Ahh, Florida Fall. The days are getting shorter, mornings and evenings are crisp and cool, farmer’s markets are in full swing, and the clocks have been set back (so I start falling asleep at 6:30). Around town, you can see the bougainvillea vines transforming from green to vibrant pinks and purples. I may not love the thorns, but I sure do love the colors.

Fun fact: I recently learned from Sunken Gardens that the colors of the bougainvillea aren’t actually flowers. They’re modified leaves called bracts which attract pollinators to the tiny, plain white flower blooms.

In this edition:

This week’s featured event is the SHINE Mural Festival, a city-wide event that turns St. Pete into a vibrant, living canvas that reflects our community. Since 2015, nearly 170 murals have been created throughout the city thanks to the event. This year, there are parties, artist talks, bike tours, and pop-up experiences.

The event kicks off today (Nov 6) at the Museum of History, and runs through the 16th. See the mural map or learn more.

Nominations are open for the Mayor’s Neighborhood Awards. It's a great way to celebrate neighbors who are making their community healthier, more engaged, and sustainable. Check out the different award categories, like "Neighbor with Heart" and "Neighborhood Spirit," and get those nominations in! Nominate your neighbor.

The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) just launched Spark, a new all-electric express bus service connecting South St. Pete, Eckerd College, and the Skyway Marina District with downtown and St. Pete Beach. Students at schools along the route, like Eckerd College, St. Petersburg College, Gibbs High School and Pinellas Technical College, ride for free. Zip around.

ARK Investment Management and Ellison Development are launching two new investment funds to democratize access to wealth creation through the $6.8 billion redevelopment of the Historic Gas Plant District in St. Petersburg. Anyone with just $500 can invest in the Community Growth Fund, which focuses on the 95.5-acre site including Tropicana Field, aiming to redefine how cities grow and who participates in that growth. This project promises to create nearly 20,000 jobs and generate a $28 billion economic impact. Critically, these platforms would immediately launch if the city approves ARK’s proposal for the district, which has not happened yet. Learn more.

Want to spread the word about your business, a project you’re working on, an exciting event, a hiring opportunity, or just want to say hi to thousands of neighbors?

Sunny St. Pete Apparel - Shop the Fall collection of St. Pete inspired apparel! 50% of proceeds on purchases from the Crosswalk Collection are donated to St. Pete Pride.

Rondé Barber x Crooked Tea at Ferg’s - Pregame meet & greet with a Bucs legend. Sunday Nov 9, 12pm.

St. Pete SNAPs Back Food Drive - drop off donations at these locations and get 10% off your order. If you’re in need of help with food, you can also check out these locations for free meals.

Local favorite for burritos and tacos, Red Mesa Mercado, is opening their second mercado location by Bear Creek park. They’ll be serving the same menu as their Edge District location, but will have more indoor seating (250 total seats). This is now Red Mesa’s 4th spot in St. Pete!

The Grand Opening event will be next week on Weds, Nov 12 from 12-2pm at 6001 Central Ave. St. Petersburg, FL 33710.

Enjoy a peek at interesting, unique, and beautiful homes for sale in St. Petersburg.

Curated by local architect, Rachel Neu of Hisel Flynn Architects, a full service firm specializing in modern, sustainable architecture. Rachel specializes in contemporary interventions that respect the surrounding neighborhoods.

⬆ A cozy and coastal bungalow on a rare double lot in Historic Uptown. A great example of updating a home while keeping its historical charm!

2bd • 2ba • 1,221 sq ft. • $719,000 • See more

⬆ The comic book tile inside might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but there’s no denying this house has some fun flare and impressive updates. Located right next to Old Northeast’s Community Garden.

2bd • 2ba • 982 sq ft. • $749,000 • See more

This week’s adoptable pet is Pierogi, a 3 year old hound mix from Pet Pal Animal Shelter. He is outgoing and energetic, and can keep you entertained with his goofy antics and faces. Pierogi likes to talk, so he would be better suited for a house than an apartment. Adopt Pierogi.

Events for the Weekend, plus a few bonus events tonight!

I...am an Autumn Night | Green Bench Brewing | Nov 6, 7pm | Free
A fall night featuring Gilmore Girls episodes, a book pop-up, coffee, and bookmark-making.

SHINE Mural Festival Opening Reception | Museum of History | Nov 6, 5:30-7pm | Free 🎟️
Opening reception introduces the Museum of History's public art exhibition, Visual Voices: Public Art in the Sunshine City.

GLOW: A SHINE Origins Experience | Reflections St. Pete | Nov 7, 6-10pm | Free 🎟️   
A celebration on a rooftop honoring local artists and kicking off the SHINE Mural Festival.

SHINE Mural Festival | City-wide | Nov 7-16, hours vary | Free    
Annual St. Pete Mural Festival celebrates local and global art with spectacular large-scale murals and special events.

F45 Bootcamp | St. Pete Pier | Nov 7, 4:30-5:30pm | Free    
A free, high-energy bootcamp workout session led by personal trainers at St Pete Pier.

