Bulls By the Bay Weekly News Update Date: Monday, March 24, 2025​ Host: I'm Caryn Nesmith, Director of Community Relations, bringing you the latest news from the University of South Florida St. Petersburg. ​ ________________

Progress on new Environmental and Oceanographic Sciences Facility​ USF St. Petersburg hosted a community conversation last week, to lay out the vision for an Environmental and Oceanographic Sciences Research and Teaching Facility. This state-of-the-art new facility will enhance our campus's research capabilities in marine and environmental sciences. Our primary goal is to create physical spaces that support and promote our research and teaching ecosystem related to the wide breadth of environmental and oceanographic sciences disciplines that our USF community is known for. The increased space will allow more opportunities for both graduate and undergraduate students to engage in research, preparing them for future careers. With this thematic center, our students will have the opportunity to explore the intersections of engineering, marine science, art, sustainability, entrepreneurship, anthropology, and public policy, just to name a few. We will also continue to work closely with community partners to tackle the very real and all too familiar local and state challenges. The storms we experienced last fall highlight the urgent need to fortify existing buildings and enhance our focus on resiliency moving forward. We know this Environmental & Oceanographic Sciences Facility will be a unique asset for the St. Petersburg campus and the university to develop innovative strategies and solutions for a resilient and adaptable future. A big thank you to USF President Rhea Law for her leadership and vision, and to the St. Petersburg Downtown Partnership for organizing the event. It was great to see community leaders in attendance – this truly is a collective collaboration. Learn more here.

________________

USF St. Petersburg Joins Initiative to Engage Disconnected Youth in Pinellas County​ USF St. Petersburg is collaborating on a vital initiative to engage youth aged 15 to 24 in Pinellas County who are not currently in school or employed—a demographic comprising over 12% of this age group in the area. Led by Professors Frank Biafora, Byron Miller, and LaSonya Moore, in partnership with Keys Consulting firm, this research project aims to develop strategies to connect these young individuals with educational and workforce opportunities, thereby strengthening the local workforce and unlocking their potential. ​It is made possible thanks to a $200,000 grant from the City of St. Petersburg. Learn more here. ________________

Viruses Identified in Red Tide Blooms for the First Time A groundbreaking study led by USF College of Marine Sciences has, for the first time, identified viruses associated with Karenia brevis, the organism responsible for red tide. By analyzing water samples from red tide blooms off southwest Florida, the team discovered several viruses, including a previously unknown species, present in Karenia brevis blooms. ​ Published in the journal mSphere, this research provides new insights into the environmental factors influencing red tide dynamics. Understanding these viral associations is a crucial step toward exploring potential methods to predict and control harmful algal blooms. This discovery opens new avenues for research into the role of viruses in the initiation, proliferation, and decline of red tide events, potentially leading to innovative strategies for managing and mitigating their impact on both marine ecosystems and coastal communities.

Read more here. ________________

Closing: USF had spring break last week, and we hope our students and faculty could get a restful and enjoyable break, taking advantage of the beautiful Florida weather. Thank you for being an integral part of our vibrant community. I'm Caryn Nesmith, and this has been your Bulls By the Bay Weekly News Update.