February 24, 2025

Historically St. Pete: The legacy of St. Pete’s first Black hospital

February 24, 2025/ Rui Farias

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.

This month we explore the remarkable history of Mercy Hospital — the only primary care facility for the African American community of St. Petersburg from 1923 to 1966.

February 22, 2025

Chipotle sets opening date for first drive-thru 'Chipotlane' in St. Pete

February 22, 2025/ Veronica Brezina

St. Petersburg’s newest Chipotle Mexican Grill officially has an opening date.

The popular fast-casual chain, known for its burritos and bowls, is set to welcome customers at 3901 34th Street South in the Skyway Marina District starting at 10:45 a.m. on Monday February 24th.

The restaurant will feature something new for St. Pete — the Chipotlane, a drive-thru pickup lane allowing guests to grab digital orders without leaving their cars.

The Chipotlane concept launched in the U.S. in 2018 to increase digital orders and provide a faster, more convenient experience for guests ordering in advance.

February 21, 2025

Drew Brees-backed cheeseburger concept Smalls Sliders coming to St. Pete

February 21, 2025/ Veronica Brezina

Louisiana-based cheeseburger sliders concept, backed by former NFL legend Drew Brees, is set to debut one of its first Tampa Bay restaurants in St. Pete.

Smalls Sliders will open its first local location at 8624 Fourth Street North in north St. Pete, near the 92-unit townhome community Terraces at 87th, according to plans submitted by franchisee Purple Square Management.

Smalls Sliders refers to its restaurants as "cans" because they typically consist of a 750-square-foot shipping container converted into a bright orange drive-thru, serving made-to-order all-beef cheeseburger sliders, seasoned waffle fries, and shakes.

The “cans” are constructed offsite in a climate-controlled factory and later “dropped” at various restaurant locations. They feature a double-lane drive-thru, a walk-up window, and outdoor patio seating.e

February 21, 2025

21-story apartment tower approved near USFSP in downtown St. Pete

February 21, 2025/ Veronica Brezina

A 105-year-old commercial property that greets commuters as they enter the downtown St. Petersburg from I-175 may soon be demolished and redeveloped into a 21-story apartment tower.

On Thursday, the St. Petersburg City Council, meeting as the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), unanimously approved plans to redevelop the property at 446 4th Street South, which currently consists of a surface parking lot and a one-story, 4,984-square-foot office building occupied by Fresenius Kidney Care American Dialysis Center.

The proposed project includes a 21-story mixed-use building with 2,250 square feet of commercial space, 213 residential units, and a 230-space parking garage.

February 20, 2025

Pinellas tourism council supports funding for Morean Arts Center's Chihuly expansion, Palladium Theater renovation, and more

February 20, 2025/ Veronica Brezina

New seating and technology at Clearwater's national and state award-winning softball facility - the Eddie C. Moore Complex, a renovated Palladium Theater in St. Pete, and a new building housing St. Pete's Morean Arts Center and the Chihuly Collection are among the projects vying to receive millions of dollars in tourism funding.

During a Wednesday Pinellas Tourist Development Council (TDC) meeting, members reviewed new proposed projects from some of the most notable cultural and sports tourism destinations competing for funding through the TDC's Capital Project Funding Program.