The City of St. Pete recorded a record $1.44 billion in construction value in 2025 while employment, household incomes, and the local labor force continued to grow, according to data presented Wednesday during the city's annual State of the Economy address at the Mahaffey Theater.

Mayor Ken Welch, alongside city officials and economic development leaders, provided an annual update on the city’s current economic standing.

“The state of our economy is not only measured by what we build, but it is also measured by who benefits, who belongs, and who can see a future here,” City Council Chair Lisset Hanewicz said during the address.

“Local governments cannot control interest rates, insurance costs, global supply chains, inflation or the weather, but we do shape conditions that help determine whether people can succeed despite those challenges,” Hanewicz said.

“We decide how to invest in infrastructure, plan for growth, whether our neighborhoods are connected, whether city processes are thoughtful and responsive, and whether we prepare for storms before they arrive rather than reacting afterward.”

Snapshot of St. Pete

St. Petersburg's population reached roughly 266,000 residents in 2025, continuing a gradual increase over the last several years.

The Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater metro area also compared favorably with several similar markets in the Council for Community and Economic Research's Cost of Living Index.

The region received a composite score of 97.3, below the national benchmark of 100.

Construction activity remained a major driver of the local economy.

The city issued more than 54,000 permits in 2025, representing roughly $1.44 billion in construction value, up from approximately $1.39 billion in 2024. Officials noted that much of the increase was tied to repairs and rebuilding efforts following Hurricane Milton and Helene.

Employment and labor force

Employment, which measures the number of people who have jobs, increased 12.1% over the last decade, with 10.9% of that growth occurring within the last five years.

The city's labor force, which measures everyone who either has a job or is actively looking for one, increased 10.6% over the last 10 years and 5.9% over the last five years.

St. Petersburg's unemployment rate stood at 3.6% in 2025, below the national average of 4.3%.

Median household income increased 18.5% over the last five years and 58.6% over the last decade.

The city's major employers include ARK Invest, Dynasty Financial Partners, FIS Management Services, HCA Florida St. Petersburg Hospital, Jabil, Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital, Power Design, Raymond James, and Webull.

City officials also noted continued growth in taxable property values. Citywide taxable value increased from approximately $15 billion in 2015 to more than $36 billion in 2025.

Within the South St. Petersburg Community Redevelopment Area, taxable values increased from $1.1 billion in 2020 to $2.5 billion in 2025.

Office and retail markets

Retail vacancy increased from 4.4% in 2024 to 6% in 2025 while rental rates remained relatively stable, increasing by 28 cents per square foot.

Officials pointed to the opening of Sprouts Farmers Market in the Skyway Marina District as one of the year's major retail additions.

The citywide office vacancy rate increased from 7.7% in 2024 to 9.1% in 2025. During the same period, average rents increased by $3.20 per square foot to $31.25.

New office inventory included medical office space associated with Orlando Health Institute Square.

Downtown St. Pete continued to post some of the strongest office market numbers in the region, with vacancy remaining unchanged at 4.9%.

The Gateway office submarket saw vacancy increase from 11% to 13.8%, while asking rents remained relatively stable.

Officials also noted the arrival of Rectangle Health, a New York-based healthcare payments and technology company that recently opened a 12,500-square-foot office in the Carillon area.

Housing and development

Downtown St. Pete now contains more than 11,800 residential units, with 2,391 additional units either under construction or in the development pipeline.

Projects in the pipeline include the Waldorf Astoria Residences and Roche Bobois St. Pete Tower.

Recently completed projects include Art House, 400 Central, and Clearview at Echelon City Center.

The city also reported that 457 affordable and workforce housing units have come online since 2022. More than 60% of those units serve households earning 80% or less of the area median income.

Recovery and resilience

Officials also discussed ongoing storm recovery and infrastructure initiatives.

The Sunrise St. Pete recovery program currently has 2,289 active residential recovery cases in progress.

Additional programs scheduled to launch this summer include homebuyer assistance, voluntary buyouts and acquisitions, nonprofit community support services and public infrastructure mitigation efforts.

The presentation also covered the city's St. Pete Agile Resilience (SPAR) initiative, a long-term infrastructure program expected to invest $2.7 billion in wastewater, water and stormwater projects over the next 24 years.

From construction activity and housing development to employment and income growth, the presentation offered a snapshot of a city that continues to evolve as it recovers from recent storms and prepares for future growth.

The full State of the Economy presentation is available on the City of St. Petersburg’s website.

A new boutique specializing in coastal-inspired apparel, accessories, and locally made goods has debuted in Gulfport.

Drift + Story opened a few weeks ago at 3129 Beach Boulevard offering a mix of women's apparel, sunglasses, hats, swimwear, candles, water bottles, children's beach accessories, jewelry, and other gift items.

Owner Haley Santamaria, originally from California, moved to Florida about two years ago to be closer to family. Earlier this year, she left her corporate job to open the boutique.

The space was previously occupied by Paw Paw's pet supply store, which closed in late 2024 following back-to-back hurricanes.

"Over the course of the past year, we've been able to see everything in Gulfport kind of bounce back, with new businesses opening as well. It's been really cool to experience," Santamaria said in a conversation with St. Pete Rising. "When we saw the opportunity to open a boutique in this area, we knew we wanted to contribute to that growth and bring in a new retail option."

The store carries Santamaria's hand-poured candle line, Amber Mae Collections, as well as products from local artisans and makers.

Several shelves near the front of the store are dedicated to Tampa Bay-based vendors selling jewelry, artwork, handmade goods, and other specialty items.

Santamaria said inventory will continue to evolve with the seasons, with plans to introduce additional children's products and accessories for men.

"As a consistent boutique shopper myself, I love going into places that have a little bit of everything," Santamaria said. "We wanted to make sure we're versatile here, and that there's something for everyone."

Santamaria is also working to launch online shopping through the boutique's website, allowing customers to browse and purchase products remotely.

Looking ahead, she plans to host candle-pouring, painting, jewelry-making, and other creative workshops in the back of the store.

Drift + Story is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The boutique is closed on Mondays.

After 32 years serving customers along the Deuces corridor, Lorene's Fish House has closed, with local restaurateur Melissa "Melly" Gardner preparing to reopen the space later this month as a new concept called Love22.

Located at 927 22nd Street South, Lorene's Fish House quietly served its last customers on Saturday, May 30th.

Just days later, Gardner received the keys to the building.

Owner of the Three Generations food truck and Coasis restaurant in Tampa, the St. Pete-based chef and restaurateur is transforming the former Lorene's space into a new concept that will debut in phases over the coming months.

“I am extremely grateful to be entrusted with such a great legacy. Thank You Ms. Lorene for servicing our community for the last 30 years,” Gardner wrote on social media earlier this week. “Welcome Love22 to The Deuces, a new era of food fun and vibes.”

Gardner tells St. Pete Rising that Lorene's Fish House closed because its owner, Lorene Office, now in her mid-70s, has retired.

Office opened the restaurant on 22nd Street South in 1994 and became known for serving boiled peanuts, fried fish, chicken wings, mac and cheese, and pork chops.

The neighborhood staple grew into one of the longest-running restaurants in south St. Pete.

Last year, Lorene's received the national "Backing Historic Small Restaurants" grant from American Express and the National Trust for Historic Preservation, recognizing its longstanding contribution to the neighborhood's history and identity.

While Gardner says she feels a responsibility to honor Lorene's legacy, she's also eager to introduce something new to the corridor.

Love22 will initially open as a daytime counter-service restaurant offering sandwiches, salads, wraps, breakfast items, fresh juices, and a handful of fried seafood dishes as a nod to Lorene's legacy.

The business is scheduled to begin takeout service on June 12th. It will operate Tuesday through Sunday from 7 a.m. until 4 or 5 p.m.

