Welch defends his record as the mayoral field takes the stage
Plus a $200M condo tower, gold-topped lattes, and Juneteenth across the city.
Welch defends his record as the mayoral field takes the stage
The 2026 race for St. Petersburg mayor opened with its first debate, and incumbent Mayor Kenneth Welch spent much of it defending his record. The NAACP hosted the forum Tuesday at the President Barack Obama Main Library, drawing a crowded field of challengers. Onstage with Welch were former Florida Governor Charlie Crist, District 2 City Councilmember Brandi Gabbard, civil rights leader Maria Scruggs, and former Shore Acres Civic Association President Kevin Batdorf. Former St. Petersburg Fire Rescue Chief Jim Large, who is also running, did not take part. The lineup signals an unusually competitive contest, pairing a sitting mayor against a former governor, a current council member, and longtime community figures. Expect housing, flooding resilience, and growth to dominate the months ahead as the candidates sharpen their contrasts.
Waldorf Astoria Residences tops $200 million in sales
The Waldorf Astoria Residences St. Petersburg has surpassed $200 million in sales ahead of its groundbreaking. Planned for 150 2nd Avenue South, the 50-story, 163-unit luxury condo tower is expected to become the tallest building in the city once complete. The development team includes PMG, Feldman Equities, City Office REIT, and Tower Realty Partners. Prices currently start at $2.9 million, and groundbreaking is anticipated later in 2026. The sales pace is an early marker of how much demand remains for high-end downtown living as the skyline keeps climbing.
LX Coffee plans first storefront downtown
LX Coffee, the mobile cart known for specialty lattes finished with edible 24k gold, is opening its first permanent storefront this fall at 290 Dr. MLK Jr. Street North. The roughly 2,200-square-foot space sits inside a new Rare Body Studio concept and will seat about 40 to 50 guests, including eight to ten outdoor seats. The menu mirrors the cart, with coffee sourced from Look Alive Coffee and ceremonial-grade matcha imported from Kyoto. It's another sign of downtown's growing appetite for specialty cafes with a distinct identity.
Three students chosen for Takamatsu ambassador trip
The city has selected three students for its Takamatsu Student Ambassador Program: Ella Brittingham of Northeast High School, Elise Chandler of St. Petersburg High School, and Cole Landers of St. Petersburg High School. The trio will travel to Takamatsu, Japan, in July, attend high school classes for two days, live with host families, and each give a presentation about St. Petersburg. They will present to Takamatsu Mayor Hideto Onishi and the City Council during the trip. The program continues the city's long-running sister-city ties and gives local teens a firsthand cultural exchange abroad.
Juneteenth celebrations spread across the city
The city's Parks & Recreation Department hosts a Juneteenth Celebration on June 12 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Sunshine Senior Center, with music and education honoring the holiday's history and cultural significance. The event is free, but registration is required. More gatherings follow: Backyard Boogie on June 19 from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Deuces Park, Queer Expressions Juneteenth Jubilee on June 19 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at E2K Vintage Store, and SPEAK EASY: Words That Breathe on June 20 at 8 p.m.
World Cup watch party at Al Lang Stadium
Al Lang Stadium at 230 1st St. S. hosts a World Cup watch party on June 12 from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. for USA vs. Paraguay. The Tampa Bay Rowdies, PMB Events, and Great Bay Distributors are hosting, with tickets listed at $10. It's a chance to catch the national team alongside other local soccer fans in a stadium setting.
Makers & Shakers night market returns
The Makers & Shakers Market runs June 11 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at St. Petersburg Distillery, 800 31st St. S. The free night market features more than 40 local vendors, with music, food, libations, and distillery tours. Organized by Tampa Bay Markets, it's an easy weeknight stop for browsing artisans and sampling local fare.
'Passing Strange' opens at The Studio@620
The Studio@620 at 620 First Avenue South stages the opening night of Passing Strange on June 11 from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., with tickets listed at $40. The musical, from singer-songwriter and performance artist Stew, follows a young bohemian crossing boundaries of place, identity, and theatrical convention. It's a strong pick for theatergoers looking for something adventurous downtown.