April 01, 2025

Beloved St. Pete bar The Wayward Goose to close after nearly a decade

April 01, 2025/ Veronica Brezina

After nearly 10 years as a neighborhood staple, a well-loved St. Pete bar has announced it will close its doors for good.

The owners of The Wayward Goose, located at 48 Dr M.L.K. Jr Street North, announced the upcoming closure on social media, stating that their last day in business will be Sunday, April 20th.

“It has certainly been a journey. This city was a different place when we began. It’s lost a bit of its soul with all the out-of-state developers putting up condos—but that’s progress,” the owners wrote, sharing a photo of towering construction cranes behind the building.

They also expressed gratitude to their dedicated staff and loyal patrons, who came for the chill vibes, full liquor bar, pool tables, dartboards, and art shows.

March 31, 2025

Downtown favorite Paradeco Coffee Roasters opens stunning new waterfront location in south St. Pete

March 31, 2025/ Veronica Brezina

Downtown St. Petersburg’s beloved Paradeco Coffee Roasters is bringing its signature blend of specialty coffee and Art Deco charm to the waterfront with a second location in the Skyway Marina District.

The specialty coffee shop and cafe, which currently operates in the Plaza Tower & Courtyard Shops in downtown St. Pete, has quietly debuted at the newly revamped SkyBeach Resort, located at 6800 Sunshine Skyway Lane South.

The new poolside coffee spot, which features an impressive 3D-printed bar made from renewable and recyclable materials, is one of the latest additions to the 18-acre property, formerly known as the Magnuson Hotel Marina Cove, which recently underwent a significant rebrand and renovation after being purchased.

Impressed by the waterfront setting and extensive renovations at SkyBeach, husband-and-wife duo Thomas Maloney and Sonya Sarkar hope to replicate their downtown success in the resort’s more relaxed, coastal environment.

March 28, 2025

Home of the Week: A 1938-built home in St. Pete's enchanting Driftwood neighborhood

March 28, 2025/ Veronica Brezina

A 1938-built home nestled in the heart of the enchanting Driftwood neighborhood is St. Pete Rising’s Home of the Week.

Located at 2521 Driftwood Road SE, this 2,400-square-foot residence offers an unparalleled living experience in Driftwood, one of St. Petersburg’s most sought-after neighborhoods located on Big Bayou just south of 22nd Avenue South.

This Minimal Traditional home with English Traditional Vernacular influences was designed by nationally renowned artist Mark Dixon Dodd and prominent local architect Archie Parish, whom both crafted 19 homes in Driftwood between the 1930s and 1940s.

The home boasts three bedrooms, each with a renovated ensuite bath, as well as high vaulted ceilings and wide-plank oak flooring that enhance its airy ambiance.

March 27, 2025

Exclusive: Foot Locker signs 110,000-square-foot lease for global headquarters in north St. Pete

March 27, 2025/ Veronica Brezina

Global athletic retailer Foot Locker has secured space for its new worldwide headquarters in St. Petersburg, a move that is expected to create 150 high-paying jobs.

The New York-based company has signed a lease for 110,000 square feet at 570 Carillon Parkway in the Carillon Business Park, multiple sources confirmed to St. Pete Rising.

The company will be located on the 1st, 3rd, and 4th floor, occupying space previously leased to Protect My Car and Tata Consulting Services.

According to previous documents, the company plans to lease the office space for 11 to 13 years.

Other tenants in the 250,000-square-foot building include Zelis Payments, Condominium Associates, D&A Services, LLC, American Coastal Insurance, and Monopoly Group Real Estate.

Built in 1998, the Class A office building at 570 Carillon was acquired by The Feil Organization in 2019 for $36.8 million. The building features an on-site café, fitness center, and FedEx drop box, and has recently undergone extensive renovations to its lobby and common areas.

March 26, 2025

Melting Pot fondue restaurant announces opening date for new downtown St. Pete location

March 26, 2025/ Veronica Brezina

After shuttering its long-standing location on 4th Street in 2020, the Melting Pot is finally making its return to St. Petersburg on April 7th.

Front Burner Brands, the Tampa-based company that manages the Melting Pot brand of fondue restaurants, will open its new 4,900-square-foot restaurant at 699 Central Avenue on the corner of 7th Street and Central Avenue.

“We’re thrilled to return to St. Petersburg, especially as we celebrate 50 years of fondue and unforgettable memories,” said Melting Pot CEO Bob Johnston.

“Melting Pot has been part of this community for 30 years, and guest demand made it clear—we needed to come back. This new Central Avenue location brings a fresh, modern take on the fondue experience we’re known for, and we can’t wait to welcome both new and returning guests.”