The menu contains a chicken Caesar wrap, steak sandwich, fresh juices, and breakfast favorites.

Gardner describes the offerings as a middle ground between healthier grab-and-go items and more indulgent comfort food.

Once the daytime concept is open, Gardner plans to introduce a weekend soul food menu.

Her food truck, Three Generations, has built a following for Southern-inspired brunch dishes such as Cajun-seasoned fish over cheesy grits and fried chicken with red velvet waffles.

The daytime restaurant represents only the first phase of Gardner's vision for the property.

Over the next several months, she plans to renovate the remainder of the building and open a full-service restaurant, multiple bars, an upstairs lounge space, and a large outdoor patio with its own bar.

In total, Love22 is expected to accommodate around 250 patrons, with separate entrances for the daytime counter-service eatery and the full-service restaurant.

The full-service concept will feature globally inspired small plates with a strong emphasis on seafood and Caribbean flavors.

Although many residents are sad to see Lorene's close, Gardner says she's been overwhelmed by the support she's received from friends, family, and members of the south St. Pete community.

“The Deuces has always been built on entrepreneurs, dreamers, and community builders who believe in creating spaces where culture, connection, food, and fellowship thrive,” The Deuces district wrote on Facebook while welcoming the new business to the corridor.

For Gardner, opening Love22 in south St. Pete feels like a full-circle moment.

She credits The Brayboys, owners of the now-closed Chief's Creole Cafe, as mentors who helped shape her vision for the corridor.

“They're great mentors of mine, and they're almost like family,” Gardner said. “Once I listened to their vision of what they imagined this corridor to be, I figured I could be the one to help bring that vision to life. I'll provide great music and great food for everyone here.”

Vinyl is back. Flip phones are trending again. And film photography is having a moment too.

This fall, St. Pete photographers will have a new place to develop film, rent cameras, learn darkroom techniques, and connect with fellow creatives.

Lakeland Film Lab is headed to 2821 Central Avenue, taking over a 1,300-square-foot storefront in the Grand Central District between Cheeky's Fish & Raw Bar and the recently announced Nightwatch wine bar.

The St. Pete location will be the company's second. Husband-and-wife duo Nick and Elizabeth Buttrey launched the first Lakeland Film Lab in downtown Lakeland last year.

Since opening, the Lakeland store has taken off. They've even developed film for a few big musicians, including Coi Leray, SZA, and Snoop Dogg.

The St. Pete shop, expected to debut in November, will offer many of the same services as its Lakeland counterpart, such as film processing, scanning, film sales, classes, and community events, while adding several new features, including camera rentals, a community darkroom, and a custom photo booth designed specifically for St. Pete.

There will also be a coffee counter featuring rotating local pop-ups, with coffee, matcha, and boba vendors taking over the space for three to four months at a time.

According to Nick, a St. Pete location has been in the works for some time.

"We've always been told we should open in St. Pete," he said in a conversation with St. Pete Rising. "A lot of our customers already come from the area, and the creative community here feels like a natural fit for what we're building."

Since opening their first location, Lakeland Film Lab has become far more than a place to drop off rolls of film.

The shop regularly hosts workshops, meetups, and community events, helping build a community around analog photography at a time when interest in film continues to grow among younger generations.

While the business itself is relatively new, photography has been part of Nick's life for much longer.

Nick's interest in photography began in high school after following his older sister into a photography class. What started as an elective quickly became a passion.

"From that point on, I was hooked on photography," he said. "If I had a camera in my hands, I was taking pictures."

Nick, who grew up in Chicago, met Elizabeth, a Kissimmee native, in 2013 while serving in the Army. Five months later, he proposed during a battalion ball.

The couple will celebrate 12 years of marriage next month.

Photography remained a constant throughout Nick’s military service and later career in law enforcement.

Even while working as a police officer in Lakeland, he continued shooting film and developing negatives at home, often converting the family's bathroom into a makeshift darkroom.

"He would have to shut the bathroom down," Elizabeth laughed. "I wasn’t allowed to use it because he was hanging negatives up in it."

After deciding it was time for a career change, Nick received an unexpected Father's Day gift from Elizabeth: a stack of presents and paperwork for a newly formed LLC.

"I was trying to motivate him to lean into it more," she said. "He has a great skill and I believed in him."

The couple initially intended to run Lakeland Film Lab from their home as a mail-in film processing service.

But after launching their social media accounts and receiving an overwhelming response from photographers, they realized they needed something larger.

Eventually, they stumbled across a vacant storefront on a rainy night in downtown Lakeland. They contacted the landlord, shared their vision, and secured the space shortly thereafter.

A little more than a year later, Lakeland Film Lab has grown into one of Florida's most recognizable film photography businesses, attracting customers from across the state and fostering a community centered around analog photography.

Now, with a second location on the horizon, the Buttreys hope to build that same sense of community here in St. Pete.

A Tampa-based fast-casual salad concept is planning a new location in Pinellas Park.

Greenlane has filed plans with the Southwest Florida Water Management District to redevelop the former Checkers property at 6401 Park Boulevard, demolishing the existing building and constructing a new 964-square-foot drive-through restaurant. The Checkers location closed in late 2024.

Greenlane specializes in scratch-made salads and wraps, including customizable options and signature menu items such as the Ginger Sesame Crunch and Golden Greek.

The chain specializes in affordable, scratch-made salads and wraps.

The brand is built on a mission to deliver nutritious alternatives to traditional fast food for less than $10, completely avoiding seed oils, fake ingredients, or pre-packaged dressings.

All Greenlane salads are priced between $6.99 and $8.99.

Customers can choose from a variety of signature salads or create their own.

Among the restaurant's signature offerings is the Ginger Sesame Crunch, which contains a bed of romaine lettuce topped with shredded rainbow carrots, oranges, red cabbage, honey cashews, cilantro, and sesame ginger dressing.

Another popular option, the Golden Greek, which has grape tomatoes, cucumbers, feta, kalamata olives, red onion, pepperoncini, red wine vinaigrette, on a bed of romaine lettuce

Greenlane was founded by Christopher Burch, founder and CEO of Burch Creative Capital, and is backed by NFL legend Rob Gronkowski.

The concept debuted in 2023 at 4495 West Gandy Boulevard in Tampa before expanding to additional locations throughout the Tampa Bay area. In 2024, Greenlane opened its first St. Petersburg location at 8001 4th Street North.

The company currently operates five locations across Florida.

For the Pinellas Park location, Greenlane is working with Georgia-based architect Frey-Moss Structures, Boca Raton-based landscape architect Evergreen Design Group, and Delray Beach-based engineering firm Dynamic Engineering Consultants.

A construction timeline was not disclosed in the submitted application.

A new hangout for beer, wine, coffee, and dirty sodas is coming soon to Central Avenue.

Craft beverage bar Idyll Vice is headed to 667 Central Avenue, opening in the 935-square-foot space that formerly housed Sorrento Sweets, between The Lure and Graphi-ko Gallery.

Owner Witney Dupree, with the help of her husband Jeff and daughter Rene, plans to soft-open Idyll Vice sometime this month, with a grand opening celebration slated for July.

Dupree describes Idyll Vice as the “sweet spot between a daytime cafe and a bar, a multi-faceted concept serving both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.”

One of the bar’s biggest draws will be "dirty" sodas, which are a mix of soda, flavored syrups, purees, and cream that have surged in popularity through Utah-based chains like Swig and Sodalicious, and more recently gained national attention through the reality series The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.

“Our menu is going to be set up a little bit differently than most coffee shops,” Dupree says. “It's going to be more of a build-your-own kind of vibe, where customers will choose a drink base, whether that's coffee, espresso, tea, or soda, then they pick their flavors, syrups, or mix-ins.”

