Grand Central Back to School Drive Runs Through Aug. 17

1. The Grand Central District Association is hosting a school supply drive to benefit the Imagine School of St. Petersburg. Donations are being accepted the Craftsman House Gallery & Café (2955 Central Ave.), The White Elephant Antiques & Collectables (2536 Central Ave.), Grand Central District Association office (2429 Central Ave., Suite #210) and Hayes|Cumming Architects (2210 Central Ave.) through Aug. 17. In addition to school supplies, cash donations are also accepted and will be used to purchase additional materials. 

2. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) announced changes to the lionfish harvest on Monday. The changes, enacted by an executive order, apply only through August 2013. They are: 1) A recreational fishing license is not required to target lionfish while using a pole spear, a Hawaiian sling (picture included in photo set), a handheld net or any spearing device that is specifically designed and marketed exclusively for lionfish. 2) There is no recreational or commercial harvest bag limit for lionfish.

3. Neighborhood groups, faith-based organizations, school clubs, teams and businesses are invited to participate in a variety of one-day projects for CareFest St. Pete 2012. You can volunteer to help residents in need with minor home repairs, painting, mowing, weeding, yard work and cleanups throughout St. Petersburg neighborhoods on Saturday, September 29, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information email ICAN@stpete.org. 

4. On Thursday night at the Hilton in downtown St. Pete, breast cancer survivors, volunteers and participants will unite for an inspirational kickoff celebration as part of the second year of the “Put On Your Pink Bra” campaign for the annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event. Making Strides is a noncompetitive 5K walk to raise awareness and funds to fight breast cancer and to provide hope to all people facing the disease. 

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