Winter brings its share of wildlife glories to St. Petersburg. Between the graceful American white pelican and the charmingly chunky Florida manatee, larger-than-life species send us flocking to local waterways to catch a glimpse. But winter is also a great time to get to know some of the critters in your own backyard and to welcome winter animals with wildlife-friendly practices.

Nature’s Neighbors

Despite what you may have learned about winter hibernation, many Florida animals remain active this time of year. You may notice birds of prey becoming particularly industrious as they enter their breeding season. Lara Milligan, Natural Resources Agent for Pinellas County’s UF/IFAS Extension, notes that ospreys and bald eagles can be found in winter constructing their nests, soaring athletically through the skies with sticks, grasses, or moss in tow.… Read More

The glory of our waterfront parks in downtown St. Pete was on full display during Shopapalooza 2024. An extravagant feast for the senses: The sights! The smells! The deals!  But what’s this? A booth with just a bowl of Hershey’s kisses, a few stacks of documents, and a woman with a very inviting smile. Oh, and a dog bowl of water for the four-legged attendees. She looked like a favorite aunt, and curious visitors soon find she represents Suncoast Voices for Children. It turns out, Kari Mainelli has been driven to help with the needs of others for as long as she has been able to make good things happen.… Read More

Disaster Dog: a dog residing at a shelter, abandoned, or otherwise misplaced due to a storm or other natural disaster. 

Pinellas County Animal Services works hard to do what’s best for disaster dogs during storms and has a relationship with many Pinellas animal shelters and rescues. When back-to-back hurricanes Helene and Milton struck and Pinellas animal shelters were overwhelmed with dogs from evacuees, abandoned on the streets, or otherwise misplaced, it was an all-hands-on-deck situation. Cue independent outfits like Jaime McKnight’s Pawlicious Poochie Pet Rescue.

Since 2013, McKnight has operated her 501c3 nonprofit dog rescue. Her specialty? Senior pups, handicap, sick, and small breed dogs, 10 pounds and under.… Read More

Feature image: Arts Connection’s exhibit features the alcohol ink works by Patricia Chase

The hurricanes of 2024 certainly added tumult to the year. Many programs, including the Arts Connection at the First Presbyterian Church, seemed to be shoehorned in between these natural events. But now, 2025 is offering a fresh breath and a new start to these endeavors.

Ronn Johnson, one of the organizers, noted that he “wanted to bring the arts to FPC so that our congregation could have the enlightening experiences I was seeing in other churches.” He, and other artists from the congregation, came together to start an arts outreach program.… Read More