Mark Parker

2 days ago | stpetecatalyst.com | Mark Parker

The St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce has launched a collaborative committee to support established entrepreneurs and foster the next generation of innovators. The Tech Founders Committee’s overarching goal is to ensure tech companies can start, grow and thrive in St. Petersburg. Area experts will oversee four key pillars: Funding access, advisory and mentorship, partnership and collaboration and talent and education.

3 days ago | stpetecatalyst.com | Mark Parker

Wealth management firm Dynasty Financial Partners will double the size of its current national headquarters by leasing the entirety of the Residences at 400 Central’s office space. The mixed-use tower, St. Petersburg’s tallest, is nearing completion at 400 Central Avenue. Dynasty announced Tuesday that it signed a 15-year lease for 44,434 square feet of Class A office space, underscoring the firm’s commitment to the city.

3 days ago | stpetecatalyst.com | Mark Parker

The Manhattan Casino, a Black cultural institution in South St. Petersburg, will soon receive a $4.8 million redesign after shuttering in November 2022. City officials filed plans for the long-delayed project earlier this month. The nearly century-old landmark at 642 22nd St. S. was once a preferred destination for legendary performers like Ray Charles, Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong during the Jim Crow era.

4 days ago | stpetecatalyst.com | Mark Parker

The U.S. Marshals Service and myriad local partners have completed the most successful missing child recovery operation in the agency’s – and likely the nation’s – history. The multi-disciplinary task force’s collaborative efforts located 60 critically missing children ranging in age from 9 to 17, including 11 from St. Petersburg. Some are now pregnant. Critically missing kids are those most at risk of experiencing sexual exploitation, violence, substance abuse and exposure to other crimes.

4 days ago | stpetecatalyst.com | Mark Parker

Hurricane Idalia intensified from a Category 1 to a Category 4 storm in less than 24 hours as it barreled toward Florida’s Big Bend in August 2023. The phenomenon has become increasingly common – Hurricanes Helene and Milton also suddenly strengthened in the Gulf of Mexico before making devastating landfalls. A recent study led by researchers at the University of South Florida’s St. Petersburg campus found that freshwater from nearby rivers can help supercharge storms.