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Drones above the Bay, 1 Tropicana Dr, Saint Petersburg, FL (2026)

03/07/2026

This afternoon, a vehicle fire occurred within Arnage Motorsports, located at 10461 75th Street N in Pinellas Park. The incident resulted in an interior structural fire that extended through the roof, leading to a subsequent roof collapse.

Personnel from the Pinellas Park Fire Department, Lealman Fire District , Seminole Fire Rescue, Largo Fire Rescue & Sunstar Paramedics responded promptly to the scene, working diligently to extinguish the blaze and mitigate property damage.

We are pleased to report that no injuries to civilians or first responders were sustained.

01/05/2026

Today, the Lealman Fire District conducted a push-in ceremony for the new replacement for Engine 19. The ceremony took place at the recently opened Station 19, situated at 6785 46th Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33709.

The fire truck push-in ceremony is a time-honored tradition that acknowledges the historical legacy of fire departments and represents the cohesion and collaborative effort essential for firefighting operations. Its origins trace back to the 1800s when firefighters manually maneuvered horse-drawn apparatus back into the station after emergency responses. Given that horses were unable to back into the station, firefighters would unhitch them and manually push the equipment inside.

01/05/2026

Today, the Lealman Fire District conducted a push-in ceremony for the new replacement for Engine 19. The ceremony took place at the recently opened Station 19, situated at 6785 46th Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33709.

The fire truck push-in ceremony is a time-honored tradition that acknowledges the historical legacy of fire departments and represents the cohesion and collaborative effort essential for firefighting operations. Its origins trace back to the 1800s when firefighters manually maneuvered horse-drawn apparatus back into the station after emergency responses. Given that horses were unable to back into the station, firefighters would unhitch them and manually push the equipment inside.

12/20/2025

City of Pinellas Park hosted a Neighborhood Parade tonight. Featuring vehicles from the Pinellas Park Police Department, Pinellas Park Fire Department & Pinellas Park Public Works.

11/15/2025

🚨 **** Important Information**** 🚨
ALERT: Pinellas Park Fire Department Fighting a Large Fire - Hazardous Condition Warning

WHEN: Friday, November 14th, 2025

WHERE: 5300 Blk 62nd Avenue North

WHAT: The Pinellas Park Fire Department is battling a large fire in the area of 62nd Avenue and 53rd Street. The business contains chemicals that could be hazardous, and we are asking residents who reside between 58th Street and 49th Street and between 62nd Avenue and 70th Avenue to remain indoors.

Additionally, 62nd Avenue will be closed between 58th Street and 49th Street.

All inquiries regarding the fire scene should be directed to Division Chief Mitchell at [email protected].

We will provide an update when the shelter notice has been lifted.

TRAFFIC ALERT- 62nd Avenue is closed between 49th Street and 58th Street.

PPPD Contact: Lieutenant John Shea

09/05/2025

Tropicana Field is currently undergoing a significant roof replacement and extensive repairs, following damage inflicted by Hurricane Milton in October 2024. This roof replacement constitutes a crucial component of the overall $59 million repair project for the stadium.

The St. Petersburg City Council has given approval for the $22.5 million roof replacement.. The new roof will be constructed from PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), a Teflon-coated material, engineered to endure hurricane winds up to 165 mph, a level of durability surpassing the previous roof. The fabrication of this new material is currently underway in Germany and China.

Roof installation commenced in August 2025, with a projected completion date of December 2025. Following the roof replacement, interior repairs and turf installation will commence, with the entire project anticipated to be completed by April 2026, coinciding with the Tampa Bay Rays' 2026 season opener. The City of St. Petersburg is legally bound to ensure the stadium is playable for Major League Baseball games, pursuant to the current use agreement with the Rays.

During the interim period, the Tampa Bay Rays are conducting their 2025 home games at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa.

08/01/2025

LINE OF DUTY DEATH:
Pinellas County Schools Police Sergeant Greg Graff

A temporary memorial has been erected at the Walter Pownall Service Center, located at 11111 South Belcher Road in Largo, to facilitate expressions of condolence.

07/09/2025

Disney World guest flies drone over EPCOT World Showcase Lagoon

A recent incident involved a guest at Walt Disney World who was found to be operating a drone unlawfully above the World Showcase Lagoon in EPCOT.

