Welcome back, Sunny Squad!
Do you hear the dinner bell ringing? I can’t wait to see all of you who are attending tonight’s dinner club! We sold out all 120 seats, and I’m excited for everyone to meet! As a bonus, our surprise after-party meetup location will be offering 10% off your entire tab. Just let them know you’re with the Sunny St. Pete Dinner Club when you get there!
Plus, we’ve got tons of great events coming up! Let’s dive in.
MUTT MADNESS CHAMPIONSHIP
It all comes down to this! More than 5,000 of you have voted so far, and this Sunday at 7pm is the last chance to cast a vote for the top dog in our 2026 Mutt Madness bracket.
We’ve got two amazing pups competing for a gift basket of goodies from St. PetersBARK Natural Pet Market ($300 value) and treats from Moo's Ba[R]kery ($50 value).
Let’s learn a bit more about our two finalists!
Meet Betty the Beagle! She’s the sweetest 3 year old girl who grew up in New York City and recently took her talents to the Sunshine State! ☀️She loves long walks through Vinoy Park, anything edible, and will never turn down a trip to her grandparents to visit her Beagle Aunties! ❤️
Simba is a 13 year old cancer surviving mutt - made up of all the best things! He’s over 1 year cancer free now! He’s a thriving member of all the cool St Pete clubs and loves the beach, paddle boarding, cuddles, chasing squirrels, and looking adorable 24/7. His favorite things are freeze dried green tripe treats, squeaker toys, and getting all the pets & lovins.
Either way you can’t go wrong, so cast your final vote for your favorite here!
DOLPHIN TALES
Dolphins & manatees at Fort De Soto
If you’re a cold water wimp like me (read: Florida native), it’s finally prime time to be getting back in the water! So, today we’re going to be talking about paddling.
Here’s a few of my favorite spots to go out, depending on your mood.
To see DTSP and beautiful neighborhoods by the water:
Coffee Pot Park - they have a dock and boat ramp for you to launch from. Head under Snell Isle Bridge and you can get out into the bay around the Pier!
North Shore Park - if you prefer a beach launch, you can go out by the volleyball courts and paddle along the parkfront towards the Pier. I see dolphins here all the time.
To see a bit more nature:
Topwater Kayak Outpost - Run by super friendly folks, this spot in Fort De Soto has a launch into extremely calm, protected water among the mangroves. You can rent kayaks and paddleboards, or bring your own and launch for free. Explore mangrove tunnels, and you’ll find that this is a big manatee hangout spot!
Shell Key (2800 Pinellas Bayway S) - you sometimes have to walk through some muck that’ll steal the shoes off your feet when you launch here, but it’s highly worth it! Just park at the pull-off where you see all the cars. If you want to rent, just search Shell Key kayak rentals on the Google machine. We’ve taken visitors here, rented from Captain Yak, and had a great time!
Weedon Island Preserve - go during high tide so you can take the paddling trails through the mangrove tunnels. A must-see!
Bonus, did you know you can go out for a free kayak paddle through the city’s Get Fit St. Pete program? There are spots available right now for the April session! They launch from Coffee Pot Park.
Did I miss any? Let me know your favorite spots!
COUNTRY THUNDER MOVES TO CLEARWATER
Thank you to all of you who answered the poll and wrote in last week about the Country Thunder Music Festival. In what’ll be good news for the 95% of you who thought that either the festival’s time or location should be moved, the festival was denied permits for the St. Pete Beach location and will instead relocate to Coachman Park in Clearwater.
Public pushback was increasing, with the petition getting thousands of signatures and wildlife advocacy organizations weighing in against the festival. Reading all of your responses, I definitely agree that this is ultimately the right move.
GRUB UPDATE
Alex Chamberlain, photo credit: St. Pete Catalyst
Mei, a new dining concept in downtown St. Petersburg, will open in May at 320 3rd Street S. The restaurant, led by executive chef Alex Chamberlain (from Michelin-starred Kōsen in Tampa), will feature French technique, Nordic ethos, and Japanese ingredients, with a focus on foraged produce and local ingredients. Mei will have an eight-seat chef’s counter and a main dining area called “the Living Room.”
Photo credit: Business Insider
In slightly less fancy news, Cook Out, the popular North Carolina-based burger chain, is planning its first St. Petersburg location at 9595 4th Street N, filing plans for an $800,000 buildout of a former Boston Market that closed in 2023. The restaurant is expected to open in 2026. Cook Out is also expanding elsewhere in Tampa Bay, with two additional locations planned in Temple Terrace and on North Dale Mabry Highway — both also former Boston Market sites.
Where am I most likely to find you?
CIVIC NEWS
The City of St. Petersburg will host an open house on April 30 at The Coliseum to present proposals for the Historic Gas Plant District redevelopment project. Residents can attend in person, virtually, or watch the recording online. Learn more.
St. Pete is building a new multi-use trail along 71st St N connecting to the Pinellas County Trail, plus repaved roads, speed humps, improved drainage, ADA upgrades, better bus stop pads, and new signs and pavement markings.
A pilot program testing weapon detection systems at two Pinellas County high schools will end early, with the detectors being removed on April 17. The program was cut short to avoid disruptions during upcoming international and state testing.
