February 05, 2025

Tampa Bay's first Tokyo-style claw machine arcade debuts this weekend in Treasure Island

February 05, 2025/ Veronica Brezina

Almost everyone has been unfairly let down by a claw machine at some point in their life. They lure you in with the illusion of skill, only to betray you with a weak grip and an unfair payout system, leaving you frustrated and broke.

However, there is a new generation of claw machines that are designed to offer a completely different experience, reversing the game’s negative reputation by featuring improved claws with stronger grips, more consistent payouts, and a better prize selection.

After exploding in popularity in Tokyo in recent years, arcades dedicated to this new era of claw machines have been popping up in big cities like New York, Chicago and Las Vegas.

This Friday, the first claw machine arcade, or “clawcade”, opens in Tampa Bay.

January 27, 2025

Pinellas County approves over $5 million for 1,000-unit apartment community in west St. Pete

January 27, 2025/ Veronica Brezina

A 1,000-unit apartment community proposed for west St. Pete is one step closer to reality after Pinellas County approved funding for the construction of the project, which will contain 300 units for workforce housing.

On January 14th, Pinellas County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved $5.25 million for the construction of the first phase of Azalea Gateway, set to rise at 1501 72nd Street North near Azalea Park.

The approved county funds are contingent upon the City of St. Pete approving an additional $6 million for phase one construction. St Pete City Council is expected to vote on the funding request in February.

January 15, 2025

2,084-unit apartment community Sky Town to include affordable housing after approval of county funds

January 15, 2025/ Veronica Brezina

One of the largest residential projects currently in development in St. Petersburg will now include affordable housing thanks to financial support from Pinellas County.

On Tuesday, the Pinellas County Commission unanimously approved $5.5 million for the construction of the first phase of Sky Town, which is expected to break ground in March and include 401 apartments, 121 of which will now be affordable.

Sky Town, which is being developed by Coral Gables-based Altis Cardinal, is a massive mixed-use development expected to bring 2,084 apartments across six five-story buildings to 3201 34th Street South in the Skyway Marina District.

The project, which sits on 34.2 acres, will also include over 80,000 square feet of retail space, 22,500 square feet of office space, 4,000 parking spaces, and 119,160 square feet of self-storage space.

December 20, 2024

Former pro tennis player opens indoor pickleball facility in Largo

December 20, 2024/ Veronica Brezina

An industrial warehouse-turned-pickleball facility for professionals and amateur players is opening in Largo.

Former tennis professional and native Brandon Anandan has converted a 10,400-square-foot building at 8116 Ulmerton Road into Dink House, an indoor four-court asphalt pickleball club for players at all levels.

"The transition from tennis to pickleball was easy," Anandan said to St. Pete Rising. "I found myself competing and winning tournaments. With the long wait times and people not playing properly and hurting themselves, I saw a need for a place like this."

After completing the courts years ago, Anandan has finally got the green light through the permitting process for the club, which is currently open.

December 18, 2024

Pinellas County Commission approves $312.5M in bonds for new Rays stadium in St. Petersburg

December 18, 2024/ Veronica Brezina

After a two-month delay, the Pinellas County Commission has voted to honor its commitment to financially support the development of a new $1.3 billion Tampa Bay Rays stadium.

At a Tuesday meeting, county commissioners voted 5-2 to allocate $312.5 million toward the construction of the 30,000-seat ballpark. The county’s share will be funded through existing tourist taxes collected on hotel stays and short-term rentals.

Newly elected commissioners Vince Nowicki and Chris Scherer voted against the proposal, while Commissioners Chris Latvala, Kathleen Peters, Dave Eggers, Rene Flowers, and Brian Scott voted in favor of approving the bonds.