A new nightclub called Surge is planned to open at 350 First Ave. N in downtown St. Petersburg, according to plan review documents, putting a fresh name on a stretch of First Avenue that has seen its share of nightlife turnover. The address sits directly across First Avenue from Williams Park, and a listing for Surge Nightclub already appears searchable on Google Maps at that location.
The plans were reported by WhatNow, whose author Neil Cooney noted that Surge would join a local food and drink community that includes Ahi Sushi, The Ship's Hold, and The Galley: A St. Pete Tavern. WhatNow reached out to owner Denise Rizzica on November 2 to ask about plans for the nightclub's launch, but Rizzica was not immediately available for comment. The outlet said more details would follow as they became available.
A Venue With a Storied Past
The address has a notable history in St. Petersburg's live music scene. Tampa Bay Times reported that Ringside Cafe, which operated at 350 First Ave. N, announced it had permanently closed after 35 years and three different locations. According to a separate account from ilovetheburg.com, Ringside Café had opened at that First Avenue North address in July 2022, with New Year's Eve 2023 turning out to be its final night in business.
Ringside Cafe had already closed by January 2024. Surge is planned as a new nightclub in downtown St. Petersburg.
Echoes of a Previous Downtown Nightclub Launch
Surge wouldn't be the first themed nightclub to try its luck in downtown St. Petersburg in recent years. Back in 2023, the 1970s-themed Good Night John Boy opened its doors at 16 2nd Street North after passing final inspections, as reported by stpeterising.com. That venue was described as a 4,000-square-foot space featuring a lit-up, tiled dance floor complete with mirror balls and multicolored neon lights.
Good Night John Boy was brought to the city by Cleveland-based Forward Hospitality Group, which owns and operates ten restaurant and bar concepts around Ohio, with the St. Petersburg location set to be operated by Beth McLeod and her boyfriend Bobby Sotka, per the same report. Whether Surge will follow a similarly themed concept, or something else entirely, remains unclear from the plan review documents alone.
For now, the known details about Surge are limited to its planned address and its proximity to Williams Park, with ownership and operational specifics still unconfirmed. WhatNow indicated it would share more as information becomes available.
