St. Pete Standard

St. Petersburg offers a variety of events and initiatives as the year comes to a close. Residents can enjoy holiday lights along the downtown waterfront until January 1, while numerous festive events are scheduled to capture the holiday spirit.

Looking ahead, St. Petersburg will celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend with events such as the Dream Big Banquet, MLK Band Showcase, and the iconic MLK Parade. More details on these events will be available at mlkdreambig.com.

The city is also preparing for 2025 by distributing new Trash and Recycling Calendars. Residents can check their collection schedules online at stpete.org/Collection.

The Utility Assistance Program continues to offer an option for residents to make charitable donations through their utility bills to support local families in need. Information on how to contribute is available at stpete.org/UtilityAssistance.

On February 1, the Fit City 5K & 1 Mile night race will take place at the downtown waterfront, featuring glow activities suitable for all ages. Registration details can be found at HealthyStPeteFL.com.

Transportation options have expanded with the return of The Cross Bay Ferry's eighth season, providing service between downtown St. Pete and Tampa until June 2025. For more information, visit thecrossbayferry.com.

The Greenhouse offers business counseling and workshops aimed at helping businesses achieve their New Year goals. Details are available at stpetegreenhouse.com.

In safety news, St. Petersburg Fire Rescue emphasizes caution when using lithium-ion batteries due to potential risks like overheating or fire hazards if mishandled. Safety tips include using only compatible batteries and chargers and avoiding charging devices on soft surfaces like beds or couches.

For further safety guidelines regarding lithium-ion batteries, visit nfpa.org/LithiumIonSafety.