5 Things to Know in St. Pete Today: No Voter Choice on Waterfront Projects

1.) No Voter Approval of Waterfront Projects: If you were waiting for the city to decide to allow voters to have a say in upcoming waterfront projects, such as rebuiding the St. Petersburg Pier, you're out of luck. to allow for voter approval of major projects on the waterfront This means the proposed plan to demolish and renovate the current pier is full speed ahead. The city has begun a design contest for the $50 million project.

2.) Soccer at Al Lang: St. Petersburg's own soccer team had better bring their "A game" tonight when a team from the English Premier League, Bolton Wanderers FC, begins its USA pre-season tour. Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. at Al Lang Stadium/Progress Energy Park in downtown St. Petersburg. For tickets, contact 813-287-1539 or tickets@fctampabay.com.

3.) Paint Your Shoes Like Chihuly: Thursday is "Paint Your Shoes' night at the , 400 Beach Drive. Beginning at 5, anyone who wants can have a chance to splotch a pair of shoes in the inimitable style of stained glass master Dale Chihuly. The museum supplies the paint. You supply shoes and inspiration.

4.) Guitar Hero Night at Jannus: Usually, the folks making lots of noise at Jannus Live are playing actual instruments. But tonight, the shredding will be done on the Guitar Hero video game as part of the nightspot's Thursday Night Hang series. Go to for more information.

5.) Where Are You Going Out for Dinner? This week's Bites Nearby is on a sweet little gastropub in the Grand Central District. Are you a fan? Let us know in the comments. Or tell us where you plan to go out to dinner this weekend. Someplace with air conditioning, we hope.