The Manhattan Casino on the Deuces celebrated its grand reopening on Saturday, Sept. 19, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10 a.m. and self-guided tours of the renovated event spaces. Hosted by the City of St. Petersburg, the celebration highlighted both the restored venue and its deep cultural significance in the city’s Black history. Attendees heard performances from Henry Ashwood, Jr., Jeremy Carter, James Suggs, Maurice Allen, Joe Porter, Joel Bolds, and vocalist Allison Nash during the ceremony.
The event also featured remarks and educational information about Mayor Welch’s Imagine the Deuces initiative, along with the Manhattan Casino’s important role in the historic Chitlin Music Circuit. Following the ribbon cutting, visitors were invited to Deuces Day Out at Deuces Corner Park for more live music, community activities, and neighborhood engagement. Performances there included the Gibbs High School Jazz Band, Alejandro Arenas & Allison Nash, Deneen Wyman, and Imam Wilmore Sadiki.
Guests could enjoy lunch from Love22 while supplies lasted, meet redevelopment team members discussing the Historic Gas Plant District, and connect with Deuces Live! leaders and business owners. The City also offered its award-winning Black History Zine and a commemorative reopening poster featuring new mural artwork by Egypt Hagan.