Additionally, a self-serve wine station stocked with 16 rotating wines will give guests the chance to try one-, three-, or five-ounce pours before committing to a full glass.

As for food, Idyll Vice will offer baked goods like muffins, scones, and cookies alongside lighter options such as salads, flatbreads, sandwiches, and other grab-and-go items.

The name was the subject of plenty of back-and-forth between Dupree, her husband, and her daughter before they settled on Idyll Vice.

A play on the words "idyllic" and "vice," the name reflects the idea that life's simple pleasures often come with a little indulgence, whether that's a morning coffee, an afternoon dirty soda, or a glass of wine at the end of the day.

Dupree, who holds degrees in culinary hospitality management and business management, spent years moving around the country with her husband during his military career before the couple settled in St. Pete in 2016.

After his retirement in 2023, they set their sights on opening a small business on Central Avenue.

The space has undergone a few cosmetic renovations, including a small bar attached to the ordering counter and a new mural depicting the St. Pete skyline.

Dupree describes the vibe as "cozy, urban," with white-washed walls, exposed brick, leather furniture, and patio seating.

She also credits her daughter as the creative force behind the concept.

“I would say this is definitely her brainchild, as far as the concept,” Dupree says of Rene, who has been involved in planning, design, and social media. “At first, I didn't have a solid plan, but she has so many great ideas. She's been instrumental in the development of this business.”

Follow @idyllvicestpete on Instagram for updates on the soft opening.

Once open, Idyll Vice will operate daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., though Dupree says the bar may close on Mondays.

A restaurant from the team behind Michelin-starred Kōsen in Tampa quietly opened its doors in downtown St. Pete last week.

Mei is located at 320 3rd Street South on the ground floor of the Camden Pier District Apartments, replacing Bento Asian Kitchen + Sushi, which closed earlier this year after eight years in business.

Helmed by Executive Chef Alex Chamberlain and backed by Orlando restaurateurs Jimmy and Johnny Tung, Mei is a new fine dining concept combining French technique, Nordic influences, and Japanese ingredients.

Reservations for Mei aren’t available on online platforms yet, but guests can join a waitlist for the soft opening on its website.

Chamberlain previously served as Chef de Cuisine at Kōsen, while the Tung brothers are the founders of Bento and the team behind multiple Michelin-starred restaurants.

The restaurant is a deeply personal project for Chamberlain, named after his sister.

“My sister has always meant home to me, and Mei is a way to invite St. Pete into our version of home,’" says Chamberlain. “Our goal at Mei is to make you feel like you're visiting a lifelong friend, sitting around a dinner table and sharing a meal and bottle of wine reminiscing over shared memories and plans for new ones.”

Jacob Portillo of Omei Design Studio

Jacob Portillo of Omei Design Studio

Jacob Portillo of Omei Design Studio

The concept is rooted in seasonality and locality, with Chamberlain previously describing Mei as a restaurant focused on celebrating Florida's ingredients through a Nordic-Japanese lens.

The limited opening menu provides an early glimpse into that philosophy.

Starters include housemade milk bread with brown butter and tulsi basil, oysters with plum and spring herbs, beef tartare with rye and chive, and chilled soba noodles with poached shrimp and house pickles.

Entrees include dishes such as scallops with polenta, corn, and tomato; dry-aged duck breast with Swiss chard and cherry; and a ribeye served with summer truffles and potato mille-feuille.

Desserts include sticky toffee pudding with orange and thyme and a corn waffle topped with corn ice cream, blueberries, and almonds.

The beverage program will be led by Benjamin Coutts, a Michelin-awarded Sommelier of the Year who most recently worked at Soseki in Winter Park. The menu will feature sparkling teas, sodas, beer, and sake.

According to Tung, Mei’s food and beverage program will change throughout the year, reflecting seasonal shifts and the availability of ingredients.

As the kitchen team grows and operations ramp up, diners can expect new dishes and additional complexity throughout the menu.

An eight-seat Chef's Table experience is expected to launch once the restaurant is fully operational.

The Chef's Table will eventually serve as the centerpiece of the restaurant, offering a tasting menu that utilizes advanced techniques including binchotan grilling, in-house fermentation, koji aging, dry aging, and fire-based cooking.

Sustainability is also a key component of the concept, with an emphasis on whole ingredient utilization, preservation techniques, partnerships with local farms and fishermen, composting, and biodegradable packaging.

"Focusing on locality and foraging, along with preservation, Mei is a kitchen celebrating Florida, and a restaurant celebrating genuinely warm hospitality," Chamberlain said in a press release earlier this year.

For the latest updates on the soft opening and future reservations, follow @mei.restaurant on Instagram.

Currently, Mei is open from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, with plans to expand its hours in the future.

One of downtown St. Pete's longest-running restaurants and event venues has closed its doors.

Red Mesa Cantina announced Tuesday that it has permanently closed after 16 years in downtown St. Pete.

The closure also includes the Red Mesa Event Spaces located above the restaurant, which hosted weddings, corporate events, holiday parties, and other celebrations over the years.

Located at 128 3rd Street South, Red Mesa Cantina became a fixture of downtown's dining and nightlife scene, known for its tacos, queso, guacamole, margaritas, extensive tequila selection, and rooftop events.

When Red Mesa Cantina opened in 2010, downtown St. Pete looked much different than it does today.

The city was still working its way out of the Great Recession, BayWalk was struggling with vacancies, the inverted pyramid Pier was still open, and much of Central Avenue was lined with vacant storefronts, antique shops, and surface parking lots.

Many of the apartment towers, hotels, and restaurants that now fill downtown had yet to be built.

In a statement shared on social media, the restaurant's team said the decision was made effective immediately.

"It is with heavy hearts that we announce that, effective immediately, Red Mesa Cantina will be closing after 16 unforgettable years in downtown St. Petersburg, along with the Red Mesa Event Spaces located above the restaurant, which became home to so many celebrations, milestones, and memories over the years."

The team reflected on the thousands of gatherings hosted at the property, from weddings and rooftop receptions to birthdays, holiday parties, and community events.

"What began as a vision to bring people together through food, hospitality, and community became something far greater because of all of you," the statement continued.

"We are deeply grateful for every guest, couple, client, vendor, employee, and friend who supported us throughout this journey," the team wrote. "Though these doors are closing, the memories created here will stay with us forever."

The closure only affects Red Mesa Cantina and the event spaces above the restaurant. Other concepts within the Red Mesa family, including Red Mesa Restaurant at 4912 4th Street North, Red Mesa Mercado at 1100 1st Avenue North in the EDGE District, and Red Mesa Mercado's west St. Pete location at 6777 Central Avenue, remain open.

While Red Mesa Cantina's closure marks the end of a 16-year run downtown, it remains unclear what comes next for the property. As of publication, no replacement tenant or redevelopment plans have been announced for either the restaurant space or the event venues above it.

Red Mesa Cantina concluded its announcement with a simple message to the community:

"Thank you for every visit, every celebration, every recommendation, and every moment shared with us."

A popular eyewear brand is making its way to downtown St. Pete.

Warby Parker, known for its prescription glasses, sunglasses, contact lenses, and eye care services, will open its first St. Petersburg storefront at 1124 Central Avenue in the EDGE District.

The property is one of several acquired by Dallas-based investment firm 90Ten, which has spent $18.5 million in the EDGE District since December. Archer Group represented the 90Ten in the lease transaction.

The new store will occupy the space previously home to Bacon Bitch, which closed in 2024. The storefront was also the original home of Bodega’s juice bar before the Cuban eatery expanded a few doors down.

While an opening date has not yet been announced, Warby Parker is already hiring for several positions, including an optical manager, licensed optician, and additional retail roles.

Once open, the location is expected to offer comprehensive eye exams, prescription updates, and the company's full lineup of eyewear products.

