April 04, 2025

Inside Elliott Aster, The Vinoy’s new signature restaurant opening mid-May

April 04, 2025/ Anthony Close

The Vinoy Resort & Golf Club, a landmark on downtown St. Petersburg’s waterfront, is set to unveil its new signature restaurant, Elliott Aster, in mid-May. This opening marks the completion of the first phase of an extensive renovation of the historic hotel.

Located at 501 5th Avenue Northeast, The Vinoy has been a defining feature of downtown St. Petersburg since its construction in 1925. Owned by Bryan and Shanna Glazer—who also own the Tampa Bay Buccaneers—the hotel has undergone a comprehensive renovation aimed at modernizing its amenities while preserving its historic charm.

The Glazers purchased the property for $188.5 million in 2018 and embarked on a transformation that included updates to the hotel’s veranda, porte-cochère, lobby, guest rooms, spa, and restaurants. Additionally, The Vinoy was rebranded as part of the Marriott Autograph Collection.

April 01, 2025

86-acre waterpark proposed for Tropicana Field site after Rays stadium deal collapses

April 01, 2025/ Anthony Close

Just when you thought the Tropicana Field saga couldn’t take another wild turn, an unexpected proposal has surfaced—one that’s making a splash in the local development world.

Following the collapse of the Tampa Bay Rays and Hines redevelopment deal on March 31, 2025, a new developer has stepped forward with a bold vision: converting the entire 86-acre site into Florida’s largest waterpark.

Dubbed St. Pete Splash City, the proposed aquatic attraction would feature an array of record-breaking water rides, including the world’s tallest water slide, a lazy river that circles the entire property, and an underground tunnel slide that plunges beneath Interstate 175 (don’t ask how).

February 26, 2025

Habitat for Humanity moves forward on two affordable housing projects in Pinellas County

February 26, 2025/ Anthony Close

The Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners has approved $3 million in funding to support two significant affordable housing projects by Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside.

These developments—located in Clearwater and Lealman—will provide more than 80 new homes for families in need, advancing the county's commitment to affordable housing solutions.

In Lealman, a 5.94-acre parcel of underused land will be developed into a vibrant residential community. Habitat has secured approval to acquire the land from the Housing Finance Authority of Pinellas County (HFA). The plans include 57 new affordable housing units, featuring a mix of 31 single-family homes and 26 townhomes. The county will contribute $2.29 million in funding, supporting the $10.13 million project.

February 20, 2025

Home of the Week: A 1925-built bungalow in Campbell Park near downtown

February 20, 2025/ Anthony Close

This week’s featured Home of the Week is a three-bedroom, two-bathroom bungalow at 951 9th Avenue South in Campbell Park.

Built in 1925, the 1,486-square-foot home retains much of its historic character while incorporating modern updates.

The home features original hardwood floors, vintage pushbutton light switches, and period-style fixtures. The kitchen has been updated with shaker-style cabinetry, granite countertops, subway tile backsplash, and stainless steel appliances, including a flat-top stove with a pot filler.

February 11, 2025

Aerial St. Pete: The Sunshine City continues to rise as major projects progress

February 11, 2025/ Anthony Close

The latest edition of Aerial St. Pete shows the progress of six major real estate projects currently under construction in St. Petersburg.

Aerial St. Pete is a column by St. Pete Rising which features exclusive aerial photography of projects under construction in St. Petersburg, FL. To accomplish this, we have teamed up with AB3 Visuals who captured these photos in December.

In the article, we show the construction progress for projects including Residences at 400 Central, Art House, 3rd & 3rd, Echelon Site 7 & 8, Institute Square, and Marina Club Apartments.