St. Petersburg celebrated a major milestone on Saturday as the Manhattan Casino on the Deuces marked its grand reopening. The day began at 10 a.m. with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, followed by self-guided tours of the renovated event spaces. The celebration highlighted both the building’s historic significance and its renewed role in the community.
The reopening also honored the jazz and cultural legacy of the Manhattan Casino, once a key stop on the Chitlin Music Circuit. Local musicians and vocalists, including Henry Ashwood, Jr., Jeremy Carter, James Suggs, Maurice Allen, Joe Porter, Joel Bolds, and Allison Nash, performed during the ceremony, adding to the festive atmosphere. Attendees also learned more about Mayor Welch’s Imagine the Deuces initiative and the broader vision for the area.
Following the ribbon cutting, the celebration continued with Deuces Day Out at Deuces Corner Park. Guests enjoyed live music, lunch from Love22 while supplies lasted, and opportunities to connect with community leaders, business owners, and the redevelopment team for the Historic Gas Plant District. The event also featured commemorative materials, including a Black History Zine and a poster showcasing new mural artwork by Egypt Hagan.