February 07, 2025

First-ever Winter Pride Festival takes place this month in the Grand Central District

February 07, 2025/ Veronica Brezina

In the face of the ever-changing and challenging political climate, St. Petersburg will continue embracing its diverse LGBTQ+ community with the first-ever Winter Pride celebration.

Winter Pride, a week-long festival organized by a team of local LGBTQ+ leaders in collaboration with the Grand Central District, will run from February 16th to February 23rd.

“Now more than ever, events like Winter Pride are critical to remind everyone in the LGBTQIA+ community that they are valued, supported, and celebrated,” Grand Central Executive Director Chris Arnold said in an announcement.

“We are excited for another opportunity to celebrate our wonderful city and bring an entire week of amazing Pride events to the Grand Central District.”

December 19, 2024

Pulpo, a new Latin and Peruvian-fusion restaurant and bar, debuts in the Grand Central District

December 19, 2024/ Veronica Brezina

Pulpo Kitchen & Lounge, a Latin and Peruvian-inspired restaurant and bar from the owners of the popular Brick and Mortar restaurant in downtown St. Pete, has opened in the Grand Central District.

The restaurant at 2147 Central Avenue boasts turquoise booths, brass accents, and a menu featuring cocktails with a kick, a fully-charred octopus, and twists on traditional ceviche. The restaurant was first reported by St. Pete Rising in January 2023.

"You will not find anything else like this in St. Petersburg," General Manager and Beverage Director Dylan Ruhe said to Rising inside the new space.

Dylan is the cousin of owner Jason Ruhe. Ruhe and his wife, Hope Montgomery, are the same duo behind downtown St. Petersburg’s Brick & Mortar Kitchen + Wine Bar. Meanwhile, Chef Marcos Bernal from Sea Worthy is the head chef of Pulpo.

Pulpo, which translates to "octopus" in Spanish, will represent a marriage of cuisines from Central and South America, and influences from Peru and Mexico.

December 18, 2024

Classic vintage cocktail bar Tampa Bay Drinkery opens in the Grand Central District

December 18, 2024/ Veronica Brezina

Green and beige velvet chairs, mismatched oriental rugs, antique clocks, and a grand piano on center stage are part of the eclectic atmosphere inside a new bar and music venue in St. Pete's Grand Central District.

Located at 2756 Central Avenue, Tampa Bay Drinkery is the brainchild of Wellington Moto, who’s part of the management team at Grumpy Gringo Liquors located next door to the new bar.

“I handpicked all of the vintage items here down to the lightbulbs,” Moto said to St. Pete Rising, showing a stack of vinyl records next to a grand piano.

Moto scoured auction houses, antique dealers, and collectors from around the country for the long-vacant space.

December 09, 2024

Done Deals: Dali Museum expansion moves forward, Top law firm relocates due to crane collapse, Barbershop moves downtown

December 09, 2024/ Veronica Brezina

Done Deals is a weekly column by St. Pete Rising spotlighting recent real estate market insight and significant deals happening in the Sunshine City and beyond. The following information is sourced from public records and trusted intel.

Have real estate news to share? Send us an email at hello@stpeterising.com.

December 03, 2024

Authentic Mexican taqueria Jimmy's Tacos to open in the Grand Central District

December 03, 2024/ Veronica Brezina

Jimmy’s Tacos, an authentic Mexican eatery that was started by Jimmy Nunez over 35 years ago in Los Angeles, is expanding to St. Pete.

The family owned and operated restaurant, which relocated to Ybor City a few years ago, will join St. Pete’s Grand Central District at 2536 Central Avenue, currently home to The Foundry vintage furniture store which will stay open until the end of May.

Jimmy’s Tacos is expected to open in August.