A historic home along Central Avenue has found a new purpose as the first Florida location for veterinary care provider Heart + Paw.

Heart + Paw is now open at 6366 Central Avenue inside the restored 1925 Strum House, the preserved centerpiece of Strum Place, a nine-unit luxury townhome development in west St. Pete.

Headquartered in Berwyn, Pennsylvania, Heart + Paw operates more than 30 veterinary hospitals across 11 states.

The new clinic offers comprehensive veterinary care and grooming services for dogs and cats, including surgery, dentistry, radiology, vaccinations, wellness care, and end-of-life services.

When Joann Fabrics closed its stores last year, many local hobbyists lost a familiar place to browse fabrics, pick up supplies, and find inspiration for their next project.

This fall, one local entrepreneur hopes to help fill that void.

September Sewing Co. will open at 11000 70th Avenue North in Seminole, offering ethically sourced fabrics, sewing classes, and a creative space designed for both experienced makers and beginners.

Owner Diana Andreyko says the business is rooted in a desire to make sewing more accessible while encouraging a greater appreciation for craftsmanship and sustainable fashion.

“I remember growing up going to Joann Fabrics with my grandma as a child. I loved going there and just touching the fabric and feeling inspired,” Andreyko said in a conversation with St. Pete Rising. “I want to create that kind of space in my own way, bringing my knowledge and expertise to help foster the next generation of sewers, makers, and entrepreneurs.”

“I'm a huge proponent of sustainable fashion and all of the practices within that,” she continued. “In the world of fast fashion, I want to teach people how sewing teaches patience, craftsmanship, and appreciation for something made by hand.”

A newly-opened shop in St. Petersburg's Grand Central District is taking a different approach to second-hand retail, stocking its shelves with items sourced directly from local storage units and personal estates rather than thrift stores.

Alligator Camp recently opened at 2937 Central Avenue, located between pottery studio Sugar Cream Clay and artist co-op Daydream Shop.

The space was formerly occupied by The Nook, a tattoo studio and event space that quietly closed its doors earlier this year.

Local couple Lauralie Bradford and Ryan Vargus own the second-hand shop, which sells everything from physical media like VHS tapes, DVDs, vinyl records, and books to vintage decor and art.

Bradford has been selling vintage and homemade jewelry with her brand Shop the Genesis for the past decade, while Vargus and his father have run a business for the past several years where they clear out storage units and personal estates and resell vintage goods.

A new boutique specializing in coastal-inspired apparel, accessories, and locally made goods has debuted in Gulfport.

Owner Haley Santamaria recently opened Drift + Story at 3129 Beach Boulevard, bringing a mix of women's apparel, sunglasses, hats, swimwear, candles, water bottles, children's beach accessories, jewelry, and other gift items to the waterfront business district.

Originally from California, Santamaria moved to Florida about two years ago to be closer to family. Earlier this year, she left her corporate job to open the boutique.

Drift + Story soft opened on May 23rd and has been steadily expanding its inventory since welcoming its first customers.

The space was previously occupied by Paw Paw's pet supply store, which closed in late 2024 following back-to-back hurricanes.

A new social-fitness gym is preparing to open in the Grand Central District.

The Yard Gym, a fitness club focused on strength training, conditioning, and team-based fitness classes, will open next month at 2060 1st Avenue South in the former Grayspeed Cycles space.

The St. Pete franchise is owned by local resident Taylor Dove, who says the gym is targeting a grand opening on Saturday, June 13th.

The 3,264-square-foot facility will include two air-conditioned workout spaces dedicated to The Yard’s signature training programs.

One area, called RIG, focuses on strength training with barbells, dumbbells, kettlebells, and resistance equipment, while the other area, called TURF, is geared toward conditioning workouts using sleds, cardio equipment, bodyweight exercises, and functional training movements.

The gym will also offers PAYDAY and GAMEDAY classes, which blend strength and conditioning with team-oriented and competitive workouts.