July 25, 2025

St. Pete officially ends Rays redevelopment deal, approve Tropicana Field repairs

July 25, 2025/ Veronica Brezina

One year after entering into a $6.5 billion redevelopment deal with the Tampa Bay Rays and national developer Hines, St. Pete City Council unanimously voted on Thursday to terminate the agreement.

The deal would have allowed the 86-acre Historic Gas Plant District be to redeveloped into a new mixed-use neighborhood with nearly 8 million square feet of space, including a $1.3 billion baseball stadium.

City Council’s vote was largely procedural, as the Rays and Hines had announced in March that they were withdrawing from the deal after missing key project milestones.

Mayor Ken Welch, who was a strong supporter of the project, addressed the termination in a statement following the vote.

“While the Rays’ decision is terribly disappointing, our mission was to adapt and refocus on our primary objective – the progress of our city,” said Welch. “And part of that mission is accomplished by today’s City Council vote.”

June 25, 2025

Treasure Island’s iconic Thunderbird Beach Resort could be rebuilt bigger than before

June 25, 2025/ Veronica Brezina

After suffering major hurricane damage last year, Treasure Island’s iconic Thunderbird Beach Resort will be completely demolished and rebuilt, potentially larger than before, while preserving its nostalgic charm.

The city’s Planning and Zoning Board unanimously approved a site plan last Thursday for a new four-story resort that will replace the 68-year-old property at 10700 Gulf Boulevard.

As first reported by St. Pete Rising, the rebuild calls for one single U-shaped building to house all 106 hotel rooms—the same number as before—on three levels above a 124-space surface parking lot beneath the structure, along with a 1,750-square-foot lobby and office space.

The resort’s appearance is expected to change significantly, but the Thunderbird name and its historic neon sign will remain.

October 22, 2024

The Tavern at Bayboro and The Campus Grind work to rebuild and reopen on USF St. Petersburg campus

October 22, 2024/ Veronica Brezina

Located less than a block from the Bayboro Harbor, storm surge from Hurricane Helene flooded family-run establishments The Tavern at Bayboro and The Campus Grind when it made landfall in late September as a Category 4 storm in the Big Bend region of the Florida panhandle.

"We had over three feet of storm surge come through both restaurants. We lost our walk-in cooler that's structurally part of the building," Dennis Bixler said to St. Pete Rising.

Dennis and his wife Stephanie own the local live-music pub and restaurant at 120 6th Avenue South on the University of South Florida St. Petersburg campus.

September 30, 2024

The Aftermath: Resources to help rebuild Tampa Bay after Hurricane Helene

September 30, 2024/ Veronica Brezina

As Helene barreled through Florida making landfall as a Category 4 hurricane Thursday evening in the Big Bend region, it brought a sweeping storm surge to Tampa Bay, turning roads into rivers, causing catastrophic flooding, and leaving thousands without power. Helene has been called the worst storm in a century for the Tampa Bay region.

In the aftermath of the storm, local governments have initiated recovery efforts.

The surrounding cities and counties are deploying as many resources and supplies as possible. Likewise, local businesses and volunteer groups are doing the same - whether it's donating essential items or providing a temporary shelter.

Here are the resources you should know about and what you can do to lend a helping hand.