USF Receives Huge Grant

*Rendering via USF St. Pete

USF St. Petersburg recently received a huge grant from Duke Energy Florida. The school was awarded $1 million to fund research that will explore the storing of solar energy in new battery systems.

The university, as part of the Sunsense Grant, will install a 100 kW solar photovoltaic (PV) system on the top of the University's 5th Ave. S. parking garage.

USF St. Pete reports that the energy produced by the PV system will "be stored in new battery systems and high resolution data will be collected on all aspects of PV and energy storage, maximizing synergy between the two systems."

The University won this grant after professors from all three colleges (Arts & Sciences, Business, Education) submitted signed letters stating how they would incorporate this project into the school's curriculum.

The University reports that their energy needs average about 19.1 million kWh per year. The installed solar panels can produce on average 164,250kWh per year.

This opportunity will underscore the importance of sustainable energy practices on all campuses in St. Pete, the state of Florida and the country at large. For more information regarding the grant or the changes soon to come to the university read USF's full report.

Giveback at St. Pete Coliseum

*Photo by glassdoor.com 

The St. Petersburg Free Clinic is hosting its 35th Annual hunger awareness event, Soup's On, on Thursday, October 2. The Free Clinic will serve A lunch of homemade soup and bread to the community beginning at 11:45am.

The purpose of the event is to raise awareness of hunger and homelessness in Pinellas County. The event is free to attend, however the Free Clinic will accept donations at the door.

From a report by 83 Degrees Media we've learned that Soup's On will serve as a public launch for the Clinic's "Saving Grace Project." The project's mission is to supply beds/shelters for homeless women committed to turning their lives around.

The multitude of calls the clinic receives each month have shown the need for expanded housing for these women. At the moment the Free Clinic can only accept 1 or 2 of the women that reach out to them. An individuals stay usually does not exceed a year and can be as short as 6 months depending on the situation. However. any kind of extended stay has put bed at a premium. 

Head out to St. Pete Coliseum on October 2, at 11:45 am. Donate to a worthwhile cause and learn how you can help fight the pervasive homeless issue in the Burg.

St. Pete Coliseum, located at 535 4th Ave N.

FLEXSedans Offers Free Service to Members

*Photo by FLEXSedans

If you're a member of Flex Sedans then you're in for an awesome surprise. The company has 4 tickets to this Saturday's Tampa Bay Rowdies game against the Ft. Lauderdale Strikers and they're giving them away.

The tickets are in the brand new Midfielder's Club and come with one complimentary drink each. The tickets will go to the first member who books  round trip car service with them to Al Lang Stadium. You can call or text your reservation to 1.800.330.3539.

Become a member by visiting their website and signing up.

Whether you win or not we still hope to see all of you St. Pete residents out at Al Lang this Saturday! Wear your #RowdiesFace and be a part of the electric community known as Ralph's Mob.

Score With The Rowdies!

Whether you're a new fan or a veteran mobster The Rowdies want to thank you for all of your support. This gift won't fit in a goodie bag. Head over to the Rowdies sweepstakes page and enter for your chance to win a Mercedes C250 Sports Sedan! Enter daily to increase your chances. Mercedes, the ride that helps you tailgate in style.