The Looking Glass Initiative

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The Looking Glass Initiative Doing the opposite of what’s expected—investing in South St. Pete so wellness, small business, and belonging can thrive.

What a difference a year makes!One year of transformation, partnership, and investment in what's possible along MLK Sout...
10/12/2026

What a difference a year makes!

One year of transformation, partnership, and investment in what's possible along MLK South.

But the most exciting part isn't the new façade, fresh paint, or beautiful storefronts...It's what happens when the doors open.

We're getting ready to hand over the keys to our first tenants, and we can't wait to see the energy, creativity, connections, and opportunities they'll bring to this neighborhood.

We're excited to soon start welcoming , 's Pizza & Subs, Sober Roots, Code Wiz St. Pete, and Nest (entrance will be in back of the building) as they make these spaces their own.

To everyone who has been part of this journey, thank you. This next chapter is about so much more than buildings. It's about people, possibility, and a neighborhood with so much to offer.

**And we're just getting started!**

✨✨✨I need to have a brag moment as a proud wife here (Julie). My husband, John Barkett has worked tirelessly, sleeplessly, and with great care and intention on this project because he's passionate but mostly because he truly believes in this community. He sees its heart and soul and has become a fierce supporter of its people. No one may ever know how much of himself he has put into serving a good greater than ourselves but I know and I am so proud of you, John Barkett!✨✨✨

A few spaces are still available. Contact John Barkett at Barkett Realty to learn more.

09/09/2026

DISTRICT 6 CANDIDATE MEETING | SEPTEMBER 9th 🗳️

The MLK Business District invites our members, local business owners and community stakeholders to join us for a special September meeting featuring St. Petersburg City Council District 6 Primary candidates Linsey Grove and Trevor Mallory.

📅 September 9th

⏰ 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM
📍 Sapien Art Fitness

701 Dr. M.L.K. Jr. St. S., Suite A
St. Petersburg, FL

🚗Additional parking at 801 MLK S across 8th Ave S from 4Fitness!

With the District 6 Primary approaching, this meeting is an opportunity to hear directly from Linsey Grove and Trevor Mallory as they share their respective visions for District 6 and the future of St. Petersburg.

Both candidates will be provided equal time to speak, giving attendees the opportunity to learn more about their priorities, perspectives and plans for the district.

Our September meeting will be hosted by Sapien Art Fitness, a local St. Pete fitness and wellness community focused on intentional movement, strength and whole person wellness.

Mark your calendar and join us September 9th.

✨ Learn more at MLKBusinessDistrict.org

StPeteCommunity StPeteSmallBusiness LocalGovernment StPeteVotes MLKStPete

09/04/2026

We will be closed Monday, September 7th in oberservstion of Labor Day. We will resume regular operating hours Tuesday, September 8th.

08/29/2026

We were proud to host this important vigil today.

What a difference a day makes!
08/21/2026

What a difference a day makes!

08/18/2026

St. Pete is celebrating National Black Business Month! 💼

In partnership with the St. Petersburg Greenhouse, the City connected residents with Black entrepreneurs across St. Pete all month long.

Join business experts and community leaders for a panel on growth, sustainability, and resiliency on Monday, August 24.

🚨 Space is limited. Registration required.

Register here: https://gh.stpetegreenhouse.org/workshop.aspx?ekey=10460224

The Looking Glass Initiative is starting to take form! Exciting neighborhood retail curation taking place organically.
08/15/2026

The Looking Glass Initiative is starting to take form! Exciting neighborhood retail curation taking place organically.

Great things on the horizon for our community! Photo credit to one of our amazing neighbors.
07/11/2026

Great things on the horizon for our community! Photo credit to one of our amazing neighbors.

Meet the Seymours ❤️
04/24/2026

Meet the Seymours ❤️

Residents in South St. Petersburg can look forward to a new cafe opening later this year, thanks to St. Petersburg’s community leader and advocate, Meiko Seymour, co-founder of Café Ora.

Seymour is no stranger to working in his community and carries a “boots on the ground” mindset. He serves in roles such as lead pioneer and co-founder of Uncommon City, a contemplative church plant rooted in downtown St. Petersburg that launched in February 2025; City of St. Petersburg Housing Authority’s commissioner and Rise Development director; president of the Historic Roser Park Neighborhood Association, and an ordained minister with the International Ministry Network.

Read more → https://powerbrokermagazine.com/pastor-and-community-leader-will-open-new-cafe-in-southside-st-pete/

Address

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Street South
Saint Petersburg, FL

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