The Pinellas Journal

Stories from the Sunshine peninsula

Local guides, new restaurants, parks and trails, beach days, and everything you need to weather storm season — straight from the Pinellas County Podcast team.

8 Nature Trails in Pinellas County Worth the Sweat
Featured
Parks & Trails

8 Nature Trails in Pinellas County Worth the Sweat

From shady hammock loops to breezy waterfront boardwalks, these are the trails locals actually walk on the weekend.

June 28, 2026 7 min read
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A Beginner's Guide to Shelling on Pinellas Beaches
Beaches

A Beginner's Guide to Shelling on Pinellas Beaches

Pinellas beaches are a sheller's dream. Here's when, where, and how to find the best treasures.

June 27, 2026 5 min
Boyd Hill Nature Preserve: A Wild Escape in the City
Parks & Trails

Boyd Hill Nature Preserve: A Wild Escape in the City

Six ecosystems, resident raptors, and miles of trails — Boyd Hill is a slice of old Florida inside St. Pete.

June 26, 2026 5 min
The Perfect Indian Rocks Beach Day
Beaches

The Perfect Indian Rocks Beach Day

Low-key, walkable, and refreshingly uncrowded, Indian Rocks Beach is the antidote to the big-name beach crowds.

June 24, 2026 5 min
Clearwater's Hottest New Restaurant Openings
Food & Drink

Clearwater's Hottest New Restaurant Openings

Clearwater's dining scene is heating up beyond the beach. Here are the new spots locals are talking about.

June 22, 2026 5 min
New Restaurants Opening in Downtown St. Pete This Season
Food & Drink

New Restaurants Opening in Downtown St. Pete This Season

Downtown St. Petersburg's food scene keeps leveling up. Here are the newest spots worth booking a table for.

June 20, 2026 6 min
Sea Turtle Nesting Season: How to Help, Not Harm
Parks & Trails

Sea Turtle Nesting Season: How to Help, Not Harm

Every summer, sea turtles nest on Pinellas beaches. A few simple habits make a huge difference for these ancient mariners.

June 18, 2026 5 min
Kayaking the Mangrove Tunnels of Weedon Island
Parks & Trails

Kayaking the Mangrove Tunnels of Weedon Island

Paddle through shady mangrove tunnels and open bay flats on one of Pinellas' best-loved water trails.

June 16, 2026 6 min
Riding the Pinellas Trail End to End
Parks & Trails

Riding the Pinellas Trail End to End

The Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail runs nearly 50 miles through the county. Here's how to tackle it, one segment at a time.

June 14, 2026 7 min
New to Pinellas County? Start Here.
Local Guides

New to Pinellas County? Start Here.

Just moved to the Sunshine City area? Here's the friendly local orientation every newcomer needs.

June 13, 2026 7 min
The 7 Best Sunset Spots in Pinellas County
Beaches

The 7 Best Sunset Spots in Pinellas County

Being on the Gulf means front-row seats to the sunset every night. These are the spots worth showing up early for.

June 12, 2026 5 min
Your Year-Round Guide to Pinellas County Events
Events & Culture

Your Year-Round Guide to Pinellas County Events

Festivals, markets, holiday boat parades and more — a season-by-season look at what's happening all year.

June 11, 2026 6 min
Clearwater Beach Like a Local: Parking, Timing & Quiet Spots
Beaches

Clearwater Beach Like a Local: Parking, Timing & Quiet Spots

Clearwater Beach earns its national rankings — but knowing when and where to go makes all the difference.

June 10, 2026 6 min
Where to Find the Best Coffee in Pinellas County
Food & Drink

Where to Find the Best Coffee in Pinellas County

Independent roasters, cozy cafes, and beachside espresso — a tour of the county's caffeine highlights.

June 9, 2026 5 min
20 Family-Friendly Things to Do Around Pinellas
Local Guides

20 Family-Friendly Things to Do Around Pinellas

Rainy day or sunny, toddlers or teens — a big list of things to keep the whole family entertained.

