The Deuces Live District is the heart of a vibrant and prosperous African-American community on St. Pete’s south side.
The Deuces Live District
Dive into the heart of St. Pete’s Black legacy at the historic Deuces Live neighborhood, buzzing with history, culture and community spirit.
Explore the Deuces Live District, a cornerstone of St. Pete’s Black community where the streets are filled with rich history near 22nd Street South and 9th Avenue South in South St. Pete. Journey into history at the Woodson African American Museum of Florida’s exhibits and cultural events, then discover local landmarks like the iconic “Black History Matters” street mural. Now through March 1, the Woodson is featuring a special exhibit focused on the Jim Crow era entitled Resilience & Revolution: An Immersion of Black Americana.
Check out the historic Royal Theater, a once-segregated 700-seat theater for Black moviegoers that is now home to a Boys & Girls Club. Admire the “Great Futures Start Here” mural painted by artist Brian McAllister and local students on the side of the World War Two-era Quonset hut-style building at the Theater.
For a closer look at the community, visit a local Black-owned business and discover its unique backstory, or join the St. Pete Black History Bike Tours. These popular tours run monthly from fall through spring, so be sure to reserve your spot early.
Watch Our Deuces Live Video
Why The Deuces Live is a Must-See Spot
Stroll down 22nd Street South, nicknamed “The Deuces” for its double twos, and you’ll feel the pulse of St. Pete’s African American community echoing decades’ worth of resilience and cultural richness. Once a segregated neighborhood in what was known as the historic 22nd Street Business District, Deuces Live District is now a vibrant neighborhood rooted in local history and generational stories celebrating Black excellence.
Step into The Woodson Museum, a hub for cultural exhibits, art shows, concerts, poetry readings and activism events. Savor the aroma of homecooked collard greens at the annual Tampa Bay Collard Green Festival held at The Woodson each winter. In search of a hidden gem that’s a local favorite? Find your inner peace at The Woodson’s secret garden tucked away behind the museum, a popular spot for relaxation, weddings and other events.
Embark on the self-guided African American Heritage Trail starting at The Woodson as you discover the impactful stories, key figures and pivotal moments woven into the fabric of St. Pete’s Black history. Every landmark on this path walks you through history, including the Historic Manhattan Casino where music legends like Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington and B.B. King once graced the stage of the former dance hall.
From seafood platters at Lorene's Fish & Crab House to soul food favorites at Heavy's Restaurant & Take Out, satisfy your cravings with Deuces meals from local restaurants. For an all-you-can-eat buffet experience, dine at Naan Boti Chai Shai for global cuisine of Pakistani and Indian food.
Head to the charming Urban Drinkery Wine Bar, where art, coffee and wine meet jazz and R&B every Sunday. Step into a Gatsby-esque era at The Catalyst on the Deuces, a speakeasy shaking up cocktails, jazz nights and poetry slams. If you need to work remotely in a creative environment, get your productivity on at The Catalyst’s coworking space.
Find Cultured Books at the Deuces Corner Park on the first Saturdays through May. Browse children’s books celebrating diversity and culture at the Black-owned pop-up bookstore. You can also find Cultured Books at The Woodson this April for “Poetry in the Gardens” and at the St. Pete Reads! Lit Fest at The Woodson on Saturday, November 2, 2024.
Parking Tips
Finding your way around Deuces Live, near 22nd Street South and 9th Avenue South, is a breeze. Park at the free lot across from the Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum, or find free street parking nearby.
The African American Heritage Trail
Travel through time on a self-guided tour of the African American Heritage Trail, where stories of St. Pete’s early Black community, their challenges and their unwavering spirit are embedded throughout the path.
Learn More