By Peter Roos
ST. PETERSBURG
46-Story Residences at 400 Central The Residences at 400 Central, a new condominium tower in downtown St. Petersburg, broke ground Oct. 18.
Developer Red Apple Real Estate will reserve one or more of the building’s 301 luxury condos for you, while they last. Pre-construction pricing for the condos starts in the $800,000s. Buyers from Illinois, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and other northern locations have already swooped in to reserve their spots.
Fermenting Fairy’s New Private Member Association
St. Petersburg-based Fermenting Fairy produces a line of all natural, USDA Certified Organic and Kosher probiotic products designed to help people reach optimal wellness. Membership in the Fermenting Fairy’s new Private Member Association is free with the purchase of any fermented product. Visit www.fermentingfairy.com.
Cathie Wood’s Ark Investment
Management is moving from Wall Street in NYC to 200 Central, an office tower in downtown St. Pete now. Plans are to break ground on the Ark Innovation Center in 2022 on 2.5 acres donated by the city at 4th St. and 11th Ave. S in the Innovation District, slated to open in 2023. By 2026, the 45,000-square-foot building is expected to produce 1,265 direct and indirect jobs. The incubator’s clients and graduates are expected to generate $127 million in annual revenue.
Small Business Weekend Shop Local Opportunities
More than 300 local businesses come together at St. Petersburg’s Vinoy Park on Thanksgiving Weekend for LocalShops1’s Shopapalooza Festival. The two-day extravaganza celebrates small businesses, local arts, local music, and the local vibe that makes Tampa Bay such a special place. The free community festival takes place 10-5pm Sat & Sun Nov. 27 & 28. Expected to be the biggest Small Business Weekend celebration in the nation, admission to Shopapalooza is free and open to the public. Registration is not required, but those who do sign up are entered into a free drawing for a $500 shopping spree. There will be one winner each day. Well behaved children and pets on leashes are welcome.
The Exchange Hotel, formerly known as the Hotel Indigo, was recently acquired by Ally Capital Group. The renovated hotel at 234 Third Ave. N will have 69 guest rooms, plus 7 suites, a restaurant, bar and event space. It’s expected to debut this winter.
The hotel’s restaurant will be a new concept from Next Level Brands, a hospitality group led by local restaurateur Jeff Gigante.
GULFPORT
Small Business Saturday Shop Local in Gulfport
Sail Market, The Boulevard Shoppe, The Beach House 5317 and Thai Orchids are also planning big for Shop Small Saturday, which follows the traditional Black Friday sales the day after Thanksgiving. Small Business Saturday is November 27th. Sail Market is hosting a pop-up shop featuring several of the artisans whose products the store carries, to include pieces by Muddy Walrus handmade pottery, SaltLight Art and its line of jewelry, Pat Chase, and several others. Sarah Laracuente, owner of Sail Market, said, “Shopping small is a wonderful way to support your neighbors.
ST. PETE BEACH
St. Pete Beach Classic Race Launches New Events for Jan. 15-16
Outdoor Beach volleyball, a juried Fine Art Exhibition, and a beach cleanup are all being added to the Classic weekend this year. Volunteers are being recruited for all sorts of important roles as hosts of this 16th annual race. The Health & Fitness Expo will be on Friday at the St. Pete Beach Community Center. The rest of Classic activities are located at the Sirata Resort: a juried fine art exhibition hosted by Bella Unica Art Gallery, featuring local artists showcasing works inspired by St. Pete Beach’s natural beauty; a beach clean-up from 9-11am Monday with free parking and supplies; and delicious food available for purchase all weekend. The Saturday events culminate in a free beach bonfire that night with live music from The Big Brother Band. Proceeds from the event will benefit designated charities. St. Pete Beach Mayor Al Johnson said, “St. Pete Beach is proud to host this amazing race weekend. We welcome serious competitors, casual runners, and people looking for a fun family-friendly outing.” Sign up now before the price increase and enjoy a fun-filled event weekend. St. Pete Beach, the #1 beach in the US, where we run on the streets and party on the beach!
Freebee, the free, door-to-door, on-demand transportation service paid for by the city of St. Pete Beach, has expanded its service area. Freebee vehicles are 100% electric, and emission-free! Service has now been expanded up to 75th Avenue south through Pass-a-Grille. Drivers are compensated courtesy of the City of St. Pete Beach. Per the city’s wishes, gratuities cannot be accepted for service. Install the FreeBee app on your smartphone, or flag one down to get a ride. www.stpetebeach.org/DocumentCenter/View/982/Freebee-Shuttle-Brochure-PDF
Sea Hags restaurant and marina to be houseboat resort development.
Ping Pong Partners, formed by Steve Gianfilippo, who founded the Cordova Inn and Station House in St. Pete, has purchased the Sea Hags restaurant and Blind Pass Marina in St. Pete Beach.
PINELLAS COUNTY
Help shape a sustainable future for Pinellas County
The first public survey about Pinellas County’s Sustainability and Resiliency Action Plan is now open.
Help us understand what matters most to people in Pinellas as we consider our environmental, social and economic needs. Take a few minutes to help make Pinellas County more sustainable and resilient for years to come: https://bit.ly/3mw0A90
PIE and Allegiant hit record numbers
St Petersburg / Clearwater Airport (PIE) had the busiest July in its history, flying 262,681 passengers, which followed the biggest June ever. We are also excited to celebrate Allegiant’s 15th anniversary at PIE this month. In 2006, Allegiant announced new service to PIE with 12 destinations and they now serve 59 – what an incredible investment in our community!