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.

February 20, 2025

Home of the Week: A 1925-built bungalow in Campbell Park near downtown

February 20, 2025/ Anthony Close

This week’s featured Home of the Week is a three-bedroom, two-bathroom bungalow at 951 9th Avenue South in Campbell Park.

Built in 1925, the 1,486-square-foot home retains much of its historic character while incorporating modern updates.

The home features original hardwood floors, vintage pushbutton light switches, and period-style fixtures. The kitchen has been updated with shaker-style cabinetry, granite countertops, subway tile backsplash, and stainless steel appliances, including a flat-top stove with a pot filler.

February 19, 2025

Revised plan approved for apartment tower on Mirror Lake in downtown St. Pete

February 19, 2025/ Veronica Brezina

A planned apartment tower on the southwest edge of downtown St. Pete’s Mirror Lake neighborhood has been approved for increased height and additional units.

The initial plan, which was approved by the Development Review Commission in January 2023, called for a 21-story 200-unit apartment tower with 10,843 square feet of retail space and a 264-space parking garage at 699 1st Avenue North.

The new proposal is for a 23-story, 218-unit apartment tower with 11,193 square feet of retail space and a 274-space parking garage.

The properties, which Gravel Road Partners purchased in March 2022 for $6.4 million, include the parcels at 685, 694, and 699 1st Avenue North and are currently occupied by two vacant office buildings, a vacant triplex, and a surface parking lot.

February 18, 2025

Renderings revealed for 162-unit condo development proposed for Corey Avenue in St. Pete Beach

February 18, 2025/ Veronica Brezina

A prime waterfront parcel in St. Pete Beach may become a new mixed-use condominium development with restaurants, retail, and public green space.

Delray Beach-based real estate developer Kolter Urban unveiled its vision for a property located at the east end Corey Avenue during a Monday evening community meeting at the Sirata Beach Resort.

During the meeting, Kolter showed renderings and a site plan for a 162-unit luxury condo development with 4,000 square feet of restaurant space, 8,540 square feet of retail space, 39 boat slips, and public amenities, such as a park, plaza, and promenade.

February 18, 2025

Downtown St. Pete sports bar The Avenue to close after 13 years

February 18, 2025/ Veronica Brezina

Beloved downtown St. Pete restaurant and bar The Avenue will permanently close its doors this weekend after 13 years in business.

In a conversation with St. Pete Rising, owner Stephen Schrutt says his lease at 330 1st Avenue South is ending soon and he was not able to come to terms on a new lease with his landlord. The Avenue will not relocate.

The downtown neighborhood burger joint and sports bar will host a “Last Call” party on Saturday, February 22nd, for customers to raise a glass one last time before the final goodbye.

February 17, 2025

Children's bookstore The Story Garden to debut next month in Historic Uptown

February 17, 2025/ Veronica Brezina

Big news for little readers! A new children’s bookstore is opening its doors next month in Historic Uptown.

The Story Garden will bring a world of stories, adventure, and imagination to St. Pete on March 1st when it debuts at 832 14th Street North.

Founder and owner Megan Kotsko recently gave St. Pete Rising a tour of the store, which is largely retail with a dedicated space reserved for weekly events.

The shop will carry over 1,500 titles for babies, toddlers, early readers, middle grades, young adults, and parents.