S2 Ep2217: GOOD DEEDS AARP Community Challenger Grants Awarded To 5 Tampa Bay Organizations

S2 Ep2217: GOOD DEEDS AARP Community Challenger Grants Awarded To 5 Tampa Bay Organizations

In this episode of Good Deeds, host Nanette Wiser catches up with Maryanna Antoldi |  Associate State Director of Communications of AARP Florida [https://www.aarp.org/states/florida/] about AARP's recent windfall of $55,000 for five Tampa Bay region organizations as part of nationwide program to strengthen communities. 👉 View the full list of grantees and their projects at aarp.org/communitychallenge [http://www.aarp.org/communitychallenge]. 👉 Learn more about AARP Florida’s work to support livable communities at aarp.org/FLLivable [https://www.aarp.org/states/florida/livable-communities-hub/]. On June 24th, AARP announced that five organizations across Hillsborough, Polk and Pinellas counties have received a 2026 Community Challenge grant. Marking the program’s 10th anniversary, these grants are part of an $8.3 million commitment by AARP, doubling last year’s total to fund 750 quick-action projects nationwide aimed at making communities more livable for people of all ages, especially older adults.  Projects across the Tampa Bay region reflect growing demand for practical, local solutions that help residents stay connected, safe and independent. Organizations and their funded projects include: * City of Lakeland, Lakeland, Fla. [https://www.lakelandgov.net/] – The city will improve pedestrian safety along a busy boulevard by installing crosswalk signage, pavement striping and a speed table. These upgrades will create a safer, more walkable connection between nearby housing and activity centers. * Florida Home Partnership Inc., Ruskin, Fla. [https://flhome.org/] – Safety upgrades will be made in 30 homes for older adults including grab bars, railings, and improved lighting. These updates will help reduce fall risks and make it easier for people to age in place. * Friends of Trails Crossing, St. Petersburg, Fla [https://www.trailsx.org/]. – Three bike audits will review safe access along the Pinellas Trail for older riders. Learnings will help shape future improvements to support mobility and independence. * The City of Gulfport, Gulfport, Fla [https://mygulfport.us/]. – The Discover Gulfport Walking Trail system will receive clear signage and accessibility features along nine miles of routes. This includes direction signs, trail names, map boards, QR codes for digital maps, and handrails where they’re needed most. * Volunteers in Service to the Elderly (VISTE), Lakeland, Fla. [https://viste.org/]– Skilled volunteers will help build entry ramps and other accessibility features for older adults with mobility challenges. These safer entrances may lower the risk of falls and make it easier for residents to age in place.  “Communities across Florida are eager for real solutions that boost mobility, connection, and quality of life,” said Jeff Johnson, State Director at AARP Florida. “These projects will bring real improvement to Hillsborough, Pinellas and Polk counties by improving accessibility, transportation methods, pedestrian safety, and digital literacy across the region. We’re excited to see these come to life.” Since 2017, AARP has invested over $24.3 million toward 2,100 livability projects – including 64 in Florida – to nonprofit organizations and local government entities across the state. This year, 24 total grants were awarded to Florida-based organizations, totaling over $200,000. Grant projects will be funded in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. About AARP AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the more than 125 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also works for individuals in the marketplace by sparking new solutions and allowing carefully chosen, high-quality products and services to carry the AARP name. As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the nation's largest circulation publications, AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. 👉 To learn more, visit www.aarp.org/about-aarp/ [https://www.aarp.org/about-aarp/], www.aarp.org/español [https://www.aarp.org/espa%C3%B1ol] or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspañol and @AARPadvocates on social media. #gooddeeds #aarp #aarpflorida #nonprofits #livablecommunites #seniors #2026communitychallengergrants #nanettewiser  #stpete #stpetefl  #tampabay #radio #radiostpete #cityofstpete  #dtsp #downtownstpete

S2 Ep2216: PET TIPS Meet SPCA Tampa Bay's Medical Director Dr. Lopez + July Toy Drive

In this episode of Pet Tips, host Nanette Wiser chats with SPCA Tampa Bay [https://spcatampabay.org/]'s Medical Director Dr. Lopez to talk fur-baby wellness, how you can help the non-profit and their July Supply Drive!  Topics we covered include protecting pets in the heat, importance of heartworm prevention and annual checkups, and what you need to know about screw worms. Learn how  you can help this important organization including fostering, adopting and volunteering! #spcatampabay #drlopez #cats #dogs #rabbits #wildlife #nanettewiser #pettips #nonprofit #gooddeeds #stpete #stpetefl  #tampabay #radio #radiostpete #cityofstpete  #dtsp #downtownstpete

