Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Jet Skier Killed By Lightning Strike Near Fort De Soto: Reports

You won't want to miss Kids and Kubs set season start Thursday, October 29 on the St. Petersburg Patch calendar

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Good morning to you St. Petersburg! Catch up on our news and events right here. Keep reading to stay in the know. ☕️️

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In today's newsletter:

  • Visitor killed by lightning while jet skiing near Fort De Soto
  • St. Pete man accused of filming explicit OnlyFans video in park
  • See the new protective gear keeping St. Pete K-9 Chance safer

Also on today's calendar: Kids and Kubs set season start Thursday, October 29 and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What is the 1 way to guarantee winning a small fortune at the casino? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Tuesday: Periods of sun with a t-storm, with a high of 89 and low of 78 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Wednesday: An afternoon t-storm or two, temps: high: 88, low: 80.
  • Thursday: Humid with a thunderstorm, with a high of 89 and low of 79 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Jet Skier Killed By Lightning Strike Near Fort De Soto: Reports (patch.com) — Residents around St. Petersburg are being reminded of Florida's lightning dangers after a visiting jet skier was fatally struck near Fort De Soto Park on Saturday evening. The victim, identified as Utah resident Steve Matheson, later died at a local hospital, and his death adds to a growing number of lightning fatalities statewide this year.
   

2. Man Arrested While Filming OnlyFans Content At St. Pete Park: Reports (patch.com) — St. Petersburg readers may be alarmed to learn that a 40-year-old local man was arrested at Sawgrass Lake Park after a witness reported he was exposing himself while filming content for OnlyFans. Deputies say he admitted to the behavior before being taken to the Pinellas County Jail on a misdemeanor exposure charge.
   

3. St. Pete K-9 receives body armor as 'gift of protection' from non-profit organization (snntv.com) — A St. Petersburg police K-9 named Chance is now better protected on duty thanks to a donated bullet- and stab-resistant vest from nonprofit Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. The gift adds another layer of safety for local officers' four-legged partner and highlights ongoing support from national groups for St. Pete's law enforcement teams.
   

4. Coast Guard Issues $60M to Rebuild St. Petersburg Waterfront (tbbwmag.com) — A $60 million federal contract will rebuild and modernize the Coast Guard's Sector St. Petersburg waterfront, replacing Hurricane Helene damage and preparing for new Fast Response Cutters. Expect new berthing, maintenance, training and support facilities along Tampa Bay, upgrades to mooring and utilities, and a more resilient base that underpins maritime safety and security for St. Petersburg and Florida's Gulf Coast.
   

5. American Circular joins spARK Labs by ARK Invest incubator (stpetecatalyst.com) — A Clearwater-based e-waste startup, American Circular, has joined St. Petersburg's spARK Labs by ARK Invest incubator, deepening the region's tech and sustainability scene. Using AI and computer vision, the company securely processes and refurbishes electronics, aiming to keep Tampa Bay's discarded devices local while creating new community partnerships and putting refurbished tech back into residents' hands.
   

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Kids and Kubs Open Practice Sessions Today, September 1, For 2026-27 Play, Tryouts Welcome . —Jon Reynolds Read on Patch
  • JEM Restaurant Group, Inc. posted a job opening for Late Night Team Member in Largo. Apply here.
  • Whataburger posted a job opening for Restaurant Porter - Unit 1667 in Largo. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near St. Petersburg here.

Ok St. Petersburg! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: By starting with a large fortune. (Thank you Kourtney Z. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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