August 02, 2024

Historically St. Pete: The incredible history of St. Pete High, Florida’s first million dollar high school

August 02, 2024/ Rui Farias

At St. Pete Rising, we are constantly providing comprehensive coverage on everything new and coming soon to the Sunshine City, but we think it’s also important to take a look back at our city's rich history.

Introducing Historically St. Pete, a new monthly column on St. Pete Rising written by Rui Farias, Executive Director of the St. Petersburg Museum of History, which will cover everything from the legend of underground mobster tunnels to the buildings and people that created the Sunshine City.

This month we delve into the incredible history of Florida’s first million dollar high school — St. Petersburg High’s 98-year-old campus on 5th Avenue North.

August 01, 2024

Bar Mezzo, a new elevated cocktail bar concept from the owner of Intermezzo, to debut in the EDGE District

August 01, 2024/ Veronica Brezina

The owner behind Intermezzo Coffee and Cocktails is bringing a new sister concept to the bustling EDGE District in downtown St. Pete this summer.

Owner Jarrett Sabatini is opening a new intimate cocktail bar named Bar Mezzo at 1049 Central Avenue, formerly home to Independent Bar and just steps away from Intermezzo.

"Intermezzo will still be that low-key neighborhood bar with drinks you might find in Rome - Spritz, Americano, Negroni - simple cocktails done very well,” Sabatini said in a conversation with St. Pete Rising. “Whereas, Bar Mezzo will be a sophisticated cocktail experience.”

"We want this location to be a go-to nightlife cocktail bar with live music and DJs playing on the weekends," added Sabatini.

July 31, 2024

Tampa Bay Rays win approval of Pinellas County funding for new $1.37 billion stadium in downtown St. Pete

July 31, 2024/ Veronica Brezina

It's official - The Tampa Bay Rays have secured local government funding for a new $1.37 billion baseball stadium in a deal that will keep the team in St. Petersburg for decades to come.

In a 5-2 vote on Tuesday afternoon, Pinellas County Commissioners approved contributing $312.5 million of tourism tax revenue towards the construction of the stadium.

The tourism tax revenue is generated by a bed tax restricted to funding tourist-related development such as hotel expansions and other projects driving economic prosperity.

July 30, 2024

Developer proposes 60-unit residential project on Pasadena Community Church property in west St. Pete

July 30, 2024/ Veronica Brezina

Developer Onyx & East is seeking to rezone a property in west St. Petersburg in order to build a 60-unit development that includes 40 townhomes and 20 single-family homes.

The 5.77-acre property at 6942 1st Avenue South, currently developed with a couple buildings and a soccer field, is owned by Pasadena Community Church (PCC), which is selling the property in order to reinvest in the church’s campus.

Pasadena Community Church, founded in 1925, is part of the United Methodist denomination. The church’s main sanctuary building is located at 227 70th Street South and will remain on the site.

July 29, 2024

Florida Orchestra plans new performance and music center at the Mahaffey Theater in downtown St. Pete

July 29, 2024/ Veronica Brezina

The Florida Orchestra, which plays the majority of its concerts at the city-owned Mahaffey Theater, plans to build a new home in St. Petersburg.

The organization is seeking funds to build a Center for Music Education and Innovation in a new four-story building connected to the existing Mahaffey Theater performing arts facility and concert hall at 400 1st Street South on the downtown waterfront

The Center for Music Education and Innovation would have a rooftop performance stage, classrooms, multipurpose spaces for community events, a new loading dock, and additional storage, according to documents from the Pinellas County Tourist Development Council obtained by St. Pete Rising.