January 16, 2026

St. Pete Innovation District unveils new master plan shaping future waterfront growth

January 16, 2026/ Veronica Brezina

The Innovation District, a 560-acre neighborhood on the southeastern edge of downtown St. Pete, is putting the final touches on a new master plan outlining a long-term vision for growth, including possible zoning updates that could lead to larger mixed-use developments.

The plan, which was presented during an open house on Wednesday night, is meant to be a flexible, long-term framework rather than a rigid set of instructions.

Developed in partnership with the City of St. Pete and Kimley-Horn, the plan emphasizes expanded waterfront access, climate resilience, mixed-use development, and stronger connections to downtown and surrounding neighborhoods.

First established in 2016, the Innovation District has become a hub for marine science, healthcare, research, and technology anchored by major institutions including the University of South Florida St. Petersburg, Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital, Port St. Pete, and Albert Whitted Airport.

January 15, 2026

Dead Bob’s Waterfront Kitchen will soon open inside of the Elks Lodge in Madeira Beach

January 15, 2026/ Kyla Fields

Dead Bob’s is expanding once again – this time to the waterfront.

The popular St. Petersburg bar and restaurant will soon open Dead Bob’s Waterfront Kitchen inside the Holiday Isle Elks Lodge #1912 at 14111 East Parsley Drive in Madeira Beach, which reopened last year after Hurricane Helene.

For owner Ben Scherlis, the partnership offers a rare mix of scenic views, built-in community, and something a little different from the typical restaurant experience.

“We’re really trying to be open on February 1st; it might be a few weeks later, but that’s what we’re shooting for,” Dead Bob’s owner Ben Scherlis tells St. Pete Rising.

Dead Bob’s Waterfront Kitchen will operate as a members-only restaurant, meaning guests must be affiliated with the Elks Lodge to dine there.

However, non-members won’t be turned away. Visitors can apply for membership on the spot, pay a $50 application fee, and enjoy Dead Bob’s famed fare right away.

January 14, 2026

SkyWay Lofts completes 66 new affordable apartments in the Skyway Marina District

January 14, 2026/ Veronica Brezina

As the Skyway Marina District continues to grow, a local developer is bringing more affordable housing to the neighborhood.

Tampa-based affordable housing developer Blue Sky Communities has completed the second phase of SkyWay Lofts, adding 66 new apartments to the 1.19-acre property at 3800 34th Street South.

The new, four-story building is reserved for residents earning between 22% and 80% of the area median income (AMI), or roughly $16,000 to $58,000 per year for a one-person household. Notably, the monthly rent starts at $305 for a one-bedroom and one-bathroom unit.

The building is already at full occupancy with a waitlist available for applicants.

“Thanks to the City of St. Petersburg, the Skyway Marina District has been transformed into one of the premier neighborhoods of our city,” Scott Macdonald, Executive Vice President and Partner of Blue Sky Communities, said at the ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday.

January 14, 2026

SoDough Square to open Detroit-style square pizza shop in north St. Pete

January 14, 2026/ Veronica Brezina

Orlando-based SoDough Square, known for its Detroit-style square pizza, is expanding into the Tampa Bay area with the debut of a new slice shop in north St. Pete.

Detroit native Robert Bair, who is also the founder of Gringos Locos and Tin & Taco, has been quietly baking pies and fine-tuning recipes ahead of the soft opening of SoDough Square at 6925 4th Street North, formerly home to The Bread Artisans bakery.

The new pizza shop will host a soft opening celebration on Friday, January 23rd.

While dozens of pizzerias and Italian eateries serve thin, New York-style or brick-oven pies, only a handful of local shops offer Detroit-style pizzas, known for its thick, yet crispy crust.

Bair, who years ago traded the hustle and bustle of Motor City to move to “where you vacation,” opened his Orlando flagship shop in 2022. He followed that with two additional locations in the greater Orlando area a year later.

The rise of Detroit-style pizza is widely credited to Gus Guerra, the late owner of Buddy’s Rendezvous Pizzeria on Detroit’s east side. He famously baked his pies in forged blue steel pans sourced from local automotive plants, giving them their signature square shape and crispy caramelized edge known as “frico.”

January 14, 2026

Dr. Kiran Patel sells Indian Rocks Beach waterfront site for $16M after condo plans stall

January 14, 2026/ Veronica Brezina

Clearwater-based real estate firm Prometheus Partners, which has been steadily scooping up sites along St. Pete’s Salt Creek, has made another land purchase — this time in Indian Rocks Beach.

Prometheus purchased the vacant parcels at 400, 404, and 408 Gulf Boulevard for $16 million from prominent Florida physician, entrepreneur, and philanthropist Dr. Kiran Patel, according to a deed recorded on Tuesday.

The 0.97-acre property, which is located across from the original Crabby Bill’s, was formerly home to the 45-key Gulf Towers Motel, which was demolished in early 2023.

