February 05, 2025

Tampa Bay's first Tokyo-style claw machine arcade debuts this weekend in Treasure Island

February 05, 2025/ Veronica Brezina

Almost everyone has been unfairly let down by a claw machine at some point in their life. They lure you in with the illusion of skill, only to betray you with a weak grip and an unfair payout system, leaving you frustrated and broke.

However, there is a new generation of claw machines that are designed to offer a completely different experience, reversing the game’s negative reputation by featuring improved claws with stronger grips, more consistent payouts, and a better prize selection.

After exploding in popularity in Tokyo in recent years, arcades dedicated to this new era of claw machines have been popping up in big cities like New York, Chicago and Las Vegas.

This Friday, the first claw machine arcade, or “clawcade”, opens in Tampa Bay.

February 04, 2025

St. Petersburg YMCA sells land set to be developed into a retail village and residential community

February 04, 2025/ Brian Zucker

The YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg has sold a portion of its property in St. Pete’s Grand Central District to a group of developers planning to build a new pedestrian-only retail village and residential complex.

Last Thursday, GS Blake Owner, LLC, an entity connected to national multifamily developer Greystar Real Estate Partners, purchased 4.5 acres on the east side of the Jim & Heather Gills YMCA at 3200 1st Avenue South for $12 million.

Proceeds from the sale will go towards renovating the 25-year-old, 55,000-square-foot YMCA facility, which is located on the west side of the property. Upgrades will include relocated athletic fields with artificial turf and lighting, expanded parking including access to a covered parking garage, and updated locker rooms.

February 04, 2025

Michelin Guide coming to St. Pete-Clearwater, recognizing region's evolving culinary scene

February 04, 2025/ Veronica Brezina

For the first time, the prestigious Michelin Guide, the most well-known and respected authority on restaurants in the world, will recognize dining establishments in the St. Pete-Clearwater region.

Michelin and Visit St. Pete-Clearwater announced on Tuesday that the guide will be expanding to Pinellas County in 2025.

“We are ecstatic to have been sought out and invited to be a part of the Florida MICHELIN Guide for the caliber of restaurants and culinary experiences you can find in St. Pete-Clearwater,” Visit St. Pete-Clearwater CEO and President Brian Lowack said in a statement.

February 04, 2025

Home of the Week: A 1914-built historic inn nestled in the Old Northeast

February 04, 2025/ Brian Zucker

This week’s featured home is a former historic inn located at 635 Bay Street Northeast in the heart of St. Petersburg’s Old Northeast neighborhood, just a block from Downtown St. Pete and The Vinoy. Built in 1914, this home blends Prairie and Craftsman architectural styles and is listed for $3,200,000.

Originally known as the Boyce Guest House, this home has a rich history of providing comfort to visitors. Recognized as a Historic Landmark in 1997, it continues to be a treasured part of the city’s architectural heritage.

The main house spans 3,946 square feet, featuring six bedrooms, each with a private bath. A 1,330-square-foot carriage house adds three efficiency suites, ideal for guests, live-in accommodations, or rental income.

February 03, 2025

The Ball, an LGBTQ+ bar and lounge inspired by queer icons, debuts in the Grand Central District

February 03, 2025/ Veronica Brezina

A pink-lit bar with crystal chandeliers overhead, a giant disco ball DJ booth, and images of queer icons bedazzle the walls inside St. Pete’s newest LGBTQ+ bar in the Grand Central District of St. Pete.

The Ball, owned by David Fischer, who also founded COCKtail St. Pete nightclub and The Wet Spot pool bar, has officially opened at 49 24th Street North.

The space, humorously described as being located “at the base of COCKtail,” was previously home to The Saint, an upscale speakeasy that closed last year to undergo the rebrand.

“The disco ball is one of the most iconic queer motifs, particularly within LGBTQ+ nightlife,” said Fischer. “It acts as an enhancing invitation to meet others, dance freely, and be yourself.”