IN THE NEWS THIS WEEK
St. John Vianney Catholic School on St. Pete Beach graduates its last class: As we wrote in our Citizen Beach edition of April 19, John Vianney's Catholic Elementary and Middle School closes permanently after 75 years on the Pinellas barrier island. Following Helene's devastation, the school buildings are now uninsurable, and current students must transfer to other schools.
From WTSP, Tampa Bay News 10: “Mary Pederson’s daughter, Frances, is her fourth, and last, child to graduate from St. John's. She said it wasn't long after Helene that the priest told parents the unthinkable. ‘My last son is 11, and we have to get a new school for him because he won't be able to graduate here, like his siblings, sadly,’ she said. “[When] they told us the school wasn't reopening, I started crying so hard… I was not expecting it.’”
The Final Graduating Class of St. John Vianney’s Catholic School
Treasure Island Near Drowning: On Friday, May 23, 2025, a near-drowning incident occurred at Treasure Island, near the 120th Avenue beach access. Around 2:30 p.m., a 911 call reported a woman was unconscious and not breathing after being pulled from the water. Bystanders were performing CPR when emergency crews from Treasure Island Fire Rescue, Police, Madeira Beach, St. Pete Beach, and Sunstar EMS arrived. Advanced life support was administered, and the individual was transported to Palms of Pasadena Hospital. The person’s condition remains unknown. The cause of the near-drowning was not specified, but possibly due to a rip current. (Fox 13 News) Treasure Island Fire Chief (and acting City Manager) Trip Barrs speaks about the incident.
Gulfport’s City Council unanimously bans smoking on municipal beaches to address cigarette litter and improve the visitor experience. The ordinance targets cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and tobacco products, though some residents opposed the ban, citing personal freedoms. The council is now exploring similar bans for other public spaces like parks. (WMNF Radio)
How actively will Gulfport police enforce the new beach smoking ban? Although smoking and using mobility devices are prohibited on Treasure Island’s beaches, city police frequently patrol the area but rarely enforce these restrictions. With Gulfport’s smoking ban ordinance passed on May 20, 2025, questions remain about whether enforcement will be overlooked, potentially undermining the city’s efforts to maintain clean and accessible public spaces.
Fire Devastates Publix and CVS at Dolphin Village Shopping Center in St. Pete Beach
On Tuesday, May 13, 2025, a massive three-alarm fire tore through the Dolphin Village Shopping Center at 4685 Gulf Boulevard in St. Pete Beach, Florida. The fire destroyed a CVS Pharmacy and severely damaged a neighboring Publix supermarket, along with other nearby businesses. The blaze, which began around 2:45 p.m. at the CVS, prompted a rapid response from St. Pete Beach Fire Rescue, supported by fire departments from Gulfport, Lealman, Pinellas Park, South Pasadena, St. Petersburg, Treasure Island, and Tierra Verde.
The fire initially consumed the CVS, causing a partial roof collapse and rendering the store a total loss. Despite efforts to contain the blaze, it reignited around 8:30 p.m., spreading through the building’s façade to the adjacent Publix and other stores, including Swim City, Hungry Howie’s, an AT&T store, and a UPS shop. The fire caused extensive smoke and water damage, forcing all businesses in the CVS-Publix complex to remain closed as of May 14, 2025, as investigators worked to determine the cause, which remains under investigation.
The destruction has significantly impacted the local community, particularly those still recovering from recent hurricanes. The Publix was a vital resource for residents, including displaced hurricane victims staying at the nearby Plaza Beach Resorts, many of whom relied on its proximity for essential supplies. Local businesses, already struggling post-hurricanes, now face further challenges due to decreased foot traffic in the damaged plaza.
Small businesses in and around Dolphin Village, such as St. Pete Beach Cycle Rentals, now face heightened economic strain due to the fire’s impact. These businesses, which rely heavily on the foot traffic generated by anchor stores like Publix and CVS, are grappling with reduced customer visits as the plaza remains partially shuttered.
Beach Vibe Cycle Rentals, a popular spot for tourists and locals alike, risks significant revenue loss, as the area’s appeal as a shopping and leisure destination has been disrupted. See their ad below, which we’re providing free of charge to help local businesses. Stop by and say hello to owners, Jerry and Anna Zamudio, located in Dolphin Village, at 4615 Gulf Blvd, #113, St. Pete Beach.
