March 24, 2025

Plate Sushi Grill & Lounge, from the owner of Mangosteen, coming to Grand Central District

March 24, 2025/ Veronica Brezina

The owner of several local Asian fusion restaurants is launching a new casual fine dining concept in the Grand Central District.

Plate Sushi Grill and Lounge is bringing an exciting menu featuring Laos-style tacos, octopus ceviche, and yakitori (Japanese skewers) to the ground floor of the Arte luxury apartment building at 1601 Central Avenue, on the corner of 16th Street and Central Avenue.

The new 3,900-square-foot restaurant is the latest concept from Sean Thongsiri, who also owns Mangosteen, The Crane, The Glass Noodle, and Green Pagoda.

Plate is expected to open this summer, business partner Matt Pengtakoon shared in a conversation with St. Pete Rising.

March 21, 2025

Sprouts Farmers Market is now open in Largo

March 21, 2025/ Veronica Brezina

Niche grocer Sprouts Farmers Market has opened its new Largo store, offering farm-fresh natural and organic foods.

This morning, local management and city officials celebrated the grand opening at 2156 East Bay Drive in the Keene Plaza Shopping Center.

The new 23,266-square-foot Largo store is open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

To celebrate the grand opening, from Friday, March 21st, through Sunday, a variety of activities will take place, including a “pop-up party” featuring seasonal produce at a tasting bar, a “guess the weight” contest with an oversized piece of produce, and more, according to the company's announcement.

The first 200 shoppers on Friday and Saturday will receive a free reusable goodie bag filled with special products and samples. Additionally, the first 400 guests on Friday will receive a free long-stem rose, courtesy of Falcon Farms Floral.

March 21, 2025

New Howard Frankland Bridge opens next week after four years of construction

March 21, 2025/ Veronica Brezina

After four years of construction, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will open the new Howard Frankland Bridge on Tuesday, March 25th.

Weather permitting, traffic will be shifted onto the new bridge late Monday night into early Tuesday morning.

FDOT officials will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday, March 24th, at 10 a.m. for the new $865 million span, which serves motorists traveling on Interstate 275 between Tampa and St. Petersburg.

The new bridge features eight lanes: four general-use lanes in each direction, two tolled express lanes southbound (toward St. Petersburg), and two tolled express lanes northbound (toward Tampa).

March 20, 2025

Chef Ted Dorsey’s highly anticipated Sunshine City Tavern opens next week in St. Pete

March 20, 2025/ Veronica Brezina

Chef Ted Dorsey, known for launching some of the area’s most popular restaurants, is set to open a new throwback neighborhood restaurant and bar on Monday, March 24.

Brisket fresh from the smoker, locally sourced seafood, and inventive cocktails take center stage at Sunshine City Tavern, located at 4351 4th Street North.

The 3,500-square-foot space was most recently home to Oaks on 4th, which closed in late 2023.

Designed as a tribute to St. Pete’s history, the tavern features a modern coastal aesthetic with teal walls, white wooden tables, wicker chairs, and a vibrant mural by local artist Kaitlin Ramirez, also known as Swirly Painter.

Dorsey, a restaurant industry veteran with decades of experience, has previously opened Sonata, The Mill, Ciro’s, Boca, and Copperfish.

March 20, 2025

New coastal restaurant SouthSeas Tapas to open at SkyBeach Resort in St. Pete

March 20, 2025/ Veronica Brezina

A tropical-themed restaurant and bar with French and Asian influences will debut inside St. Pete’s SkyBeach Marina and Resort.

Located at 6800 Sunshine Skyway Lane South, just beyond the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, SouthSeas Tapas will honor the property's history as the former Outrigger Inn—a beloved 1960s retreat known for its Polynesian dining, lush décor, exotic cocktails, and Hawaiian-inspired performances.

"While researching the former Outrigger Inn, we stumbled upon vintage advertisements and promotional materials for the hotel's restaurant, including a vintage cocktail menu. These served as our inspiration for SouthSeas Tapas, including how we decided to name the restaurant," said Executive Chef of SkyBeach Hotel and Marina Chef Tom Legg.