S2 Ep2215: CHASE PORTER Waring Music Co. 100th Anniversary Music/History Celebration

(Airs 7/16/2026)  Chase Porter is a Florida-based music historian, educator, and radio host known for documenting the rich musical heritage of Pinellas County. His programs have appeared on Radio St. Pete (Sunshine 96.7 FM). He is best known for his deep dive into the historical Waring Music Company, highlighting its legacy and its 100th-anniversary milestone in St. Petersburg, Florida. Book + Bottle is actually located in part of the former Waring Music Co. headquarters! WHAT THIS SHOW IS ABOUT Downtown St Petersburg was heavily musically active a century ago, from local stars on record labels to vaudeville at movie theaters, but when bandleader and radio star Fred Waring fell in love with the Sunshine City in 1926, nothing could show more love than opening a music store on the corner of 1st Ave North & 6th Street. Hear the music and more, as Chase Porter presents the story of the Waring Music Company for the 100th anniversary of its grand opening, July 16th, 2026. Featuring personally digitized audio from local copies of the century old 78RPM Victor Records that the Waring's sold during the company's 2 year venture in the roaring 1920s. Musical genres featured will include Hot Jazz, pop hits, Barbershop Quartet, Concert, Salon, and Light Classical.  LISTEN UP Interview with Chase Porter. [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/music-scene-chase-porter-tour-of-pinellas-county/id1798251706?i=1000774075651] #chaseporter #music #pinellascountymusichistory #waringmusiccompany #stpete #stpetefl  #tampabay #radio #radiostpete #cityofstpete  #dtsp #downtownstpete

S2 Ep2214: ARTS ALIVE! St. Pete Catalyst's Bill DeYoung: Neverne Covington @Morean Arts

Our guest today in the Arts Alive! studio is longtime St. Petersburg artist Neverne Covington, who has a solo exhibition, Into the Mystic, debuting Saturday at the Morean Arts Center. [https://moreanartscenter.org/] She’ll be at the opening reception, 5-9 p.m., which just so happens to coincide with the July Second Saturday ArtWalk.  Covington made a living for many years as a commercial illustrator, drawing, inking and painting everything from book covers to frozen vegetable packages (something she created is probably still on the shelves in your neighborhood Publix, as a matter of fact).  Making art as a purely creative endeavor won out, however, and today she is a prolific producer of oils, watercolors, sculpture, assemblage, drawings and encaustics (painting with dyed hot wax).  Many of her paintings are deeply impressionistic and almost abstract interpretations of the things she sees, hears, feels and experiences. Covington is a believer in the philosophies of Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung, who famously explored the balance between the conscious and unconscious mind.  All of which leads directly Into the Mystic. #billdeyoung #stpetecatalyst #artsalive #moreanartscenter #nevernecovington #intothe mystic #stpete #stpetefl  #tampabay #radio #radiostpete #cityofstpete  #dtsp #downtownstpete

S2 Ep2213: St Petersburg District 6 Candidates Forum presented by the St Petersburg Downtown Neighborhood Association

Hosted by the St. Petersburg Downtown Neighborhood Association, this informative discussion gave voters the opportunity to hear directly from the candidates seeking to represent District 6 on the St. Petersburg City Council. Moderated by Nicole Roberts, Operations Manager of the St. Petersburg Downtown Partnership, the forum covered many of the issues shaping the future of our city, including housing affordability, neighborhood preservation, transportation, public safety, economic development, parks and green space, and responsible growth. Participating candidates included Terri Balliet, Linsey Grove, Doug Homeyer, Trevor Mallory, and Jameka Williams, each sharing their perspectives and priorities for serving District 6 residents. This forum is an opportunity to learn more about the candidates before casting your vote and to become a more informed and engaged member of our District 6 Community. Learn more: * St. Petersburg Downtown Neighborhood Association [https://stpetedna.org] * Vote 411 [https://www.vote411.org/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=15468896&gbraid=0AAAAAD9urOBm-OhkzipI1mA2-KvDywtf3&gclid=Cj0KCQjwsMLSBhD9ARIsAIpUTDpVX3QE-49JPwJ2GwP4hTJU2dMC4wNDk8wkffTtLZ9tGezF29UCx1IaAgVjEALw_wcB] * St. Petersburg Downtown Partnership [https://www.stpetepartnership.org/] #District6 #StPete #CityCouncil #LocalElections #CommunityVoices #RadioStPete