Sunshine City Magazine
St. Pete’s first Zaxby’s opens, Urban Brew & BBQ’s 10th anniversary, and more Tampa Bay foodie news | Food News | Tampa
Openings
Zaxby’s The tendy competition in St. Pete is heating up. On Monday, June 12 at 10 a.m., St. Pete’s very first Zaxby’s will open its doors at 3700 34th St. S, to the delight of Zax sauce-lovers across The ‘Burg. Giveaways or grand opening festivities aren’t planned for next week’s debut yet, although more event details could be released on Zaxby’s Facebook page. In addition to its beloved trifecta of chicken tenders, Zax sauce and a fat slice of toast, Zaxby’s also dishes out loaded fries, fried white cheddar bites, chicken wings, salads, fried pickles and a variety of chicken sandwiches. St. Pete’s Zaxby’s is heading to its Skyway Marina District, a booming part of town where national chains like Wawa and Starbucks have recently opened outposts. There are over 600 locations of the Georgia-based chain across the country, with over a hundred Zaxby’s locations in Florida alone. 3700 34th St. St. Petersburg. zaxbys.com
Coming soon
Fo’Cheezy’s new stadium outposts This week, St. Pete-based grilled cheese concept Fo’Cheezy Twisted Meltz announced an exciting new collaboration with two of Tampa Bay’s professional sports teams. “As of today, Fo’Cheezy Twisted Meltz is in partnership with the Tampa Bay Rays and the Tampa Bay Rowdies as the official grilled cheese for both of these teams! We will have four new exciting locations within these stadiums,” Fo’Cheezy owner Robert Hesse wrote on social media this week. “Stay tuned to the build out and future collaboration content with the Tampa Bay Rays and Rowdies.” Folks will soon be able to find Fo’Cheezy’s prized melts and sandwiches at Tropicana Field’s Budweiser Beer Porch, first base food hall and third base food hall, in addition to The Rowdies’ Field Level food court at Al Lang Stadium. These four new stadium concepts join Fo’Cheezy’s two brick and mortars in downtown St. Pete and St. Pete Beach, as well as its food trucks that serve events and festivals throughout Tampa Bay and beyond. Popular Fo’Cheezy melts include the “Mac n’ Rib” loaded with sharp cheddar, mac and cheese, BBQ pulled pork, bacon and crispy onions and its “Hot Mess” stacked with poutine gravy, beef short rib, crispy tots and three types of cheese—which might have a home on its new stadium menus. focheezy.com
Closings
The Pub Pour out a pint of Boddingtons, International Plaza and Bay Street is officially down another hospitality concept. English bar and restaurant The Pub took to Facebook to announce its immediate closure this week. “We are sad to announce that after 12 years in our Bay Street location, The Pub Tampa is now permanently closed at International Plaza due to our lease ending,” the English restaurant posted on Facebook earlier this week. “We are looking for the perfect location to raise a pint with you in the Tampa Bay Area soon. Until then, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our patrons and dedicated staff.” Besides citing the end of its lease, the folks behind The Pub didn’t provide any additional details about its somewhat-surprising closure. The English pub was known for its wide variety of spirits and hearty British eats like bangers and mash and Shepherd’s pie, in addition to its sports-watching parties, trivia and other events. But its “pour your own beer wall” was certainly the center of attention. 2223 N Westshore Blvd., Tampa. @thepubtampa on Facebook
Events
Urban Brew & BBQ’s 10th anniversary Anyone who misses those pre-inflation food prices will certainly appreciate Urban Brew & BBQ’s exclusive buffet this weekend. On Saturday, June 10 from 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Grand Central District’s Urban Brew & BBQ—located at 2601 Central Ave.—celebrates its 10th anniversary with a $10 all-you-can-eat buffet loaded with favorites like mac and cheese, brisket, pulled pork and barbecued chicken. In addition to its BBQ buffet (which will be offered until supplies last), the St. Pete restaurant will also offer other food and drink specials and giveaways. Urban Brew & BBQ made its debut in downtown St. Pete in the summer of 2013 to rave reviews of its housemade BBQ and casual environment. When its initial lease on Central Avenue ended in 2018, it moved down the street to 2601 Central Ave. and merged with its sibling concept Urban Comfort. Although its anniversary party is slated to happen until 11 p.m. this Saturday, the restaurant says it’ll close whenever it runs out of food, so make sure to get there early if you want a cheap plate. 