| In this week's edition: Ideas for things to do with your mom, a new rooftop restaurant opens and our critic checks out a popular arepa spot in Gulfport.
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| Downtowns are changing, and readers have thoughts
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| Hello, this is culture and food reporter Sharon Kennedy Wynne. Some of our readers responded to my call in last week's newsletter for ideas on the entertainment mix available in downtown St. Petersburg or Tampa.
It was sparked by a reader who was intrigued by plans for an indoor golf simulator club stalling at the historic Tramor building. "Can downtown St. Pete please get a cool bowling alley or skating rink?" she asked. "I feel like we're fully stocked on golf simulator spots (no shade to the golfers!), but it'd be great to have something for the non-golf crowd too."
Reader Jamie Munoz agreed: "I would DEFINITELY like to see a bowling alley in downtown St. Pete!!"
What I noticed in both their suggestions is the desire for something affordable that appeals to locals and to all ages. The city of St. Pete officially envisions a walkable community with mixed-income housing, office space and entertainment. But what kind of entertainment?
St. Pete's mayor recently floated the idea of demolishing Al Lang Stadium to create a new downtown waterfront district with an amphitheater, parking garage, retail space and entertainment. There's nothing that would prevent making space for something like a bowling alley or skating rink.
Reader Melanie Stanek said Tampa could use "more upscale, club-like indoor music venues with discerning food and beverages." She has seen it before. "How about a jazz club like the Dakota in Minneapolis? Or a blues club? Or a Latin music club? We're short on these things and it would really add to the city for tourists, convention goers and locals."
Thanks for the feedback, readers. Keep it coming. And now on to this week's highlights:
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