Mark Parker, The St. Pete Catalyst Journalist Profile

Articles

SPC student showcases face-recognizing AI robot

1 week ago | stpetecatalyst.com | Mark Parker

A recent St. Petersburg College graduate has utilized the school’s Innovation Lab to create an artificial intelligence-powered robot equipped with customizable personalities and facial recognition software. Kyle Camuti showcased his robot, Ambit, Wednesday afternoon as part of the Maritime and Defense Technology Hub’s ongoing Tech X-change series.
City establishes plan to support St. Pete’s ‘legacy’ businesses

1 week ago | stpetecatalyst.com | Mark Parker

St. Petersburg is home to over 4,200 businesses that have served residents for at least two decades, despite many others falling victim to soaring costs and exponential growth. City officials are establishing a new initiative to highlight and support those legacy businesses, defined as “deeply rooted establishments that have shaped our city’s identity, economy and regional character.” The nascent program is Councilmember Gina Driscoll’s brainchild.
St. Pete debuts innovative, symbolic sanitation campus

1 week ago | stpetecatalyst.com | Mark Parker

St. Petersburg officials did not just commemorate the opening of a state-of-the-art sanitation headquarters Friday – they also celebrated the spirit of unity it embodies. Current and former employees joined myriad city leaders to christen the $14.5 million Joseph E. Savage Sanitation Complex. The environmentally resilient facility’s name honors a local civil rights icon who helped lead the 1968 St. Pete Sanitation Strike.
Lakewood coach Necole Tunsil helps teen win at life

1 week ago | stpetecatalyst.com | Mark Parker

Necole Tunsil became a local legend on the Lakewood High School basketball court; her ultimate assist gave a troubled teen a shot at a better life. Tunsil, now the school’s girls basketball coach, held a then-state championship record for her 44-point performance in 1989. She also made history as a 1st Team Parade All-American and Miss Florida Basketball in 1988 and 1989, and had a prolific college and professional career.
PSTA can double Cross Bay Ferry service for half the cost

1 week ago | stpetecatalyst.com | Mark Parker

A new and improved, locally operated and year-round ferry service between downtown St. Petersburg and Tampa is on the horizon. The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority’s governing board unanimously approved accepting a $4.86 million federal grant to purchase two high-speed vessels Wednesday. CEO Brad Miller believes the enhanced service would cut the now-defunct Cross Bay Ferry’s costs in half. PSTA now needs the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority to do its part.
‘No red flags:’ Principal speaks out about teacher’s arrest

1 week ago | stpetecatalyst.com | Mark Parker

Pinellas Preparatory Academy’s principal wants the public to understand the school’s position after a teacher’s arrest for attempting to send a minor obscene material. U.S. Marshals arrested third grade teacher Lee Hughes on May 1 following a nearly year-long investigation. Principal Jessica Hill never expected to navigate such a situation, and welcomes any potential solutions to increase student safety.
Expansive athletic, social club nears completion in St. Pete

1 week ago | stpetecatalyst.com | Mark Parker

The entrepreneurs behind an ambitious athletic and social club hope to have the first of 14 indoor pickleball courts installed in July, with a soft opening in August. In addition to professional-grade pickleball courts, St. Pete Athletic Paddle & Social will feature a full-service restaurant, multiple bars, a membership lounge, a pro shop, a garden and courtside food and beverage service.
Local officials urge boaters to prep for hurricane season

1 week ago | stpetecatalyst.com | Mark Parker

An unprecedented hurricane season damaged or destroyed over 120 boats in Pinellas County. A Gulfport man died aboard his vessel during what was then Tropical Storm Debby. The 2025 hurricane season begins June 1, and local first responders hope to mitigate additional losses.
Gains, losses define St. Pete economy

1 week ago | tbnweekly.com | Mark Parker |Pete Catalyst

St. Petersburg — A sharp decline in St. Petersburg’s workforce mirrors the precipitous drop in job creation. However, property tax and new construction values continue to soar. Revitalization efforts in historically underserved South St. Petersburg have paid dividends, while unemployment remains low, despite a slight uptick. The Tampa Bay Rays are no longer among the city’s top employers, and the long-term effects of an unprecedented hurricane season remain unknown.
County approves bond sales for 448 affordable housing units

1 week ago | stpetecatalyst.com | Mark Parker

The Pinellas County Commission recently approved two bond sales totaling $74.16 million to help finance 448 affordable housing units in Largo and Tarpon Springs. The Housing Finance Authority of Pinellas County received unanimous support to issue the multifamily housing revenue bonds May 20. Olea on 126 in Largo is a new development, while a developer will acquire and rehabilitate the Riverside Apartments in Tarpon Springs. Commissioners did not discuss the projects at their meeting.