2601 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. urbanbrewandbbq.com Ooza Palooza With some Lactaid and Pepto-Bismol in hand, head to St. Pete’s massive, free-to-attend foodie festival next weekend. Ooza Palooza—a grilled cheese and tater tot-themed festival—takes over Albert Whitted Park in downtown St. Petersburg from 5 p.m.-10 p.m. on Saturday, June 17. Like many of the other foodie events the Gulf to Bay Food Truck Association hosts throughout the year, next weekend’s foodie festival will feature dozens of Tampa Bay’s best food trucks, all slinging their best cheesy and greasy dishes. In addition to a wide spread of eats, beer, wine and sangria will also be available for purchase. A few vendors and food trucks that will be posted up at next weekend’s massive festival include Fo’Cheezy Twisted Melts, Jersey kebabs of Tampa Bay, Engine 53 Pizza, Casablanca fusion, Honeyhole Eats, Funnel Vision and Sweet Island Snow, alongside many more. Other non food or drink-related activities include live entertainment, fun games, local vendors and artists, activities, and a kid’s corner (complete with face paining and a balloon artist) for all the grilled cheese-loving kiddos out there. Although admission to Ooza Palooza is free, RSVPing on Eventbrite.com is encouraged. 480 Bayshore Dr. SE, St. Petersburg. eventbrite.com
ICYMI
Gabby Bakes, Tampa’s beloved vegan pop-up, launches fundraiser for Seminole Heights storefront Earlier this year, when Creative Loafing Tampa Bay asked Gabby Duncan if she ever wanted to open a Gabby Bakes storefront, she responded: “it would be a dream, but I’m also being mindful to scale up comfortably and smartly.”Just a few months later, Duncan’s dream has come true—but she needs a little community help to make it happen. With a strong belief system and a “joyful indulgence and a commitment to ethical food practices,” Tampa-based pop-up Gabby Bakes just launched a $20,000 fundraiser to help garner the dough for its debut brick and mortar. Donations will help Duncan cover the massive costs of equipment, necessary building renovations, retail licensing, hiring and training. According to her GoFundMe page, the Seminole Heights building will initially serve as space for larger-scale commercial production instead of the typical bakery that’s open for service every day. After getting it up and running, Duncan says she’ll open for “weekly or bi-weekly popup-type events,” giving loyal customers a regular taste of her highly-acclaimed small-batch bakes. gabbybakes.com
Largo’s Vicki Gibson found safety in gay bars—now she runs one of her own When Vicki Gibson opened the Lady’s Room lesbian bar in Largo last April, it was the fulfillment of a lifelong dream. Gibson was born and raised not far from her bar on Ulmerton Road. Growing up, her mom kicked her out after finding out she was gay. Her dream was to open a lesbian bar, the kind of place that made her feel safe when she had nowhere else to go. She moved back to the area in 2015 with that dream in mind. In 2022, she opened Lady’s Room and in doing so created arguably the only dedicated lesbian bar open in Florida. Located in a strip mall alongside Atomic Tattoos, and TJ’s Soul Food, sits the Lady’s Room. Although the Lady’s Room opened just last year, the bar has struggled between COVID-19, last fall’s hurricanes, and the anti-LGBTQ legislated climate created under Gov. Ron Desantis. “Employees are afraid of somebody coming into the bar and shooting up the place,” Gibson said. “Today was the third day in a row I had ‘Jesus Saves’ cards taped all over the windows and doors.” A GoFundMe has raised over $40k since April. That’s helped Gibson pay off some of the debt, but she needs a steadier clientele if she’s going to stay open. 9057 Ulmerton Rd., Largo. @theladysroomlargo on Facebook —Arielle Stevenson
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Sunshine City Magazine
Tampa Shuffle’s six-year anniversary weekend kicks off with Women In Music showcase | Tampa
Kicking off Shuffle’s weekend-long, six-year anniversary party, Seek the Light Media—a woman-owned media company run by Creative Loafing Tampa Bay contributor Yvonne Gougelet—is hosting its first-ever Women In Music Showcase this weekend.