The provided videos, shared by X user , depict a drone operator positioned outside The American Adventure pavilion. The initial video showcases the drone's flight path, traversing past the America Gardens Theatre and over the lagoon, where crew members are observed preparing fireworks barges for the evening's performance. The subsequent video captures the drone's return to the operator, who is situated near the funnel cakes kiosk, with several guests present in the vicinity.

Upon the drone's approach to the operator, an unmarked security officer initiates contact. Simultaneously, another attendee gestures towards the drone. The security officer appears to be instructing the operator to cease drone operation as they prepare for landing.
The circumstances surrounding the guest's ability to bring a drone into the park remain unclear. Please note that drones are explicitly prohibited within Walt Disney World property.

Flight operations, including those conducted by unmanned aerial systems, are subject to restrictions above the Walt Disney World Resort.

As detailed in Federal Aviation Administration Notice to Airmen (FDC) 4/3634, flight operations are generally prohibited unless specifically authorized by air traffic control for operational or safety considerations, the Department of Defense, law enforcement agencies, or air ambulance services. Furthermore, Disney is permitted to conduct aerial operations over its owned property for operational requirements or special events, contingent upon obtaining a waiver.

Non-compliance with the FAA order constitutes a federal offense; however, the determination regarding charges or fines for the individual remains pending.

The Federal Aviation Administration has implemented a permanent airspace restriction above the Walt Disney World Resort, as detailed in Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) Number FDC 4/3634, which currently encompasses a three-nautical-mile radius.

06/22/2025

An Orange County drone operator has been charged with a misdemeanor following an incident in February 2025 that reportedly delayed the takeoff of a medical helicopter.

A 64-year-old Orange County resident faces a "interfering with public duties" charge, classified as a Class B misdemeanor, which carries a potential penalty of up to 180 days in jail and a $2,000 fine.

The individual was apprehended on Tuesday and, as of Wednesday morning, remained in the Orange County Jail pending bond determination.

The potential for federal charges in this case remains undetermined.

The incident occurred on February 9th, when a 3-year-old child experienced cardiac arrest after a near-drowning incident in a swimming pool on Chimney Rock Drive near Orangefield. Emergency responders arrived at approximately 4:30 p.m., finding the child's parents already administering CPR, according to Orange County ESD #2 Assistant Fire Chief Josh Taylor.

A medical helicopter was dispatched to transport the child to a hospital, but its departure was postponed due to a drone operating directly above the aircraft. The drone operator was identified, and the device was seized, as reported by Orange County Sheriff Bobby Smith.

05/15/2025

The end of an era!

The Thunderbird Beach Resort, a Treasure Island, Florida landmark since its 1958 opening (originally opened in January 1958; it was built in 1957), is undergoing major redevelopment and demolition after sustaining severe damage during Hurricanes Helene and Milton last year. Initially a 64-unit motel, the resort was a cherished destination for families and locals, distinguished by its beachfront location and signature giant bird signage. The redevelopment project, as reported by Creative Loafing Tampa Bay, will retain the iconic Thunderbird name and beachfront access while modernizing the property.

05/14/2025

On May 13, 2025, at approximately 2:45 PM, St. Pete Beach Fire Rescue (Station 23) responded to a structure fire at the CVS Pharmacy located in Dolphin Village on Gulf Boulevard. It was later upgraded to a 3-alarm response. Firefighting operations were assisted by Treasure Island, Tierra Verde, South Pasadena, Seminole, Gulfport, St. Petersburg, Lealman, and Pinellas Park Fire Departments.

The CVS building sustained significant fire damage, including a partial roof collapse. Overhaul operations revealed additional hot spots within the building's front façade, inaccessible via conventional means. Firefighters were compelled to breach the exterior using hose streams to extinguish these fires, necessitating a fourth alarm for supplemental resources. The fire extended to adjacent businesses in the plaza, affecting Publix and others, resulting in smoke and water damage to multiple units. The fire was completely extinguished and contained by 11:30 PM, through the coordinated efforts of several agencies.

Drones above the Bay

03/07/2026

01/05/2026

01/05/2026

12/20/2025

11/15/2025

09/05/2025

08/01/2025

07/09/2025

06/22/2025

05/15/2025

05/14/2025

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