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The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) for Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater rose 0.5 percent from November to January, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. (See table A.) Regional Commissioner Victoria G. Lee noted that the bi-monthly increase in the all items index was largely attributed to an increase in the shelter index. (Data in this report are not seasonally adjusted. Accordingly, bi-monthly changes may reflect the impact of seasonal influences.)

The all items CPI-U advanced 3.9 percent for the 12 months ending in January. (See chart 1 and table A.) The index for all items less food and energy rose 4.8 percent over the past year. The food index continued to increase, up 4.1 percent over the last 12 months. In contrast, the energy index fell 6.3 percent over the past year. (See table 1.)

Food

The food index increased 1.2 percent from November to January, largely due to a 1.3-percent rise in the food at home index. Five of the six major grocery store food group indexes increased over the bi-monthly period, including cereals and bakery products (+4.3 percent) and other food at home (+2.0 percent). The index for food away from home also increased over the bi-monthly period, up 1.1 percent.

The food index advanced 4.1 percent for the 12 months ending in January, led by a 6.5-percent increase in the food away from home index. The food at home index also increased over the past year, up 2.4 percent. Five of the six major grocery store food group indexes increased over the last 12 months, including nonalcoholic beverages and beverage materials (+8.2 percent) and dairy and related products (+6.7 percent) indexes.

Energy

The energy index increased from November to January, reflecting an increase in the index for gasoline (+0.3 percent).

The energy index declined 6.3 percent for the 12 months ending in January. The gasoline (-7.6 percent) and electricity (-6.0 percent) indexes contributed to the decrease.

All items less food and energy

The index for all items less food and energy increased 0.4 percent from November to January. The shelter index increased 1.8 percent over the bi-monthly period, reflecting increases in the owners’ equivalent rent (+1.2 percent) and rent of primary residence (+1.5 percent) indexes. Among the indexes to decline over the two-month period include education and communication (-6.1 percent) and the index for new and used motor vehicles (-1.9 percent).

The index for all items less food and energy advanced 4.8 percent for the 12 months ending in January. The index for shelter (+7.2 percent) was the largest contributor as owners’ equivalent rent (+7.3 percent) and rent of primary residence (+6.5 percent) continued to increase over the past year. Other indexes with notable increases over the past year include medical care (+6.3 percent) and household furnishing and operations (+5.2 percent).

The Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater Consumer Price Index for March 2024 is scheduled to be released on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at 8:30 a.m. (ET).

Technical Note

The Consumer Price Index for Tampa is published bi-monthly. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is a measure of the average change in prices over time in a fixed market basket of goods and services. The Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes CPIs for two population groups: (1) a CPI for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) which covers approximately 93 percent of the total U.S. population and (2) a CPI for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) which covers approximately 29 percent of the total U.S. population. The CPI-U includes, in addition to wage earners and clerical workers, groups such as professional, managerial, and technical workers, the self-employed, short-term workers, the unemployed, and retirees and others not in the labor force.

The CPI is based on prices of food, clothing, shelter, fuels, transportation fares, charges for doctors' and dentists' services, drugs, and the other goods and services that people buy for day-to-day living. Each month, prices are collected in 75 urban areas across the country from about 6,000 housing units and approximately 22,000 retail establishments—department stores, supermarkets, hospitals, filling stations, and other types of stores and service establishments. All taxes directly associated with the purchase and use of items are included in the index.

The index measures price changes from a designated reference date; for most of the CPI-U the reference base is 1982-84 equals 100. An increase of 7 percent from the reference base, for example, is shown as 107.000. Alternatively, that relationship can also be expressed as the price of a base period market basket of goods and services rising from $100 to $107. For further details see the CPI home page on the internet at www.bls.gov/cpi and the CPI section of the BLS Handbook of Methods available on the internet at www.bls.gov/opub/hom/cpi/.

In calculating the index, price changes for the various items in each location are averaged together with weights that represent their importance in the spending of the appropriate population group. Local data are then combined to obtain a U.S. city average. Because the sample size of a local area is smaller, the local area index is subject to substantially more sampling and other measurement error than the national index. In addition, local indexes are not adjusted for seasonal influences. As a result, local area indexes show greater volatility than the national index, although their long-term trends are quite similar. NOTE: Area indexes do not measure differences in the level of prices between cities; they only measure the average change in prices for each area since the base period.

The Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL Core Based Statistical Area includes Hernando, Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas Counties.

Information in this release will be made available to sensory impaired individuals upon request. Voice phone: (202) 691-5200; Telecommunications Relay Service: 7-1-1.

