Photo by Cameron Healy
Updated June 19, 11:45 p.m.
An earlier version of this article listed a smaller amount of businesses; we’ve updated the article to include more LGBTQ-owned and inclusive businesses in South Pinellas.
In South Pinellas County, small businesses are at the heart of both local commerce and community pride. These locally rooted, independently operated spaces contribute not only to the economy, but also to the cultural vibrancy and identity of the region.
LGBTQ Businesses in South Pinellas
This guide highlights some South Pinellas establishments that are either LGBTQ-owned or have demonstrated consistent, public support for the LGBTQ+ people. Whether through participation in Pride events, inclusive hiring practices, or long-standing community ties, each business on this list has earned its place through authenticity and ongoing engagement.
Additionally, these businesses not only commit to equity and inclusion, but also serve as key gathering spaces. These places are where neighbors connect, visitors feel welcome, and people celebrate diversity openly and proudly.
Food & Drink: Gulfport
Alphabet Soup
Alphabet Soup is an LGBTQ-owned social night club for the LGBTQ+ people and allies where members are told to “Bring Your Own Booze.” Owner Metria Jones opened the club in 2023. It hosts bingo, drag, karaoke nights, live music and DJs, themed nights, and more.
2321 49th St. S., Gulfport. gulfportsoup.com.
Funky Flamingo
In August 2020, Anita McLaughlin opened the produce and deli shop with her son Christopher Clark and his husband Thomas. The two died within two months of one another in 2021. McLaughlin continues to run the Funky Flamingo. The shop offers fresh fruit and vegetables, honey, jams, salsa, take-out meals, and a couple of retail options.
1418 58th St. S., Gulfport. 727-873-3478.
Photo by Abby Baker
Jax In and Out
This Gulfport LGBTQ-supportive cafe offers an inviting environment with homestyle cooking. Visitors have enjoyed a cup of coffee with sandwiches, soups, and other brunch options here.
4928 Gulfport Blvd. S., Gulfport. jaxinandout.com, 727-252-9943.
Neptune Grill
Although this seafood and Greek restaurant experienced damages from back-to-back hurricanes, owner Dia Vartsakis plans to reopen soon. This LGBTQ-owned business is a fan-favorite among the Gulfport community.
5501 Shore Blvd. S., Gulfport. neptunegrillgulfport.com, 727-623-4823.
Photo by Cameron Healy
Salty Pup Coffeehouse and Bakeshop
Although new to the Gulfport neighborhood, owners Jody and Jeff Musselman invites everyone and their pups to this coffee shop. Salty Pup is a relaxing, dog-friendly space where all the tip money goes to a Tampa Bay nonprofit organization.
5004 Tangerine Ave. S., Gulfport. 727-545-1127.
Stella’s
This lesbian-owned brunch staple is run by Barbara Banno. Regular participant in Gulfport Pride and a strong advocate for local LGBTQ+ leadership in hospitality. It is known for its community breakfasts, welcoming energy, and Pride-themed specials that draw crowds year after year.
2914 Beach Blvd. S., Gulfport. stellasingulfport.com, 727-498-8950.
Photo by Cathy Salustri
Food & Drink: Along the Beaches
Caddy’s Treasure Island
This beachfront venue sponsors LGBTQ+ social meetups and themed events. Often listed in regional Pride travel guides for its welcoming vibe and Gulf-front views. It is a casual destination for travelers looking to mix sun and celebration.
9000 W. Gulf Blvd., Treasure Island. caddys.com, 727-360-4993.
Mad Beach Craft Brewing Company
This restaurant hosts “Pints with Pride” series supporting LGBTQ+ youth. It is known for combining community impact with beachside beer culture. This place also leads Pride paddle boarding meetups and beach cleanup initiatives. It is a go-to for locals and tourists who want their brews with a side of purpose.
12945 Village Blvd., Madeira Beach. madbeachbrewing.com, 727-362-0008.
Photo courtesy of Love Food Central
Food & Drink: Central Avenue
COCKtail & The Wet Spot
These two signature venues of the Mari Jean Hotel are known for pool parties, drag bingo, rooftop DJ sets, and immersive Pride Week celebrations. Central to the district’s nightlife and home to year-round queer programming. The venues often double as community hubs for social and creative expression.
2355 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. cocktailstpete.com, 727-800-2403.
