January 31, 2024

Sweetgreen still opening in St. Pete, set to debut this year in the EDGE District

January 31, 2024/ Brian Hartz

First announced in January 2022, Sweetgreen’s arrival in St. Petersburg is back on track.

The Los Angeles-based, fast-casual restaurant, which serves made-to-order salads, leased space at 1114 Central Avenue in the EDGE District of downtown St. Pete, with a goal of opening in late 2022.

A huge ‘coming soon’ banner was erected and the site became a hive of construction activity. However, shortly thereafter, the banner was removed and workers were nowhere to be seen.

But recently, a construction crew was spotted on-site again.

January 31, 2024

It’s official: Whole Foods announces opening date for St. Pete store

January 31, 2024/ Brian Hartz

The highly anticipated opening date of St. Petersburg’s first Whole Foods Market has been announced.

The Austin, Texas-based specialty grocery store chain has planned a grand opening of its St. Pete store for February 28th at 201 38th Avenue North.

“The store’s design draws inspiration from St. Petersburg, nicknamed the ‘Sunshine City’ for its association with sundials,” Whole Foods Market said in a press release. “A prominent glowing sun greets customers while decor elements throughout the store incorporate sun rays and a palette of warm colors.”

Opening morning, shoppers will be able to enjoy complimentary coffee and breakfast bites. The first 300 customers in line will receive a limited-edition tote bag and a Secret Saver coupon featuring offers up to $100 off.

January 30, 2024

State of the City: Mayor Welch promises equitable development through Rays deal, more housing, and business opportunities

January 30, 2024/ Veronica Brezina

Residents, leaders from nonprofits, and the descendants of the Historic Gas Plant District filled the seats in The Palladium, applauding Mayor Ken Welch on the city's achievements over 2023 and what's in the cards for this year.

Once again, the redevelopment of the 86-acre former Gas Plant District took center stage at the State of the City address, held Tuesday, January 30th.

St. Pete’s partnership with the Hines and Tampa Bay Rays joint venture was first announced at last year's State of the City address.

"We've met every project milestone working diligently with partners and finalizing an agreement to bring the 40-year saga to a positive conclusion," Welch said.

January 30, 2024

Jeremiah's Italian Ice to take over former Kahwa Coffee in west St. Pete

January 30, 2024/ Brian Zucker

Orlando-based Jeremiah’s Italian Ice will soon be scooping up its iconic frozen treats in St. Petersburg.

Jeremiah’s will be located at 4850 Park Street North, formerly home to Kahwa Coffee, in west St. Pete, according to the company’s website. The new shop will be situated just north of Tyrone Boulevard in a shopping center anchored by Kohl’s, Ross, and Total Wine.

The 1,800-square-foot St. Pete outpost will be owned by local franchisee Shawn Shbib, who opened his first Jeremiah’s three years ago at 13100 Seminole Boulevard Suite 103 in Largo. In addition to St. Pete, Shbib is also planning a Clearwater location at 541 S Ft. Harrison Avenue.

"The best franchise to own is one that you're passionate about. What drew me to Jeremiah's was the culture and business model,” said Schbib in a Facebook post in 2020. “Enjoy what you do and take advantage of the opportunities that come your way. Live life to the coolest!”

January 29, 2024

Former Lealman mobile home park to become 17-unit affordable housing development

January 29, 2024/ Veronica Brezina

A local nonprofit plans to convert the Wood Acres mobile home park in Pinellas’ Lealman community into an affordable housing complex.

Pinelllas Affordable Living Inc. (PAL), a Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO) established by the Boley Centers that has developed multiple housing communities for low-income residents and those suffering from mental illnesses, is expected to enter a ground lease deal for the property at 3901 46th Avenue North.

The group intends to build 17 apartments for households at or below 60% of the area median income (AMI) with four units set aside for households earning below 33% of the AMI.

January 26, 2024

Done Deals: New retail on Central, revitalizing Williams Park, affordable housing tops out

January 26, 2024/ Veronica Brezina

Done Deals is a new weekly column by St. Pete Rising spotlighting recent real estate market insight and significant deals happening in the Sunshine City and beyond. The following information is sourced from public records and trusted intel.

Have real estate news to share? Send us an email at hello@stpeterising.com.

January 26, 2024

First phase of luxury townhome project is complete near the EDGE District

January 26, 2024/ Veronica Brezina

Two more townhome buildings will rise at 302 15th Street North, a site near St. Pete's bustling EDGE District where developer Onyx+East is building a 26-unit townhome community.

"The EDGE District is vibrant, and we are excited to be a part of its momentum. It was a target for us as we look to provide housing opportunities for all kinds of urban neighborhoods," Onyx+East CEO Kelli Lawrence said in a conversation with St. Pete Rising.

"All the townhomes in the Alante development have rooftop terraces on the fourth floor, providing views of the downtown skyline and Tropicana Field," she added.

January 25, 2024

First pop-up lesbian bar debuts in St. Pete

January 25, 2024/ Veronica Brezina

St. Petersburg is widely known for welcoming and embracing the LGBTQ+ community, and a local entrepreneur wants to further elevate the scene by introducing the first-ever lesbian pop-up bar experience.

"I've always had this longing desire to create a space for the lesbian-identifying community," said LGBT travel blogger and comedian Rachel Covello. "You need the right people to open a lesbian bar in downtown St. Pete. There are lots of risks with overhead costs. By having pop-ups, we can still bring this experience."

Through her pop-up bar venture, LickHer Lounge, Covello is working with restaurateurs and venue operators to secure brick-and-mortar space on select evenings.

January 24, 2024

St. Pete-Clearwater airport embarks on $110M terminal expansion amid stellar growth

January 24, 2024/ Veronica Brezina

Passenger activity is soaring at the St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE), which welcomed nearly 2.5 million travelers last year and is preparing to handle even more.

"Because we are a strong tourism destination and have many direct flights with Allegiant Air [the leading airline at PIE], we are very fortunate to see such a recovery post-pandemic," said Airport Director Tom Jewsbury during a Tuesday, January 23rd airport event celebrating the historic passenger record.

The airport, located northwest of Interstate I-275, has non-stop routes to over 65 cities, which is primarily offered through Allegiant Air.

"We are now reaching a point to start on a significant expansion of the terminal and to provide future connections with Allegiant and other airlines," added Jewsbury.

January 24, 2024

80-unit affordable housing development proposed for 4th Street North

January 24, 2024/ Brian Hartz

An 80-unit affordable apartment building that will provide much-needed low-cost housing for seniors has been proposed for the southwest corner of the intersection of 106th Avenue North and 4th Street North. The project is planned for a parcel that is currently undeveloped.

Dubbed Flats on 4th, the $37.5 million project will consist of a four-story, mid-rise building that will offer 52 one-bedroom units and 28 two-bedroom units. Residents whose income is between 40 to 60 percent of the area median income (AMI) will be eligible to apply for a lease.