Hello, Sunny Squad!

Welcome back! This week, we’ve got a couple treats (guest stories) for you for you to enjoy. Plus, I check out an intriguing new food spot and welcome back an old favorite.

Also, I’ve started adding more music and theater events to the events list. I can’t fit them all in the newsletter without going over email limits, so be sure to check the Events Guide if you want the full list.

This week, enjoy this guest story from local author and long-time Trop usher, Bruce Reynolds, as he shares his love for the sometimes maligned stadium that was originally called The Florida Suncoast Dome.

From the World Series to the Stanley Cup Playoffs; from Davis Cup Tennis to The Final Four along with hosting concerts of the likes of Billy Joel, Guns N Roses, Jimmy Eat World, T-Pain, David Bowie, Lee Brice, Kiss and the Beach Boys, Tropicana Field is one of the most unique venues in the country. For 16 seasons I have worked as a Fan-Host (usher) at The Trop.

Did you know?

With so many stories along with all that I have experienced inside those air-conditioned walls, I decided to write a book chronicling  some of the humorous and heartwarming tales. There Is No Place Like Dome, is my attempt to further educate and embrace respect and affection for The Trop. I have literally been to the Top of The Trop (inside) as well in the stands with the fans. During those years I have donned a Taco Hat, dressed up like ZZ Top, witnessed Raymond the mascot get suckered punch by a drunken fan, and saw a visually impaired young boy “run” the bases by himself with only his cane.

During this spring and summer when The Trop reopens you owe it to yourself to wander in even if you are not a baseball fan. Take in her refurbished charm as you walk through her corridors.  Stare at her catwalks that occasionally come into play during a game. Visit The Rays tank as these stingrays glide in water while interacting with fans. Mingle with people from Roser Park to Central Park to perhaps those from Regent’s Park in London. Grab a hotdog and a beer just because you can while enjoying air conditioning from our oppressive heat here in St Pete.

Once you do I am convinced that you will agree with me that really:

There Is No Place Like Dome.

Love the Rays or a unique perspective on baseball (or know someone who does)?

Buy the book here.

The Naked Farmer, which closed for more than a half year for a $1.5 million renovation, will be reopening at 200 Central Ave tomorrow. Naked Farmer is a fast casual spot that focuses on serving locally sourced, seasonal ingredients prepared from scratch. Their main offering is the Harvest Plate where you choose a protein, grains/greens base, and seasonal sides.

I personally love a build-your-own bowl/plate concept (Fresh Kitchen is also a staple for me). I’m a big fan of Naked Farmer—their downtown Tampa location is my go-to before a Lightning game since it’s in walking distance to the arena. So, I’m excited to have it back on this side of the bay!

Enjoy this guest post from St. Pete native Crista over at The Burg Coffee Guide on Instagram. While I love me a nice coffee, she’s the local coffee shop expert, so give her a follow!

New to St. Pete's coffee scene, this Mediterranean-inspired coffee shop and wine bar in our Grand Central District is quickly becoming a neighborhood go-to.

Ruya features several cozy & chic areas both indoors and outdoors to enjoy a coffee from their creative beverage menu which features coffees using uniquely flavored house-made syrups & cold-foams as well as Moroccan Mint Tea.

They frequently host community events, so check Ruya's Instagram to follow along.

Try the Ruya Latte (cold) or the Almond Creme.

Be well,
Crista

The first round of voting for Mutt Madness (benefitting Pet Pal Animal Shelter) is closed, and we’re on to the Sweet 16! Be sure to check out the bracket and cast your votes for your favorite dogs!

A reminder of what’s up for grabs:

Voting Round Dates:

Last week, I went to check out Central Park, St. Pete’s new food hall concept on Central Ave.

The five-story food hall will have nine different food concepts, four of which are open now. There is also a beer wall and an indoor/outdoor bar on the first floor. Plus, giant TVs playing multiple programs at once (hello March Madness x Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban?) that can be seen from the first 2 floors.

