In 2025, St. Petersburg gave us plenty to talk about and, judging by the clicks, you were paying close attention.

From splashy redevelopment proposals and high-stakes Rays drama to beloved dive bars, beachfront icons, and even a dinosaur perched above downtown, readers gravitated toward stories that captured a city changing in real time.

The most-read articles of the year were not just about shiny renderings or breaking news. They focused on the follow-up questions, the fine print, and how big ideas actually play out on the ground.

Whether tracking the future of the Tropicana Field site, examining housing policy shifts, or following the next chapter of long-standing local institutions, these stories reflected the curiosity and healthy skepticism of St. Pete Rising readers.

Below are the 10 most-read St. Pete Rising articles of 2025.

A decades-old waterfront apartment community in Gulfport is preparing for a major comeback.

Seaside Villas, a 121-unit complex located at 3205 58th Street South, was destroyed last year when Hurricane Helene tore through Tampa Bay.

Now, the 3.74-acre property, located on the west end of Shore Boulevard South next to the Gulfport Recreation Center, is ready for a fresh start.

Built in 1964, Seaside Villas originally consisted of three three-story buildings just a few feet above sea level.

Last year, when Helene swept through the Gulf and into Tampa Bay, the storm’s surge overwhelmed the property, leaving it beyond repair.

“The flood damage from Hurricane Helene was very extensive and took out the electrical system in all three buildings, so we had to move everybody out,” said Eric Schifferli, CEO of Seaside Villas Florida LLC, which purchased the property in 2018 for $20 million.