A press release notes that along with March being National Women’s Month, the acoustic-based event—which includes a set from uke-weilding songwriter Ari Chi—was partially inspired by the need to raise awareness around a constant lack of diversity on gig lineups.
There’s no cover to get into the Women In Music Showcase happening on Friday, March 15, but donations to keep Tampa’s beloved woman-owned shuffleboard hotspot up and running will be greatly appreciated.
To close out its anniversary weekend, Shuffle—located at 2612 N Tampa St.—welcomes Lauris Vidal, his one-man band, a special “Tom Waits giving a hug to Paul Simon” vocal style, along with Tribal Style—the reggae roots outfit that came up in the Southern California scene before becoming a staple in the Bay area.
There’s no cover for any of the Shuffle six-year anniversary concerts happening Friday-Saturday, March 15-16 at Tampa Shuffle.
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Six local projects that encompass everything from uplifting South St. Petersburg communities to clean energy initiatives will benefit from U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor’s federal appropriations success.
The congresswoman recently secured $14 million in area Community Priority Grants, with $5.5 million directly benefitting St. Petersburg organizations. Castor was particularly proud of receiving $1.5 million – her full ask – for the Enoch Davis Center.
The facility at 111 18th Ave. S. is named after a prominent local civil rights activist. Mayor Ken Welch called the center “vital but dated” when he announced plans in May 2023 to transform it into a state-of-the-art community hub.
“I love that one because I’m at the Enoch Davis Center a lot,” Castor told the Catalyst. “Those modern, up-to-date community centers are more important than ever.”
The federal grant will fund assessment, pre-construction and energy-efficiency costs. Welch previously noted the facility’s expansive upgrades will support neighborhood health and safety and provide “technology and tools to excel in our competitive 21st-century economy.”
Castor explained that the Inflation Reduction Act also allows local governments and organizations to receive rebates for sustainability efforts, like solar panels. “When you help the city save money, you help our neighbors save money, too,” she said.
“So, you’re going to see those kinds of investments … really ramp up,” Castor added. “And boy, do we need it – because our electric bills are out of sight.”
She also secured over $1.1 million for the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority. The agency will use the money to convert its bus fleet to electric motors.
The federal funding will also help PSTA electrify its St. Petersburg Pier tram system. Castor called it a “great demonstration” of clean energy benefits due to the vehicles’ “high profile.”
“I was out there on The Pier about a week and a half ago, and they run all the time,” she said. “They’re gas-powered. And if you’re sitting behind the engine, it’s not great.”
From left, PSTA CEO Brad Miller and Congresswoman Kathy Castor discuss the SunRunner service with local resident and frequent rider Christopher Winters. Photo by Ashley Morales.
The University of South Florida St. Petersburg emerged as a big winner in the grant cycle. The Coastal Resilience Data Visualization Center at the College of Marine Science and the Disrupt Human Trafficking Data Project will each receive $963,000.
Coastal Resilience Center officials will use the funding for scientific planning, threat simulations and public outreach activities. Castor noted the city and state are particularly vulnerable to more frequent and intense storms and sea-level rise.
In addition, the nation experienced the hottest February in recorded history. Castor said people need up-to-date information on where to build and live safely.
