New kava lounge Cozy Kava opens in the Grand Central District
/
A new bar has opened in St. Pete, but instead of shots and cocktails, it’s pouring shells of kava.
Derived from the ground roots of a South Pacific pepper plant, kava is known for its calming, anxiety-reducing effects—and it’s at the center of a growing scene in Pinellas County, where more than 50 kava bars have opened in the last decade.
This surge reflects a broader nationwide trend, as younger generations increasingly turn toward wellness-focused, alcohol-free social spaces.
Cozy Kava quietly opened last month at 2309 Central Avenue in the Grand Central District, formerly home to The MAR St. Pete, a performing arts incubator and studio that has since relocated to the St. Pete City Theatre.
Read More
The next phase of the Rainbow Village redevelopment in Largo is taking shape, with four new apartment buildings planned as part of a long-term effort expected to deliver approximately 400 affordable homes to the community.
Newstar Development, in partnership with the Pinellas County Housing Authority, recently filed construction permits for Grand Oaks, the third phase of the four-phase redevelopment at 13224 Washington Drive in Largo’s Greater Ridgecrest neighborhood.
Grand Oaks will replace 62 older public housing units with four three-story apartment buildings containing 120 affordable apartments for families earning between 30% and 80% of the area median income (AMI).
The $48.7 million development will include 33 one-bedroom apartments measuring 741 square feet, 60 two-bedroom apartments measuring 1,066 square feet, and 27 three-bedroom apartments measuring 1,341 square feet.
Residents will have access to a clubhouse and community building with a fitness center, sports courts, green space, and an attached wellness center, along with a playground and youth recreation center.