Cross Bay Ferry returns with year-round service between St. Pete and Tampa

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Cross Bay Ferry returns with year-round service between St. Pete and Tampa

The Cross Bay Ferry that links St. Pete and Tampa commuters will return this week - this time with year-round service.

Starting October 4th, the Cross Bay Ferry will resume operations, shuttling passengers from the local terminus at Port St. Pete (250 8th Avenue SE) and the Tampa Convention Center via a 50-minute ride.

The 149-passenger ferry, which is typically in service from October to May, will be available year-round, according to operator HMS Ferries.

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J.Crew sets opening date for first St. Pete store at the Northeast Shopping Plaza

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J.Crew sets opening date for first St. Pete store at the Northeast Shopping Plaza

Retail giant J.Crew is preparing to open its store at the Northeast Shopping Plaza, a Publix-anchored retail center at 226 37th Avenue North, near the crossroads of 4th Street and 38th Avenue North.

The new and first-ever St. Pete J.Crew Factory store will open on October 31st, Store Director Allison Hawk Fabian said to St. Pete Rising.

Earlier this year, Rising reported that the New York-based retailer would likely open a J.Crew Factory store in the plaza, leasing around 5,000 square feet at the busy shopping center in the space previously occupied by Play It Again Sports, which closed in 2018.

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St. Petersburg launches the “We Are St. Pete Fund” to aid in Helene recovery efforts

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St. Petersburg launches the “We Are St. Pete Fund” to aid in Helene recovery efforts

The City of St. Petersburg, in collaboration with the Pinellas Community Foundation, has introduced the "We Are St. Pete Fund" to support disaster relief efforts for residents, small businesses, and city employees affected by Hurricane Helene.

The fund allows donors to specify how they want their contributions used, and all donations will be allocated directly to those impacted by the hurricane. 

Mayor Kenneth T. Welch emphasized the importance of community solidarity, stating, "Many of our St. Pete residents and small businesses are facing devastation after Hurricane Helene—now is the time to come together as a community.”

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Nordic Spa Klub, a cold plunge and sauna studio, to open in St. Pete's Warehouse Arts District

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Nordic Spa Klub, a cold plunge and sauna studio, to open in St. Pete's Warehouse Arts District

A Scandinavian-inspired cold plunge spa and sauna is coming to St. Pete's Warehouse Arts District.

Nordic Spa Klub, the European-based concept "where ancient Nordic rituals meet modern-day connection," has signed a lease to occupy 2,500 square feet in the newly constructed building at 502 28th Street South.

The Nordic Spa Klub will feature cold plunge pools, infrared saunas with red light therapy, a lounge area, a boutique, and a cafe serving healthy treats.

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The Aftermath: Resources to help rebuild Tampa Bay after Hurricane Helene

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The Aftermath: Resources to help rebuild Tampa Bay after Hurricane Helene

As Helene barreled through Florida making landfall as a Category 4 hurricane Thursday evening in the Big Bend region, it brought a sweeping storm surge to Tampa Bay, turning roads into rivers, causing catastrophic flooding, and leaving thousands without power. Helene has been called the worst storm in a century for the Tampa Bay region. 

In the aftermath of the storm, local governments have initiated recovery efforts.

The surrounding cities and counties are deploying as many resources and supplies as possible. Likewise, local businesses and volunteer groups are doing the same - whether it's donating essential items or providing a temporary shelter.

Here are the resources you should know about and what you can do to lend a helping hand.

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Off to the races: St. Pete's first luxury car condo development crosses the finish line

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Off to the races: St. Pete's first luxury car condo development crosses the finish line

Just off Interstate 275 and Gandy Boulevard, a new five-building warehouse complex housing exotic and rare sports cars has opened.

In what is dubbed as St. Petersburg's first “car condo community,” Motocave is a new destination designed for car enthusiasts needing secure car storage with a custom “man cave.”

The concept was brought to life by real estate developers Bowen Arnold of Tampa-based DDA Development, Scott Clendening of St. Petersburg Commercial Partners Realty, and Matt Mosk of Largo-based Mosk Development Co.

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Fast food chain Cook Out to open first St. Pete location on 4th Street

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Fast food chain Cook Out to open first St. Pete location on 4th Street

Southern fast-food chain Cook Out will bring its char-grilled burgers and milkshakes to St. Petersburg. The restaurant will be the first Cook Out in Pinellas County.

An entity connected to Jeremy Reaves, CEO and son of the chain's founder, purchased the property at 9595 4th Street North for $2.6 million, according to a deed of sale filed with Pinellas County.

The site was previously home to a 3,146-square-foot Boston Market restaurant, which closed in 2023, and is across from Baypoint Commerce Center, an office park.

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Historically St. Pete: The amazing history of the iconic Skyline Building on Dr. MLK Jr. Street North

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Historically St. Pete: The amazing history of the iconic Skyline Building on Dr. MLK Jr. Street North

At St. Pete Rising, we are constantly providing comprehensive coverage on everything new and coming soon to the Sunshine City, but we think it’s also important to take a look back at our city's rich history.

Historically St. Pete, a monthly column on St. Pete Rising written by Executive Director of the St. Petersburg Museum of History Rui Farias, covers everything from the legend of underground mobster tunnels to the buildings and people that created the Sunshine City.

Follow us each month as we explore how these projects shaped St. Pete into the city we know and love today.

This month we explore the amazing history of one of the first towers constructed on Dr. MLK Jr. Street North — the Skyline Building.

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Inside Reflection, the newly completed 18-story condo tower soaring above Mirror Lake

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Inside Reflection, the newly completed 18-story condo tower soaring above Mirror Lake

Soaring 18 stories above Mirror Lake, the newly-completed Reflection condominium tower has started welcoming its first wave of residents.

At 200 feet tall, Reflection is the tallest building in the Mirror Lake neighborhood with 88 condominium residences, a rooftop pool and entertainment area, and 2,800 square feet of retail space at 777 3rd Avenue North in downtown St. Petersburg.

"We just received our Certificate of Occupancy [CO] for the full tower and clearance for the rooftop pool," HP Capital Principal Fred Hemmer said to St. Pete Rising while doing a walkthrough tour of the luxury tower.

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Fresh-cut fruit cart serving Mexican-style fruit cups coming to downtown St. Pete

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Fresh-cut fruit cart serving Mexican-style fruit cups coming to downtown St. Pete

Spend any amount of time in a big city and you’ll notice an array of street vendors selling everything from hot dogs to snow cones, knock-off watches to fake handbags.

One of the most ubiquitous street vendors are fruit stands (or fruteros) serving fresh-cut fruit cups sometimes garnished with toppings and spices.

The fruit stands have become a civic symbol of cities like Los Angeles and New York City. Every morning, thousands of carts fan out across the city and become part of the urban landscape.

In a few short weeks, The Little Fruit Cart will wheel its way into downtown St. Pete. It’s the first of its kind in the Sunshine City and owners Jen and Charles Little hope it’ll be a hit with residents, workers, and visitors wanting a refreshing, healthy, quick, and affordable snack.

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