CLEARWATER, FL — Clearwater's new sister city — Ixmiquilpan, Mexico — shares many characteristics with its Florida sibling, including celebrating cultural diversity, preserving historical sites and a love of murals — except Ixmiquilpan's murals predate most of Clearwater's murals by more than 400 years.

Both cities have also made Tripadvisor's list of great cities to visit.

The cities of Clearwater and Ixmiquilpan, Mexico, will officially sign an agreement at a ceremony on Saturday, Aug. 19, that will designate the municipalities as Sister Cities.

Numerous dignitaries from both cities will be attending the ceremony beginning at noon at the Trinity Presbyterian Church in Clearwater, 2001 Rainbow Drive.

The event will begin with cultural expressions, followed by remarks from Vice Consul of Mexico in Orlando Javier de la Vega Vargas.

Find out what's happening in Clearwaterwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

At 12:30 p.m., Clearwater Mayor Brian Aungst Sr. and Ixmiquilpan Mayor Araceli Beltrán Contreras will sign the Sister Cities agreement, followed by remarks from both mayors.

Sister Cities International is a national initiative begun by Dwight D. Eisenhower shortly after World War II to develop economic, cultural and technical exchanges between U.S. cities, counties and states with corresponding communities worldwide.

The goal of the Sister Cities program is to involve people and organized groups at all levels of society, establishing productive people-to-people relationships through global community partnerships and volunteer action.

Today, the SCI represents 1,200 U.S. cities, counties and states and their 2,100 partners in 125 countries worldwide. As international cooperation gains importance, city-to-city programs continue to play a significant role in overall global development and cultural understanding.

Founded in 1550, Ixmiquilpan is one of the 84 municipalities in Hidalgo in central-eastern Mexico. The town of Ixmiquilpan, which has a population of 98,654 people, is noted for its parish church, Church of San Miguel Arcangel. Built by Augustine monks using native Otomi labor, the church contains a large series of murals done in the 16th century by native artists depicting Eagle and Jaguar warriors in battle along with other pre-Hispanic imagery.

For more information, contact Amber Brice at 727-562-4067 or email amber.brice@myclearwater.com.

CLEARWATER, FL — As Clearwater gets ready to ring in the new year, there are a number of events going on around town for those looking to celebrate.

On Dec. 31, the annual Light It Up New Year’s Eve fireworks display at midnight on Clearwater Beach takes place on the most northern part of Sand Key Park. The best viewing area is the southern part of Clearwater Beach but the fireworks will be visible along the beach.

Here is a look at some additional events happening in Clearwater:

In the United States, one of the most popular New Year’s Eve traditions is the dropping of the giant ball in New York City’s Times Square. Other U.S. cities have adopted iterations of the ball drop — the Chick Drop in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania and the giant Potato Drop in Boise, Idaho, for example.

The end of one year and beginning of another is often celebrated with the singing of “Auld Lang Syne,” a Scottish folk song whose title roughly translates to “days gone by,” according to Encyclopedia Britannica and History.com.

Find out what's happening in Clearwaterwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The history of New Year’s resolutions dates back 8,000 years to ancient Babylonians, who would make promises to return borrowed objects and pay outstanding debts at the beginning of the new year, in mid-March when they planted their crops.

According to legend, if they kept their word, pagan gods would grant them favor in the coming year. If they broke the promise, they would fall out of God’s favor, according to a history of New Year’s resolutions compiled by North Hampton Community College New Center in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

Many secular New Year’s resolutions focus on imagining new, improved versions of ourselves.

The failure rate of New Year’s resolutions is about 80 percent, according to U.S. News & World Report. There are myriad reasons, but a big one is they’re made out of remorse — for gaining weight, for example — and aren’t accompanied by a shift in attitude and a plan to meet the stress and discomfort of changing a habit or condition.

CLEARWATER, FL — Visits and pictures with Santa are treasured traditions for many Clearwater area families. For them, there’s nothing quite like seeing jolly old St. Nick live and in person.

Around Clearwater, kids can share their Christmas wish lists with Santa Claus at these locations and events:

Meet Santa under the sea and have your cameras ready as Santa Claus himself makes a special appearance amidst the marine animals. Get your holiday wishes ready and take a memorable photo with Santa in this unique aquatic setting.

Santa will be diving:

In addition, there will be photo opportunities with Santa Claus in his holiday workshop, interactive marine presentations full of holiday spirit, holiday crafts and activities and a chance to to immerse yourself in a winter wonderland adorned with festive marine-themed decorations, twinkling lights and holiday cheer around every corner. Dates are Nov. 24 to 26, Dec 2 and 3, Dec. 9 and 10, Dec. 16 to 24 and Dec. 26 to 31.

