5 Things to Know in St. Pete: July 9

1. The federal and state recreational red snapper season in Gulf of Mexico waters has been extended six days. The season will close July 17, with the last day of the season being July 16. NOAA Fisheries decided to extend the season because bad weather in June led to decreased fishing opportunities. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) decided to go consistent with any federal season increases at its June 28 meeting in Palm Beach Gardens.

2. Two high school students selected to represent St. Petersburg are visiting our Sister City of Takamatsu, Japan for a three-week cultural exchange this month. Hayden Grant and Solomon Howard arrived July 1st, greeted by their host families. One of their outings was the chance to meet Takamatsu Mayor Hideto Onishi on July 4th. They surprised him with a special gift sent from St. Petersburg Mayor Bill Foster -- an autographed baseball signed by Rays player Hideki Matsui.

3. Based on its 2011 aerial survey, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission estimates there are 1,457 active bald eagle nests in Florida. Long-term success with bald eagles in Florida is reflected in the species’ recovery from just 88 active nests in 1973.  have seen a 9 percent increase since 2008. 

4. Gavin DeGraw and teen sensation Coco Jones have been added to the acts performing at Tropicana Field this summer as part of the Rays 2012 Summer Concert Series. Gavin DeGraw is scheduled to perform at the conclusion of the Rays-Mariners game on Saturday, July 21 at 7:10 p.m. Coco Jones will perform on Sunday, September 9 after the Rays-Rangers 1:40 p.m. The concerts are free with the purchase of that date’s game ticket.

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