Former Tampa strip mall converted into affordable housing

Exterior view of Mercy Oaks II affordable apartment community in Tampa, converted from a former commercial property.

Seventeen affordable apartments opened Wednesday along North Florida Avenue after a former strip commercial center was redeveloped into permanent housing for individuals and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Mercy Oaks II includes 15 one-bedroom apartments and two two-bedroom apartments. The City of Tampa contributed $1.25 million in State Housing Initiatives Partnership funds to … Read more

Downtown Clearwater lands first restaurant from Michelin-starred hospitality group

Rendering of the restored Telephone Building with Rippers on the ground floor in downtown Clearwater.

The restored Telephone Building in downtown Clearwater has landed its first restaurant tenant, with the hospitality group behind Michelin-starred Rocca bringing its first Clearwater concept to Cleveland Street. Called Rippers, the restaurant will occupy the building’s ground floor and serve deep-fried “ripper” hot dogs, burgers, chicken wings, sandwiches, fries and handcrafted milkshakes. It also marks … Read more