Each month, the City of St. Petersburg has a newsletter called St. Pete Extra that shares updates on new programs, exciting upcoming events, important local news, and a wealth of insider secrets on the Sunshine City. Inside this monthly update, we always find great nuggets that we can use to make living in St. Pete better and more fun for ourselves, our neighbors, our families, and our friends.

With their permission, we are going to share some of each month’s highlights in this space, which are chock full of good info. For example, this month’s edition highlights the new St. Pete bike map and guide the city has created. Check out their website for the full list, and subscribe there to have it delivered to your inbox every month.

Budgeting for all

Introducing the Innovative Equity Project, a new initiative designed to foster community empowerment and participation in resource allocation within the City of St. Petersburg. The City has set aside $1 million to allocate towards one of five new projects and St. Pete residents are invited to vote for their top choice.

Review the projects and cast your vote by June 12, 2024 at stpete.org/InnovativeEquity.

Last call to cruise

The Cross Bay Ferry season is ending soon, so make sure you get your last rides in! The Ferry brings visitors from St. Pete to Downtown Tampa and is a fun way to get across the Bay. The Ferry will be taking the summer off at the end of June.

For schedule and tickets, visit thecrossbayferry.com.

Funding available for social service agencies

Social service agencies that provide homeless services and/or homeless prevention services are invited to apply to take advantage of up to $100,000 in Social Action Funding grants from the City of St. Petersburg. Applications will be open from May 3 – June 20.

Find eligibility, the application, and more information at stpete.org/SocialActionFunding.

St. Pete hearts the arts

Arts organizations – it’s time to secure the bag. Arts & Culture Grants are back! The City is providing funding to eligible organizations that contribute to the vibrant cultural opportunities that serve the diverse citizens of the St. Pete community. Applications are open now through June 13.

Learn more and apply at stpete.org/ArtsGrants.

Spread the love this Pride month

During Pride Month this June, Letters of Love will make its return! This is an opportunity to show your love and support for the LGBTQIA+ community in St. Pete. Also, join us for St. Pete Pride, Florida’s largest Pride celebration.

Stay in the know for Pride Month events and happenings at stpete.org/Pride.

Summer reading adventures await

Embark on a literary journey this summer with St. Pete’s exciting reading program – Adventure Begins at Your Library. Join us and let your imagination soar as you embark on a summer filled with excitement, learning, and endless possibilities.

This free, educational summer programming will be offered from June 1 through August 4. Visit splibraries.org for more info soon, including the Kickoff Event and Summer Reading Guides.

Shine a spotlight on St. Pete

Got a yard that stops passersby in their tracks? Or a building design that’s the envy of the neighborhood? We want to hear from you!

Nominations are now open for City Beautification Awards! Whether you’re a green-thumbed business owner or a home landscaping enthusiast, we’re on the lookout for properties that add that extra sparkle to our cityscape.

Don’t miss your chance to shine! Nominations close on August 1. Visit stpete.org/CBC to submit.

The scores are in

The new Drinking Water Quality Report, AKA our report card for the city’s drinking water, is now available. The City routinely monitors for contaminants in your drinking water according to federal and state laws, rules, and regulations to keep you safe, and reports on it each year.

Find this year’s report at stpete.org/WaterQualityReport.

To request a physical copy of the report, call the Water Resources Department at 727-893-7261.