“Hopefully, this informs policymakers to help them steer development away from the most dangerous areas,” she said. “It comes back to how people are feeling in their pocketbooks, with insurance costs. We really have to give people better tools and a better understanding of what a changing climate will mean for them.”
USFSP’s Trafficking in Person’s (TIP) Risk to Resilience Research Lab will use the Community Grant funding to develop a statewide data repository called TIPSTR. The program will assist law-enforcement investigations, mitigate gaps in victim services, develop prevention programs and help discern the problem’s magnitude.
An $850,000 grant will support the Deuces Rising development, formerly the Sankofa project. It will provide 24 homeownership opportunities along the 22nd Street South (the Deuces) corridor for those earning below 80% of the area median income.
The public subsidy for each unit in the long-discussed development is just under $500,000. Castor said she “thought it was worthwhile to try to help lower the cost of the affordable housing portion.”
“This may turn out to be a one-two punch,” Castor added. “It (funding) is not at the level I sought. If it will qualify next year, I may come back and try to do another tranche for that.”
The Pinellas County Urban League will receive $81,130 for new computers and updated technological infrastructure. The goal is to increase reliable digital access to bolster economic opportunities in underserved communities.
Castor called the Urban League one of her “most valuable partners” in St. Pete. She said organizational leadership relayed their struggle to keep pace with continuously evolving technology.
Castor said securing the funding was easy as it aligned with congressional economic development initiatives. She also noted that the Urban League plays a prominent role in lowering local electricity costs by helping low-income residents weatherize their homes.
“The summers are so hot and go on for a longer period of time, and that impacts you if you work outside and want to enjoy our beautiful Sunshine City,” Castor said. “I don’t hear the climate skeptics that I used to … because the economics of it are right in front of them.”
U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor was named the American Council on Renewable Energy’s Renewable Energy Champion in March 2023. Photo provided.
St. Patrick’s Day is around the corner once again, and it’s always the best excuse to get a little buck-wild in between the forced romance of Valentine’s Day and the moral obligation of Easter and Mother’s Day. Dozens of bars, restaurants and other venues throughout Tampa Bay are throwing a wide range of parties, street festivals, brunches and even kid-friendly festivities to celebrate the beloved drinking holiday—and here are the best 20-ish celebrations we could find.
Did we miss your St. Patrick’s Day party? Submit your event to Creative Loafing Tampa Bay’s calendar, then email [email protected] to be added to this event roundup.
The ‘Biggest’ St. Paddy’s Day Party Palm Harbor’s go-to deli hosts a full week of food specials and live entertainment to commemorate its favorite holiday—from drinking tunes from The Irish Ramblers to bagpipe performances and traditional Irish step dance. Indulge in classic Lucky Dill dishes like its reuben egg rolls, hot pastrami sandwiches and corned beef and cabbage, plus whiskey tastings and giveaways on select days. Tuesday-Sunday, March 12-17. No cover. Various times. Lucky Dill Deli, 33180 US Highway 19 N, Palm Harbor. @LuckyDillDeli on Facebook
21st Annual MacPatrick Fest South Tampa hotspot MacDinton’s Irish Pub has been hosting its multi-day St. Patrick’s Day celebration for the past 21 years, and that just may be the median age of partygoers at 2024’s installment this weekend. Each day features its own drink specials, themes and giveaways, but Sunday’s “Green Kegs” breakfast, open bar and live entertainment is certainly the fest’s finale. Thursday-Sunday, March 14-17. 11 a.m.-3 a.m. $15 & up. MacDinton’s Irish Pub, 405 S Howard Ave., Tampa. macdintons.com
St. Paddy’s Punk & Roll Cage Brewing hosts its own mini-fest featuring over 15 local musicians that will take turns sharing its outdoor stage this weekend, plus booze-friendly eats courtesy of Kraken Joe’s Pizza. Friday-Sunday, March 15-17. Various times. No cover (RSVP encouraged.) Cage Brewing, 2001 1st Ave. S, St. Petersburg. cagebrewing.com
St. Patrick’s Weekend & Irish Coffee Stout Release Move over green beer, there’s a new holiday brew in town. Crooked Thumb Brewery releases its exclusive Irish Coffee Stout, plus live music and food trucks all weekend-long. Friday-Sunday, March 15-17. Various times. No cover. Crooked Thumb Brewery, 555 10th Ave S, Safety Harbor. crookedthumbbrew.com.
