Weekly Tidbits November 12, 2026

Deck the Hulls: Pinellas County Boaters, It’s Time to Join a Holiday Boat Parade

There are some holiday traditions that just feel like Florida, and lighted boat parades are certainly one of them . For generations, boaters and waterfront communities across Pinellas County have celebrated the season by decorating their vessels and taking to the waterways, creating sparkling nighttime spectacles for everyone on shore to enjoy. Learn more at https://www.paradisenewsfl.com/deck-the-hulls/.

St. Bartholomew’s Christmas Festival Brings Holiday Fun

Celebrate the season at St. Bartholomew’s Annual Christmas Festival on Saturday, December 5, from 11am to 3pm at St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church, 3747 34th St. S., St. Petersburg. This free, family-friendly celebration features the Skyway Marina District Arts & Craft Show, live Christmas music, Santa photos, a petting zoo with nativity animals, children’s activities, food and more. It’s a festive afternoon with plenty of ways to shop local and make holiday memories. More at https://www.stbartsinstpete.org/.

Indian Shores Residents Christmas Wreath Contest

Indian Shores residents are invited to show off their holiday creativity in the Town’s Christmas Wreath Contest! Pick up one of 27 wreaths at Town Hall, third floor, weekdays from 8am to 4pm, beginning November 10. Decorated wreaths must be returned by November 25 and will be displayed in front of Town Hall for community voting during Christmas at the Shores on December 4, from 4–8pm. Winners will be featured in the Mayor’s Message on December 11. For details, contact Ashley Ierna at 727-595-4020, ext. 204, or Aierna@myindianshores.com.

Ferg’s Hosts 2 Free Concerts in November

After celebrating the greatest October in Ferg’s history, thanks in large part to the Tampa Bay Rays’ unforgettable journey to the 2026 World Series and three thrilling home games at Tropicana Field, Ferg’s founder and owner Mark Ferguson, and the entire Ferg’s team have a special way of saying THANK YOU! Ferg’s will present two FREE rock concerts for the entire Tampa Bay community on Friday, November 6th and 13th. Whether you’re a lifelong resident, a snowbird returning for another season, or a visitor from across the world, you’re invited to celebrate with us!

Learn more at https://www.paradisenewsfl.com/free-concerts-at-fergs-2026/.

November Tidbits & Local News for Pinellas County

What’s new around the beaches and beyond? This month’s Tidbits bring updates on hurricane recovery assistance, new dining destinations, local business news, holiday happenings, community fundraisers and a few events to put on your calendar. Catch up on what’s happening around Pinellas County at https://www.paradisenewsfl.com/tidbits-november-2026/.