The Garage on Central
This is a kitschy, beloved dive bar known for its casual vibe and Pride pub crawl involvement. The business hosts fundraising competitions and themed nights for queer causes, adding grit and glamor to the Grand Central bar scene. Popular among locals for its unpretentious energy and all-welcome attitude.
2729 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. 727-258-4850.
Love Food Central
This plant-based café is owned by LGBTQ+ couple Cindy Toda and Valerie Manzoros. It promotes visibility and inclusive dining year-round, with a rotating menu of vegan comfort food and partnerships with queer-led wellness collectives during Pride Month. The café doubles as a quiet haven for conversation and community.
2057 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. lovefoodcentral.com, 727-317-2034.
Salty Nun
Co-owned by Barbara Banno and J.P. Brewer, this venue in the Grand Central District hosts drag brunches, queer comedy nights, and Pride performance residencies. Widely recognized for its inclusive nightlife scene and serving as a go-to gathering place for locals and visitors alike.
2501 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. saltynun.com, 727-329-9994.
Valhalla Bakery & Valkyrie Doughnuts
This lesbian-owned vegan bakery offers inventive sweets and specialty items. It is a regular vendor at Pride markets and LGBTQ+ nonprofit events. Additionally, this business sponsors South Pinellas youth programs and runs seasonal “community bakes” that benefit affirming causes.
2444 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. valhallabakery.com, 727-954-4792.
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Check out our restaurant reviews, recipes, and other food-related coverage!
Photo by Morgan Wujkowski
Food & Drink: St. Pete
The Bier Boutique
Here is a neighborhood beer haven that offers Pride-themed brews, community nights, and donations to Tampa Bay LGBTQ+ advocacy groups. It features guest taps from queer-owned breweries during June. Tucked in a walkable district, it’s a favorite for low-key hangouts and social pints.
465 7th Ave. N., St. Petersburg. thebierboutiquestpete.com, 727-827-2691.
Southside Coffee Brew Bar
This is a one of South St. Pete’s few coffee shops. The LGBTQ-owned, small business offers one of everything for coffee enthusiasts along with teas and pastries.
3922 6th St. S., St. Petersburg. southsidecoffeebrewbar.com, 727-201-9811.
Looking for things to do in St. Petersburg, Gulfport, and the beaches? Check out The Gabber Newspaper’s full calendar of events.
Retail & Shopping
Atlas Body + Home
This gay-owned lifestyle boutique uses inclusive mannequins, curates collections, and hosts runway shows featuring queer models and designers. The shop offers a fresh, modern space for those seeking gender-inclusive fashion.
919 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. atlasbodyandhome.com, 727-873-3500.
Five Deuces Galleria
This art gallery hosts monthly exhibitions by LGBTQ+ visual artists. “Pride Art Nights” feature live music, spoken word, and themed installations supporting emerging queer creatives. There is also a rotating canvas for stories often left off the mainstream wall.
2101 3rd Ave. S., St. Petersburg. fivedeucesgalleria.com, 813-489-9741.
Gulfport Beach Bazaar
Find all the Gulfport souvenirs of your dreams here. This Gulfport store is known for its consistent participation in Pride events year-round and in its everyday hospitality. The Gulfport Beach Bazaar offers clothing, decor, furniture, jewelry, stickers and more.
3115 Beach Blvd. S., Gulfport. gulfportbeachbazaar.com, 727-381-8548.
Photo by Cameron Healy
Gulfport Corner Store
Owner Eddie McClure offers a pop-in and pop-out convenience store in Gulfport. Visitors can find alcohol, candy, cigarettes, drinks, ice cream, snacks, toiletries, and more. Sometimes, a little Boston terrier named Lipton welcomes visitors.
2902 Beach Blvd. S., Gulfport. 727-329-6020.
Gulf Orchids
Life and business partners James Higginbotham and Joe Yannazzone opened the shop in April. Gulf Orchids replaced Thai Orchids and Leis, but it is still a orchid and plant shop. It carries a variety of orchids from Florida and Thailand, and creates leis.
5313 Gulfport Blvd. S., Gulfport. gulforchids.com, 727-321-2732.
Photo by Maggie Duffy
Paw Paws Pet Boutique
Previously located in Gulfport, this queer-owned pet shop celebrates Pride with costume contests, treat giveaways, and festive events for four-legged friends. Additionally, it supports LGBTQ+ animal welfare charities.