Open now is Palm Avenue Deli (NY style deli), Constellation Burger (fast-casual burgers and sandwiches), Don Ricardo’s Taqueria (elevated Mexican), and Strawberry fields (healthy cafe).

Everything uses a fancy online ordering system, and you can order dine-in, to go, or pickup (from heated lockers!).

I’m excited to come back and check it out once all 5 stories are open, even if the the members-only Night Owl club on the fifth floor is never going to be in my price range 😂 ($30,000 to join and $500/month).

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?

DINNER CLUB: 85 folks signed up already, and we’re capped at 120 this time! Thursday, April 16 @ 6:30pm in Grand Central. Reserve your seat.

SUNNY CIRCLE TEE: Super soft and flattering on anyone. Get yours.

CATCH OF THE DAY: Adopt Bolt the dog or Marlie the cat.

FLIGHT DEAL: Direct from Tampa to Chicago for $88 round trip. Get some deep dish.

‘BURG ABODES: Adorable bungalow in Historic Kenwood $650,000 | 3bd 2ba | 1,509 sqft. Pending but accepting backups!

LAST WEEK’S SCRAMBLE: Madness

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!

This adrenaline-filled event features over 50 world-class powerboats reaching speeds up to 160 mph, alongside nearly 140 jet skis racing a high-speed course near Spa Beach and the St. Pete Pier.

Festivities kick off Friday, March 27, with a free, family-friendly Pit Party at Albert Whitted Park from 6pm–8pm, where you can meet the teams and see the massive vessels up close. On Saturday and Sunday, catch the main events from the best vantage points at the St. Pete Pier, Demens Landing, and North Straub Park as teams compete for the IHRA Offshore Series National Championship.

While the event is free to the public, you can upgrade your experience with a VIP pass at Pier Teaki, offering private viewing decks directly across from the start/finish line and complimentary refreshments!

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.

Free Concert Series at Horan Park | 7701 Boca Ciega Dr, St. Pete Beach, FL 33706 | Mar 27–Apr 24 (Fridays), 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Free
Free outdoor weekly spring concerts

Community Mingle at Mahaffey | Mahaffey Theater | Mar 27, 5:30pm | Free
Free community arts networking event

Pinellas Botanicals and Brunchfest | England Brothers Park | Mar 28-29, 10am-5pm | Free
Garden art, plants, and brunch.

Adult Night Hike | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve | Mar 28, 7-8:30pm | $5 🎟️
Guided evening nature preserve walk.

2nd Annual Pickleball for Pink Tournament | St. Petersburg Country Club | Mar 28, TBD | $20+ 🎟️
Charity tournament supporting breast cancer.

Run Club Carnival at The Farm | The Farm St. Pete | Mar 28, 3pm | Free
Carnival games, animals, and music.

St. Pete Street Market at Pinellas Ale Works | Pinellas Ale Works, Warehouse Arts District, St. Pete | Mar 28, 12-4pm | Free
Outdoor market with local vendors.

Mainsail Art Festival | Vinoy Park, 701 Bay Shore Dr NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 | Mar 28–29, 9am | Free
Juried waterfront art exhibition showcase

Spring Fling Market | Blush Tea and Coffee | March 29, 10am-2pm | Free
Pop-up market for local makers

Meet a Mangrove Walk | Fort De Soto Park | Mar 29, 1pm | Free 🎟️
Learn about Florida's mangrove ecology.

Orchid Festival | Sunken Gardens | Mar 29, 10am-4pm | Included with admission
Orchid sales and educational lectures

Fruit Tree Grafting Workshop at Beech | Beech Kombucha Garden & Taproom | Mar 29, 12:30-3pm | $85 🎟️
Hands-on workshop grafting fruit trees

Sunday Best — Cold Tub Coffee Club | Caddy's Treasure Island | Mar 29, 10am-12pm | $25-$30 🎟️
Beach wellness day with fitness.

Want to see events beyond the weekend? Use the guide below.

Looking for details on markets this week?

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.

{{rp_refer_url}}

Thanks so much for reading! As always, you can reply directly to this email with any feedback.

Stay Sunny,
Josh