86-acre waterpark proposed for Tropicana Field site after Rays stadium deal collapses

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86-acre waterpark proposed for Tropicana Field site after Rays stadium deal collapses

Just when you thought the Tropicana Field saga couldn’t take another wild turn, an unexpected proposal has surfaced—one that’s making a splash in the local development world.

Following the collapse of the Tampa Bay Rays and Hines redevelopment deal on March 31, 2025, a new developer has stepped forward with a bold vision: converting the entire 86-acre site into Florida’s largest waterpark.

Dubbed St. Pete Splash City, the proposed aquatic attraction would feature an array of record-breaking water rides, including the world’s tallest water slide, a lazy river that circles the entire property, and an underground tunnel slide that plunges beneath Interstate 175 (don’t ask how).

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Beloved St. Pete bar The Wayward Goose to close after nearly a decade

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Beloved St. Pete bar The Wayward Goose to close after nearly a decade

After nearly 10 years as a neighborhood staple, a well-loved St. Pete bar has announced it will close its doors for good.

The owners of The Wayward Goose, located at 48 Dr M.L.K. Jr Street North, announced the upcoming closure on social media, stating that their last day in business will be Sunday, April 20th.

“It has certainly been a journey. This city was a different place when we began. It’s lost a bit of its soul with all the out-of-state developers putting up condos—but that’s progress,” the owners wrote, sharing a photo of towering construction cranes behind the building.

They also expressed gratitude to their dedicated staff and loyal patrons, who came for the chill vibes, full liquor bar, pool tables, dartboards, and art shows.

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Historically St. Pete: The 98-year-old Flori de Leon’s fascinating history as Florida’s first cooperative apartment community

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Historically St. Pete: The 98-year-old Flori de Leon’s fascinating history as Florida’s first cooperative apartment community

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.

Follow us each month as we explore how these projects shaped St. Pete into the city we know and love today.

This month we explore the captivating history of the 98-year-old Flori de Leon — the first and largest cooperative apartment community on the West Coast of Florida.

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Downtown favorite Paradeco Coffee Roasters opens stunning new waterfront location in south St. Pete

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Downtown favorite Paradeco Coffee Roasters opens stunning new waterfront location in south St. Pete

Downtown St. Petersburg’s beloved Paradeco Coffee Roasters is bringing its signature blend of specialty coffee and Art Deco charm to the waterfront with a second location in the Skyway Marina District.

The specialty coffee shop and cafe, which currently operates in the Plaza Tower & Courtyard Shops in downtown St. Pete, has quietly debuted at the newly revamped SkyBeach Resort, located at 6800 Sunshine Skyway Lane South.

The new poolside coffee spot, which features an impressive 3D-printed bar made from renewable and recyclable materials, is one of the latest additions to the 18-acre property, formerly known as the Magnuson Hotel Marina Cove, which recently underwent a significant rebrand and renovation after being purchased.

Impressed by the waterfront setting and extensive renovations at SkyBeach, husband-and-wife duo Thomas Maloney and Sonya Sarkar hope to replicate their downtown success in the resort’s more relaxed, coastal environment.

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Home of the Week: A 1938-built home in St. Pete's enchanting Driftwood neighborhood

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Home of the Week: A 1938-built home in St. Pete's enchanting Driftwood neighborhood

A 1938-built home nestled in the heart of the enchanting Driftwood neighborhood is St. Pete Rising’s Home of the Week.

Located at 2521 Driftwood Road SE, this 2,400-square-foot residence offers an unparalleled living experience in Driftwood, one of St. Petersburg’s most sought-after neighborhoods located on Big Bayou just south of 22nd Avenue South.

This Minimal Traditional home with English Traditional Vernacular influences was designed by nationally renowned artist Mark Dixon Dodd and prominent local architect Archie Parish, whom both crafted 19 homes in Driftwood between the 1930s and 1940s.

The home boasts three bedrooms, each with a renovated ensuite bath, as well as high vaulted ceilings and wide-plank oak flooring that enhance its airy ambiance.

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Exclusive: Foot Locker signs 110,000-square-foot lease for global headquarters in north St. Pete

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Exclusive: Foot Locker signs 110,000-square-foot lease for global headquarters in north St. Pete

Global athletic retailer Foot Locker has secured space for its new worldwide headquarters in St. Petersburg, a move that is expected to create 150 high-paying jobs.

The New York-based company has signed a lease for 110,000 square feet at 570 Carillon Parkway in the Carillon Business Park, multiple sources confirmed to St. Pete Rising.

The company will be located on the 1st, 3rd, and 4th floor, occupying space previously leased to Protect My Car and Tata Consulting Services.

According to previous documents, the company plans to lease the office space for 11 to 13 years.

Other tenants in the 250,000-square-foot building include Zelis Payments, Condominium Associates, D&A Services, LLC, American Coastal Insurance, and Monopoly Group Real Estate.

Built in 1998, the Class A office building at 570 Carillon was acquired by The Feil Organization in 2019 for $36.8 million. The building features an on-site café, fitness center, and FedEx drop box, and has recently undergone extensive renovations to its lobby and common areas.

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Melting Pot fondue restaurant announces opening date for new downtown St. Pete location

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Melting Pot fondue restaurant announces opening date for new downtown St. Pete location

After shuttering its long-standing location on 4th Street in 2020, the Melting Pot is finally making its return to St. Petersburg on April 7th.

Front Burner Brands, the Tampa-based company that manages the Melting Pot brand of fondue restaurants, will open its new 4,900-square-foot restaurant at 699 Central Avenue on the corner of 7th Street and Central Avenue.

“We’re thrilled to return to St. Petersburg, especially as we celebrate 50 years of fondue and unforgettable memories,” said Melting Pot CEO Bob Johnston.

“Melting Pot has been part of this community for 30 years, and guest demand made it clear—we needed to come back. This new Central Avenue location brings a fresh, modern take on the fondue experience we’re known for, and we can’t wait to welcome both new and returning guests.”

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St. Pete Beach wine bar Sip finds new home in downtown St. Pete

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St. Pete Beach wine bar Sip finds new home in downtown St. Pete

The coastal-casual wine bar and shop, Sip, is leaving St. Pete Beach and bringing its curated wine selection and events to downtown St. Pete.

Currently operating until the end of March at 6710 Gulf Boulevard, Sip will relocate to a 700-square-foot space on the ground floor of the 5th Ave Loft Apartments at 442 2nd Street North in downtown St. Pete.

The space was previously home to Must Wine Loft, a European-style wine and cheese destination that closed late last year.

“It’s time to leave the beach,” Sip owner Christiane Hall told St. Pete Rising.

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

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

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.

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Sprouts Farmers Market is now open in Largo

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Sprouts Farmers Market is now open in Largo

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.

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