NEW TIDBITS: The November Issue is online. Read it here . Start the new year on the right foot at the St. Pete Beach Classic , returning to the Sirata Resort January 15–17th, 2027. The weekend features competitive 5K, 10K and half-marathon races, plus a Kids’ Fun Dash, fitness expo, awards and post-race party. The Wendy Johnson 5K honors the event’s founder, whose passion for running and community lives on through this annual tradition. Participants can run or walk, and volunteers are also needed to help keep race routes safe. Learn more at https://www.paradisenewsfl.com/2027-st-pete-beach-classic/. Get a head start on holiday shopping at the City of Seminole’s 11th Annual Holiday Craft Fair on Saturday, November 21, from 10am–3pm at the Seminole Recreation Center, 9100 113th St. N. More than 115 vendors will offer handcrafted gifts, holiday décor, jewelry, art, baked goods, candles and more. Admission is free, all ages are welcome, and concessions will be available for purchase. For details, visit https://www.seminolefun.com/ or call 727-391-8345. As dengue activity continues in Pinellas County, local residents are encouraged to take a few simple steps to reduce mosquito breeding and protect themselves from mosquito bites. Find the City of Madeira Beach’s tips for how you can better protect yourself at https://www.paradisenewsfl.com/mosquito-prevention/. Paradise News will print & distribute 30,000 copies monthly this winter, mailing 20,000 to some of the most affected homeowners & businesses In the Tampa Bay Area. Email Peter Roos at sales@paradisenewsfl.com about placing an ad in Paradise News this summer. Learn more about the benefits of placing an ad in Paradise News in print or online at https://www.paradisenewsfl.com/reach-pinellas-county-locals-this-november/. Let us know what you are thinking about what is happening on our local beaches and St. Petersburg by submitting a Letter to the Editor at https://www.paradisenewsfl.com/letter/. Letters will be considered for inclusion in an upcoming issue of Paradise News. UPCOMING EVENTS: International Coast Cleanup- Various Dates in September & October INFO Gulfport Night Market- 1st Friday & 3rd Saturday Monthly INFO Sip & Stroll on Corey Avenue in St. Pete Beach- Last Friday Monthly INFO Al Downing Jazz Youth Jazz Jam- Last Saturday Monthly INFO American Stage Presents: Meteor Shower by Steve Martin- November 4-22 TICKETS Dalí Disruption + Devotion Exhibit: Opening Celebration- November 6 INFO Dunedin’s Premier Art Weekend- November 6-8 INFO SHINE Mural Festival- November 6-15 INFO freeFall Theatre Presents: The Da Vinci Code- November 6- December 6 INFO Pinellas County Theatre Week- November 9-22 INFO Mannheim Steamroller Christmas Show at The Mahaffey- November 11 TICKETS Fall King of the Beach Kingfish Tournament- November 12-14 INFO Fin Fest St. Pete Ocean Conservation & Music Fest- November 13-15 INFO St. Pete Run Fest- November 13-15 INFO Permit Free – Gulfport’s City-Wide Yard Sale- November 14 INFO FloridaRAMA Fest: 5th Anniversary Celebration- November 14 INFO Clearwater World Music Heritage Festival- November 14 INFO St Pete Fools Charity Ride- November 14 INFO Florida West Coast Orchid Society Member Plant Sale at Florida Botanical Gardens- November 14 INFO Vettes for Vets at Horan Park- November 14 INFO St. Pete BikeFest- November 19-22 INFO Sanding Ovations Master Cup- November 19-22, 28-29 INFO A Magical Cirque Christmas Show at The Mahaffey- November 20 INFO Candlelight & Strings: A Coastal Arts Weekend in Dunedin- November 20-21 INFO St. Pete Country Fest- November 20-22 INFO Suncoast Jazz Festival- November 20-22 INFO Enchant Christmas at The Trop- November 20- December 27 INFO Dunedin Celtic Music & Craft Beer Festival- November 21 INFO The Early Elf Art Market in Tarpon Springs- November 21-22 INFO The Sugar Plum Tea- November 22 INFO The Coffee Pot Turkey Trot- November 26 INFO Acieva Clearwater Turkey Trot- November 26 INFO Holiday Lights & Carnival Rides in Largo Central Park- November 26- December 27 INFO Holiday Lights in the Gardens at Florida Botanical Gardens- November 27- January 2 INFO Shopapalooza Festival- November 28-29 INFO Christmas at DK Farms- November 28- December 28 INFO Art & Nature Sunset Tours with the MFA & Tampa Bay Watch- November 29 INFO Tierra Verde Tree Lighting- December 5 INFO St. Pete Beach Holly Jolly Christmas Trolley- December 9 INFO South Pasadena Holiday Lighted Boat Parade- December 11 INFO Merry Beach Market & Holiday Festival 2026- December 11 INFO Flamingo Float Returns to John’s Pass- December 12 INFO 60th Annual Madeira Beach Festival of Lights Holiday Boat Parade- December 12 INFO St. Pete Beach Breakfast With Santa- December 14 INFO St. Pete Beach Holiday Lighted Boat Parade- December 18 INFO Treasure Island Holiday Lighted Boat Parade- December 19 INFO Art & Nature Sunset Tours with the MFA & Tampa Bay Watch- December 27 TICKETS REMINDERS The October Issue is NOW online. Read it here . Reach snowbirds, locals & tourists in 2026 with a