Michelin is expanding coverage to all of Florida for 2026 and will release the statewide selection digitally on May 28, 2026. The move reshapes who’s in play for stars.

Five days of chef battles and tastings hit downtown Tampa April 7–11, capped by a Chef Showdown and Grand Tasting at Curtis Hixon.

Plan‑review filings show Drift, a new courtyard bar at the Sundial in downtown St. Pete, is moving forward after a legal settlement. The Forbici team will operate the bar.

Paperwork and a leasing brochure indicate Kaia Bowls is planning a location at 1946 Collier Parkway in Lutz. The brand lists the site as coming soon, but no opening date has been posted.

Miami‑born Pura Vida has filed plans for a 4,209‑sq‑ft café with outdoor seating at 1038 Water Street, bringing its all‑day breakfast and bowls to downtown Tampa. The project is under city review and no opening date has been set.

Mi Tierra plans a North Fourth Street outpost in Haines City, promising Dominican sandwiches, burgers and plates; owners are targeting a spring opening.

Chef Bryce Bonsack of Rocca is a James Beard finalist for Best Chef: South, a rare national nod for Tampa's dining scene.

Maryland's Greene Turtle has opened in South Tampa, serving crab cakes, crab dip and pub favorites at 5224 Bridge Street.

Jim Reeves and his family have retaken Big Jim’s Famous Steaks and are quietly testing menu tweaks and a possible rebrand at the Seminole Boulevard spot. Locals say the return leans into the restaurant’s old strengths while trying new ideas.

Zephyr Chills has filed plan‑review paperwork for a Stadium Drive storefront in Zephyrhills. The applicant is Zephyr Chills Ventures LLC and details remain limited.

Chen’s Duck & Dumplings, currently in Brandon, is set to open a Lakeland outpost at 5125 S Florida Ave, public records show.

Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii plans a Little Road cafe at 5243 Little Rd #1 in New Port Richey, joining other Tampa Bay locations.

Alex Chamberlain is leaving Michelin‑starred Kōsen to run Mei, a French‑Nordic‑Japanese restaurant set to open this spring at 320 Third St. S in downtown St. Pete. The project comes from Omei Restaurant Group.