5 Things to Know in St. Pete: June 28

1. Mayor Bill Foster has declared a state of local emergency as neighborhood street flooding continues. Foster has asked residents to refrain from driving on streets where flooding exists, and urges those who must drive through these neighborhoods to drive at idle speed so as not to aggravate flooding by creating a "wake effect" that further pushes waters into garages and homes. Per Executive Order declaring a State of Local Emergency, he has authorized Police to close streets where necessary, and issue citations for those exceeding idle speeds.

2. Due to safety concerns and to minimize the wake caused by sanitation trucks moving on flooded streets, sanitation collection for several neighborhoods was rescheduled from Tuesday to Thursday, June 28. Neighborhoods affected include Riviera Bay, Snell Isle and Shore Acres. 

3. Expand your child’s mind. Register for chess lessons at J.W. Cate Recreation Center and Azalea Recreation Center. Lessons times are on Mondays and/or Wednesdays for J.W. Cate and Tuesdays and/or Thursdays for Azalea from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. for beginners and 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. for intermediate and advanced players. Chess lessons are available for 1st grade to adult. Classes include: Hands-on play; games tactics lessons such as pins, traps, and double attacks; game plan lessons; notation and use of the chess clocks during games. Cost $35/mo. for one class per week or $50 for two classes per week. An ADVANTAGE Member card is required for registration.  Locations: J.W. Cate Recreation Center, 5801 22nd Ave. N., 727-893-7751; Azalea Recreation Center, 1600 72nd St. N., 727-893-7150. For ADVANTAGE Member information please see www.stpeteparksrec.org. 

4. For the eighth year, St. Petersburg will host the Miss Florida Pageant, when 43 contestants arrive on July 1 to begin a week of competition and appearances that will conclude with the crowning of Miss Florida 2012 on Saturday, July 7, at the Mahaffey Theater.

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