Trash Pirates, Parking, and Kites

Beach News in Brief, from Madeira Beach to Pass-a-Grille

By Gabby Reeder

Here’s what’s happening on the South Pinellas beaches this week. Looking for more beach news? Subscribe to our weekly beach-first newsletter, The Barnacle, at mailchi. mp/thegabber/the-barnacle.

Madeira Beach

Trash Pirates Set Sail

For one day only, hop aboard the Johns Pass Pirate Ship with the Trash Pirates. Known for leaving no trace and keeping the beaches pristine, the Jan. 8 cleanup partners with the Johns Pass Pirate Ship. This unforgettable event begins with an 8 a.m. cleanup followed by a 10 a.m. photo shoot on the boat. Head over to Madeira Beach on the 8 and see for yourself how these pristine pirates set sail.

Madeira’s 75th Anniversary

As we celebrate 2022, Madeira Beach celebrates its 75th anniversary. The celebration lasts all year and includes events, shindigs and parties to honor the city. Speaking of history, the city wants anyone with pictures of Madeira from the last 75 years to send copies to recreation@madeirabeachfl.gov – and include the photographer and year taken.

Ring in 2022 with a Stretch

Madeira Beach yoga classes return Thursday, Jan. 7. The weekly, all-ages class lasts an hour. Classes start at 9 a.m. every Thursday at the recreation center (200 Rex Place). Pricing is flexible and after one of these classes, you will be, too.

St. Pete Beach

New Year, New Parking Pass

In 2022, resident parking passes go digital. Each pass matches a license plate; people must buy and register the passes online. People who struggle with the process can make an appointment for help at city hall. Beach residents with an expired 2021 decal, have until Mar. 1 to get a digital pass.

Commissioners Commence

Channel your inner commissioner at the first city commission meeting this year. On Jan. 11 at 6 p.m. bring your comments and concerns to the live meeting, or attend via Facebook Live. Email comments and concerns to cityclerk@stpetebeach.org before 5:45 p.m. on Jan. 11.

Mayor’s Open Office

Have questions for the mayor? Hash them out at the St. Pete Beach library. Mayor Al Johnson chats with people every Tuesday between 6 and 7 p.m. to talk about issues, plans, and answer questions. Meetings start Jan. 10.

Treasure Island

Friday Morning Market

Start your weekend with a market. Between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. the Treasure Island Friday Morning Market has a limitless array of fruit, vegetables and art. Shop the market at the TI Community Center (154 106th Ave.) through April.

Crash Course in Kites

Do you have what it takes to fly a kite over the sandy beaches, wielding the wind speeds while your character-based kite takes flight? On. Jan. 16, the Thunderbird hosts a two-day festival of kites and kite-flyers. Learn to fly a kite from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., or simply watch the masters.

Acrylic Answers

Unleash your inner artist in 2022 with Peggy Stein’s “A to Z Acrylic Lecture Demo” at the Treasure Island Community Center on Jan. 8, The two-hour class starts at 1 p.m. and focuses on acrylics, although she’ll present oil and watercolor techniques as well. Email peggystein819@gmail.com to register for this free class.