Tarpon Springs Seafood Festival | Sponge Docks | Nov 7-9, hours vary | Free
Delicious seafood and non-seafood options, arts, crafts, activities, and a chefs competition.

CommUNITY Picnic Land | Albert Whitted Park | Nov 8, 2-5pm | Free
Afternoon waterfront fun with picnic area, games, live music, and food trucks.

Get Fit St. Pete: Trail Run Fun | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve | Nov 8, 8-9am | Free
Monthly trail fun run at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, presented by running coaches.

St. Pete Yoga Festival | St. Pete Pier | Nov 8, 9am-9pm | $10-$60 🎟️  
Annual festival with yoga, music, speakers, and charity at the St. Pete Pier.

Uptown Funk Fall Fest | Expectations Gallery | Nov 8, 5-10pm | Free
Annual fall fest features 40+ vendors, food, drinks, DJ Atom's music, and vintage furniture.

Run for All Children | Johns Hopkins All Childrens Hospital | Nov 8, 7:30am | Free-$35 🎟️
5K and 1-mile race benefiting Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, with a Finish Line Fest.

AKC UpDog Invitational | Al Lang Stadium | Nov 8, 11am | Free    
Disc dog competition with top canine athletes displaying skill, teamwork, and joy in freestyle and distance events.

Spooky Night Blow: Performance Art Glass Blowing | Morean Glass Studio | Nov 8, 7-9pm | $60 🎟️   
Spooky-themed glass blowing after dark with costumes, seasonal surprises, DJ, and open bar.

Second Saturday Artwalk | Warehouse Arts District | Nov 8, 5-9pm | Free    
Various districts with galleries and studios open for exploration and inspiration.

Wildflower Hike | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve | Nov 8, 1-2:30pm | $5 🎟️   
Guided hike at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve to identify and learn about native wildflowers.

Saturday Morning Market | Al Lang Stadium | Saturdays, 9a-2p | Free   
St. Pete's Saturday mornings are highlighted by local produce, food trucks, and makers.

Kenwood Sunday Market | St. Pete High School | Sundays, 10a-2p | Free    
Weekly market at St. Petersburg High School with local produce, crafts, food, and live music.

👀 Events to keep an eye on between now and next week’s newsletter.

Veterans Day Celebration | Veterans Memorial at Williams Park | Nov 11, 9am | Free 
Ceremony with posthumous Honored Veteran Award presented to Bryant Keith Harrell.

Pilates on the Pier | St. Pete Pier | Nov 12, 6-7pm | Free    
Rare Body Studio hosts free, public Pilates class at Family Park. Bring a mat, towel, and water.

Rays CEO at Ferg's | Ferg's Sports Bar & Grill | Nov 12, 6-8pm | Free     
The new CEO and ownership group will be at Fergs with special guests and local media coverage.

A Charlie Brown Christmas | Mahaffey Theater | Nov 12, 7pm | $43+ 🎟️   
Peanuts gang live on stage uncovers the true meaning of Christmas with songs by Vince Guaraldi.

St. Pete Run Fest | Near Dali Museum | Nov 14-16, hours vary | Free to attend, paid registration 🎟️   
A 3-day festival featuring running events including a 5K, 10K, and half marathon.

SHINE Mural Festival Finale | FloirdaRAMA | Nov 15, 7-10pm | $15 🎟️   
Celebrate the mural festival finale with a live DJ, gourmet food, and support for the artists.

Movies on the Pier: Wicked | St. Pete Pier | Nov 20, 7:30-9pm | Free, $30 VIP    
Outdoor movie on the Pier with free admission; premium reserved seating and drinks available.

St. Pete Country Fest | Vinoy Park | Nov 21-23, hours vary | $99+ 🎟️   
3 day country music festival featuring top artists, vendors, and family activities at Vinoy Park.

Coffee Pot Turkey Trot 5K | North Shore Elementary School | Nov 27, 7:45am | $45 🎟️
Family-friendly, timed 5K looping Coffee Pot Bayou on Thanksgiving morning, benefiting North Shore Elementary PTA.

Next on our happy hour highlight tour, we have 5 great spots for food and drink deals!

Intermezzo | Daily 5-7pm | reissdorf kolsh $6 / miller high life $4 / $2 off wines / 25% off bottles of wine / $8 cocktails

Where’s Jubes? | Daily 3-6pm | $2 draft beer, $4 premium wine by the glass, $4 premium liquor wells

Hollander Taproom | M-F 3-6pm | $4-$6 assorted drinks, $7 appetizer specials

Bacchus Wine Bistro | Daily 3-6pm | $4.50 wines/beers, $6 small plates

Casita Taqueria | Mon - Thurs | $2.50 Tecates, $3.50 margaritas

Reply to this email and let us know what your favorite happy hour is!

For a more educational deal, check out these discounted museum days!

Imagine Museum | $5 admission after 5 | Thursdays 5-9pm

Museum of History | $6 admission | Sundays all day

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Thanks so much for reading! As always, you can reply directly to this email with any feedback.

Stay Sunny,
Josh & the St. Pete Scoop Team