Sips & Shenanigans Brunch Get some grub before Tampa’s River O’Green festival at Melting Pot Social’s special holiday brunch, complete with bottomless green mimosas, corned beef and cabbage and other classic brunch fare. Saturday, March 16. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. $40. Melting Pot Social, 105 West Tyler St., Tampa. meltingpotsocial.com
Corey Avenue Street Party 2024’s rendition of this annual block party coincides with one of its longtime sponsors, Swigwam Beach Bar, but this all-day St. Patrick’s Day gig will definitely continue throughout Corey Avenue’s 300 Block. Soggy Bottom Boys, Beach Rats and Full Throttle provide entertainment. Saturday, March 16. 10 a.m.-11 p.m. No cover. 300 Block of Corey Avenue, St. Pete Beach. @SwigwamBeachBar on Facebook.
St. Patrick’s Day Party & Mini-golf Tournament Largo’s resident farm and petting zoo hosts way more than kid’s birthday parties, as evidenced by its debut St. Patrick’s Day celebration this weekend. Flex your putting skills at its mini-golf tournament or relax with a beer and plate of corned beef and cabbage. Saturday, March 16. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. No cover (farm tours cost $10 per person). DK Farms & Gardens, 1750 Lake Ave SE, Largo. dkfarmsandgardens.com
Get Lucky Block Party Whiskey shots out of an ice luge and an open bar from 5 p.m.-7p.m. are the main draws of Bar HWRD’s holiday banger, which can either be a launching pad or end cap for a night of partying in South Tampa. Saturday, March 16. 5 p.m.-3 a.m. $10-$20. Bar HWRD, 302 South Howard Ave., Tampa. barhwrdtampa.com
River O’Green The City of Tampa’s family-friendly river-dyeing party returns to Curtis Hixon Park this weekend with kid activities, live entertainment, food trucks and green beer (for the parents.) Saturday, March 16. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. No cover. Curtis Hixon Park, 600 N Ashley Dr., Tampa. tampasdowntown.com
St. Patrick’s Day Bash by the Beach This beach-adjacent hotel hosts a night filled with whiskey tastings, perfectly poured pints of Guinness, live music and Irish-themed cocktails. 7Saturday-Sunday, March 16-17. Noon-8 p.m. No cover, Eventbrite RSVP recommended. Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach, 100 Coronado Dr.,Clearwater. wyndhamgrandclearwater.com
2nd Annual Paddyfest Perhaps one of the most—if not the most—kid-friendly St. Patrick’s Day celebrations returns to the heart of St. Pete this weekend, with tons of activities and entertainment in tow. Paddyfest St. Pete hosts a multitude of festivities including dozens of local vendors, food trucks slinging both Irish and American fare, whiskey tastings, a dedicated kids zone, live music and dancing, a wide variety of brews on tap and athletic performances from FSA Highland, a Florida-based organization that specializes in traditional Scottish sports like shot put, caber toss and sheaf toss.