The opening marks another expansion for the New York-founded retailer, which has steadily grown its presence across Tampa Bay over the last decade.

Warby Parker first entered the Tampa market in 2016 with a showroom inside Oxford Exchange, which has since closed.

The company later opened its first full-scale Tampa Bay store at International Plaza in 2019, followed by a Hyde Park Village location in 2022.

Founded in 2010 by four friends, Warby Parker launched as an online-only startup looking to challenge the traditional eyewear industry.

By designing frames in-house and selling directly to consumers, the company positioned itself as a lower-cost alternative to established eyewear brands.

The concept took off almost immediately. According to CNBC, the company exceeded its first-year sales goals within just three weeks of launching after receiving widespread media attention from national fashion publications.

Three years later, Warby Parker opened its first permanent brick-and-mortar store in Manhattan's SoHo neighborhood.

Today, the company operates hundreds of locations throughout the United States and Canada alongside its e-commerce business.

In recent years, Warby Parker has also become known for embracing new technology.

Its mobile app allows customers to virtually try on glasses using their phone's camera, save prescription information, and reorder frames directly from the app.

The company is also preparing to enter the smart glasses market through a partnership with Samsung and Google.

The upcoming product line, marketed as Intelligent Eyewear, is expected to feature built-in speakers, microphones, cameras, and access to Google's Gemini AI assistant for navigation, questions, and other hands-free tasks.

The smart glasses are expected to launch this fall.

Warby Parker’s arrival adds to a growing roster of national retailers in the EDGE District, joining brands such as Sweetgreen, Pure Green, Solidcore, and Floyd’s 99 Barbershop. CorePower Yoga is also slated to open a location in the neighborhood later this year.

After nearly three years of planning and construction, Forbici Modern Italian has set an opening date for its highly anticipated St. Pete location.

The 12,000-square-foot Italian restaurant will officially debut on Wednesday, June 24th, at 183 2nd Avenue North in downtown St. Pete's Sundial retail complex.

Reservations for opening week are now available through OpenTable.

Forbici will open in the second-floor space formerly occupied by Sea Salt, which closed at the end of 2024 after nearly 10 years in business.

After a multi-million-dollar renovation, the restaurant now features an expansive outdoor patio, a private dining room, multiple TV-lined bars, and a sprawling dining space with seating for up to 350 guests.

The St. Pete restaurant will be the second location for Forbici, which first opened in Tampa's Hyde Park Village in 2019.

The St. Pete location will retain roughly 90% of the menu served at the Hyde Park location, including its popular Roman-style pizzas, handmade pastas, and shareable antipasti.

The local menu will include a few additions tailored to St. Pete, such as a heavier focus on seafood dishes.

For lunch, Forbici will offer sandwiches, salads, pizzas, and pasta dishes, while dinner features a lineup of antipasti, handmade pastas, seafood, steaks, and traditional Italian entrées.

Popular starters include wagyu beef carpaccio, fried calamari, Calabrian chicken wings, meatballs, and mussels sautéed with white wine, tomatoes, and fennel.

Entrées range from chicken milanese and veal parmesan to red fish piccata and a 12-ounce New York strip.

As for pizza, guests can choose between square-style teglia pizzas and traditional round tonda pizzas.

Options include classics like margherita, pepperoni, and four-cheese, plus specialty pies such as the Alora, topped with mozzarella, gorgonzola dolce, prosciutto, grape tomatoes, arugula, and truffle oil.

The pasta menu includes dishes like cacio e pepe, rigatoni alla vodka, tagliatelle bolognese, mushroom cavatelli, tortellini, penne pesto, and eggplant lasagna.

Its drink menu features Italian-inspired cocktails, wine, beer, spritzes.

Forbici is part of Next Level Brands Hospitality, the Tampa-based restaurant group behind Union New American and Boulon Brasserie & Bakery.

The company is led by St. Pete native Jeff Gigante, real estate investor Andrew Wright, and attorney Joseph Guggino.

In addition to Forbici, Next Level Brands Hospitality will operate a new outdoor cocktail bar in Sundial courtyard called Drift.

The bar will occupy approximately 1,500 square feet with seating for 26 guests, along with surrounding lounge areas that can accommodate another 50 people.

Once open, Forbici will operate from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Thursday, 11 a.m. to midnight Friday, 10 a.m. to midnight Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday.

The tallest office building in Pinellas County has changed hands.

Feldman Equities announced today that a joint venture including the Youngquist Family and Equity Street Capital has acquired the 28-story, 308,000-square-foot building at the corner of Central Avenue and 2nd Street in downtown St. Petersburg.

Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

The Tampa Bay-based commercial real estate firm said it plans to invest more than $20 million into upgrades and improvements throughout the building.

The tower was previously owned by Third Lake Capital, a Tampa-based investment advisory firm, which purchased the property for $65.75 million in 2017, according to Pinellas County property records.

Since its debut in 1990, the tower has served as one of downtown St. Pete’s primary office hubs, housing a mix of financial firms, law offices, and professional service companies.

“200 Central is the signature office address in downtown St. Pete, but what makes it especially exciting is the energy around it,” Brooke Tulley, Feldman Equities’ director of acquisitions, said in a press release.

According to the announcement, planned improvements include upgrades to the building’s HVAC, mechanical, electrical, and life-safety systems, along with elevator modernization and refreshed common areas.

The firm also plans to continue improvements to the tower’s building envelope.

The planned renovations follow prior upgrades to portions of the property, including the lobby, mezzanine, and skybridge.

Feldman Equities said the tower will also receive more hands-on property management through the firm’s in-house operations team.

The building’s tenant roster currently includes companies such as Raymond James, Dynasty Financial Partners, ARK Invest, Merrill Lynch, Industrious, Trenam Law, and Interactive Communications.

Ground-floor tenants include Craft Kafe, Taverna Costale, Naked Farmer, Compass Real Estate, and Bank of Tampa.

The acquisition expands Feldman Equities’ footprint in downtown St. Pete.

The firm’s existing local office portfolio includes the 12-story City Center building 100 2nd Avenue South, the 17-story First Central Tower at 360 Central Avenue, and the 17-story Morgan Stanley Tower at 250 2nd Avenue North.

Beyond office properties, Feldman Equities is also active in the city’s luxury condo market.

In partnership with Property Markets Group (PMG), the company is co-developing the Waldorf Astoria Residences St. Petersburg, a planned 50-story condominium tower that is expected to become the tallest building in St. Petersburg once completed.

The firm and its partners currently own or manage more than two million square feet of office space throughout Florida, according to the company.

“Our continued investment in downtown St. Petersburg’s office market is a vote of confidence in this city’s future,” Mack Feldman, vice president at Feldman Equities, said in a statement. “200 Central is the address of choice for premier tenants in Tampa Bay, and we intend to build on that reputation.”

St. Pete restaurants again landed on the Michelin guide’s Florida selection Thursday afternoon, though the city came away without a star for the second year in a row as the guide expanded its coverage statewide for the first time.

St. Pete restaurants Il Ritorno, Sushi Sho Rexley, and Fortu all retained their recommended restaurant distinctions at the Michelin Guide’s 2025 Florida ceremony.

Additionally, Michelin added two more St. Pete restaurant’s to its recommended list—Elliott Aster, the historic Vinoy Hotel’s fine dining concept, and In Between Days, a craft sake house and intimate Japanese restaurant.

This year marked the first time the guide expanded to cover the entire state of Florida, after previously focusing on select markets including Miami, Orlando, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beaches, and St. Pete-Clearwater.

Last year marked the first time the guide considered the St. Pete market.

In all of Florida, the Michelin Guide awarded two new one-star restaurants and 10 new Bib Gourmands.

