September 11, 2025

Gulfport favorites Neptune Grill and Let It Be Ice Cream reopen after hurricane damage

September 11, 2025/ Veronica Brezina

Nearly a year after Hurricane Helene devastated Gulfport’s waterfront, two beloved businesses have reopened their doors.

Neptune Grill and Let It Be Ice Cream were among the hardest hit when storm surge and historic flooding left the district in ruins. Today, they are once again welcoming customers.

When the storm swept through Tampa Bay last September, Neptune Grill, a family-run seafood and Greek restaurant, took on more than four feet of water.

For co-owner Dia Vartsakis, who operates the restaurant alongside her father, Gus, the extent of the damage was overwhelming.

“I remember returning to the restaurant after the storm and turning the corner to find everything damaged. We found our food blocks down the street,” Vartsakis said in a conversation with St. Pete Rising.

September 10, 2025

The Moon Under Water finds new home in Gulfport after decades on Beach Drive in downtown St. Pete

September 10, 2025/ Brian Zucker

Four years after closing its iconic Beach Drive location, The Moon Under Water is preparing for a comeback. This time in Gulfport.

The authentic British Colonial pub, known for its creamy stouts and spicy curries, will reopen by the end of the year at 2832 Beach Boulevard South. The space was most recently occupied by The Drunken Taco, which posted a “Closed Forever” sign on its door on Monday, September 1st.

Earlier this year, Kevin and Jeanne Milkey, owners of Grand Central Brewhouse, revealed that they were working with Mike Crippin, who served as The Moon Under Water’s Executive Chef for more than two decades, and his wife Alison, who was the restaurant’s HR and office manager for 20 years, to bring the restaurant back to downtown St. Pete, just steps from its former Beach Drive home.

However, those plans ultimately fell through, opening the door to the Gulfport opportunity.

January 13, 2025

Popular vegan restaurant Golden Dinosaurs will permanently close

January 13, 2025/ Veronica Brezina

Golden Dinosaurs, regarded as one of the best vegan restaurants in Tampa Bay, will be closing permanently later this month.

The popular vegan deli and bakery that slings plant-based sandwiches and sweets announced the upcoming closure at 2930 Beach Boulevard.

"The era of vegan restaurant extinction seems to be upon us, and Gold Dinos will unfortunately not survive the apocalypse," owners Brian and Audrey Dingeman wrote.

The husband-and-wife duo, also owners of St. Pete's Good Intentions vegan restaurant, cited economic challenges for closing the fast-casual space that opened in 2018.

January 03, 2025

Salty Pup Coffeehouse and Bakeshop opens in Gulfport

January 03, 2025/ Veronica Brezina

Gulfport residents and their pups can enjoy a new cozy cafe serving coffee, baked goods, and a selection of breakfast and lunch items.

Jeff and Jody Musselman quietly opened the Salty Pup Coffeehouse and Bakeshop several weeks ago at 5004 Tangerine Avenue South, which was formerly home to Mama Pearl’s.

“Whenever we travel, we love visiting coffee shops for their different atmosphere and vibes. We’ve always talked about opening a shop one day,” Jody said to St. Pete Rising.

Named in tribute to their beloved dog, Salty Pup is working with a small Tampa-based wholesale coffee roaster to source beans for their espresso-based drinks, cold brew, and drip coffee. They also serve chai and matcha lattes.

October 29, 2024

Pete's Bagels debuts co-working space in Gulfport

October 29, 2024/ Veronica Brezina

Steven Peterman, owner behind the beloved St. Pete bagel shop Pete's Bagels, is launching a new venture—a co-working space in Gulfport.

Monday Morning Club will be designed to resemble a vintage diner, bringing a taste of fun nostalgia to 1401 49th Street South.

Members will enjoy free WiFi, complimentary coffee from St. Pete-based Look Alive Coffee, free bagels from Pete’s every Friday, and discounts on events and space rentals.

“I have always wanted to open a diner,” Peterman said to St. Pete Rising. “But this space isn’t really set up for a restaurant.”

October 04, 2024

Done Deals: Caddy’s temporarily closes all locations, St. Pete apartment building sells, Pilates studio coming to Central Ave

October 04, 2024/ Veronica Brezina

Done Deals is a weekly column by St. Pete Rising spotlighting recent real estate market insight and significant deals happening in the Sunshine City and beyond. The following information is sourced from public records and trusted intel.

Have real estate news to share? Send us an email at hello@stpeterising.com.