Plans for new Woodson African American Museum in the Deuces move forward
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After a year of planning, St Petersburg City Council unanimously voted earlier this month to approve $700,000 in funding for the Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum, including a new location on 22nd Street and an impressive, Jazz-inspired design.
The soon-to-be-constructed 29,000 square foot building, designed by renowned Black-owned New York City-based Huff + Gooden Architects and local firm Wannemacher Jensen Architects, will feature two permanent collection galleries, a traveling exhibit gallery, a sculpture garden, outdoor covered event space, and a 500-seat event forum. In addition, there will be a book and gift shop, catering kitchen, and administrative offices on site.
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A St. Pete native and former USF basketball star is preparing to open what he calls a love letter to his hometown.
Love Language 727 Restaurant & Lounge will open in October at 3063 Central Avenue in the Grand Central District.
The space was previously home to 31 Grand, a sports bar that closed in late 2024 following back-to-back hurricanes. Before that, it housed Punky’s Bar and Grill, an LGBTQ-friendly establishment that closed in 2022 after nearly seven years in business.
Owner Jimmy Devon Baxter is returning to St. Pete after nearly two decades in Atlanta, where he said he was inspired by the city’s experience-driven restaurant and lounge scene.
After graduating from Boca Ciega High School, he played basketball for the University of South Florida from 2000 to 2004.
During his senior year, Baxter received the NCAA Award of Valor for helping rescue two men trapped inside a vehicle following a violent crash. The City of Tampa also presented him with a key to the city for his efforts.