Happy New Year

Happy New Year, Tampa Bay! We’re kicking off 2026 with a warm welcome to all. of you. We have had an incredible number of you join our community recently and even more following on socials. We’re growing, and we want to take a second to say thank you to all of you who have supported us in building this account from zero. Our mission is centered around impact and wanting to see the Tampa Bay area flourish in all aspects. Growth, development and local businesses are our core focus, and we want to support all of you who make that happen. Let’s make 2026 the year Tampa Bay becomes impossible to ignore.

Developments

As I am writing this, I am hearing more rumblings of the Rays to HCC Dale Mabry campus talks open back up. More on that in a future video and future newsletter.

The Pelican Tower Gets Green Light Despite Opposition

St. Petersburg's Development Review Commission voted 4-1 to approve The Pelican, a 21-story, $134 million luxury apartment tower in downtown St. Pete. The 370-unit mixed-use project will require demolishing seven structures within the Downtown St. Petersburg National Register Historic District. After two postponements and a deferral, commissioners ultimately decided the project aligns with downtown zoning, though concerns about affordable housing and neighborhood character remain.​

540-Foot Tower Gets New Life on Ashley Drive

The Federal Aviation Administration reissued permits for a high-rise redevelopment at 601 N. Ashley Drive in downtown Tampa. Stock Development's Bill Fleck refiled FAA permits on January 8 for a structure reaching 540 feet above ground level. The nearly one-acre site currently holds a 61,260-square-foot office building targeted for redevelopment since 2021, with the latest plans calling for 600 apartments, 46,000 square feet of office space, and 11,000 square feet of retail.​

284 New Homes Coming to Parrish

A new rental community is adding 284 homes in Parrish, expanding housing supply along the I-75 corridor as Tampa Bay's growth continues pushing south into Manatee County. The project reflects the region's ongoing residential demand as development spreads beyond the urban core.​

Art House Condo Tower Opens in Downtown St. Pete

St. Petersburg welcomed residents to the new 42-story Art House condo tower downtown. The building contains 244 luxury condos and is already more than 85% sold, signaling strong demand for high-rise residential in the downtown core.​

Gallery Haus Moves from Planning to Execution

Gallery Haus is advancing from planning to demolition, with work beginning on a $125 million mixed-use project near Tropicana Field. The development will deliver 254 homes, coworking space, retail and wellness amenities adjacent to the Pinellas Trail. Backed by a site work loan and a proven Miami development model, Gallery Haus stands out for moving forward while many projects remain stalled.​

Restaurant Openings Across the Bay

The food scene continues expanding with several notable openings. ISU, a 50-seat modern izakaya sushi lounge from the Michelin Guide-recognized team behind Fortu, has opened on Beach Drive in St. Pete. Central Avenue welcomed Monte Pizza, specializing in wood-fired pies, and FireWater Wellness & Cuisine. Meanwhile, Juicy's Famous Fair Food brought its fair favorites to Armature Works, and Kunafa King Cafe opened a full café in Temple Terrace.​

Predalina Reopens After Major Renovation

Water Street Tampa's Predalina has reopened following a major renovation that began in October. The Oxford Commons-owned space now features Riviera-inspired design with hand-laid mosaics and aged brass, plus an expanded Water Street patio and two new cocktail lounges. The menu blends reimagined favorites with new Southern European-inspired dishes.​

Closing Note

Tampa Bay, like this community needs to focus on building with intention. From towers rising in downtown cores to new neighborhoods expanding south, every project tells a story about where this region is headed. If we can do it right, there is not a doubt in my mind that we can continue living in the best city in the country. Keep sharing these stories, keep supporting local businesses, and keep believing in what we're building together. See you next week. Share our newsletter on your socials and with your friends. Let us know what else you’d like us to cov

If you need media for your listing, development, projects or business, shoot Real Tampa Bay Media a DM on instagram or text/call at (813)252-0598. Book directly online at www.realtampabay.com and use code: NEWSLETTER for $100 off.

‍