Business headlines

Center will help home purchasers

ST. PETERSBURG -- Construction should start in November on a one-stop center on Dr. M.L. King (Ninth) Street S at Preston Avenue to aid first-time home buyers, said Askia Muhammad Aquil, executive director of the St. Petersburg Neighborhood Housing Services Inc.

Plans for the center were announced last year. It is part of the NeighborWorks Campaign for Home Ownership of the Neighborhood Reinvestment Corp. It will become part of Housing Services, which is a not-for-profit group.

Aquil said the center should appeal to prospective buyers who don't like dealing with banks and other institutions involved in the purchase process.

Housing Services bought three lots near its small office at 1640 Dr. M.L. King St. S where the center will be built. Already Housing Services offers help to first-time buyers but doesn't have a large enough facility in which to locate everything.

New Carrabba's still needs variances

ST. PETERSBURG -- Negotiations continue between the city and Carrabba's Italian Grill for a restaurant in the Sunken Gardens building, which is undergoing renovation on Fourth Street N.

Work is being done on variances needed at the site and what type of signs will be allowed, said Marty Reichenthal, joint venture partner for Florida's west coast for Carrabba's.

He said he was hopeful everything could be worked out in time for the St. Petersburg City Council to have the lease for consideration in November.

Carrabba's is part of the Outback Steakhouse chain, which just opened one of its Australian-theme restaurants across Fourth Street N from Sunken Gardens.

Veterinary acupuncturist on staff

SEMINOLE -- The Animal Hospital of Seminole now has a veterinarian who can do acupuncture, according to owner Dr. Cliff Barnett.

Dr. Julie White recently joined the hospital staff. She is a certified veterinary acupuncturist.

Acupuncture is an Eastern medical practice that involves piercing body parts to treat disease and relieve pain. Veterinarians use it to treat liver and kidney diseases as well as arthritis and immune disorders, among others, according to the hospital.

Bike Room wheels north to expand

ST. PETERSBURG -- The Bike Room has moved five blocks up from 2323 Dr. M.L. King (Ninth) St. N to a larger place at 2805 and will add Jamis bicycles to its inventory, according to David Mulholland, co-owner. Patrick Ruta is also a co-owner.

The Bike Room also sells Schwinn, GT and Mongoose Pro bicycles.

Tourism tribute will include job fair

ST. PETERSBURG -- The annual Tribute to Tourism this year will include a job fair for those interested in the hospitality business as well as a business showcase. The St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce is staging the tribute on Aug. 29 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Palm Court Ballroom of the Renaissance Vinoy Resort. It is open to the public.

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