One thing is for sure — the wine scene in Downtown St Pete isn’t going anywhere. Over the past few months, a spate of wine bars have been announced for the area. Between Cellar Masters last month, and COPA and Sauvignon this month, St Petians aren’t about to go thirsty anytime soon.

Along with the updates below, plans for the 45-story 400 Central tower were submitted to the city, a new sculpture was installed outside the new police headquarters, a juice bar and eatery expanded in the EDGE, and a creole market and cafe opened in west St. Pete.

As many of you are aware, we write a column every month called Downtown Developments for Green Bench Monthly, a local community magazine. In the column, we highlight everything coming soon to Downtown St. Pete, including new restaurants, bars, and coffee shops. We also reveal new tower renderings, announce townhome projects, and much more. A few months ago, we started publishing that column right here on St. Pete Rising, in addition to Green Bench Monthly!

Want the news first? Be sure to follow us! Most of what we discuss in Downtown Developments has already been posted to either our website, newsletter, Facebook, or Instagram. With Downtown Developments, you’ll never miss the latest Downtown St. Pete news.

After steady growth over the past six years, The Body Electric Yoga Company is opening a second 15,600 square foot facility called The Body Electric Athletic Company at 655 31st Street South in the Warehouse Arts District. The goal is to provide great training and recovery classes with yoga sensibilities. The BE Athletic plans to offer about 35 to 40 classes, sorted into six categories — Conditioning, Strength, Combo, Core Focus, Self-Care and Recovery, and Loaded Yoga. The Body Electric Athletic Company is shooting for a mid-December opening.

The Butterfly Apartments, an affordable housing development, are coming soon to 715 5th Avenue North in Downtown St Pete. Boley Centers, Inc. is teaming up with Pinellas Affordable Living Inc. to redevelop an existing affordable housing property into a new three story building with 20-units that will cater to individuals with disabilities who have been homeless.

COPA, a wine cocktail lounge, will be opening mid-October at 1047 Central Avenue in the EDGE District. The concept is being brought to life by two brothers from Saint Petersburg who want to offer a refreshing spin on wine and beer cocktails. Besides sangria, most people have a limited experience blending wine with other beverages, but Copa wants to change that.

Celebrity chef Fabio Vivani has announced a brand new restaurant for 200 Central Avenue in Downtown St Pete. La Pergola will take over a 6,000 square foot parcel formerly used as office space for an all-new dining concept that will serve authentic Italian cuisine with a lively lounge and bar scene featuring unique craft cocktails. La Pergola is targeting a Spring 2020 opening.

Sauvignon: Wine Locker and American Trattoria is coming soon to 241 Central Avenue, on the second level of the Jannus Block in a space formerly occupied by A Taste For Wine. Owned and operated by the former manager of Annata on Beach Drive, Sauvignon will be equal parts restaurant and wine bar where everyone can enjoy a glass of wine, a pint of beer, really great desserts, and contemporary American food with an Italian twist that’s not going to break the bank. Sauvignon will also have over 50 climate-controlled wine lockers available for rent that'll each hold 12 bottles of wine. The restaurant is currently in the buildout phase with plans to open in January 2020.

Bar Chinchilla is now open at 439 1st Avenue North in Downtown St Pete. This intimate beer and wine bar is the smallest in St Pete (and probably Tampa Bay) with only 18 seats inside. Bar Chinchilla's well-rounded wine list includes more than 30 wines hand-selected by a Master Sommelier -- and the highlight is definitely their extensive Madeira collection. As for beer, there are eight on draft with a regular rotation of sought after craft beers.

Bohemian Rêves, a plant-based skincare shop, is now open at 1620 Central Avenue in Downtown St Pete. Owner Amelia Naomi Dean focuses on formulating user-friendly, vegan, and organic skincare for the everyday bohemian. The shop sells apothecary candles, botanical perfumes, bars of soap, face washes, lotions, and all-natural body oils. Their Patchouli + Vanilla Texturizing Mist and Desert Fleur Botanical Perfume have quickly become a cult favorite at local Saint Petersburg markets.