June 8, 2026 8 min
Safety Harbor: A Charming Bayside Day Trip
Local Guides

Safety Harbor: A Charming Bayside Day Trip

A historic spa town on Tampa Bay with a walkable Main Street, waterfront parks, and a laid-back arts vibe.

June 6, 2026 5 min
A First-Timer's Guide to the St. Pete Art Scene
Events & Culture

A First-Timer's Guide to the St. Pete Art Scene

Murals, galleries, museums and monthly art walks — downtown St. Pete is one of Florida's true arts capitals.

June 5, 2026 7 min
After Dark in Downtown St. Pete
Events & Culture

After Dark in Downtown St. Pete

Rooftop bars, live music, and late-night eats — a guide to downtown St. Petersburg after the sun goes down.

June 4, 2026 6 min
Why Gulfport Is Pinellas' Most Charming Little Town
Local Guides

Why Gulfport Is Pinellas' Most Charming Little Town

Artsy, walkable, and delightfully weird — Gulfport is the waterfront village that locals hope stays a secret.

June 2, 2026 6 min
Fort De Soto Park: The Complete Guide
Parks & Trails

Fort De Soto Park: The Complete Guide

Ranked among America's top beaches, Fort De Soto is also a historic fort, a bird sanctuary, and a camper's paradise.

June 1, 2026 7 min
Storm Surge vs. Evacuation Zones: Know the Difference
Storm Prep

Storm Surge vs. Evacuation Zones: Know the Difference

These two terms confuse a lot of Pinellas residents. Understanding both could save your life.

May 31, 2026 5 min
Where to Take Your Dog: Pinellas' Best Off-Leash Spots
Parks & Trails

Where to Take Your Dog: Pinellas' Best Off-Leash Spots

Fenced dog parks, a dog beach, and shady trails — the pup-approved guide to getting outside with your best friend.

May 30, 2026 5 min
Get Your Insurance and Documents Storm-Ready
Storm Prep

Get Your Insurance and Documents Storm-Ready

The boring paperwork is what makes recovery possible. Here's how to get your documents in order before a storm hits.

May 29, 2026 6 min
Dunedin's Craft Beer and Bites Crawl
Food & Drink

Dunedin's Craft Beer and Bites Crawl

Dunedin has more breweries per capita than almost anywhere in Florida. Here's how to tour them the smart way.

May 28, 2026 6 min
Don't Forget the Pets: A Hurricane Plan for Animals
Storm Prep

Don't Forget the Pets: A Hurricane Plan for Animals

Your emergency plan isn't complete until it includes your pets. Here's how to keep every family member safe.

May 27, 2026 5 min
Generator Safety: Powering Through a Pinellas Outage
Storm Prep

Generator Safety: Powering Through a Pinellas Outage

A generator can be a lifesaver after a storm — or a deadly hazard if used wrong. Here's how to run one safely.

May 25, 2026 6 min
Flooding 101: Protecting a Coastal Pinellas Home
Storm Prep

Flooding 101: Protecting a Coastal Pinellas Home

Storm surge and heavy rain are the biggest threats to Pinellas homes. Here's how to reduce your flood risk year-round.

May 22, 2026 8 min
A Guide to Pinellas County Farmers Markets
Events & Culture

A Guide to Pinellas County Farmers Markets

Fresh produce, local makers, and live music — the county's weekly markets are a Saturday-morning ritual.

May 20, 2026 5 min
Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks: A Taste of Greece in Florida
Local Guides

Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks: A Taste of Greece in Florida

Fresh Greek food, sponge boats, and centuries of history — Tarpon Springs is a day trip unlike anywhere else in Florida.

May 18, 2026 6 min
The Pinellas Hurricane Prep Checklist (Start Before June)
Storm Prep

The Pinellas Hurricane Prep Checklist (Start Before June)

Living on a peninsula means taking storm season seriously. Here's a practical, no-panic checklist for your home and family.

May 15, 2026 9 min