St. Petersburg Daily Local Headlines: Shooting Investigation, Port Referendum, Laser Arrest

Top headline: Daytime shooting leaves two hurt

St. Petersburg police are investigating a Wednesday morning shooting near 15th Avenue South and 11th Street South. Authorities said a teenager and an adult woman were injured, and at least one person was taken into custody as officers worked to sort out what led up to the gunfire. Investigators were expected to review witness accounts and any available video from the area.

Waterfront decision heads toward voters

A key city committee has pushed forward a proposal that could put a major Port of St. Petersburg lease question on the November 3, 2026 ballot. The idea is to seek voter approval for a longer-term waterfront lease to support expansion of the Maritime and Defense Technology Hub, with supporters saying the longer term is needed to secure federal funding and private financing. Even if voters approve the referendum, City Council would still have to sign off on the final lease terms later.

Laser incident leads to felony arrest

The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office said deputies arrested a St. Petersburg man after a green laser was shined into the cockpit of an airborne sheriff’s helicopter Tuesday night near 38th Avenue North. Deputies said the helicopter crew tracked the suspect’s location and patrol units made an arrest at a nearby address. Under Florida law, aiming a laser at someone operating an aircraft can be charged as a felony.

Do Good Day set for late March

Mayor Ken Welch has proclaimed the last Saturday in March as Do Good Day in St. Petersburg, tying an annual civic note to a growing nonprofit and volunteer fair. Organizers say the 2026 event is set for March 28 at Ferg’s Sports Bar & Grill, with dozens of local nonprofits expected to participate in a drop-in, career-fair-style setup designed to connect residents with volunteer roles and community projects.

Sources

• https://www.fox13news.com/news/st-petersburg-shooting-injures-teen-woman-police/
• https://tbbwmag.com/2026/03/03/st-pete-port-lease-referendum-tech-hub-expansion/
• https://www.pinellassheriff.gov/Contents/ContentItems/4nf9g2s31v9450q3wjfwn9aax6
• https://stpetecatalyst.com/w/mayor-proclaims-do-good-day-as-annual-civic-initiative-event-returns-march-28-at-fergs/