Saturday-Sunday, March 16-17. Noon-9 p.m. No cover. Williams Park, 330 2nd Ave. N, St. Petersburg. paddyfeststpete.com
Mary Margaret’s St. Patrick’s Weekend This Central Avenue-adjacent bar offers Irish vibes year-round, but they’re usually kicked up a notch during its weekend-long party, which includes live music, bagpipers, specials like corned beef and cabbage and tons of Guinness to wash it all down. Saturday-Sunday, March 16-17. 9 a.m.-3 a.m. No cover. 29 3rd St. N, St. Petersburg. marymargarets.com
St. Patrick’s Weekend Both days of Slizzy Mcgees’ annual party features live music from Flo-Raw and Stealing Crowns, local food trucks, specials on traditional Irish fare and of course, tons of booze. Saturday-Sunday, March 16-17. 11 a.m.-3 a.m. No cover. Slizzy Mcgee’s, 1159 62nd Ave. N, St. Petersburg. @Slizzymcgees on Facebook
St Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl This bar crawl throughout The ‘Burg kicks off at Welcome to the Farm and continues at various neighboring bars in downtown St. Pete. Ticket holders get drinks at each stop, access to food specials and specialty, holiday-themed cocktails. Sunday, March 17. $9.99 & up. Welcome To The Farm, 242 1st Ave. N St Petersburg. pubcrawls.com
St. Patrick’s Day Open Mic Night A nice, sober or low-key option for St. Patrick’s Day if barhopping and late nights isn’t your jam. RSVPs are recommended for this free-to-attend open mic night with craft beer, wine and kava available for purchase.
Sunday, March 17. 3 p.m.-8 p.m. No cover. The Village Courtyard, Beach Boulevard South Gulfport. @villagecourtyard on Facebook
Flanagan’s St. Patrick’s Day Street Festival Billed as one of the “largest St. Patrick’s Day festivals in Florida,” Flanagan’s annual party features a full lineup of music and entertainment from noon-8 p.m. and lots of flowing green beer. Sunday, March 17. 11 a.m.-11 p.m. No cover. Flanagan’s Irish Pub, 465 Main St., Dunedin. @flanagansirishpub on Facebook
8th Annual Block Party If you aren’t ready to stop drinking after Paddyfest at Williams Park, then head to The Galley’s annual festivity complete with live music, plenty of Guinness, whiskey and Irish food specials. Sunday, March 17. 11:30 a.m.-3 a.m. No cover. The Galley, 27 4th Street N , St. Petersburg. @TheGalleyDTSP on Facebook
Sober St. Patrick’s Day No hangover, no problem. This Clearwater kava house hosts a laid-back holiday party filled with N/A drink specials and screenings of St. Patrick’s Day-themed movies. Sunday, March 18. 8 p.m.-midnight. No cover. Kava House Brand, 11141 US Highway 19 N #408 Clearwater. kavahousebrand.com
St. Patrick’s Day at Caddy’s on the Beach Caddy’s locations on Indian Rocks Beach (20025 Gulf Blvd.), Madeira Beach (14080 Gulf Blvd.), Treasure Island (9000 W Gulf Blvd.) and Johns Pass (190 Boardwalk PI.) all host their own holiday parties with cheap drinks, raffles, giveaways, live entertainment and free green tea shots for anyone rocking the color of the evening. Sunday, March 17. 11 a.m.-1 a.m. No cover. Various locations. caddys.com
O’Briens Irish Pub’s annual St. Patrick’s Event Step dancers, bagpipers and local acts like Noodles Magoo, The Headbang, Wyndbreakers and Nicaea provide the entertainment this weekend at Carollwood’s O’Briens Irish Pub, which just celebrated its 33rd anniversary. Sunday, March 17. 11 a.m.-2 a.m. $20. O’Briens Irish Pub, 15435 N Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa. obrienspubstampa.com
O’Maddy’s Annual Waterfront Party Waterfront gulfport pub O’Maddy’s hosts one of the most popular St. Patrick’s Day parties each March, and 2024’s rendition offers plenty of flowing green beer, Irish fare and music from Pete & Dean Trio, Horses Wild and The Horny Toads. Sunday, March 17. 10 a.m.-midnight. No cover. O’Maddy’s Bar & Grille, 5405 Shore Blvd. S, Gulfport. @omaddys on Facebook
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