July 31, 2023

Wawa set to open its first Florida drive-thru restaurant in Largo

July 31, 2023/ Anthony Close

Wawa, the popular convenience store and foodservice chain, is all set to open its first-ever drive-thru restaurant in Florida.

The City of Largo recently issued a Development Order (DO) to authorize the redevelopment of a property at 2530 East Bay Drive, formerly home to a Kentucky Fried Chicken.

Wawa, founded in 1964 in Folsom, Pennsylvania, is well-known for its freshly prepared sandwiches, hoagies, and a variety of beverages, including their signature coffee blends. With over 1,000 locations across multiple states, the chain has built a loyal customer base and a strong presence in the Northeastern United States.

July 28, 2023

Controversial apartment project with affordable housing approved for west St. Pete

July 28, 2023/ Anthony Close

A massive multifamily development proposed for a 29-acre vacant parcel previously occupied by defense contractor Raytheon is moving forward after being approved by St. Petersburg City Council unanimously.

Last week, City Council hosted a public hearing to review a site plan to construct eleven four-story buildings with up to 1,058 units. The plans were filed by Azalea Porter Land LLC, an entity by Porter Development, who hopes to build a garden-style multifamily development on the site.

The parcel is located at 1501 72nd Street North and fronts 22nd Avenue North. The site was purchased by Raytheon in 1995 but never fully developed because of pollution issues that led to legal action. The company embarked on a lengthy environmental cleanup process in 2008 and sold the property, which neighbors Azalea Park, in 2015.

July 26, 2023

42-story condo tower Art House completes foundation pour in downtown St. Pete

July 26, 2023/ Brian Hartz

A major construction milestone has been reached on Art House, a 42-story condominium tower under construction in downtown St. Petersburg.

General contractor Coastal Construction has announced the completion of the foundation pour for the building, which is in under construction at 235 1st Avenue South.

Art House is being developed by Delray Beach-based Kolter Group, the developer behind ONE St. Petersburg and Saltaire.

July 26, 2023

Country bar Ride ‘em Cowboy coming to the Grand Central District

July 26, 2023/ Brian Zucker

If you’ve found yourself two-steppin’ to Luke Combs in your bedroom or consider yourself a rhinestone cowboy – or cowgirl – a new Grand Central District country bar will be right up your alley.

Ride ‘em Cowboy is coming soon to 2451 Central Avenue, a 3,420-square-foot space formerly home to Mixers at Old Key West Bar & Grill, which closed its doors on June 26th.

Ownership is keeping details close to the vest, but according to a recent job posting on Facebook, Ride ‘em Cowboy will feature live country music artists and country EDM DJs. Line cooks are also being hired, which suggests the bar will also serve food.

July 25, 2023

EMOTO electric motorbike dealership cruises into EDGE District

July 25, 2023/ Brian Hartz

The Swedish-made, zero-emission, street-legal CAKE Electric Motorbikes brand will soon be available in St. Petersburg thanks to this week’s opening of EMOTO Electric Motorbikes at 1104 Central Avenue in the EDGE District.

According to a news release, EMOTO is the authorized CAKE dealership for the Tampa Bay region. The CAKE line of electric motorbikes includes off-road models, versatile utility bikes, urban commuter bikes, and highly efficient, ultra-light rides.

“I lived in Hyde Park at the time, and wanted an electric vehicle that I get could around with that was a little more stylish than what was currently available,” said Michael Joyce EMOTO Electric Motorbikes Managing Partner in a conversation with St. Pete Rising.

July 25, 2023

YMCA to sell Harbordale location, expand preschool facility in South St. Pete

July 25, 2023/ Brian Hartz

YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg announced on Monday that it intends to sell the 0.4-acre Harbordale YMCA, located at 2421 4th Street South, and use the proceeds to fund an expansion of its Speer YMCA Preschool Academy in South St. Pete, to offer infant and toddler care, at 2100 26th Avenue South.

The Harbordale YMCA closed in March 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 crisis and never reopened as its services were redirected to other local YMCA locations.

The organization’s board of directors, in a press release, said the decision supports its long-term, ongoing goal of providing additional accredited early childhood education in the St. Pete area. Between 2015 and 2019, the organization opened the Bardmoor YMCA Preschool Academy, the Speer YMCA Preschool Academy, and the Lealman YMCA Preschool Academy.

July 24, 2023

Anti-aging clinic Serotonin Centers expanding to St. Pete with Sundial location

July 24, 2023/ Brian Hartz

The reimagining of the Sundial retail, dining, and entertainment complex in downtown St. Petersburg continues with the arrival of Serotonin Centers, a chain of health and wellness clinics focused on anti-aging therapies.

No opening date has been set, but local franchisees Trudy and Charles Fehlinger told St. Pete Rising that construction drawings are being finalized, and they hope to open in the redesigned 3,000 square foot space at 125 2nd Avenue North in December.

Serotonin Centers will take the place of the Marilyn Monroe Glamour Room at the Sundial, whose leasing activity has picked up speed in recent weeks, most notably with the announcement that Forbici Modern Italian, an acclaimed Tampa restaurant, will open a St. Pete location in the space formerly occupied by Locale Market. Forbici representatives said the eatery should be open by mid-2024.

July 21, 2023

28-story apartment tower approved for Exchange Hotel site in downtown St. Pete

July 21, 2023/ Anthony Close

Last week, St. Petersburg’s Development Review Commission approved plans for a 28-story development slated for the site of the Exchange Hotel, formerly known as Hotel Indigo, located at 234 3rd Avenue North.

The plans were filed by Ally MW, LLC, an entity controlled by Ally Capital Group, a Tampa-based investment firm, which is led by Andrew Wright, the founder of Franklin Street.

Ally acquired the Hotel Indigo in 2020 at bankruptcy court for $7.4 million. The property was subsequently renovated into the Exchange Hotel.

Designed by St. Pete-based Behar + Peteranecz, the proposed residential tower will boast 327 units and a 325-space parking garage.

July 20, 2023

Golfology virtual golf lounge teeing up plans for St. Pete

July 20, 2023/ Brian Zucker

Golfers and wannabe golfers looking to work on their game without going outside will soon have a new destination in St. Pete. Golfology, a high-tech indoor golf experience, is coming this fall to the Warehouse Arts District.

Golfology will be equipped with six golf simulators, a custom interactive putting green, and various practice stations in a sprawling, 5,800-square-foot space at 2400 5th Avenue South.

“We are so proud to be part of St. Petersburg and our commitment to grow within and with the community is a top priority,” states Golfology’s website. “Not only do we offer a welcoming and affordable golf destination for St. Pete residents, we will also partner with local business and school programs to bring people together through the love of golf.”

July 19, 2023

Crunch Fitness opens new location in Tyrone area

July 19, 2023/ Brian Hartz

Just in time for the sweltering summer temperatures, St. Petersburg residents have a new option for indoor, air-conditioned exercise. Crunch Fitness, a chain of fitness centers headquartered in New York, opened its newest Tampa Bay area location on Saturday, July 8, at Tyrone Gardens Shopping Center, 900 58th Street North, a retail plaza anchored by a Big Lots discount store.

Crunch Fitness renovated the 25,000-square-foot space, at the southeast corner of the property, to the tune of $5 million, according to a news release. It offers cardio and strength training equipment, a group fitness studio, a cycling studio, training hub, dry saunas, tanning beds, spacious locker rooms, and more. Members will have access to the company’s highly experienced personal trainers.

Crunch Fitness membership packages range in price from $9.99 to $29.99 per month.