BAYFRONT BULLETIN
Want to spread the word about your business, a project you’re working on, an exciting event, a hiring opportunity, or just want to say hi to thousands of neighbors?
CROSSWALK SUPERSOFT TEE: 50% of proceeds donated to St. Pete Pride! Get yours.
FLIGHT DEAL: Nonstop round trip from Tampa to Philly in May for only $76 (46% less than usual).
‘BURG ABODES: Historical Art Deco home in Allendale $1,800,000 | 4bd 4ba | 3,147 sqft. Designed by architect Lawrence Murray Dixon, credited with starting the Miami Art Deco movement!
LAST WEEK’S SCRAMBLE: Loggerhead
SUPPORT SUNNY ST. PETE
Your contributions go directly towards keeping Sunny St. Pete alive and well so we can have more fun and build a stronger community. I appreciate any and all contributions to keep this locally-owned newsletter (and passion project of mine) going strong!
WHAT’S AFLOAT
FRESH CAUGHT FEATURES
Art in Bloom | Museum of Fine Arts | Apr 16-19, hours vary | Free - $24 🎟️
Spring comes to life at the MFA with a breathtaking four-day showcase where art and nature collide. Wander through the galleries to discover dozens of vibrant floral interpretations inspired by the museum’s permanent collection, crafted by top professional designers and talented hobbyists.
The celebration begins Thursday featuring special events like the "Flowers After Hours" party, designer-led tours, and the elegant "Lessons from the Garden" luncheon. Whether you're an art lover or a garden enthusiast, this beloved annual tradition offers a unique, sensory way to experience world-class masterpieces.
American Stage in the Park: Into the Woods | Demens Landing | Mar 25 – Apr 26, 7:30pm | $40–$63
Experience the magic of Stephen Sondheim’s classic musical under the stars as American Stage returns to Demens Landing Park. Into the Woods weaves together iconic fairy tales—from Cinderella to Little Red Riding Hood—to explore what happens after "happily ever after" in a production that is as thought-provoking as it is enchanting.
Running Wednesdays through Sundays, this beloved St. Pete tradition features a live orchestra and a world-class cast. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets or low-back chairs to enjoy the performance on the park’s sprawling lawn, with special theme nights throughout the run, including Pets in the Park (April 12) and Pride Night (April 19).
For Sunny St. Pete readers, you can get BOGO Free with discount code SCOOP26.
THURSDAY 16
Celebrating Saison: Allagash & Green Bench Guided Pairing | Webb's City Cellar by Green Bench Brewery | Apr 16, 6–8pm | $45 🎟️
Four-course tasting with saison beers
Free Lindy Hops Swing Dance Lessons | Green Bench Brewing | Apr 16, 7-9:30pm | Free
Free dance lessons and party
MAACM Tiffany Flower Glass Class | Museum of the American Arts and Crafts Movement | Apr 16, 10am-1pm | $110-$125 🎟️
Tiffany-inspired stained glass art workshop
FRIDAY 17
Vintage Vibes: Indoor Market at Imagine Museum | Imagine Museum | Apr 17, 5–7:30pm | $5 🎟️
Retro vendors plus free entry
Movies on the Pier: The Lorax | St. Pete Pier | Apr 17, 8:30pm | Free - $30
Outdoor movie screening with food.
Broadway Rave at Bayboro Brewing | Bayboro Brewing Co. | Apr 17, 8-10pm | $26 🎟️
Broadway musical themed dance party
SATURDAY 18
Gulfport Night Market | Beach Blvd South, Gulfport | Apr 18, 5–9pm | Free
Local artisans and small businesses
Mahjong Night at Blush Tea + Coffee | Blush Tea + Coffee | Apr 18, 6-9pm | $5 🎟️
Mahjong games and free lessons
Tampa Bay Empanada Festival | 10490 Gandy Blvd N, St. Petersburg, FL 33702 | Apr 18–19, 12pm | Prices vary 🎟️
Global flavors and live music
Pioneer Nights | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve | Apr 18, 6-10pm | $20 🎟️
Kids, campfire, s'mores, and fun
SUNDAY 19
Soul Revival Art Festival at The Deuces | 833 22nd St S, St. Petersburg, FL 33712 | Apr 19, hours vary | Free
Art wellness fundraiser supporting health
Stylie with Honey Hounds, Brinson Swann & Victoria Leigh | Jannus Live | Apr 19, 5pm | Prices vary 🎟️
Local acts play evening show.
Tampa Bay Empanada Festival | 10490 Gandy Blvd N, St. Petersburg, FL 33702 | Apr 18–19, 12pm | Prices vary 🎟️
Global flavors and live music
Bibimbap & Hip-Hop Brunch | Green Bench Brewing | Apr 19, 11am | $42 🎟️
All-you-can-eat bibimbap and hip-hop beats
ON THE HORIZON
Want to see the full list of events this weekend and in the coming months? Plus, local shows and concerts coming up? Peep the guide below.
MARKETS
Looking for details on markets this week?
SHARE THE SCOOP
Know someone who’d love to hear the local scoop? If you refer 10 friends, you’ll get a free t-shirt! Here’s your personalized referral link that you can copy and paste easily to share.
Thanks so much for reading! As always, you can reply directly to this email with any feedback.
Stay Sunny,
Josh
