April 04, 2022

An $80 million environmental research center is coming to St. Pete

April 04, 2022/ Stephanie Stott

St. Petersburg is once again paving the way for environmental research. Thanks to funding efforts by local leaders and state legislators, the University of South Florida is planning a new environmental research center on its St. Petersburg campus - with a budget of $80 million.

The Center of Excellence in Environmental & Oceanographic Sciences will serve as a hub for pressing issues such as climate change, sea level rise, and environmental disasters. The northwest wing of the College of Marine Science, located at 830 First Street South, will be demolished to make way for construction. A four-story building will stand in its place, with research labs, classrooms, and teaching areas for future graduate and undergraduate studies.

The center will introduce unique programs for the university, from environmental chemistry degrees, coastal and ocean engineering majors, and more. Funds for the project will also be used to renovate the remainder of the existing Marina Science Complex.

March 24, 2022

French-inspired Cafe Clementine to open inside Museum of Fine Arts in downtown St. Pete

March 24, 2022/ Stephanie Stott

For many St. Pete residents, Le Clementine Bakeshop’s pastries are a welcome treat. After serving the downtown scene for well over a year at the Saturday Morning Market and Pete’s General, owners Paulina and Vince Gervasi are excited to announce a new cafe nestled inside the Museum of Fine Arts at 255 Beach Drive in downtown St. Pete.

Opening April 30th, Café Clementine is an artisanal bakery and casual eatery that will serve a variety of fresh handcrafted pastries, all-day brunch items, salads, and soups. The seasonally rotating menu will utilize organic and locally sourced ingredients from all over Tampa Bay.

March 22, 2022

Roots to Crown bringing ecstatic dance and more to St. Pete

March 22, 2022/ Stephanie Stott

Have you ever wanted to find an environment where you could dance without inhibition? Where music was not just a series of vibrations, but a liberating feeling that sent you on a freeform movement journey?

Roots to Crown may be the place for you. Coming to 1741 1st Avenue North, this healing space, spearheaded by owner Tanner Roan, is bringing a different way to unwind to the St. Pete area–through ecstatic dance.

Although Roots to Crown currently hosts several events during the week, much more is coming soon with a grand opening slated for the summer solstice on June 20th.

March 09, 2021

A 179-car drive-in movie theater is coming soon to St. Pete

March 09, 2021/ Stephanie Stott

If watching your favorite film with St. Pete as your backdrop sounds like a dream come true, you’re in luck. A 179-car drive-in theater courtesy of Rooftop Cinema Club is coming soon to 2100 3rd Ave South in the Warehouse Arts District of St. Pete.

While the pandemic made movie-going nearly obsolete, drive-ins are, by nature, social-distancing friendly. Add online ticket ordering and contactless concessions, and you have a recipe for a safe, entertaining night—all in the glow of a 64 ft. cinema screen.

What’s movie night without popcorn? That buttery goodness will be available on-site, as well as soda and prepackaged candy. For even more dining options, RCC hopes to partner with a local food vendor and eventually operate a bar.

February 02, 2021

Duo from Italy opening authentic Neapolitan pizzeria and wine bar in downtown St. Pete

February 02, 2021/ Stephanie Stott

What do a queen and pizza dough have to do with St. Pete, Florida?
Answer: an upcoming pizzeria and wine bar aptly named Original Flavor 1889.

Soon, you won’t have to go far to get a slice of an Italian classic, the Neapolitan pizza, which is characterized by a super thin base with a crispy but light and airy crust. Thanks to Melissa Mihok at Barkett Realty, who represented the landlord, Original Flavor will be coming soon to 409 Central Avenue, which was formerly home to Bombay Grill.

The new pizzeria will be brimming with tradition – all the way down to the prep work. Made only with imported ingredients, every splash of flavor honors an authentic taste. And while you’re rejoicing over unprocessed food, there’s a history lesson happening on the other side of the bar.