166 Boardwalk Place W., Madeira Beach. 727-329-8789.
Tombolo Books
St. Pete’s independent bookstore has strong community roots. It offers curated Pride book bundles and regularly hosts LGBTQ+ author readings, talks, and signings throughout June and beyond. The bookstore is a literary space where activism and art often intersect.
2153 1st Ave. S., St. Petersburg. tombolobooks.com, 727-755-9456.
Photo courtesy of Tombolo Books
Wellness & Health
The Body Electric Yoga Company
Co-owned by Katelyn Grady and Jenny Miller, this business offers Pride-themed programming like youth yoga, allyship workshops, and inclusive wellness passes. A hub for body positivity and restorative community care. Serves as a model for LGBTQ-friendly movement spaces.
3015 7th St. N., St. Petersburg. thebodyelectricyoga.com, 727-490-9361.
Inclusive Care Group
Primary care provider with LGBTQ-affirming clinicians. This location is a recurring sponsor of community health events and has a reliable provider of on-site flu shots at Pride gatherings. It is known for accessibility and a welcoming patient experience.
7800 66th St. N., Suite 204, Pinellas Park. inclusivecaregroup.com, 727-753-7787.
Salon Volo
This salon offers Pride hair color specials, gender-affirming consultations, and has a reputation for being a safe space for all identities. Stylists take pride in listening, collaborating, and affirming all expressions of beauty.
5848 54th Ave. N., Kenneth City. 0451ae4.rcomhost.com, 727-545-1905.
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Photo by Thee Photo Ninja
Arts & Entertainment
freeFall Theatre Company
This St. Pete theater stages LGBTQ-themed productions and hosts post-show discussions with queer creatives. It offers discounted matinee tickets during Pride season. Many celebrate the theater for blending entertainment with thoughtful dialogue.
6099 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. freefalltheatre.com, 727-498-5205.
Studios @ 5663 (Pinellas Arts Village)
This art studio hosts “Pride at the Village,” a multimedia arts event highlighting queer voices in visual art, performance, and music. Visitors can explore creative works in a vibrant, open-door setting.
5663 Park Blvd., Pinellas Park. pinellasartsvillage.com, 727-313-2250.
Ten Pin Lanes
This is a family-friendly bowling alley that hosts a long-running Pride Bowling League and themed tournaments benefiting Tampa Bay queer youth groups. It is also known for its spirited team culture and nostalgic vibe.
1453 Pasadena Ave. S., South Pasadena. littlecenters.com, 727-381-1010.
Arts All Around!
The Gabber Newspaper covers live theater and art across South Pinellas. And, when we find something worth the drive, we cover art in the Tampa Bay and Sarasota areas.
Photo by Cameron Healy
Services & Lodging
Casa del Merman at GayStPete House
This hidden gem with a bold personality is a guesthouse recognized by national LGBTQ+ travel sites. It hosts lively Pride pool parties.
4505 5th Ave. N., St. Petersburg. gaystpetehouse.com, 727-310-4130.
Coconut Inn
LGBTQ+ Florida travel guides frequently recommend this charming, Pass-a-Grille inn. It sponsors an annual Pride family beach day.
113 11th Ave., St. Pete Beach. coconutinnflorida.com, 727-367-3030.
Photo by Cameron Healy
Gulfport Realty
Gulfport Realty is a LGBTQ-owned business by Stacey Purcell. Purcell and her crew help people buy and sell property in Pinellas County.
3037 Beach Blvd. S., Gulfport. gulfportrealty.com, 727-289-5500.
Mari Jean Hotel
Above COCKtail St. Pete is this boutique hotel and community landmark that features rooftop drag shows, themed Pride suites, and year-round queer pool events. This hotel is a cornerstone of Central Avenue’s hospitality. It merges camp, comfort, and community.
2349 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. marijeanhotel.com, 727-289-1298.
Peninsula Bed & Cocktails (Historic Peninsula Inn)
This LGBTQ-owned bed and breakfast offers Pride weekend packages, live music, and signature cocktails in a welcoming setting. Gulfport’s well-known rainbow bench sits outside the entrance to this inn.
2937 Beach Blvd. S., Gulfport. peninsulabnc.com, 727-346-9800.
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