Citizen Beach This Week

In the News This Week

I’ve captured all the key news impacting our beach communities this week, so you don’t miss anything important!

St. Pete Beach local couple open Malio’s Beach House, an offshoot of the iconic Tampa steakhouse, in the space formerly occupied by Prima Cantina Mexican restaurant, at 4945 Gulf Blvd. (Tampa Bay Times)

The Treasure Island City Commission is banking on Florida state legislators to cover roughly half the projected $12 million needed to build a sleek new public works facility beside the nearly half-vacant, recently renovated $12 million+ City Hall. If it doesn’t rain money from Tallahassee, Commissioners may turn to incurring new debt, raising property taxes, or a mix of both. (TBN Weekly)

In Madeira Beach, a homeowner confronted his neighbor, accused of shooting a great blue heron, with the heated exchange captured on video sparking community outrage. The dramatic confrontation escalated as the accused neighbor faces potential legal consequences, highlighting deep tensions over wildlife protection. (KRON4)

A Gulfport nonprofit, projectFREE, is providing essential services to adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities who have aged out of continued education, fostering an environment where they can express themselves freely. Through community support and donations, the organization offers programs that enhance social skills and personal growth. (Beach Beacon)

Happiness Beach

Can Long-Term Unhappiness Contribute to Lewy Body Dementia? Exploring the Emotional Roots of a Neurological Crisis

By Gary King | Founder, The Happiness Experiment

In today’s medical world, emotional suffering and neurological decline are often treated as separate conditions. But what if they’re connected? What if the emotional states we carry for decades—unhappiness, anxiety, unresolved trauma—create an internal environment where diseases like Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) can take root?

While LBD is defined by abnormal protein deposits (Lewy bodies) in the brain, its root causes remain elusive. Scientists focus on biology, genetics, and age-related risks. But as someone who has spent over 35 years studying human behavior, emotional patterns, and subconscious programming, I propose a bold question:

Can long-term unhappiness contribute to neurodegenerative disease?

What Is Lewy Body Dementia?

LBD is the second most common form of progressive dementia after Alzheimer’s, affecting thinking, movement, behavior, and sleep. It’s marked by Lewy bodies—abnormal clumps of the protein alpha-synuclein—that disrupt the brain’s chemistry, particularly dopamine and acetylcholine.

But what triggers these disruptions? Why do some develop LBD while others don’t?

The Overlooked Factor: Emotional Frequency

Emotions aren’t just feelings—they’re frequencies that influence every cell in the body. When someone lives for years in states of:

• Unhappiness

• High anxiety

• Chronic stress

• Emotional suppression

...they’re not just suffering mentally. Their entire biological system is impacted.

Chronic emotional stress is known to:

• Shrink the hippocampus (impairing memory)

• Elevate cortisol, causing brain inflammation

• Disrupt sleep and circadian repair cycles

• Weaken the immune system

• Alter neurotransmitter production

These are early-stage breakdowns that mirror LBD symptoms. Over time, this biological erosion can manifest as neurological disease.

The Human Algorithm: How the Mind Shapes the Brain

In The Happiness Experiment, I introduce The Human Algorithm—subconscious patterns that guide nearly all human behavior and emotional responses. When someone is trapped in a long-standing loop of fear, guilt, or helplessness, that algorithm rewires the brain to align with that emotional frequency.

If happiness is a high-frequency state that heals, then long-term unhappiness is a low-frequency state that weakens. The mind may not directly cause LBD, but it creates conditions where disease can thrive.

Bridging Neuroscience and Emotional Truth

Modern neuroscience is beginning to validate what spiritual and psychological teachers have long known: The body keeps the score, and the brain remembers the tone.

Experts like Gabor Maté have shown how repressed emotions and chronic stress often precede degenerative diseases. In many cases, the root isn’t just genetics or age—it’s unaddressed emotional patterns.

So, is there a connection between unhappiness and LBD? Scientifically, more research is needed. But emotionally, energetically, and behaviorally, the answer seems clear: Yes. Long-term emotional stress can create a perfect storm for neurological breakdown.

What Can We Do?

If you’re concerned—for yourself or someone else—there is hope.

1. Raise Emotional Awareness – Notice the emotional environment you inhabit. Emotional hygiene is as vital as physical hygiene.

2. Reprogram the Human Algorithm – Use auto-suggestion, forgiveness, breathing exercises, and high-frequency words (like HAPPINESS) to rewire subconscious patterns.

3. Prioritize True Joy – Seek not pleasure or distraction, but true internal happiness rooted in self-worth and inner peace.

4. Support Neuroplasticity – The brain can change, but it needs a new emotional environment to thrive.

Final Thought

If we accept that trauma shapes the mind, why is it hard to believe that chronic emotional pain might shape the brain?

