The Show Must Go On: Zubrick Magic Theatre asks for community's help to keep the magic alive

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The Show Must Go On: Zubrick Magic Theatre asks for community's help to keep the magic alive

The Zubrick Magic Theatre in downtown St. Pete, where magicians Chris and Ryan Zubrick typically perform family-friendly comedy and grand-scale illusions, is temporarily serving a new purpose.

The main stage inside the intimate 90-seat theatre at 1211 1st Avenue North is currently filled with air mattresses and the Zubricks’ personal items - becoming a makeshift sanctuary for the couple and their seven-year-old son, Oliver, until the theatre reopens later this month.

Like many residents in St. Petersburg, the Zubricks' single-family home suffered substantial damage from Hurricane Milton when it made landfall last week near Sarasota as a Category 3 storm.

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Hurricane Milton plows through St. Pete, city commences recovery efforts

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Making landfall Wednesday evening near Siesta Key as a Category 3 storm, Milton unleashed its wrath throughout Florida with its outer bands also causing immense storm surge and property damage.

"It’s been a tough few weeks, but we’re still with you - we’re ready to recover and rebuild," the City of St. Petersburg team wrote on Facebook.

"City crews began accessing damage at daybreak and we’re encouraging all residents to stay off the roads until public safety officials deem it safe."

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Done Deals: Caddy’s temporarily closes all locations, St. Pete apartment building sells, Pilates studio coming to Central Ave

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Done Deals: Caddy’s temporarily closes all locations, St. Pete apartment building sells, Pilates studio coming to Central Ave

Done Deals is a 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.

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Savannah Bananas to bring their viral baseball show to Tropicana Field in March

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Savannah Bananas to bring their viral baseball show to Tropicana Field in March

The Savannah Bananas will bring Banana Ball to St. Petersburg during their 2025 World Tour! The team has announced it will play at Tropicana Field on March 15 and 16, 2025.

For those unfamiliar, the Savannah Bananas have become a national sensation, transforming America’s pastime into a high-energy, theatrical event that blends baseball with fun and flair. "Banana Ball" features a fast-paced format with unconventional rules that keep fans on the edge of their seats.

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Specialty coffee and tea shop with Asian influence debuts next week in downtown St. Pete

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Specialty coffee and tea shop with Asian influence debuts next week in downtown St. Pete

A new specialty coffee and tea shop is just days away from opening in downtown St. Pete. Daycation will make its debut next week, bringing crafted drinks with a touch of Asian influence to 189 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Street North.

Signage is up and owner Rachel Zhang has been putting the finishing touches on the interior of the new spot, which is situated just north of Central Avenue next to the popular Venezuelan restaurant 11 Chicks Yummy Creations.

Upon arriving, customers will be greeted by a dancing Frenchie which adorns the front door, painted by local St. Pete artist Jeff Williams of Sun Signs.

“He’s our mascot,” Zhang said with a smile in a conversation with St. Pete Rising. “When I lived in Los Angeles, I would always take my baby Dango with me to get coffee. He's my little coffee buddy.”

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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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