Local boating company Hubbard's Marina selected as new operator of Cross Bay Ferry

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Local boating company Hubbard's Marina selected as new operator of Cross Bay Ferry

A longtime local boating business may bring back the popular ferry service connecting downtown St. Petersburg and downtown Tampa, with more frequent trips and year-round service.

The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) has recommended Hubbard’s Marina, a nearly century-old Madeira Beach-based business, to relaunch and manage the Cross Bay Ferry, which first launched in 2016. If approved, service could resume as early as 2026, ahead of the peak spring break season.

Hubbard’s Marina, which would operate the service as the Tampa Bay Ferry, was one of four respondents to PSTA’s Request for Proposals (RFP) issued on August 5th.

Founded in 1928 by Captain Wilson Hubbard as a bait-and-tackle shop, Hubbard’s Marina has grown into a major fishing and boating business. The family-owned company moved to John’s Pass on Maderia Beach in 1976, where it now offers deep-sea fishing, sightseeing tours, and operates a maintenance and manufacturing facility in Gulfport.

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Treasure Island’s iconic Thunderbird Beach Resort to be demolished and rebuilt

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Treasure Island’s iconic Thunderbird Beach Resort to be demolished and rebuilt

The iconic Thunderbird Beach Resort, a Treasure Island landmark for the past 68 years, is set to be completely demolished and rebuilt after sustaining catastrophic damage caused by last year’s back-to-back hurricanes.

The courtyard-style resort, located at 10700 Gulf Boulevard, was among many properties hit hard by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, which left behind piles of debris and extensive structural damage, forcing the immediate closure of the beloved beachfront destination.

In a social media post on December 9th, the Thunderbird wrote, “We are deeply touched by the outpouring of love from our guests and the community. It means the world to us—and we want to make one thing clear: The Thunderbird Beach Resort is NOT going anywhere.”

Originally built in 1957 as the 64-unit Thunderbird Motel at a cost of $750,000, the resort has long been a staple of the area.

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Corner Kitchen and Coffee House to take over Sweet Brewnette in Madeira Beach

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Corner Kitchen and Coffee House to take over Sweet Brewnette in Madeira Beach

The quaint Sweet Brewnette Cafe in Madeira Beach was one of many businesses that fell victim to Hurricanes Milton and Helene that hit Florida last year. However, a new cafe will rise in its place.

Similar to the beloved Sweet Brewnette Cafe, which is relocating to Panama City Beach, Corner Kitchen and Coffee House will serve made-from-scratch breakfast and lunch items, pastries, and coffee inside the corner building at 13999 Gulf Boulevard when it opens later this month.

“What Sweet Brewnette did was remarkable, and when I saw the space was available, I jumped on it,” said Corner Kitchen and Coffee House owner Jonathan Olejnik, who will run the new cafe with his fiancé, Victoria Helton.

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Boho-inspired cafe Crave Coffee + Market to open in Seminole

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Boho-inspired cafe Crave Coffee + Market to open in Seminole

A new coffee spot serving locally made bagels and pastries is opening in Seminole.

Couple Charles and Brittany Frost are weeks away from opening for their new cafe, Crave Coffee + Market, located at 9358 Oakhurst Road in the Publix-anchored Oakhurst Plaza.

The shop will open this spring in a space previously home to coffee shop AuLeche.

"Our family mantra is 'create what you crave.' We are embracing our love of coffee and passion for bringing the community together," Brittany said to St. Pete Rising.

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

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

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.

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Done Deals: New sports bar debuts on 4th Street, Industrial center sells for $27.2M, Horizon West Bay secures first tenant

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Done Deals: New sports bar debuts on 4th Street, Industrial center sells for $27.2M, Horizon West Bay secures first tenant

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.

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Project: Central & 16th Redevelopment

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Project: Central & 16th Redevelopment

On the western edge of Downtown St. Petersburg lies the appropriately named Edge District, a Florida Main Street Community of shopping, dining, and living. If you haven't explored the Edge District you're missing out, they have a ton of restaurants and cool antique shops. This area has been booming and has become a unique destination.

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Project: USFSP Kate Tiedemann College of Business building

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Project: USFSP Kate Tiedemann College of Business building

From the green benches of  "God's Waiting Room" to the green and gold of the USF Bulls, USF St.Petersburg (USFSP) seems poised to expand it's role on downtown. Over the past few years there has been a lot of change on the small bay front campus including the addition of on-campus housing, a newly constructed student center, and the creation of new campus green space.

But don't expect the projects to stop there. If newly hired Chancellor Sophia Wisniewska has her way USFSP could double its enrollment to 10,000 students by 2024.

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St.Pete "Pocket Projects"

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St.Pete "Pocket Projects"

Pocket parks are small parks that are accessible to the public, but they are usually very tiny in comparison to larger parks (think Central Park). However, despite their size, they can create a network of green space to help enhance neighborhoods and communities. I see smaller real estate developments the same way. These so-called "pocket projects" can enhance urban corridors and revitalize neighborhoods. Because many pocket projects lack the size and scale of larger developments they usually receive less publicity, but I think they are just as important. While there's no definition of what makes a development a "pocket project" I'm going to share a few local developments I would consider pocket projects that you may not have heard about.

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Project: Arlington Townhomes

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Project: Arlington Townhomes

The Arlington
Stories: 4
Units: 34 townhomes

A new townhome project in Downtown St.Petersburg is under development a few blocks west of Mirror Lake. This 34-unit development will feature homes between 1,700-2,100 square feet. Looking at the renders it appears that each townhome will be 3 stories with a 4th floor terrace, some of which will offer striking skyline views. This project will be a great addition to downtown.

A statement from The Arlington St.Pete website:

We are excited to announce that The Arlington St Pete is coming soon to Downtown St Petersburg! Located at 8th Street North and Arlington Avenue North the urban contemporary community will offer thirty-four townhomes ranging in size from 1,700 to 2,100 square feet.

 

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