Below are some articles about the Old Southeast Neighborhood, our Association, and St. Petersburg.
The Old Southeast Neighborhood Association (OSNA) is excited to move forward with the revitalization of our tree canopy through our OSNA Tree Canopy Grant. This initiative is made possible by a hurricane recovery grant from the Harborage Marina and the OSNA general fund contributing a total of $1,500 to help restore and enhance the greenery in our community.
As part of our continued efforts to support the community after the impacts of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, we are proud to share the latest developments from OSNA’s recovery and revitalization initiatives. In this trilogy of efforts, we highlight the generosity of the Harborage Marina, the spirit of giving back, and the steps we are taking to restore the tree canopy in Old Southeast.
In the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the Polish American Society in St. Petersburg has faced significant damage to their historic club, with repairs needed across the building. From roof and gutter replacement to restoring their iconic maple dance floor, the club has been working tirelessly to restore its spaces and preserve its legacy. Their goal of raising $150,000 for the repairs is ambitious but crucial to ensure the future of one of the city’s most beloved landmarks.
In 2023, St. Pete started a Community Forestry program. This neighborhood based format focuses on forestry planning and development by aligning with the priorities of the resident groups.
Priorities could include tree planting for a blend of the following strategies:
- Long lived trees that provide shade and energy efficiency
- Trees that supply natural habitat
- Trees that provide seasonal floral display
OSNA Board of Directors met with Alison Barlow and Mario Farias on May 30, 2024 to discuss the plans and changes coming to the Salt Creek area, just north of our Old Southeast neighborhood. The following is meant to share information about the upcoming planning sessions so that you are prepared to participate in the planning session for this district.
Letter to OSE from Florida Fish And Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)
Coyotes are a native species and a natural part of Florida’s landscape as well as an important part of the ecosystem. Coyotes have adapted very well to urban environments, so it is not unusual or alarming to find them in communities such as yours. Coyotes are naturally fearful of humans and generally do not represent a risk to public health or safety, but there are some things residents can do to further limit the chances of an unwanted encounter. We try to be proactive in educating the public about what they should do if they are ever to encounter a coyote as many people are alarmed if they unexpectedly encounter one in their area.
Community Character, as defined mostly by individual neighborhoods, is one of the cornerstone themes of the Vision2050 Plan. As the Administration and City Councilmembers start finalizing actual implementation of the 2050 Plan, a new debate has begun around potential zoning changes that could dramatically alter the character of St Pete neighborhoods.
Lassing Park’s shoreline is the epicenter of a multi-year Living Shoreline Restoration Project spearheaded by Tampa Bay Watch (TBW) and the City of St Petersburg Parks Department. On November 9th, 2022 TBW, OSE and other volunteers bagged and installed 10 tons of oyster shell bags to fill in a new protective reef.
Take a walk or drive to the north end of Lassing Park and you will see that preparations are underway for the initial staging by Tampa Bay Watch and the City of St. Petersburg for Phase 1 of the Lassing Park Living Shoreline Restoration Project. The unusual objects pictured here and stacked at the north end of the park are oyster balls, which will be installed December 15th and 16th, 2021 beginning at 9:00 a.m.