St. Petersburg's long-standing enclave, known colloquially as the Deuces, is on the cusp of transformative change, with plans in place aiming to bolster both housing affordability and community vigor. The forthcoming projects include the refurbishment of the Historic Manhattan Casino into a city-run event space and the addition of housing units targeted at individuals earning around a median wage. As reported by WFLA, St. Pete Mayor Ken Welch emphasized that the city’s vision is to foster growth that is "affordable and inclusive" in order to preclude the displacement of current residents.
A key component of the plan, as elucidated by Mayor Welch, involves the South St. Petersburg Community Redevelopment Area or CRA, a county-first initiative centered on poverty reduction and wealth generation. Welch articulated to WFLA, "We want to make sure we’ve got affordable housing for the folks that make our city run." There's a historical resonance to the area, once a hub for black-owned businesses in the mid-20th century and a key venue during the era known as the Chitlin Circuit, as stated in a FOX 13 interview with Askia Aquil, president and CEO of The Collective Empowerment Group of the Tampa Bay Area.
Part of the allure for this chapter of redevelopment is the promise of sustainability and respect for the neighborhood’s rich cultural tapestry. Further information from FOX 13 details the breadth of development that includes new townhomes, mixed-use buildings, and transport enhancements designed to cut back on car usage. These projects come as a response to the need for a greater level of investment and public-private partnership that Aquil believes is crucial for the area's revitalization.
Local entrepreneur Jeffrey Copeland, who has witnessed the Deuces evolve throughout his lifetime and now operates a popular restaurant and lounge called The Catalyst on the Deuces, voiced concerns to Bay News 9. He suggested the city could benefitted from soliciting suggestions from successful local businesses like his own, given their ability to attract significant weekly foot traffic. Mayor Welch, meanwhile, reassured the community in a presentation that the development's scope will maintain inclusivity and accessibility, aligning with the needs and salaries common in the community.
The Mayor's pledge comes as a solace to many, including Yolanda Gelin, a business owner who grew up in the neighborhood and sees the coming changes as a beacon for safety, entertainment, and a vibrant economy. Gelin, like many other community members, intends to hold city leaders to account for their commitments, ensuring that the Deuces' future reflects the community's desires and its foundational spirit. With the Manhattan Casino renovations slated for completion in the summer of 2026, the gathering anticipation in the Deuces suggests an era of renewed community identity and resilience on the horizon.