Find out what's happening in Clearwaterwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Click here.

Countryside's Reindeer Lane will take place on Saturday, Dec. 2 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Follow the reindeer tracks around the Countryside Recreation Center Lane. Play reindeer games, collect prizes and toys, enjoy photo opportunities and eat holiday snacks along the way. At the end of the trail, take photos with Santa Claus. The first 200 participants will receive a special treat. This is a free event and space is limited at Countryside Recreation Center, 2640 Sabal Springs Drive.

Clearwater's Bright & Beautiful Holidays Trolley Tours will take place Dec. 8 and 15. Visit your neighborhood recreation center at the times listed below to meet Santa Claus and his cheerful elves when they cruise through Clearwater. Attendees can also enjoy holiday activities, watch movies, sip on hot chocolate and participate in children's activities.

The tours will take place Dec. 8 from 4:30 to 5:45 p.m. at the North Greenwood Recreation & Aquatic Complex, 900 N Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., and Dec. 15 from 6:15 to 7:30 p.m. at the Clearwater Beach Library & Recreation Center, 69 Bay Esplanade.

There will be a Ho-Ho Holiday Party & Hayride on Friday, Dec. 8, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Get in the holiday spirit with some goodies, games, arts and crafts. Take your picture with Santa, create a take-home craft, play on inflatables, win prizes playing games and end the night with a hayride at the Morningside Recreation Complex, 2400 Harn Blvd.

The Market Marie will take place Saturday, Dec. 9 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Coachman Park, 300 Cleveland St. Make the gift-giving season extra special by shopping local. There will be handcrafted goods, a "Dog Paw-Parade," food trucks and a special storytime with Ms. Claus. Registration for the parade is on-site .

A Winter Holiday Social will take place Friday, Dec. 15 from 4 to 6 p.m. Attend this family-friendly holiday event at the North Greenwood Recreation & Aquatic Complex. There will be a face painter, balloons, children's activities and bounce houses. Santa Claus may even stop by.

The Girl Gang Christmas Market is set for Saturday, Dec. 16 from noon to 4 p.m. in downtown Clearwater. Experience the holiday spirit with more than 100 women-owned businesses. As you stroll through this festive marketplace, you'll find unique gifts for everyone on your list. And who needs Santa when there's Ms. Claus on hand? She'll travel from the North Pole to take photos with all who attend. This market is a celebration of female entrepreneurship and will donate 10 percent of vendor fees to EmpowHerment, a Clearwater-based nonprofit that offers invaluable resources to women in Pinellas County.

Santa Claus has arrived at the Countryside Mall, 27001 U.S. 19 N, Clearwater, and is available for visits and photos.

Photos with Santa will be available at Countryside Mall through Dec. 24. Reservations are highly recommended for pictures with Santa, with limited walk-up availability.

Santa’s Visiting Hours:

Through Dec. 7Mondays through Fridays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.Sundays from noon to 6 p.m.

Dec. 8 to Dec. 20Mondays through Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sundays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Dec. 21, 22 and 2310 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Dec. 24 (Christmas Eve)10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Click here for reservations.

Pet photos with Santa will be available Monday, Nov. 27 to Monday, Jan. 1. Shoppers can capture that perfect holiday memory with leashed, well-behaved four-legged members of the family on select Mondays. Click here.

On Friday, Dec. 1, from 6 to 8 p.m., the Countryside Mall will welcome Santa for a Candy Cane Stroll.

Guests will enjoy a festive stroll through the mall with stops at select stores for treats, roaming holiday characters, jolly activities, and a contest with a prize for the family with the most Christmas spirit.

Guests should come festively dressed in their ugliest Christmas sweaters, cozy Christmas PJs or in their yuletide best.

Check-in with Santa’s helpers at the Candy Cane Stroll service table located near the Santa Set and receive a free goodie bag, passed out to the first 100 guests

Know about another Santa visit? Post the information to the Clearwater Patch events calendar.

CLEARWATER, FL — If you’re planning to put up a live Christmas tree this year, it’s a good idea to scope out what will be available from Pinellas County Christmas tree lots.

Seasonal Christmas tree lots, some supporting nonprofit groups, churches and schools, can be found throughout Pinellas County.

Among them, Northstar Wisconsin Christmas Trees has been serving families in Pinellas County for more than 30 years. Now at a new location at 12949 66th St. N, Largo, Northstar is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The Salzman family has been making the 1,400-mile journey from their farm in Fall River, Wisconsin, to Pinellas County to sell live Christmas trees every year since 1982. In addition to offering fresh-cut Wisconsin Fraser firs and North Carolina Fraser firs from tabletop trees to 15 feet tall, the Salzmans offer tree delivery and set-up, tree stands, fresh handmade wreaths, garland, porch pots, swags as well as a favorite mainstay — fresh apple cider from Wisconsin.

