SAINT PETERSBURG, Fla. - TelAve -- A new community-centered coffee house and gathering space is taking shape on the South Side of St. Petersburg with a mission that extends far beyond serving coffee.

Currently under construction along MLK Jr. St. S. and expected to open in Fall 2026, Café Ora is being developed as a neighborhood "third space"—a place where residents can gather between home and work to build relationships, access resources, participate in community programming, and experience culture rooted in the neighborhood itself.

The project is part of The Looking Glass Initiative, a community-guided effort focused on strengthening the 900–1000 blocks of South St. Petersburg through investment, collaboration, and opportunities that support long-term community flourishing.

Designed to serve as a welcoming and accessible hub, Café Ora will provide space for community conversations, live music, local art, coworking, tutoring programs, outreach initiatives, and neighborhood events. Organizers also plan to host programs aimed at addressing food insecurity along the corridor while creating workforce development opportunities for local residents.

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"For years, we've talked about the need for more spaces where people can gather to build relationships and feel connected to their community on the South Side of St. Pete," said South St. Petersburg resident Bryan Sampson. "Café Ora feels like a step in that direction, and it's encouraging to see investment that prioritizes people and creates opportunities for us to come together."

In addition to serving as a gathering place, Café Ora plans to prioritize local hiring practices, including creating employment opportunities for individuals with nonviolent criminal records who often face barriers when re-entering the workforce. Project leaders believe that meaningful neighborhood investment includes creating pathways to economic opportunity and supporting residents through practical resources and employment.

"Café Ora is about more than coffee — it's about creating a space where people feel seen, connected, and supported," said Meiko Seymour, Founder of Café Ora. "This block has always had culture, creativity, and community. We're simply investing in it intentionally and helping create a place where all of that can continue to grow. We want Café Ora to be a place where neighbors gather, opportunities are created, and people have access to resources that help strengthen the community."

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Organizers say the project reflects a growing desire for spaces that foster authentic connection while addressing the practical needs of the community. By combining a coffee house with community programming, workforce opportunities, and resource-based initiatives, Café Ora aims to become a catalyst for connection and neighborhood engagement.

As construction progresses, project leaders are actively seeking community partnerships, fundraising support, and organizations interested in collaborating on future programming and neighborhood initiatives.

For more info about Café Ora, visit https://www.cafeora.co/ or follow Café Ora on Instagram for updates.