Lewy Body Dementia is devastating, but its seeds may be sown earlier through unresolved emotional patterns. By addressing unhappiness now—through truth, awareness, and love—we may not only prevent illness but also unlock a life truly worth living.

Happiness isn’t just a feeling. It’s your brain’s best chance at freedom.

Spirituality Beach

Dive into Spirituality Beach, Citizen Beach’s new column shining a light on the vibrant spiritual life of St. Pete Beach, Gulfport, Treasure Island, and Madeira Beach! Each edition will explore inspiring stories of local churches, dedicated pastors, and uplifting spiritual moments, celebrating the faith and resilience of our coastal communities.

Waiting for Resurrection: St. John Vianney’s Holy Saturday Under the Tent

On Holy Saturday, as dusk settles over St. Pete Beach, the parishioners of St. John Vianney Catholic Church will gather not inside their flood-scarred sanctuary but beneath a tent pitched beside it. Seven months after Hurricane Helene’s waters ravaged this coastal community, the church stands—wounded but enduring—while its school faces closure. Yet, in the stillness of this sacred day, the parish’s story of faith and resilience echoes the hope of Easter’s promise.

When Helene roared through on September 27, 2024, its record storm surge flooded St. John Vianney’s campus. Father Victor Amorose said the campus was under 4.5 feet of water and 14 buildings were flooded. The church’s interior—pews, altar, electrical systems—was left unusable, waterlogged by the Gulf’s intrusion. More than 95% of the contents of the buildings were destroyed. The adjacent school, home to 250 students, suffered worse: classrooms, HVAC, roofing, and foundations were so damaged that recovery seemed daunting. “It felt like our heart was underwater,” said Maria Torres, a longtime parishioner.

Megan Rivera, Assistant Principal at St. John Vianney Catholic School, says Hurricane Helene devastated the school and describes the flood damage it faces.

"There was water in some places chest-high, at least mid-calf. All of our books were damaged either by mold and mildew that have set in or by actual water damage," Rivera said. "Carpets, chairs, supplies, anything left in the classrooms have been unusable, as the classrooms themselves have been."

Undeterred, Father Victor rallied the community. By October, over 700 worshippers packed a tent next to the silent church for Mass, their voices rising above the Gulf breeze. “God walks with us in our trials,” he preached, urging gratitude for small steps forward. That tent, still standing, has hosted weekly services ever since, including this Holy Saturday’s vigil, where the faithful will reflect beside their weathered sanctuary.

The school’s fate, however, grew grim. After a brief stint at borrowed sites like Cathedral School of St. Jude, hopes of rebuilding faded. Flood risks and unattainable insurance led the Diocese of St. Pete to announce the 74-year old school’s permanent closure by year’s end, a blow to families and its students. “It’s like losing a piece of us,” Torres shared. Students are now transitioning to other schools, carrying St. John Vianney’s spirit with them.

Holy Saturday’s vigil will weave this loss into its liturgy, mirroring the day’s theme of waiting for renewal. Father Victor sees parallels: “Our suffering is real and it unites us to the suffering and death of Jesus Christ, but His resurrection gives us hope that everything will work out in the end. We might still have a long road ahead of us, but everything is going to be okay.” Beside the building, parishioners like Tom Delaney find solace. “We’re here, praying next to our home. That’s enough for now.”

The city of St. Pete Beach has rallied, too, with neighbors donating supplies and churches sharing space. The tent, flapping beside the church’s walls, symbolizes both struggle and strength. At 8 p.m., all are welcome to join the Easter Vigil at 445 82nd Ave., bringing candles to light the Easter fire.

HOW YOU CAN HELP: The Diocese of St. Petersburg has a Disaster Relief Fund: Disaster Relief Fund (givecentral.org). For more pictures and video, visit Bay News 9 and ABC Action News

Community Beach

Building strong communities empowers individuals, enhances the quality of our lives, and fosters a just society.

Florida Shines as a Top State for Older Workers in 2025

For Madeira Beach, Treasure Island, St. Pete Beach, and Gulfport residents, the allure of coastal living is matched by a vibrant environment for older adults who choose to stay active in the workforce. A recent Seniorly study ranks Florida as a top state for older workers aged 65 and up in 2025, and our four coastal cities in Pinellas County are prime examples of why. With a significant senior population and diverse job opportunities, these communities offer a unique blend of work and leisure for older adults. Here’s a closer look at why our area stands out, complete with local demographics and employment insights.

A Strong Senior Presence in Our Communities

Our coastal cities are home to a substantial population of older adults, reflecting Florida’s appeal as a retirement destination. According to 2022 and 2023 data from Data USA and other demographic sources:

• Treasure Island: With a population of 6,590, the median age is 63, and 44.3% of residents are over 64, making it one of the oldest communities in the area.