In its recommendation of Elliott Aster, the Michelin Guide wrote:

“Located within the Vinoy Resort and Golf Club, with its high ceilings and large chandeliers, this Italian-inspired steakhouse has a grand feel. The menu is centered around wood-fired steaks and house-made pastas, blending classic Italian foundations with a polished steakhouse sensibility. Begin with the focaccia ‘pull apart’ rolls with pecorino and taleggio cheese and wildflower honey. If pasta is your passion, have the radiatore alla vodka with a decadent sauce that clings to every ridge and finishes with a little heat from Calabrian chili. Complete your meal with a caramel coffee budino, served in a sundae glass topped with a chocolate cookie crumble.”

The Guide’s recommendation of In Between Days states:

“In Between Days, owned by Zach Ashton, bills itself as Florida’s first Tokyo-style sake bar and vinyl house. The space feels intentionally intimate where the lights stay low, the records spin slowly and the food comes in a tight little lineup of dishes that include gyoza, hamachi, oysters and a single rotating noodle dish. This is very much a place you settle into. The team leans into sake-based cocktails, the vibe feels warm and effortless and the food hits a sweet spot between comfort and quiet technical skill.

Dive into some bouncy, chewy noodles by trying the chef's choice ramen consisting of a rich, silky bone marrow broth base with enoki mushrooms, thinly sliced scallions, a runny soy egg and nicely torched pork. Finish with a slice of nutty, slightly burnt subtly spiced pumpkin Basque cheesecake with toasted pepitas, miso caramel and whipped cream.”

The Michelin guide’s ranking system can be broken down into three categories: recommendations, Bib Gourmands, and stars. 

A Michelin star is the most prestigious award that the guide gives out.

One, two, or three stars are awarded to restaurants that are ranked as exemplary based on the following criteria: quality of the ingredients used, mastery of flavour and cooking techniques, the personality of the chef in the cuisine, harmony of flavours, and consistency between visits.

The Bib Gourmand is awarded to eateries that offer high-quality food at affordable prices, while restaurants that are considered “recommended” by the guide are praised for high-quality ingredients and culinary prowess. 

Currently, the Tampa Bay area boasts four Michelin stars with Tampa restaurants Koya, Rocca, Kōsen, and Ebbe, plus several Bib Gourmands and recommendations.

Lilac in Tampa lost its star this year, but still retains a recommended status.

Since the guide’s entrance into Florida, Michelin has collaborated with several tourism boards across the state, including Visit Tampa Bay and Visit St. Pete-Clearwater.

As a part of its two-year agreement with Michelin, Visit St. Pete Clearwater gives the guide $90,000 per year from its tourist development tax, which is paid for by the overnight stays of visitors. 

“Florida continues to raise the bar with its emerging culinary talent, international influences and the palpable passion of its local restaurant communities,” said Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the MICHELIN Guides, last year. “Over the past three years, we’ve seen the Florida selection grow and strengthen as our Inspectors shined a spotlight on their discoveries. We look forward to exploring these new destinations and highlighting the excellence of their local restaurant scene.”

Head to Michelin’s website for more information about Tampa Bay’s starred restaurants and more. 

A new neighborhood wine bar is coming to the Grand Central District, with an expansive wine list, a large backyard patio, and a casual, laidback vibe.

Nightwatch is expected to open before the end of the year at 2817 Central Avenue.

The concept comes from Bryce Kennedy and Sydney Knowlton, the owners behind Neighborhood Wine Shop, which recently celebrated its first anniversary a few doors down at 2875 Central Avenue.

The 1,200-square-foot bar will offer a large wine selection, with roughly 250 to 300 labels planned for the bottle list, alongside around 20 to 25 wines by the glass at any given time.

Beer, non-alcoholic cocktails, and low-ABV cocktails will also be available.

“The focus will be on wines in the $70 to $120 range,” Kennedy said in a conversation with St. Pete Rising. “That’ll make up the bulk of the menu. That being said, if you want to come in and order an expensive Burgundy or old Bordeaux, we’ll have that too. It just won’t be the focus.”

The food menu will stay simple with cheeses, charcuterie, and bar bites offered.

Kennedy added that the team hopes to host occasional food pop-ups and backyard events, while keeping the day-to-day experience casual and neighborhood-focused.

“We want it to feel like Cheers, right?” Kennedy said. “You walk in and see familiar faces. You know somebody there. That’s the whole idea.”

Nightwatch will be part of what Kennedy sees as a growing pocket of Grand Central, with newer arrivals like Cheeky's, Slim Charmer, Tampa Bay Drinkery, and Coastal House Vintage joining established neighborhood spots like Bandit Coffee Co., Baba, Casita Taqueria, Wild Child, Mutts & Martinis, Cappy's Pizza, and Hawthorne Bottle Shoppe.

“We’re definitely betting on this neighborhood,” Kennedy said. “It really is just like an extension of Kenwood. Most of the people that hang out on this stretch of Central Avenue live nearby.”

According to Kennedy, the plan was always to eventually open both a wine shop and a separate bar.

“The shop is kind of the daytime component,” he explained. “You grab a bottle, head home, go to the beach, whatever. Nightwatch is what happens after dark.”

Kennedy said the goal is to create a place that feels approachable.

“We want people to feel comfortable interacting with wine however they want,” Kennedy said. “You don’t have to get dressed up or feel intimidated to enjoy it.”

The design will follow a similar philosophy as the wine shop, with a modern look that still feels warm and lived-in.

A backyard patio is also planned, adding another 1,000 square feet of outdoor seating with picnic tables, benches, and shaded areas.

Music will range from hip-hop to outlaw country depending on the night, though Kennedy said the focus will stay on conversation rather than loud entertainment.

“It’s a place for people to hang out and talk,” Kennedy said.

The name Nightwatch itself came after months of brainstorming. Kennedy said inspiration partially came from Edward Hopper’s famous painting Nighthawks, though the final name evolved into something that reflected both the nighttime nature of the concept and its neighborhood focus.

“At first I hated the name,” Kennedy joked. “But now I like it.”

Kennedy said he hopes to open Nightwatch before the end of the year.

Be sure to follow Nightwatch on Instagram to stay up to date on a grand opening date and the latest wine selections.

Motorists now have a quicker way to travel between St. Pete and Tampa.

In the early morning hours of Wednesday, May 27th, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) opened the new northbound I-275 express lanes on the Howard Frankland Bridge, along with a new pedestrian and bicycle trail.

The express lanes and trail are major components of the $972.5 million bridge replacement and improvement project, which began in 2020.

The new express lanes extend from 4th Street North in St. Petersburg to just north of the bridge in Tampa.

Running in the median of I-275, the lanes are separated from general traffic by barrier walls and flexible delineator poles.

FDOT contractors are expected to open the southbound express lanes over the next several nights, weather permitting.

The express lanes are currently toll-free during the ongoing testing phase. Once testing is complete, tolls will be collected electronically 24/7 through SunPass or other Florida-compatible transponders. Cash and TOLL-BY-PLATE will not be accepted.

Alongside the new lanes, FDOT also opened a 12-foot-wide, barrier-separated shared-use path for pedestrians and cyclists along the north side of the new Howard Frankland Bridge.

The nearly seven-mile trail includes four shaded overlooks with sail-inspired canopies where users can stop and take in views of Tampa Bay.

The path is open daily from sunrise to sunset, with access points at the north end of 4th Street North in St. Petersburg and the south end of Reo Street in Tampa.

FDOT is also working to expand access to the trail through several active construction projects. One of the largest is a new shared-use path along the west side of 4th Street North from Gandy Boulevard to I-275 in St. Pete.

Separated from vehicular traffic, the path is designed to accommodate both pedestrians and bicyclists while improving safety and encouraging alternatives to driving.

FDOT says the project will help reduce congestion and support more connected, walkable communities.

Construction is expected to be completed in late 2026.

