Growing Stronger with Time: Healthy Aging This April
By Dakota Priest, Health Program Specialist April is a season of renewal. In St. Petersburg, warmer days and active parks encourage residents to spend more time outdoors connecting with neighbors, exploring the community, and focusing on their well-being. It’s also a perfect time to reflect on healthy aging, not simply adding years to life, but adding vitality, independence, and purpose to those years. Healthy aging is built on everyday habits that support physical, mental, and emotional wellness throughout every stage of
Fresh Rec Stop Recipe of the Month: Korean Beef Bulgogi
Savory & Sweet: The Ultimate Korean Beef Bulgogi at Home There are few dishes as satisfying and universally loved as Korean Beef Bulgogi. Translating literally to "fire meat," this classic dish is famous for its thin, tender strips of beef marinated in a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and slightly spicy flavors. The secret to restaurant-quality Bulgogi at home? It all comes down to the marinade. By using grated pear, you not only add a subtle, natural sweetness but also harness
March into Movement: Building Momentum This Spring
By Dakota Priest, Health Program Specialist March is a season of momentum in St. Petersburg. The days grow a little longer, the weather stays comfortably warm, and the energy of spring begins to show up everywhere, from busy waterfront paths to neighborhood parks filling with activity. It’s an ideal time to recommit to physical activity and build habits that feel energizing, social, and sustainable. Why March Is a Smart Time to Get Moving March often represents a natural reset. Routines that may have
Fresh Rec Stop Recipe of the Month: Sweet Potato Almond Muffins
By Garrett Simpson, NASM-CNC, Community Health Leader These muffins made with sweet potato purée and almond flour are a cozy, nutrient-packed treat that tastes just as good as it makes you feel. Sweet potatoes are loaded with beta-carotene (Vitamin A), Vitamin C, fiber, potassium, and antioxidants like anthocyanins, which help boost immunity, support vision, aid digestion, and promote heart and gut health while providing steady energy from complex carbs. Almond flour is a gluten-free, low-carb alternative to wheat flour that supports
Fresh Rec Stop Recipe of the Month: Stuffed Collard Greens
By Garrett Simpson, NASM-CNC, Community Health Leader Stuffed collard greens pack a surprising nutritional punch thanks to their simple, wholesome ingredients. Collard greens themselves are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, supporting immunity, bone health, and digestion. Fillings like rice or grains provide lasting energy, while aromatics such as garlic and onions offer anti-inflammatory benefits. Green bell peppers contribute vitamin C and antioxidants that support immune health and cellular protection. Together, these ingredients create a comforting dish that’s as nourishing
Community Food Grant Program Update – 2026 Applications Now Open!
In its inaugural year, The Community Food Grant Program funded nine local organizations committed to advancing health equity through food security projects with $300,000. In the final months of the project terms, we review two organizations and the incredible work they are doing through the grant. Now accepting applications for the 2026 Community Food Grant Program! Informed by the Healthy Food Action Plan, the Community Food Grant Program aims to improve health equity for all residents in St. Petersburg by funding local
New Year, New Feelings: Supporting Kids’ Mental Health in 2026
A new year often comes with excitement, fresh goals, and new routines, but for kids, it can also bring big feelings. Changes at school, friendships, family schedules, or even social media exposure can sometimes feel overwhelming. The good news? Mental health is just like physical health. It can be strengthened with the right tools, support, and care. For Kids: It’s Okay to Feel How You Feel Feeling happy, nervous, frustrated, or sad is all part of being human. What matters most is
Community Food Grant Program Update – St. Pete First United Methodist Church & St. Pete Free Clinic
By Sarah Wiemert, Healthy St. Petersburg, Health Planner II In its inaugural year, The Community Food Grant Program funded nine local organizations committed to advancing health equity through food security projects with $300,000. In the final months of the project terms, we review two organizations and the incredible work they are doing through the grant. St. Pete First United Methodist Church | $45,000 Helping Hands for Hungry Kids Healthy food pantries located in four public schools within Healthy Food Priority Areas to serve families
Fresh Rec Stop Recipe of the Month: Homemade Eggnog
By Garrett Simpson, NASM-CNC, Community Health Leader Homemade eggnog is not only a cozy holiday classic, but also a surprisingly nutritious treat, rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals from fresh eggs and natural sweeteners. Making your own allows you to skip artificial additives and control the sugar content for a healthier version. For those avoiding dairy, it’s easy to swap traditional milk for almond, oat, soy, or coconut milk without losing the creamy texture or festive flavor. With a few simple
9TH ANNUAL HEALTHY ST. PETE FIT CITY 5K + 1 MILE WALK: GLOW IN THE PARK
Get ready to shine! The annual Fit City 5K + 1-mile walk returns to downtown St. Petersburg on Friday, February 6, 2026. Healthy St. Pete, a division of the St. Petersburg Parks and Recreation Department, is hosting the 9th annual Glow in the Park themed event with activities for all ages starting at 5 p.m. in Vinoy Park, 701 Bayshore Dr. NE, St. Peterburg, FL. Fit City is a catalyst to foster a healthier, more active community, encouraging residents to come