June 16, 2025

Vintage clothing store Wendy’s Closet relocates to new Central Avenue spot this summer

June 16, 2025/ Veronica Brezina

Wendy’s Closet, a beloved vintage clothing shop celebrating 30 years in business, is relocating this summer from 2107 Central Avenue to a new space just a few blocks down in St. Pete’s Grand Central District.

Owner Wendy Barrett has purchased a 3,300-square-foot building at 1912 Central Avenue, formerly home to Goodyear Rubber Products, securing her presence in the neighborhood for years to come.

“This store will have a better layout, a working AC, and it’s right across from the Imagine Museum. It’s perfect, it will be bigger and better,” Barrett told St. Pete Rising.

June 12, 2025

Florida's largest LGBTQ+ pride celebration returns to St. Pete this month

June 12, 2025/ Veronica Brezina

The Sunshine City, home to the largest Pride celebration in Florida, will once again celebrate its vibrant LGBTQIA+ community during the 23rd annual St. Pete Pride.

The month-long celebration culminates with the signature Pride Parade along the downtown waterfront, drawing more than 300,000 attendees. This year’s parade day festivities kick off at 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 28th at North and South Straub Parks, featuring live music, local entertainers and artists, over 100 booths and vendors, and a wide variety of food and drink.

The Pride Parade will begin at 6 p.m., starting at Albert Whitted Park and continuing along Bayshore Drive to Vinoy Park. The Trans March will precede the main parade at 5 p.m.

May 06, 2025

Construction begins on 325-unit apartment community near YMCA in Grand Central District

May 06, 2025/ Veronica Brezina

Construction has officially commenced on a 325-unit apartment community that will anchor a new live-work-play neighborhood in St. Pete’s Grand Central District.

As first reported by St. Pete Rising, the five-story apartment building, dubbed The Henry at Whitney Village, is part of a larger development, which will also include a 32,000-square-foot pedestrian-only retail village and a 600-space parking garage for residents and visitors.

The mixed-use project will occupy 4.5 acres on the east side of the Jim & Heather Gills YMCA at 3200 1st Avenue South.

South Carolina-based multifamily developer Greystar Real Estate Partners purchased the property from the neighboring YMCA in February for $12 million.

The 25-year-old, 55,000-square-foot YMCA will undergo a major renovation funded by proceeds from the sale of the athletic field property.

April 28, 2025

Cheeky’s seafood restaurant and raw bar reveals opening date for Grand Central District spot

April 28, 2025/ Veronica Brezina

Tampa native Nate Siegel, the co-founder behind Tampa’s award-winning Willa’s and Willa’s Provisions, has announced an opening date for his new neighborhood seafood restaurant and raw bar in St. Pete.

Cheeky's, Siegel's latest concept inspired by New England oyster bars and Southern fish shacks, will open on Wednesday, May 7th at 2823 Central Avenue in the Grand Central District.

First announced in 2023, the restaurant will occupy a portion of the building previously home to China Finders, a specialty china shop that closed in 2023 after more than 30 years in business.

“Coming to St. Pete is a dream come true, and opening a new place like Cheeky’s along Central Avenue is so exciting,” Siegel said in a prepared statement. “This is already such a special community, and I’m honored to become a part of it alongside my friends and neighbors at Bandit, Baba, Wild Child, and more.”

April 17, 2025

New local wine club Savoir on Central to open in the Grand Central District next month

April 17, 2025/ Veronica Brezina

From rolling vineyards around the world to luxurious Michelin-starred restaurants, every glass of wine tells a story—and now, a local sommelier and her team are bringing those stories to St. Petersburg’s wine lovers.

Sommelier Sharon Mahoney and her business partner, Christina Noordstar, are launching Savoir on Central, an upscale wine club offering educational classes, curated tastings, and exclusive wine selections.

Located at 2531 Central Avenue, the club will open in late May in the former Rasta Canna Bar space in the Grand Central District.

Open to the public and wine club members, Savoir on Central is designed to be welcoming to everyone—from curious beginners to seasoned connoisseurs.

“Savoir on Central is for both seasoned wine enthusiasts and those just discovering the art of wine,” said Noordstar, a longtime local entrepreneur. She first met Mahoney through the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership St. Pete Class of 2019.