February 27, 2025

Here’s every concept coming to the new five-story Central Park Food Hall in downtown St. Pete

February 27, 2025/ Veronica Brezina

Whether you're craving a Wagyu steak, lobster pasta, or a refreshing cocktail, you’ll find it all at the upcoming five-story Central Park Food Hall in downtown St. Pete.

Hi Hospitality Group recently unveiled all 13 concepts coming to the expansive food hall, which broke ground in November 2021 at 551 Central Avenue—the former site of the longtime downtown breakfast staple, Dome Grill.

Hi Hospitality Group operates a collection of restaurants along Florida’s Gulf Coast, including Speaks Clam Bar, an American-Italian, speakeasy-inspired restaurant with locations in Lakewood Ranch and Sarasota; Kojo, a pan-Asian restaurant and bar in Sarasota; and Palm Avenue Deli, a New York-style delicatessen in Sarasota.

February 26, 2025

Neighborhood Wine Shop to bring artisanal, small-batch wine to the Grand Central District

February 26, 2025/ Veronica Brezina

A new wine shop coming soon to St. Pete’s Grand Central District will offer a curated selection of unique, small-batch artisanal wines not available in big-box stores.

Simply named Neighborhood Wine Shop, the storefront is set to open this April in a 500-square-foot space at 2875 Central Avenue on the ground floor of the Driftwood on Central townhome community.

“St. Pete has plenty of bars but very few retail options for wine. We want to be the go-to shop for residents—whether they’re stopping by on their way home from work or picking up a bottle for a special occasion,” said owner Bryce Kennedy in a conversation with St. Pete Rising. “We’re bringing that hospitality-style service to retail to create a wonderful experience.”

February 26, 2025

Habitat for Humanity moves forward on two affordable housing projects in Pinellas County

February 26, 2025/ Anthony Close

The Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners has approved $3 million in funding to support two significant affordable housing projects by Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside.

These developments—located in Clearwater and Lealman—will provide more than 80 new homes for families in need, advancing the county's commitment to affordable housing solutions.

In Lealman, a 5.94-acre parcel of underused land will be developed into a vibrant residential community. Habitat has secured approval to acquire the land from the Housing Finance Authority of Pinellas County (HFA). The plans include 57 new affordable housing units, featuring a mix of 31 single-family homes and 26 townhomes. The county will contribute $2.29 million in funding, supporting the $10.13 million project.

February 25, 2025

Forbici Modern Italian to take over Sea Salt space at Sundial in downtown St. Pete

February 25, 2025/ Veronica Brezina

Forbici Modern Italian, one of Tampa’s most celebrated Italian restaurants, is set to open a new location in downtown St. Pete’s Sundial shopping complex.

Initially, Forbici was expected to occupy the ground-floor space previously home to Locale Market. However, the restaurant will now take over the 12,000-square-foot second-floor space formerly occupied by Sea Salt, which closed on December 31st, at 183 2nd Avenue North.

An official opening date has not yet been announced. Before welcoming guests, Forbici will renovate the space, though specific improvements are unknown.

February 24, 2025

$200 million mixed-use project The Central takes shape on Central Avenue in downtown St. Pete

February 24, 2025/ Veronica Brezina

The long-awaited mixed-use development in the heart of St. Pete's EDGE District has hit a construction milestone.

Tampa-based Ellison Development is set to cut the ribbon next month, celebrating the completion of a 531-space parking garage at 1301 Central Avenue, a component of The Central development, a 2.1-acre redevelopment of the old St. Pete Police headquarters that will feature a hotel, a trophy office building, retail, workforce housing, and more.

The project, which broke ground in February 2024, sits directly across the street from Ferg's Sports Bar and Grill and is near The Edge Collective development, a planned live-work-and-play destination anchored by the newly opened Moxy Hotel.