Owners of these smaller establishments, already navigating a challenging recovery from hurricane-related damage, expressed concerns about their ability to sustain operations. At the same time, the plaza’s major stores remain closed, with no clear timeline for reopening.
No injuries were reported, and CVS and Publix are cooperating with local authorities. Publix has relocated its associates to other locations, but no reopening timeline has been announced. The community continues to grapple with losing these key stores, with residents expressing concern about the inconvenience and economic ripple effects.
Memorial Day 2025: Honoring Heroes with Community Events in Madeira Beach, Treasure Island, St. Pete Beach, and Gulfport
Memorial Day, observed on May 26, 2025, is a time to honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for the United States. Across the nation, communities gather to pay tribute through ceremonies, parades, and family-friendly events. In the vibrant beach towns of Madeira Beach, Treasure Island, St. Pete Beach, and Gulfport, Florida, Memorial Day weekend will blend solemn remembrance with the area’s signature coastal charm, offering residents and visitors a chance to reflect and celebrate. While the region is still recovering from recent hurricanes and the devastating fire at Dolphin Village Shopping Center in St. Pete Beach, these communities are showcasing resilience with a variety of planned activities.
In Madeira Beach, Memorial Day weekend traditionally features family-oriented events that draw crowds to its pristine shores and lively John’s Pass Village. The annual Kids Fishing Tournament at Hubbard’s Marina, typically held just before Memorial Day, is expected to take place again in 2025, inviting young anglers to compete for prizes in a fun, community-driven event. While specific details for 2025 are still pending due to ongoing recovery efforts from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, visitors can also enjoy the soft sands and gentle waves of Madeira Beach, recently ranked among the top beaches in the U.S. by TripAdvisor. Local businesses, including craft breweries and seafood restaurants at John’s Pass, will likely offer Memorial Day specials, encouraging visitors to support the area’s recovery while enjoying the festive atmosphere.
Treasure Island is set to host its signature Memorial Day Weekend Beach Concert, “Bands on the Sand,” at Gulf Front Park (10400 Gulf Boulevard). This free event features a lively mix of southern rock, blues, reggae, and classic music, complemented by food vendors, arts and crafts, a kids’ playground, and a spectacular fireworks display to cap the evening. The event celebrates the community’s resilience, especially after recent challenges, and aligns with the “Sand & Kites & Coastal Delights” festival planned for March 2025, highlighting Treasure Island’s vibrant spirit. Additionally, the Treasure Island Beach Trail offers opportunities for biking, skateboarding, or strolling, with ADA-accessible beach mats ensuring inclusivity for all visitors. Local businesses like St. Pete Beach Cycle Rentals, already impacted by reduced foot traffic due to the Dolphin Village fire, will benefit from visitors renting bikes to explore the area.
In St. Pete Beach, the focus will be on both remembrance and community recovery following the fire that destroyed the Publix and CVS at Dolphin Village Shopping Center on May 13, 2025. While the Corey Avenue Craft Festival, typically held around Memorial Day, may be affected by the plaza’s closure, organizers are exploring alternative venues to host this open-air event featuring handmade jewelry, ceramics, and a green market with exotic plants and soaps. Visitors can also enjoy The Beach Goes Pop at Pass-A-Grille, a free concert series with music, food, and beverages on the historic beach, running until 10 p.m.. These events provide a chance to support local businesses like Swim City and Hungry Howie’s, which are struggling with reduced patronage post-fire, while honoring veterans through community gatherings.
Gulfport will offer a more artsy and reflective Memorial Day experience. The Gulfport Art Walk, held on the first Friday and third Saturday of each month along Beach Boulevard, may extend its hours for the holiday weekend, featuring live entertainment and local artists showcasing their work from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.. On May 24, 2025, the Deep Pine Band will perform a free reggae-infused concert at Gulfport Brewery + Eatery from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., offering a laid-back way to enjoy the holiday weekend. Gulfport’s recovery from recent hurricanes adds a layer of community spirit to these events, with local businesses like boutiques and eateries relying on visitor support to rebound.
Across these beach communities, Memorial Day 2025 will be a time to honor fallen heroes while fostering community resilience. Visitors are encouraged to check event details as some plans may adjust due to ongoing recovery efforts from hurricanes and the Dolphin Village fire. Whether casting a line in Madeira Beach, dancing to live music in Treasure Island, browsing crafts in St. Pete Beach, or enjoying Gulfport’s artistic vibe, our coastal communities offer meaningful ways to commemorate the holiday while supporting local businesses.
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