Additional future connections from Ulmerton Road in St. Petersburg and Reo Street in Tampa are also under construction as part of separate projects.

The opening of the new express lanes and shared-use path marks another major milestone in the multi-year Howard Frankland Bridge project.

Just over a year ago, FDOT opened the new southbound I-275 bridge to traffic.

The project is being led by Archer Western Construction, part of the Chicago-based Walsh Group, in partnership with Traylor Bros. Inc.

FDOT is reminding motorists to slow down, follow posted speed limits, and remain alert for construction crews and vehicles, as the area remains an active work zone.

A new social-fitness gym is preparing to open in the Grand Central District.

The Yard Gym, a fitness club focused on strength training, conditioning, and team-based fitness classes, will open next month at 2060 1st Avenue South in the former Grayspeed Cycles space.

The St. Pete franchise is owned by local resident Taylor Dove, who says the gym is targeting a grand opening on Saturday, June 13th.

The 3,264-square-foot facility will include two air-conditioned workout spaces dedicated to The Yard’s signature training programs.

One area, called RIG, focuses on strength training with barbells, dumbbells, kettlebells, and resistance equipment, while the other area, called TURF, is geared toward conditioning workouts using sleds, cardio equipment, bodyweight exercises, and functional training movements.

The gym will also offers PAYDAY and GAMEDAY classes, which blend strength and conditioning with team-oriented and competitive workouts.

Founded in Australia in 2020 by husband-and-wife duo Tiarne and Daniel Bova, The Yard has expanded across the U.S. with locations in states including California and Texas.

St. Pete’s location will be the company’s first in Florida, with a second gym in West Palm Beach on the way.

Dove, who has worked in the fitness industry for roughly a decade, said she was inspired to open her own gym after seeing others in the industry launch their own concepts.

“When I applied to be a franchisee at The Yard, I didn’t really know where it was going to lead, but I felt a strong pull toward it,” Dove said. “I went out to California, tried the workout, and thought, ‘Yeah, this is it. This is what St. Pete needs.’”

Dove said she spent the past two years working toward opening the gym locally.

Last fall, she signed a lease for the Grand Central District property and began renovations.

The space had previously been slated to become a summer camp-themed bar from Hunger Thirst Group, however those plans never materialized.

Most of the renovations have been cosmetic, according to Dove, with additions including showers, locker rooms, a sauna, and a separate lobby area.

The lobby will feature concrete fixtures from local design studio Form43, along with lounge seating and greenery.

“I was really drawn to The Yard’s aesthetic because I think a lot of gyms here are missing that,” Dove said. “You can still get a really effective workout without feeling intimidated by loud music and that typical gym environment.”

In addition to fitness classes, The Yard will offer complimentary child care during workouts for members.

“I feel like mothers are reborn into a new identity, but they still crave the things that make them feel like themselves,” Dove said. “For a lot of women, that’s their workout time.”

Ahead of opening, Dove has been organizing run clubs and community events outside the gym as a way to introduce the concept locally.

She said building connections between members is a major part of what she hopes the gym will offer.

“Being integrated into the community has been at the forefront of what I’ve been doing,” Dove said. “We live in a culture that’s so connected to our phones, and I’m hoping The Yard can help bring back some of that human connection.”

Founding memberships are currently available for $169 per month and include unlimited classes. Sauna access will cost extra.

Fitness classes will run throughout the day on weekdays, with morning-only schedules on weekends.

The Yard also plans to continue hosting run clubs and other wellness-focused events around St. Pete after opening.

This quarter’s edition of Aerial St. Pete shows the progress of seven developments currently under construction in St. Pete.

With the help of AB3 Visuals, we captured the progress on developments totaling roughly 3,600 apartments across the city, including a new 33-story luxury apartment tower coming to downtown, two affordable housing communities under construction (one near Mazzaro's Italian Market and the other in the Warehouse Arts District), an apartment project rising next to the Jim & Heather Gills YMCA in the Grand Central District, a massive apartment community coming to the Skyway Marina District, a waterfront apartment development under construction in north St. Pete, and a 50-room luxury hotel rising on the beach.

St. Pete Rising looks forward to keeping you informed on St. Pete’s development scene, and we’ll continue tracking these projects as they near completion.

3rd & 3rd
235 3rd Street South

KAST Construction has topped out 3rd & 3rd, a 33-story, 262-unit luxury apartment tower rising at 235 3rd Street South.

The project, located on the northwest corner of 3rd Avenue South and 3rd Street South, sits directly across from the Publix-anchored University Village shopping center.

Developed by St. Pete-based Echelon in partnership with Third Lake Partners, the tower was first announced by St. Pete Rising in 2022.

The project received City Council approval later that year, with construction beginning in early 2024.

The topping out comes roughly a year after vertical construction began, following one of the largest foundation pours ever completed in the city.

The building will also include a 330-space parking garage and approximately 15,000 square feet of ground-floor retail space, which is currently available for lease through Axxos Commercial.

The project is expected to receive its temporary certificate of occupancy in October or November, with move-ins to follow shortly after.

Hanover Apartments
3100 22nd Avenue North

Houston-based The Hanover Company, a private real estate developer, is developing a 304-unit affordable housing community on an 8.95-acre site at 3100 22nd Avenue North, near Mazzaro’s Italian Market.

The redevelopment plans, which were filed in 2024, represented the first Live Local Act application received by the City of St. Petersburg.

The proposed development will include 304 apartments, which consist of 196 one-bedroom apartments and 108 two-bedroom apartments.

All 304 units are expected to rent to households earning at or below 120% of the area median income (AMI).

A total of 448 parking spaces will be included along with 320 bicycle parking spaces.

The project broke ground in mid-2025 and expected to wrap up construction by early 2028.

The Henry at Whitney Village
3200 1st Avenue South

The Henry at Whitney Village is a 325-unit apartment community that will anchor a new live-work-play neighborhood in St. Pete’s Grand Central District.

Developed by Greystar, the five-story apartment building is part of a larger development, which will also include a 32,000-square-foot pedestrian-only retail village and a 600-space parking garage for residents and visitors.

The mixed-use project will occupy 4.5 acres on the east side of the Jim & Heather Gills YMCA at 3200 1st Avenue South.

Residents will be able to enjoy a host of outdoor amenities, such as a pool with private cabanas, shuffleboard courts, ping pong tables, grill stations, fire pits, and spacious lounging areas.

Indoor amenities will include a clubhouse with bar and lounge, a pet spa with grooming stations, a sauna, a fitness center, coworking spaces, private offices, and more.

Residents will also receive memberships to the adjacent YMCA.

The Henry broke ground in May 2025 and is expected to be completed by March 2027, with pre-leasing scheduled to begin in December 2026.

Sky Town
3201 34th Street South

Vertical construction has commenced on the first phase of apartments at Sky Town, a planned $800 million mixed-use development at 3201 34th Street South in the Skyway Marina District.

The 34.3-acre site, once home to the Ceridian office campus, is being redeveloped in six phases to include 2,084 apartments, 69,000 square feet of retail anchored by a 23,000-square-foot Sprouts Farmers Market, and 120,000 square feet of self-storage.

It is the largest project currently in development in St. Pete, based on acreage and number of units.

Out of the 401 apartments in the first phase, 121 will be designated as affordable. The other 280 units in the first phase will be rented at market rates.

The apartments will include studios, one-, two-, and three-bedroom residences, ranging from 562 to 1,370 square feet, and residential amenities such as a rooftop lounge, pool, and ground-floor retail.

The Sprouts Farmers Market, which opened in November, sits along the east side of the property and serves as the gateway to the future redevelopment.

A 4,500-square-foot retail outparcel fronting 34th Street South will house Foxtail Coffee Co., Solis Mammography, and 3Natives Acai Cafe.

The first phase of the project is scheduled to welcome residents in the second quarter of 2027.