Dr. Patel purchased the site in 2005 for $9 million, with plans to redevelop it into an eight-unit condo community called Sai Ocean Front Residences.

Pre-construction sales kicked off in 2024 with pricing starting at $6 million per unit.

However, Patel opted to list the property in September 2024 to focus on other endeavors, listing agent David Grieco told St. Pete Rising.

January 13, 2026

Popular ‘dirty soda’ chain Swig eyes first Pinellas County location

January 13, 2026/ Kyla Fields

A viral soda drive-thru by way of Utah may be putting down roots in Pinellas County.

In late December, a pre-application meeting request was filed with the City of Largo, kick-starting the early stages of a potential Swig at the corner of Missouri Avenue North and Rosery Road Northwest between a PNC Bank and Extra Space Storage.

If the project ultimately moves forward, the Largo parcel would become the first Swig in Pinellas County, and one of just a handful of locations in the greater Tampa Bay area.

Founded in Utah, Swig is best known for its customizable “dirty sodas”, a signature creation that combines classic sodas with flavored syrups, fresh fruit purees, and creamy add-ins like coconut cream.

January 13, 2026

Tony D’s Sub Shop brings classic Italian sandwiches to Central Avenue in St. Pete

January 13, 2026/ Veronica Brezina

Tony D’s Sub Shop, a new old-school Italian sandwich spot serving hot and cold subs made from scratch, has officially opened in downtown St. Pete at 217 Central Avenue.

With green checkerboard tile floors, family photos lining exposed brick and white walls, and a counter stocked with meats and cheeses, Tony D’s aims to recreate the feel of a neighborhood corner deli and Italian family kitchen.

Tony D’s is the latest concept from Ohio-based Forward Hospitality Group, which also owns the neighboring Glamper bar and restaurant and previously operated the seasonal XMas Bar pop-up in the space. The group is also behind Good Night John Boy, Welcome to the Farm, and My Rich Uncle.

The shop opened on January 9th and is currently serving lunch and dinner into the late evening.

January 12, 2026

Karma Juice Bar and Eatery coming to the former Craftsman House Gallery in the Grand Central District

January 12, 2026/ Veronica Brezina

The former Craftsman House Gallery, housed in a historic 1918 bungalow in the Grand Central District, will become Karma Kitchen and Bakery—a new concept from the owner of Karma Juice Bar & Eatery.

The reimagined property at 2955 Central Avenue will feature an indoor dining space, an outdoor edible garden, a bakery, and an expanded food and beverage program when it makes its debut in July.

For over a decade, Karma Juice Bar & Eatery has been a familiar name in St. Petersburg, known for its cold-pressed juices and health-focused offerings.

The new Central Avenue location will mark the brand’s third local outpost, joining existing Karma locations at 1804 4th Street North in St. Pete and 2095 Drew Street in Clearwater.

January 12, 2026

$25 million AI-focused Science Center breaks ground in west St. Pete

January 12, 2026/ Veronica Brezina

For decades, nearly every kid who grew up in St. Pete remembers taking a field trip to the Science Center in west St. Pete. Now, after more than 10 years of vacancy, the civic landmark is set to be reborn as a tech-forward hub for young minds and local entrepreneurs.

With golden shovels in hand, St. Pete for STEAM, a local team led by The St. Petersburg Group (SPG), joined city officials Friday to celebrate the groundbreaking for the reimagined Science Center property at 7701 22nd Avenue North.

Working with Tampa-based general contractor The Sinclair Group, St. Pete for STEAM plans to begin construction in April on the new 50,000-square-foot, four-story center focused on AI learning and emerging technologies.

“We are living in a time of extraordinary transformation. Intelligence technologies are blooming and reshaping our economy, communities, and daily lives,” Joe Hamilton, publisher of the St. Pete Catalyst and co-founder of The St. Petersburg Group, said during the event.

January 09, 2026

Heritage Oaks, an 80-unit affordable senior apartment community, opens in Largo

January 09, 2026/ Veronica Brezina

The Rainbow Village neighborhood in Largo’s Greater Ridgecrest community marked a major milestone Thursday morning with the ribbon cutting of Heritage Oaks, the first of four phases planned for the Rainbow Village redevelopment.

Officials from the Pinellas County Housing Authority and Newstar Development joined residents and elected leaders to celebrate the opening of the 80-unit affordable senior apartment community at 13060 Washington Drive in Largo.

“I remember looking at the master plan for Rainbow Village from 2007,” said Neil Brickfield, executive director of the Pinellas County Housing Authority, during the ceremony. “Here we are 18 years later, about to cut the ribbon.”

Heritage Oaks replaces 48 aging, block-style duplex and triplex units.

The new three-story apartment building contains 74 one-bed, one-bath units and six two-bed, two-bath units. The community includes 70 parking spaces.

All apartments are reserved for seniors earning up to 60% of the area median income (AMI), with monthly rents starting at $1,507.