Tomatoes growing on twisted vines, heads of purple cabbage, and other leafy greens are among the dozens of crops sprouting at a half-acre lot in the heart of St. Petersburg that's been transformed into a thriving educational urban farm.

15th Street Farm, a nonprofit located at 342 15th Street North, is expanding its footprint and impact in the community.

Business leaders and St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce members recently gathered at 15th Street Farm, cutting a ceremonial ribbon celebrating the addition of a new 2,000-square-foot building that houses a kitchen with a baking station and spacious walk-in cooler, a wood-fired brick oven, and a 60-seat whimsical outdoor dining area surrounded by rows of crops.