Tree Brothers Christmas is open at Keystone Prep High School, 18105 Gunn Highway, Odessa, the Oldsmar Flea Market, 180 N Racetrack Road, Oldsmar, and The Grove At Wesley Chapel behind the new Starbucks. Hours are daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. through Dec. 23.

Find out what's happening in Clearwaterwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Gallagher's Pumpkins and Christmas Trees at 7401 4th St. N, St. Petersburg, is open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. With its refurbished antique pickup truck and lot decorated with an assortment of poinsettias and other seasonal flowers, wreaths and garland, it also makes a great backdrop for family holiday photos.

Tree Brothers Christmas is located at 18105 Gunn Highway, Odessa, at Keystone Prep High School, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and at the Oldsmar Flea Market, 180 N Racetrack Road, Oldsmar.

Live trees are also available for purchase at Lowe's Home Improvement Center, Home Depot, Walmart and even at some grocery stores. Click here to find the nearest location.

The most popular Christmas trees for cutting and decorating for the holidays simply don't grow in Florida's humid environment and inhospitable soil, including the Fraser fir, the Douglas fir, the balsam fir, Scotch pine and blue spruce.

Most of these trees are grown in the five top Christmas tree-producing states — Oregon, North Carolina, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.

However, it's not impossible to start a family tradition and cut your own tree in Florida.According to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, there are 17 tree farms in Florida where residents can cut their own Christmas tree, which include Southern red cedar, Virginia pine, sand pine, spruce pine and Leyland cypress in Florida.

Christmas tree harvesting does not upset the ecology because more trees are planted than harvested each year and, while growing, Christmas trees provide environmental benefits such as wildlife habitat and increased soil stability.

The Florida Department of Agriculture said purchasing a homegrown Florida tree is also good for the environment because less fuel is used in transportation and it supports the farmers of the state.

This year the Florida Forest Service is inviting residents to start a new family tradition by cutting a sand pine tree at the annual Sand Pine Christmas Tree Sale starting Nov. 27. Trees will be harvested along School Bus Road on the Arbuckle Tract of the Lake Wales Ridge State Forest in Frostproof in Polk County.

Trees are available for $10 and will require a special use permit available from the Florida Forest Service office. Anyone interested will need to bring their own handsaw. Power saws are not allowed. Sand pines 15 feet or less in height can be harvested.

The Florida Forest Service is hosting a free event on Saturday, Dec. 2 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the McLean Cabin Day Use Area on School Bus Road. There will be a scavenger hunt, wildfire equipment to see, nature crafts and a special visit from Smokey Bear.

Contact Nathan Bartosek at 863-589-0528 or the Lake Wales Ridge State Forest office at 863-589-0545.

Blue Acres Christmas Tree Farm, 20638 Moreland Drive, Spring Hill, is open on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.The farm will be closed Tuesday through Thursday. The family-owned tree farm specializes in Florida native Carolina sapphires, Southern red cedars and Sand Pines. The farm provides bow saws to cut the trees and no reservations are required. Blue Acres also sells fresh-cut handmade Fraser fir wreaths, raw honey and seasoned firewood by the trunk load for $20 for up to 45 pieces. Military and first responders with identification will receive $5 off any tree. Email blueacreschristmastrees@gmail.com or call 352-422-6375.

Ergle Christmas Tree Farm, 3325 Trieman Blvd., Dade City, is open daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. The farm offers cut-your-own long-needle pine and Southern cedar trees as well as Northern imports including Fraser firs and Bal Fra (a hybrid balsam and Fraser fir). Cut-your-own field-grown trees are priced at $36 for a 6-foot tree, $6 per foot for 9-foot trees and $7 per foot for trees taller than 9 feet. The family-owned business also offers live potted Southern cedars, Leyland cypress and Carolina sapphires. Ergle Christmas Tree Farm also sells five colors of Christmas cacti and offers concessions on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Lazy Lay Acres Christmas Tree Farm at 14920 Swift Road, Dade City, is open every day from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Lazy Lay Acres Farm allows families to cut down their own sand pines and red cedars. In addition, the farm ships Fraser firs from North Carolina and offers potted Leyland cypress trees and fresh-made wreaths. Kids can interact with the farm animals and take hay rides for $5 per person. Additionally, the farm offers candied apples, cotton candy, fresh-boiled peanuts and split firewood. Email jewellay@lazylayacres.com or call 352-567-6808.

Click here for other cut-your-own Christmas tree farms in Florida.