print ad in Paradise News! Email Peter Roos at sales@ParadiseNewsFL.com to place your ads in Paradise News in Print. Pinellas County Sheriffs Offices wants you to please lock your car doors and stow valuables out of sight. Newly launched, to help guide visitors through more than 50 art experiences, the Art Everywhere mobile passport is now available for visitors to download and start making plans to chart their own artistic discoveries around the destination. During the month of November and through the first week of December, creative minds will blanket St. Pete-Clearwater with a variety of dynamic cultural offerings. Learn more at https://www.paradisenewsfl.com/art-everywhere/. The Morean Center for Clay in St. Petersburg will celebrate two new exhibitions with an opening reception on Saturday, November 14, at 420 22nd St. S. A Mug-Nificent Time of the Year features handmade ceramic mugs by Morean members, while Subtlety showcases the contrasting sculptural and functional works of artists-in-residence Dani Lewis and Lily Denhoff. Together, the exhibitions explore the creativity of clay, from everyday objects to expressive forms. Learn more at https://moreanartscenter.org/morean-arts-center-location/upcoming-exhibits/. Enjoy live music and a New Orleans-inspired brunch at Sober Bar & Kitchen in Gulfport every Sunday from 10am–1pm. The Western Gypsies play gypsy jazz, blues and bossa nova while the menu features beignets, chicory café au lait and crawfish eggs Benedict. All drinks are alcohol-free, including handcrafted cocktails, specialty coffee and kombucha. Admission is free at 3062 Beach Blvd. S. Reserve at https://www.sipsoberbar.com or call (813) 586-1660. New 727 Airport Express Connects St. Pete to TPA. Getting between downtown St. Petersburg and Tampa International Airport just got easier. The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority has launched the 727 Airport Express , its first premium express service connecting the two destinations. Learn more at https://www.paradisenewsfl.com/new-727-service/. A beloved holiday tradition returns to the Florida Botanical Gardens November 27 through January 3, as Holiday Lights in the Gardens transforms the 100-acre property into a winter wonderland. Visitors can stroll among more than one million twinkling lights, laser projections and festive displays, with live entertainment each night and holiday treats available. Find details at https://flbgfoundation.org/holiday-lights. The Al Downing Tampa Bay Jazz Association’s Youth Jazz Jam returns every last Saturday of the month at Pinellas Community Church. Open to elementary through high school musicians, the monthly jam pairs young players with experienced mentors for two hours of hands-on jazz. Sign up at https://www.aldowningjazz.com/events/youth-jazz-jam-2. Join Councilmember Marlene Shaw for casual conversation and community connection at Wonder Works, 5314 Gulfport Blvd. S., every first Wednesday from 2-3pm and at SumitrA Espresso Lounge, 2838 Beach Blvd. S., every second Tuesday from 11am-1pm. Whether you have questions, concerns, or ideas to share, she’s here to listen and talk about the issues that matter to you. Councilmember Shaw also holds City Hall office hours every Monday from 2-3pm at 2401 53rd Street South. Appointments are available upon request. Contact mshaw@mygulfport.us or (727) 826-7311 for more info. The City of Madeira Beach is making it easier than ever to stay connected! MGO Connect is your one-stop online portal for city services accessible anytime, anywhere, from your computer or smartphone. Learn more at https://www.paradisenewsfl.com/mgo-connect/. The City of St. Pete Beach has been made aware of a phishing scam targeting individuals who recently submitted planning or zoning applications. The scam involves sending applicants fake invoices requesting payment that appear to come from the City. Learn more at https://www.paradisenewsfl.com/spb-phishing-scam-alert/. The Madeira beach social club is an active senior group located in Madeira Beach, Florida. Their club provides a wonderful opportunity for seniors to socialize, participate in various activities, and build lasting friendships within our community. Click here to learn more. The City of Gulfport Senior Center’s Telephone Reassurance Program is a free service for Gulfport Residents 50 years of age or older. Volunteers provide daily phone calls to registered members and provide comfort, security, and peace of mind to members and families. Registration is simple and free. If you or someone you know could benefit from this service during this difficult time, please call (727) 893-2237 and register today. Reminder to our residents and visitors. No Dogs On The Beach! If you see something, say something. Contact Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Non-Emergency Line at 727-582-6200. Current Issue Read our November issue at www.paradisenewsfl.com/current-issue/ .

Weekly Tidbits November 12, 2026

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