of two recent crashes on the Howard Frankland bridge that involved wrong-way drivers.

TRAFFIC INBOX: Wrong-way crashes on Howard Frankland

Hillsborough County

A woman was fatally shot while sitting on her porch in St. Petersburg. (Spectrum Bay News 9)

Woman Shot, Killed While Sitting on Porch in St. Pete

Pinellas County

Workers at the Supervisor of Elections Office in Pinellas County have begun recounting ballots. (Angie Angers/Spectrum Bay News 9)

Workers Begin Recounting Votes in Pinellas County

Pinellas County

A Safety Harbor woman is a on a mission to honor her family’s legacy and help others re-connect with lost loved ones. (Katie Jones/Spectrum Bay News 9)

Volunteers to Restore Century-Old African-American Cemetery

Pinellas County

A Count Every Vote rally was held Saturday in St. Petersburg. (Jorja Roman/Spectrum Bay News 9)

'Count Every Vote' Rally Held in St. Petersburg

Pinellas County

Clara Rosa Ice Cream Truck is Carlos Velez's dream come true.

Former Corrections Officer Now Serves Community One Scoop At A Time

Pinellas County

file photo of handcuffs

Sarasota Cop Accused of Battering Allegiant Airline Employee, Son at St. Pete-Clearwater Airport

Pinellas County

handcuffs graphic

Pinellas Teacher Arrested, Charged with Grand Theft

Pinellas County

This blinged-out Santa is just one of the many unique holiday-themed items you can find and purchase at Florida CraftArt's 2018 Holiday Boutique, but keep in mind, he's a bit on the pricey side. (Virginia Johnson/Spectrum Bay News 9)

On the Town: Florida CraftArt Holiday Boutique Now Open

Pinellas County

gas station shooting

Largo Man, 32, Facing Slew of Charges After Shots Fired, Pursuit

Pinellas County

LATEST BAY AREA NEWS

FWC personnel helping in the release of a manatee into the warm waters near TECO's Big Bend power station in Apollo Beach, Tuesday, December 18, 2018. The manatee had spent the last three months rehabilitating from red tide-related symptoms. (Josh Rojas/Spectrum Bay News 9)

3 Rehabbed Red Tide Manatees Released in Apollo Beach

Hillsborough County

Residents of the New Horizons Assisted Share Home in Winter Haven got a nice treat Tuesday. Members of the Faith Extreme youth group came over to sing Christmas carols and give them teddy bears. (Rick Elmhorst/Spectrum Bay News 9)

Youth Group Surprises Residents at Assisted Living Facility With Carols

Polk County

Sunset over Odessa, FL

Weather Forecast: Showers Start to Move in Wednesday Night

Tampa

Eastwood Street in Inverness is a sandy mess and has caused residents, emergency vehicles, and even a Spectrum Bay News 9 vehicle to get stuck.

Inverness Residents Frustrated Over State of Road Leading to Homes

Citrus County