USF St. Petersburg is an urban university that aims to integrate seamlessly into the fabric of the city and region, enhancing opportunities for students, businesses and the public. This community roundup series highlights the ways that USF faculty, staff, students and administration are active in the community. If you’d like to engage with USF St. Petersburg, or are a campus staff, faculty or student interested in engaging with the community, please contact Caryn Nesmith, Community Relations Director.
St. Petersburg Science Festival and MarineQuest Inspire Thousands
The St. Petersburg Science Festival and MarineQuest took place February 8, transforming our waterfront campus into a hub of hands-on discovery. Thousands of people attended the event, which celebrated science, technology, engineering, art and math, inspiring the next generation of innovators. Interactive exhibits included science experiments in oceanography, environmental science, biology and chemistry; a touch-a-truck display featuring law enforcement vehicles and utility trucks; tours of ocean research vessels from the Florida Institute of Oceanography; presentations on crime scene investigations, DNA and forensics; and coding lessons for children. Additionally, the festival hosted a school day on Feb 7, welcoming 850 middle schoolers to campus. The festival also includes a Junior Scientists program, where middle and high school students worked alongside science professionals, fostering early engagement in STEAM fields. A huge thank you to everyone who helped make this event possible.
Congresswoman honors Vietnam War veterans
U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor visited campus on January 30 to present a special 50th Vietnam War Commemoration pin to Tampa Bay Area veterans. This special ceremony provides Vietnam Veteran Lapel Pins to U.S. military veterans, living at home or abroad, who served during the Vietnam War period as a lasting memento of the nation's thanks. Living U.S. veterans who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces at any time during the period of November 1, 1955 to May 15, 1975, regardless of location, were eligible to receive one lapel pin.
Non-profit that runs annual conference becomes World Affairs Council member
There was much to discuss as the St. Petersburg Conference on World Affairs continued its tradition of engaging discussions from February 11-13. This year, Ambassador Stuart Eizenstat delivered the keynote address on diplomacy and international agreements to launch the event’s theme, The Ties That Bind Us. He also discussed his 2024 book, The Art of Diplomacy. Hosted every year at USF St. Petersburg, this year’s conference featured NPR’s Frank Langfitt and a fireside chat with General Frank McKenzie. Panels explored global alliances, policymaking and trade. St. Petersburg In The World, the organizer of the St. Petersburg Conference on World Affairs, has just been named the newest member of the World Affairs Councils of America. Joining more than 90 other councils across the country, St. Petersburg World Affairs Council will host 12 events per year, including the annual conference. Become a member today.
Neptune Flood, USF Partner for 5th Annual Flood Awareness Survey
Neptune Flood, the nation’s largest private flood insurance provider, partnered with the Customer Experience Lab for the fifth consecutive year to assess consumer attitudes toward flood insurance. The 2024 survey reveals rising flood risk awareness, with 77% of respondents perceiving increased threats post-historic storm season. Consumers show growing willingness to invest in coverage, while cost remains a key barrier. Younger homeowners exhibit heightened climate concerns, and regional preferences for private versus federal insurance providers persist. Learn more about the study here.
Innovation District hosts student focus group
On February 10, the St. Pete Innovation District hosted a focus group with USF students
to gather their insights on the district’s future development. The discussion centered
on key topics such as zoning, infrastructure, public spaces and workforce opportunities,
ensuring that student perspectives were incorporated into the district’s long-term
planning. Students contributed valuable ideas reflecting their experiences and innovative
thinking. Their feedback highlighted the importance of creating dynamic, inclusive
and adaptable spaces that foster collaboration, research and professional growth.
It also successfully engaged students in the planning process, reinforcing the district’s
commitment to community-driven development.
“The students presented us with ideas that we hadn’t even thought of,” said Lashante
Keys, a consultant on the master planning project. “And they suggested innovative
solutions.”
Campus events celebrate the memory of MLK Jr.
On January 21, dozens of USF St. Petersburg students and employees marched in the MLK parade. An annual tradition, USF’s pontoon boat donned “Bulls By the Bay” decorations to join the community in commemorating the civil rights icon. Then on January 23, nearly 20 incredible youths from across Pinellas County were celebrated at the 6th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Awards Banquet. These middle, high school and college students were recognized for their resilience, dedication to social justice and commitment to uplifting their communities. Dr. Alex Harris, CEO and Founder of the Arts Conservatory for Teens, provided an inspiring keynote, and ACT performers also danced and sang.
St. Pete Innovation District highlights CRESCENDO project
On January 15, the St. Pete Innovation District held its 7th annual State of Science, bringing together top researchers and innovators tackling pressing local and global challenges. This year’s lineup featured Dr. Gary Mitchum, from USF’s College of Marine Science, who addressed the urgent issue of coastal flooding in St. Pete. Also representing USF was Dr. Heather O’Leary, an assistant professor of cultural anthropology who presented on Crescendo, a groundbreaking data-literacy experiment that translates complex datasets into alternative mediums, such as music. Other presenters included Shannon Mulroony, from Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital; Dr. Martin Trapecar of Johns Hopkins; and Chris Stott, CEO of Lonestar Lunar. Every speaker connected their projects back to key industries in the Innovation District, including marine science, life science, technology, entrepreneurship, education, and the arts, further strengthening St. Pete’s economic development.
Summit sought to boost minority-owned businesses
While 13 percent of the U.S. population are African American, just 2% of all business owners are. On January 24, the Tampa Bay Entrepreneurship Support Summit brought together local leaders, entrepreneurs and support organizations to campus for a morning of collaboration, innovation and impact. Hosted by Pinellas Community Foundation and made possible by a $250,000 commitment from JPMorganChase, this event focused on strengthening opportunities for minority- and women-owned businesses in our region. At the event, David Ponraj, founder and CEO of Economic Impact Catalyst, highlighted survey results about the hurdles faced by minority and women-owned businesses. Breakout sessions sparked forward-thinking discussions on breaking down barriers, increasing access to capital and building sustainable support networks. Learn more about the event here.
Radio St. Pete airs weekly "Bulls By the Bay" update
On February 3, the Bulls By the Bay weekly radio news update launched on Radio St. Pete, Tampa Bay’s 24-hour local internet radio station featuring music, community stories and local event coverage. The first edition premiered on February 3, 2025. Each week, Caryn Nesmith, director of Community Relations at USF St. Petersburg, brings the latest headlines and campus updates. Listen to the most recent edition here, and stay tuned for more! For the latest USF St. Petersburg news, visit stpetersburg.usf.edu/news.
Military connected students volunteer at Liberty Manor
On January 18, students from USF St. Petersburg Office of Veteran Success joined the USF Veteran Alumni Society for Stampede of Service, a signature event of the USF Alumni Association. This year, volunteers spent the day at Liberty Manor in Tampa, a transitional home supporting veterans in need. Students and alumni worked together to clean, cook and complete outdoor maintenance tasks, ensuring a welcoming environment for the residents. Beyond the physical work, they provided camaraderie and support, fostering meaningful connections with the veterans in the program. Stampede of Service highlights USF’s commitment to community engagement and giving back, particularly in support of those who have served.
Campus offers Challenge Course
USF St Petersburg is now offering a Challenge Course as an experimental education program designed to promote teamwork, leadership and personal development through a series of physical, mental and emotional challenges. It includes team-building activities and problem-solving initiatives for students, staff and community groups. The Challenge Course could be nestled in a natural setting, providing a unique environment for participants to engage in activities that foster trust, communication and problem-solving skills. Trained facilitators may guide participants through various challenges encouraging them to step out of their comfort zones and work together to overcome obstacles. Learn more or book this service here.