Amaris Castillo's 'Bodega Stories' Is a Love Letter to Her Family's St. Petersburg Convenience Store

Amaris Castillo grew up around bodegas, which are small, owner-operated convenience stores.

Her new book "Bodega Stories" is a portrait of the bodega her parents own in St. Pete called Orlando Latin Market. The book is part autobiography and part oral history of her Dominican-American family and the customers who frequent the store.

Talking to host Matthew Peddie on "Florida Matters Live & Local," Castillo gives insight into her upbringing and how the bodega is a home away from home not just for Dominicans, but Puerto Ricans, Colombians, Cubans, Haitians and more.

Thanks to our friends at Florida Matters Live & Local for sharing this conversation, which was recorded in September 2026.