Fairfield Apartments
3300 Fairfield Avenue South

A groundbreaking ceremony was held in February for the Fairfield Avenue Apartments, a 264-unit affordable apartment community set to rise at 3300 Fairfield Avenue South.

The 6.9-acre site will include two five-story residential buildings, one six-story residential building, and a clubhouse.

The development will serve households earning between 50% and 120% of the Area Median Income (AMI), a range that developers and officials say is increasingly difficult to accommodate in today’s housing market.

The unit mix will include 74 one-bedroom units, 162 two-bedroom units, and 28 three-bedroom units.

Amenities will include a community building with a pool, meeting and conference rooms, computer labs, a bike corral and repair workshop, green spaces with picnic and barbecue pavilions, playgrounds, and extensive bicycle parking.

KAST Construction is serving as the general contractor, and the project is expected to be completed in mid- to late-2028

Upon completion, the Pinellas County Housing Authority will own and manage the apartments. 

Amara Bay
12000 Gandy Boulevard

Miami-based Key International is developing Amara Bay Residences & Marina, a 39-acre waterfront mixed-use community rising at 12000 Gandy Boulevard in north St. Pete.

The community will include 415 luxury apartments, an 8,000-square-foot restaurant, a 150-slip marina, and a host of resort-style amenities.

Originally approved in 2022 under the name Waterways Apartments and Marina, the project initially called for 470 residential units and mixed uses.

Site work began in late 2024, and vertical construction commenced in August.

When complete, Amara Bay Residences & Marina will feature six four-story apartment buildings and nine blocks of two-story rental townhomes.

Amenities will include two resort-style pools, a clubhouse, volleyball and basketball courts, pickleball courts, a playground, and a recreational field.

Pre-leasing is expected to begin in late 2026, coinciding with the completion of the main clubhouse, pools, and several apartment buildings.

Miramar Resort
4200 Gulf Boulevard

An expansion of the Miramar Beach Resort is currently under construction at 4200 Gulf Blvd. in St. Pete Beach.

Ten existing hotel rooms and both ground-level pools were demolished from the existing two-story, two-building resort, originally constructed in 1953, to make way for a new 76-foot-tall building at the rear of the property behind the towering sand dunes.

Once complete, the luxury boutique resort will feature 50 rooms in total.

Plans also include a 90-seat rooftop restaurant and bar with 1,555 square feet of indoor space and a 500-square-foot outdoor balcony.

A new pool will replace the two that were demolished as part of the redevelopment.

The $40 million project will maintain the resort’s nostalgic 1950s-inspired design while modernizing the property.

Renovations will also increase parking from 20 spaces to 48 spaces, with full valet service planned for guests.

Construction began last year and is expected to be completed in 2027.

A new Italian paninoteca is preparing to open on MLK in Crescent Heights.

Mozza will debut this summer, offering artisan sandwiches, fresh-stretched mozzarella, wine, and imported Italian goods in the former Little Llamas Boutique space at 2319 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Street North.

The concept comes from local cheesemaker Michael Deininger, better known as “Mozzarella Mike,” a St. Pete native who began hosting pop-ups and catering events last April centered around his freshly made mozzarella.

Since launching, Mozzarella Mike has collaborated with a handful of local businesses including 86 Wine Bar, Golden Isles Brewing, Stew’s House of Bagels, Cipolla Rossa Pizzeria, and Cellarmasters (RIP).

“We realized people really connected with what we were doing,” Deininger said in a conversation with St. Pete Rising. “The feedback on the sandwiches has been incredible for a while now, so we wanted to expand all that and do something special.”

Deininger describes Mozza as a traditional Italian “paninoteca,” an Italian shop that serves sandwiches, wine, and pantry items.

“In Italy, you can stroll into these small shops and grab a really simple sandwich with really good ingredients, maybe some olives or a bottle of wine,” Deininger explained. “We’re trying to embody more of that and less of the deli vibes.”

At the center of the new concept will be fresh mozzarella stretched on-site daily in small batches.

“Once we go through a certain amount of sandwiches, we’ll stretch a new batch of cheese, so the mozzarella never hits refrigeration,” Deininger said. “It’s always super milky and super tasty.”

The 630-square-foot space will feature a small dining room with bar seating along the front window, a handful of tables, and an outdoor seating area in the future (pending city approval).

Rather than operating like a traditional deli counter, Deininger wants Mozza to feel more like a place people hang out than simply grab a sandwich and leave.

“I want it to feel approachable,” he said. “I want people to sit down and feel like they’re getting a curated experience.”

Mozza’s menu is still being finalized, though Deininger says guests can expect a mix of classic Italian-American sandwiches and creations centered around the shop’s fresh cheeses.

Beyond sandwiches, Mozza plans to offer imported olive oils, olives, spreads, conservas, soft cheeses, and other Italian pantry items sourced through specialty provisioners.

Deininger said many of the ingredients are products rarely found locally, even among traditional Italian markets.

“If people haven’t been to Italy, I can almost guarantee they’ve never had anything like this before,” he said.

The shop is also expected to feature a small wine program, allowing guests to pair sandwiches and cheeses with glasses of wine on-site.

When Mozza opens this summer, it’ll join a growing collection of independently owned restaurants and bars on MLK, like 86 Wine Bar, The Violet Stone Pizzeria, Calida Kitchen & Wine, Pineapple Espresso, Blush Tea & Coffee, and Golden Isles Brewing.

“To everyone who has supported Mozzarella Mike from the beginning, thank you. Truly,” Deininger wrote on Instagram. “This has been a dream for us for a long time, and it honestly still doesn’t feel real.”

Be sure to follow Mozza on Instagram for updates on the grand opening announcement and the latest offerings.

New district markers now welcome residents and visitors to the Grand Central District, a neighborhood that has steadily grown into one of the Sunshine City’s most active, walkable neighborhoods.

One of the metal sculptures now stands at the intersection of Central Avenue and 16th Street in front of the Arte apartment complex.

Created by international artist Volkan Alkanoglu, the towering piece resembles a bird’s plumage.

A second structure, designed to resemble a palm tree, was installed next to the Vantage St. Pete apartments at 1st Avenue North and 16th Street.

“These were designed to reflect the artistic vibes and progressive feel that define the Grand Central District,” District Director Chris Arnold said during a Tuesday ribbon cutting.

The installations mark the culmination of a five-year effort by the Grand Central District Association, which reviewed more than 100 submissions from artists across the country before selecting the final designs.

While the markers are new, the district’s identity has been taking shape for decades.

For years, Grand Central functioned largely as a working commercial corridor lined with antique stores, industrial suppliers, auto shops, and neighborhood-serving businesses.

Buildings now occupied by cafes, bars, boutiques, and coffee shops once housed upholstery shops, paint stores, furniture stores, mechanics, and small offices.

For instance, a little over a decade ago, the corner of 27th Street and Central Avenue looked very different.

Where Bandit Coffee now draws lines out the door, there was once a Porter Paints store.

Casita Taqueria opened in a former car wash on the northeast corner, while Baba now serves dinner out of a building that once housed a mechanic shop on the northwest corner.

Slim Charmer and Wild Child took over a small office and retail building on the west side of 27th Street.

Legacy businesses like Acme Air Conditioning, Goodyear Rubber Products, Herbach’s Rattan Furniture, and Johnson’s Upholstering were once fixtures along the corridor before new owners repurposed the buildings into retail, restaurant, and hospitality concepts.

According to the district’s 2023 master plan, the corridor flourished through the mid-20th century before declining in the 1970s as businesses shuttered and buildings deteriorated.

A revitalization effort in the early 1990s helped spark the district’s rebound, eventually leading to the formal creation of the Grand Central District in 2000.

