You’ve probably happened by the Central Avenue boutique. | Photo via MISRED Outfitters
Tampa Bay runs on its small businesses. We really do.
Earlier this year, WalletHub ranked Tampa the No. 2 city to start a business, with St. Pete following close behind at No. 6. Plus, The Tampa Bay Chamber notes that of its 1,400+ members, 90% of have 250 or fewer employees.
Today we’re highlighting the Burg’s MISRED Outfitters — otherwise known as “your local Anthropologie alternative.”
Owner Sara Stonecipher opened the Central Avenue shop 10 years ago, calling it a “curated clothing & accessory boutique providing an immersive shopping experience for the modern bohemian woman.”
What’s unique about the small business scene in Tampa Bay?
“I’m a second-generation downtown small business owner — my mom opened Designer’s Consigner on Beach Drive in 1991. Growing up, I watched her help shape St. Pete’s small business community, inspiring me to open my own shop in 2010.
St. Pete had a thriving small business scene long before it was trendy — before the hashtags and viral posts.” Our Small Business Week coverage is powered by MIDFLORIDA Credit Union, where you’ll find better banking for your local business.
Craig Pittman | 6-7:30 p.m. | Oxford Exchange | $5+ | Join The Florida House Book Club for a conversation with the longtime Tampa Bay journalist + “Welcome to Florida” author.
Tuesday, May 6
St. Pete Pitch Night Presented By Regions Bank | 5-8 p.m. | Black Leaf Cigar & Wine Lounge | Free | Listen to local startups and businesses make their best pitch for the $10,000 prize.
Wednesday, May 7
Mayor’s Food Truck Fiesta | 11 a.m. | Lykes Gaslight Square Park | Price of purchase | Sweeten the lunch break with a bite from local food trucks like Gee’s Wings N Things, Krafted by Kiki, and Cheesesteak Truck.
“The Butterfly’s Evil Spell” | Wednesday, May 7-Sunday, June 1 | Times vary | Shimberg Playhouse | $36+| Sit back for the English-language adaptation of “El Maleficio de la Mariposa,” which fuses live music, visual art, and puppetry to share the tale of a wounded butterfly entering a dewdrop paradise.
Tampa Bay Rays vs. Philadelphia Phillies | Wednesday, May 7 | 7:05 p.m. | George M. Steinbrenner Field | $21+ | Watch our hometown crew take on the Max Kepler, Bryson Stott, and the rest of the Philly phanatics.
Thursday, May 8
Gardening With Native Plants In-Person | 10-11:30 a.m. | Hillsborough County Extension Service, Seffner | $10 | Dig into tips to beef up your garden with native plants and varieties that match your soil conditions.
It’s official: Albert Whitted is staying an airport for at least the next 20 years. Last week, St. Petersburg City Council approved a $134,800 state grant that requires the airport site not be redeveloped. The money will go toward installing an emergency generator to the airfield and hardening electrical systems. (WTSP)
Open
Rooftop drinks are mandatory this week. Maru just opened atop Bayshore Gardens, offering patrons those can’t be beat Bayshore views. The Indigo Hospitality Group spot also serves up cocktails + Japanese- and Peruvian-inspired snacky bits. (Tampa Bay Times)
Sports
Cooper’s staying in the game. The Tampa Bay Lightning’s general manager confirmed Head Coach Jon Cooper will return for the 2025-2026 season. He’s the longest-tenured coach in the league, and for good reason. The Bolts have picked up two Stanley Cups under his tutelage. (ESPN)
Announced
Go for the rides, stay for the capybaras. Busch Gardens’ new Wild Oasis realm will be home to creatures like a giant anteater, squirrel monkeys, and the previously mentioned capybaras. We don’t have an opening date yet, but we’ll keep you posted. (That’s So Tampa)
Coming Soon
What’s the latest with St. Pete Athletic? Construction on the Burg’s new pickleball club is ongoing, and the city just approved the last two permits. Memberships for the 45,000-sqft center along the Pinellas Trail are nearly sold out. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)
Mansion Monday
Welcome to Harbour Island living. In addition to the waterfront views + an infinity pool and hot tub, the 5-bedroom, 5-bathroom home also features an entertaining bar, private primary suite, and courtyard. Take a tour.
Listen
The Rays just got swept by the Royals for the first time since 2016. Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews, and more from local experts of the Tampa Bay Rays with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Wellness
Discover your biological age with a single blood test taken at home. Starting at $499, TruAge gives you a personalized longevity plan — save 20% with code WELLNESS20.*
Announced
While spots in our 2025 Parents’ Gift Guide are closed ahead of Mother’s Day, we have a few more available in time for Father’s Day. Hurry — save 20% with code PGG2025 when you secure your spot now.
Did you know it’s possible to shop small on Amazon? Support small businesses and artisans across the country when you shop Amazon Handmade. We love these five items that can be personalized with your name or message:
One last Small Business Week note for the day: Sara Stonecipher (MISRED’s owner) also shares tips on running a retail store on YouTube. Local bizzes + aspiring small business owners should check out her page for tips on maximizing end of season sales, display hacks, and dealing with inflation.
Answered
Answered
“What year did it stop being ‘The Ice Palace?’”
Are you ready to Be The Thunder?
Photo via Wikimedia Commons
We hate to say it, but we stumped most of you. Time to study up on your Tampa stadium lore.
18% correctly guessed 2002 — when the then St. Pete Times changed the stadium’s name to the St. Pete Times Forum
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