A focus on beautification continues with new black powder-coated street poles, new street signs, more landscaping and lighting, and two new projects that add to the historic nature of the Downtown. Coming soon are a four-sided historic clock to be located in the Spring Bayou area, and a simulated railroad mast arm sign near the Train Depot that will overhang the Pinellas Trail at Tarpon and Safford Avenues.

The City's culinary scene is growing with the re-opening of The Bistro, and a new restaurant opening February 27th: Hibachi Express . The Bistro was the former Tuscan Sun Italian Bistro and reopened in February with a new menu and renovated interior. Hibachi Express is opening the last weekend in February in the Wal Mart plaza on US 19. Their menu includes fresh Sushi and Hibachi chicken, steak, and seafood.

We've taken the time to round up the latest news for you. Click here for a compilation of City projects and business happenings that have been in the news this past month.

The City recently approved a lease to provide additional free parking Downtown. The parking lot is located behind the Flagship Bank building at 116 S. Pinellas Ave., and is accessible from Court and Lemon streets. Once improvements are complete, an additional 31 parking spots will be created and available to the public.

Bright, new Wayfinding signs are going up throughout the City replacing the original signs from 2011. The signs have a new color palette and finish to prevent premature fading. Nearly 70 signs are being erected from US 19 to Florida Ave., providing direction to beaches, historic sites, the Sponge Docks and Downtown. New pedestrian directory signs provide a map of the area and QR code for visitors and locals to identify places of interest, shops, restaurants, and more.