New in Town: The Stinger Bar

When St. Petersburg resident Jesse Jackson began contemplating opening a second bar – he already owned the popular Something Different on Central Avenue for several years now – only one thing came to mind: playing pool.

An avid fan of the game who has honed his skills over the years, Jackson knew that this would be a driving force behind his new venture, The Stinger Bar, which opened at the end of last month. While the local sports bar has a relaxed, neighborhood feel that makes anyone feel instantly at home, what he hopes will eventually make the bar tick is an influx of pool leagues. The American Pool Association will hold its league games on Mondays and Thursdays, while the St. Petersburg Invitation will play on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. “I’m a big fan of [the game],” he said. As he readied his pool stick, a man looking on, a regular, said, “You need to watch this guy. I’ve known him forever. He’s a real sharp shooter.”

Jackson stressed that he plans on hosting other events, including karaoke nights and live bands on weekends. And every television in the bar will always be tuned into whatever big sports game is going on at the moment, he said. “We’re getting ready for the football season.” There’s also other typical bar staples, in addition to the two pool tables, including dart boards, a well-stocked jukebox, happy hour from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday (starting at 11 a.m. on Sunday), and a vast U-shaped bar.

So pool leagues won’t overwhelm the bar, said Jackson, he hopes Stinger takes on the role of local go-to watering hole, a home away from home, where everyone really does know your name. In fact, the bar opened up at 2222 49th Street South, practically straddling the borderline between St. Petersburg and Gulfport in the location of another, former neighborhood hotspot, The Blinker, which closed about two years ago.

Jackson knew of the location at the busy intersection because he used to frequent The Blinker. “I knew the bar very well. It was a nice place,” he said, as he eyed the early evening crowd at Stinger. “I used to shoot pool here. I came to Blinker all the time. In fact, a lot of these people here now, I knew them from the old place.”

If the June 24 grand opening -- which reunited the band No Name Storm, well-known to regulars who frequented The Blinker – as well as the continued business the bar does on a daily basis is any indication, Jackson said it’s obvious locals needed a place to go.

“It’s great to have somewhere to go that’s so comfortable and close to home,” said one woman, who didn’t want to have her name published, while waiting to order a drink at the end of the bar. “It was definitely missed.”