• Madeira Beach: Home to 3,895 people, the median age is approximately 58, with about 35% of residents aged 65 or older, based on Pinellas County trends.

• St. Pete Beach: With a population of around 9,000, the median age is 56, and roughly 30% of residents are 65 or older, aligning with county data.

• Gulfport: This city of about 11,500 has a median age of 55, and according to local demographic profiles, an estimated 28% of residents are 65 and up.

Pinellas County as a whole has a median age of 48, with 23% of its population over 65, higher than the national average of 16.8%. These figures underscore the significant senior presence in our communities, creating a supportive environment for older workers who wish to remain active.

Employment Opportunities for Older Workers

Florida’s economy, particularly in tourism, healthcare, and retail, is a boon for older workers, and our coastal cities are no exception. While specific employment figures for seniors in Madeira Beach, Treasure Island, St. Pete Beach, and Gulfport are limited, Pinellas County data provides context. In 2023, Florida had 9.69 million employed individuals, with seniors making up a growing share of the workforce. Nationally, about 19% of people aged 65 and older were employed in 2023, and Florida’s rate is likely higher due to its senior-friendly job market.

In our communities, older workers are valued for their experience and reliability. Local businesses, such as John’s Pass Village in Madeira Beach (90% reopened post-2024 hurricanes), employ seniors in retail, hospitality, and customer service roles. In Treasure Island, restaurants like Sloppy Joe’s and BRGR Kitchen hire older adults for part-time or seasonal work, which is ideal for retirees. St. Pete Beach’s eco-friendly businesses, like Mastry’s Brewing Co., and Gulfport’s farmers’ market offer flexible roles such as event staff or vendors, perfect for seniors seeking low-stress jobs.

Data USA reports that Treasure Island employs 2,890 people, with key industries including professional services, finance, and hospitality, where seniors often excel in management or sales roles. Across Pinellas County, 31.7% of Treasure Island’s workforce is on employee plans, and 36.1% are on Medicare, suggesting many older workers balance employment with retirement benefits. While exact figures for senior employment in our cities are unavailable, the Seniorly study notes that low-experience jobs—like pet-sitting, tutoring, or retail—are abundant, with our local beach shops and cafes frequently posting openings.

Why Our Cities Shine

The Seniorly study highlights Florida’s strengths for older workers, and our coastal cities embody these advantages. The absence of state income tax means seniors keep more of their earnings, a significant benefit in Madeira Beach, where condos and cottages can carry high living costs. Flexible, part-time jobs align with the lifestyle of retirees in Treasure Island, where 44.3% of residents are over 64. In St. Pete Beach, the tourism-driven economy supports roles in eco-tourism and dining, while Gulfport’s artsy vibe fosters opportunities in creative fields like art sales or workshop facilitation.

However, challenges exist. Healthcare access in Pinellas County is strained, with primary care physicians seeing 1,138 patients annually, potentially leading to longer wait times for seniors in Gulfport or St. Pete Beach. Local clinics and telehealth services are helping address this gap. Cost of living is another hurdle, particularly in pricey Treasure Island, where median household income is $87,941, but properties on the water drive up expenses. Seniors can offset costs through part-time work, with opportunities posted on community boards in all four cities.

Local Resources and Opportunities

Our communities are rich with resources for older workers. The Gulf Beaches Public Library in Madeira Beach, serving all four cities, hosts job workshops and resume-building sessions. The Treasure Island & Madeira Beach Chamber of Commerce offers networking events, connecting seniors with local employers. In Gulfport, the Tuesday Fresh Market and Art in the Yard events provide platforms for seniors to sell crafts or services. St. Pete Beach’s Comprehensive Plan 2025 Workshop, held March 18, discussed workforce development, signaling a commitment to supporting older workers.

For job seekers, Seniorly’s tips resonate locally: update your resume to highlight skills, explore online job boards like the Pinellas Beaches Chamber website, and attend events like Gulfport’s “Coffee & Connections.” The Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas in St. Petersburg offers career counseling for seniors, reachable at (727) 570-9696.

A Bright Future for Our Silver Workforce

With a high percentage of older residents—44.3% in Treasure Island, 35% in Madeira Beach, 30% in St. Pete Beach, and 28% in Gulfport—our cities are hubs for senior vitality. Florida’s ranking as a top state for older workers reflects the opportunities here, from beachfront retail to creative gigs. Whether you’re a retiree in Madeira Beach looking to stay active or a Gulfport artist selling at the market, our communities offer a fulfilling blend of work and coastal charm.

Visit the Seniorly Resource Center to find local jobs, visit the Gulf Beaches Public Library, check the Pinellas County Age-Friendly Services and Resources, or stop by the Gulfport Senior Center. Let’s keep our silver workforce thriving in 2025!