Today, the district stretches roughly 15 blocks west of downtown St. Pete and has become known for its walkability, murals, LGBTQ-friendly culture, more than 400 independent businesses, and major events like Halloween on Central and St. Pete Pride celebrations.

“More restaurants are coming in, and rents are rising, but I hope we retain our character and continue to be a place where fellow business owners support each other,” said Beverly Nunnally, owner of The Foundry vintage shop at 2604 Central Avenue.

Earlier this year, Nunnally also took over the nearby Janet’s Antiques after longtime owner Janet Howe stepped away following more than two decades in business.

“After the building sold, we didn’t want to see the business close, and neither did the new property owners,” Nunnally said. “We’ve kept 95% of the vendors here. It’s important that they still have a presence here in St. Pete.”

The district’s evolution has also attracted growing attention from restaurateurs and retailers.

Pete’s Bagels, which got its start as a small neighborhood bakery and general store in Historic Uptown, opened a large flagship operation and commercial kitchen at 2361 1st Avenue South in Grand Central District in 2021.

“My wife and I lived in Historic Kenwood for six years and recently moved. The district is changing with more people and businesses. It’s been fun to be a part of it,” owner Steven Peterman said in a conversation with St. Pete Rising.

The area surrounding Pete’s Bagels, Black Crow Coffee, and Tombolo Books has become increasingly active over the last several years.

“When we walked by this space years ago, we thought it was off the beaten path. Obviously that’s not the case at all,” Peterman recalled. “It’s just as busy as Central Avenue.”

As Grand Central continues to grow, the district is also entering a new phase shaped by larger development proposals and zoning changes tied to the SunRunner corridor.

Last week, St. Petersburg approved a major zoning overhaul allowing taller buildings and eliminating parking minimums along portions of the bus rapid transit route, including stretches of Central Avenue through Grand Central.

Several major projects are already in various stages of planning, including the redevelopment of the century-old Playhouse Theater property at 1850 Central Avenue.

Developer Blue Sky Communities plans to build a 12-story, 150-unit affordable housing tower with ground-floor commercial space on the site.

“Some people may not like the idea of a 12-story building at the site, but the Playhouse has been vacant for years,” Arnold said. “We want thoughtful development and want to make sure it’s going to fit in the neighborhood and not hurt any historic preservation efforts.”

Arnold said the district association increasingly acts as a bridge between incoming businesses, developers, residents, and the district’s long-term vision.

“We want to keep building on what makes Grand Central unique,” Arnold said.

A growing Central Florida bagel franchise is continuing its expansion across Tampa Bay with a new location planned for the Feather Sound area.

Jeff’s Bagel Run will open at 2325 Ulmerton Road #1 in the Feather Sound Square retail plaza across from the Carillon Office Park, replacing an OB/GYN office, according to plans submitted to the City of St. Pete.

Local franchisee Tony Trunzo plans to renovate the 1,320-square-foot storefront into a bagel shop with limited indoor seating.

The concept has built a following around its boiled-and-baked bagels, which are made on-site throughout the day using a five-ingredient recipe of flour, water, salt, malt, and yeast.

What helps set Jeff’s Bagel Run apart from its competition is its rotating lineup of unique bagel and cream cheese flavors that go beyond the traditional options.

The shop still serves classic New York-style staples like plain, everything, sesame, asiago, cinnamon raisin, and blueberry bagels, but also offers more creative offerings like Cacio e Pepe, Lemon Blueberry, Pepperjack Everything, Cinnamon Roll, and Lemon Poppy.

The Lemon Blueberry bagel combines blueberry and lemon flavors with a sugary topping that gives it a muffin-like sweetness, while the Pepperjack Everything adds melted pepper jack cheese for extra spice and crunch.

The house-made cream cheese lineup mixes traditional flavors with more playful seasonal options.

Customers can still order staples like plain, chive onion, veggie, and strawberry cream cheese, alongside less traditional flavors like Roasted Jalapeño, Brown Sugar Cinnamon, Mango, and “Scoop Froggy Frog,” a mint chocolate chip-inspired flavor created in collaboration with Jeremiah’s Italian Ice.

The Feather Sound shop follows the company’s recent expansion into South Tampa, where it opened its first Tampa location earlier this year. Another Pinellas County location is also planned for Oldsmar.

Jeff’s Bagel Run was founded by Jeff and Danielle Perera after the couple relocated to Central Florida in 2016 and struggled to find the kind of New York-style bagels they grew up with.

During the pandemic, Jeff began personally delivering freshly baked bagels to friends, neighbors, and local businesses, a side hustle that eventually grew into the company’s first brick-and-mortar shop in Ocoee.

The brand has since grown to 35 locations across Florida, Texas, Georgia, and the Carolinas.

In 2024, the company acquired Otus Coffee, which now supplies coffee to Jeff’s Bagel Run stores. The beverage menu includes cold brews, nitro cold brews, specialty lattes, and flavored lemonades.

Most Jeff’s Bagel Run locations are open daily from 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Be sure to follow them on Facebook and Instagram for the grand opening announcement of the new shop and the latest Bagel of the Day specials.

A new, family-friendly art experience is headed to the EDGE District of downtown St. Pete.

Sunshine City Paint, a paint-and-sip lounge and art studio, will open this summer at 909 Central Avenue in the former Expedia Cruises space, between the now-closed Buya ramen bar and new pasta to-go concept Fusillo.

Owner Julie Gioscio tells St. Pete Rising that the business is targeting a soft opening in early June.

The studio will offer paint-and-sip sessions where customers can create artwork while enjoying beer or wine, along with instructor-guided painting classes and other art-focused events.

“I’ve been really passionate about art since I was young, and this opportunity feels full circle because the first career I ever wanted, even at five years old, was to be an artist,” Gioscio says. “The studio will provide easy and affordable indoor activities that will help build community.”

“It’s definitely about the fun of it. We’re not making fine art here,” she adds.

After high school, Gioscio joined the Marine Corps and worked as an aircraft mechanic, though her love of art never faded. Originally from California, she eventually made her way back to St. Pete and is now opening her first business on Central Avenue.

For paint-and-sip sessions, customers can choose from a wide variety of pre-stenciled canvas designs, including nature scenes, florals, animals, characters, and food-themed artwork.

Instructor-led classes will also be available for guests who want to paint on a blank canvas instead of using a template.

Sunshine City Paint plans to offer a variety of St. Pete-themed miniature 4-inch canvases that can double as souvenirs for tourists visiting the city.

“I wanted to focus on accessibility and affordability while still providing that art experience, so that’s where the smaller canvases come in because they take less time to complete,” Gioscio says.

A guided two-hour paint-and-sip class will cost $35, while the studio’s kid-friendly “open canvas” sessions will cost $10 for three hours.

Gioscio says she intentionally set aside mornings for children to help create an “environment where kids could be kids and have the freedom to be creative.”

Sunshine City Paint will feature two separate studio spaces.

The main classroom will seat 16 people, while a smaller lounge area can accommodate 6 to 8 guests.

Both spaces will also be available to rent for birthday parties and private paint parties.

The business will also include a small four-person bar serving beer, wine, and seltzers, along with snacks like chips, pretzels, nuts, and cookies.

Ahead of its opening, Gioscio is making cosmetic upgrades to the space, turning it into a bright, colorful studio that’s “meant to represent sunshine.”

When searching for a location, downtown St. Pete was always her top choice.

“I did put my faith in the location because I am a startup and this is my first business, so I just wanted to do it right the first time around,” Gioscio explains. “I am really excited for people to find their community here, because when I moved to St. Pete, I didn’t really have that.”

“I’m glad I’ll be able to provide an environment for connection in that way,” she continues.

Follow Sunshine City Paint on Facebook and Instagram for updates on its opening timeline.

After opening, the studio plans to operate from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday and will be closed on Mondays.