The Ball, an LGBTQ+ bar and lounge inspired by queer icons, debuts in the Grand Central District

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The Ball, an LGBTQ+ bar and lounge inspired by queer icons, debuts in the Grand Central District

A pink-lit bar with crystal chandeliers overhead, a giant disco ball DJ booth, and images of queer icons bedazzle the walls inside St. Pete’s newest LGBTQ+ bar in the Grand Central District of St. Pete.

The Ball, owned by David Fischer, who also founded COCKtail St. Pete nightclub and The Wet Spot pool bar, has officially opened at 49 24th Street North.

The space, humorously described as being located “at the base of COCKtail,” was previously home to The Saint, an upscale speakeasy that closed last year to undergo the rebrand.

“The disco ball is one of the most iconic queer motifs, particularly within LGBTQ+ nightlife,” said Fischer. “It acts as an enhancing invitation to meet others, dance freely, and be yourself.”

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New fast-casual restaurant by P.F. Chang's, Pagoda Asian Grill, is now open in west St. Pete

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New fast-casual restaurant by P.F. Chang's, Pagoda Asian Grill, is now open in west St. Pete

A new fast-casual restaurant by Arizona-based P.F. Chang’s has debuted in west St. Pete.

Pagoda Asian Grill held a grand opening celebration on Saturday at 1550 66th Street North.

The new concept is P.F. Chang’s answer to chains such as Chipotle or Cava, offering counter-service and take-out.

Diners can build a bowl or wrap by first selecting a base (white rice, brown rice, or soba noodles), choosing one of five protein options (grilled chicken, sriracha chicken, grilled steak, bulgogi steak, or roasted vegetables), picking out as many toppings as desired from a list of 17 options, and then finishing it off with one of eight sauces.

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Local artist to debut new waterfront-inspired sculpture at 42-story Art House condo tower

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Local artist to debut new waterfront-inspired sculpture at 42-story Art House condo tower

A modern sculpture inspired by St. Pete's waterfront will become a focal point for residents and guests entering the 42-story Art House condominium tower in downtown St. Pete.

South Florida-based developer Kolter Urban, which has developed two other condo projects in downtown St. Pete, has commissioned well-known St. Pete artist and sculptor Cecilia Lueza to create a stunning art piece for the new 244-unit luxury condo tower at 235 1st Avenue South.

“Similar to Art House, ALLURE [the sculpture] was heavily influenced by the beautiful waterfront community we enjoy here in St. Petersburg. My sculptures are about honoring and enriching nature, blending colors, shapes, and the rhythm of the earth to transform the space around us while creating a place where we feel connected,” Lueza said in a prepared statement.

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Pete's Bagels team to open new cafe and coffee shop Seymour's in downtown St. Pete

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Pete's Bagels team to open new cafe and coffee shop Seymour's in downtown St. Pete

The team behind the popular Pete's Bagels is opening a new spot for breakfast, lunch, and coffee in downtown St. Pete.

Seymour's will debut this February at 407 Central Avenue inside the historic Snell Arcade. The space was previously home to Samurai Cat Japanese Cafe and Bakery.

“We are excited to bring the Pete's vibe to downtown St. Pete. We will focus on having a full cafe and bakery with an old vintage St. Pete vibe in the Snell Arcade,” Owner Steven Peterman said in a conversation with St. Pete Rising.

“This will be more of a cafe experience - it won’t be a bagel shop like Pete’s.”

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BayCare buys Barnes & Noble property in west St. Pete, plans emergency room facility

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BayCare buys Barnes & Noble property in west St. Pete, plans emergency room facility

A Barnes & Noble located across from the Tyrone Square Mall in west St. Pete will be converted into a freestanding emergency center.

BayCare Health System, which operates hospitals and health care centers throughout Tampa Bay, has purchased the 15,456-square-foot building at 2501 Tyrone BoulevardNorth from JWH Properties Inc. for $10 million, according to a deed recorded on January 29th.

This is the second Barnes & Noble the non-profit health care organization has purchased in Tampa Bay. In 2024, BayCare purchased a shuttered Barnes & Noble in Carrollwood for $10.5 million with plans to convert the property into an urgent care center.

Barnes & Noble representatives were not immediately available to confirm when the St. Pete store would close, nor whether the store would close permanently or move to another location.

The bookstore has been operating at this location in west St. Pete for 33 years.

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