Story by Steve Traiman
By the time you read this, our communities will have begun their new 2021 fiscal year – with all seeing a much better year ahead.
Infrastructure repairs and improvements continued, even during the pandemic … Local cities lost parking and business license revenues … The entire hospitality industry took a huge hit and repercussions of the shutdown of our region’s largest Industry will be widely felt.
However, there are positive signs going into 2021. The “SunRunner,” Tampa Bay’s first “bus rapid transit” link between St. Pete Beach and downtown St. Petersburg, is moving forward. It will connect the mainland to St. Pete Beach at the County Beach Access Park, across from Dolphin Village Shopping Center.
The long-term plan is for the SunRunner to connect “New Tampa” to Tampa Airport and on to downtown St. Pete. There are already new residences available on or near the route, and more development is being announced regularly west of downtown St. Petersburg.
St. Pete Beach is on schedule for completion of its sewer system overhaul and there is light at the end of the tunnel for a lifting of the construction moratorium. New development projects are being announced, showing faith in our area’s future. The TradeWinds has long planned a new 300-room hotel on the former Coral Reef property, and The Miramar recently announced a six-story boutique hotel project on its current motel site, just south of the Beach Access Park.Here are highlights from Visit St. Pete/Clearwater, St. Petersburg, St. Pete Beach and Treasure Island.
VSPC ‘Rise to Shine’ Campaign
“The renewal of VISIT FLORIDA’s funding is integral to our advertising efforts,” Visit St. Pete/Clearwater (VSPC), President and CEO Steve Hayes told Paradise News. “It allows us to extend our marketing dollars in markets the Florida brand has been established in by VISIT FLORIDA, and expand our resources to make a larger impact. VISIT FLORIDA serves as a conduit in conveying and sharing what’s happening statewide, whether it’s related to hurricane season
or COVID-19.”
“It’s more important than ever for our destination to demonstrate that you can travel responsibly, and creating a clear message to our visitors in a fun and vibrant way was what we set out to do with the Rise to Shine campaign. The unified approach communicating expectations during COVID-19 helps support the No. 1 employer in Pinellas County – tourism.”
Ahead of the traditionally busy travel Labor Day weekend, VSPC, along with local officials, unveiled its Visiting Safely & Responsibly Campaign called “Rise to Shine” Sept. 4 at Pier 60 on Clearwater Beach. The nearly $2 million campaign was developed with chambers of commerce and local municipalities to give Pinellas County businesses a unified approach communicating expectations during the pandemic.
Developed to reach locals, in-market visitors and prospective visitors in the Tampa Bay and Orlando area–St. Pete/Clearwater’s top two markets in the past six months–the campaign consists of robust marketing efforts, including TV and radio, PSTA-wrapped buses, presence at both St. Pete/Clearwater International Airport and Tampa International Airport, outdoor billboards, digital and paid media including Google Search, Snapchat geo-filters, Connected TV and more.
“With tourism being Pinellas County’s No. 1 employer,” said Pinellas County Board of County Commission Chair Pat Gerard, “we have to do everything we can to reinvigorate our tourism industry and local businesses during this challenging time. This campaign is a great signal of that support.”
According to the latest traveler sentiment research from Destination Analysts (a San Francisco-based tourism research firm), those thinking about a trip–even staycations–want to know what hotels, attractions, restaurants and destinations are doing to keep them safe. The same research is showing an overwhelming number of travelers want to know destinations have strict safety measures in place, like a face covering mandate. This campaign is designed to communicate that and rebuild consumer confidence.
St. Pete/Clearwater continues to lead the state in many tourism metrics since reopening its beaches, despite nearly 50% of American travelers cancelling 2.1 trips on average because of the pandemic. While forecasts for travel in the remainder of 2020 is down, especially fall/winter holidays, beach destinations and small towns make up the majority of leisure trips planned for American travelers.
“It’s more important than ever for our destination to demonstrate that you can travel responsibly and we’re here to support the county face covering ordinance and other safety measures,” Hayes continued.
• All Pinellas County businesses (not just tourism-specific) are invited to participate in the Rise to Shine campaign. From buttons for employees, decals for restrooms and tables, and digital graphics, VSPC is producing collateral for businesses to display onsite to show support, and spread the Rise to Shine messaging.
• Among the first to join as campaign partners are Pier 60, John’s Pass, Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach, Teak/Pier Teaki at the St. Pete Pier, The Birchwood and Hubbard’s Marina.
To learn more about the Rise to Shine campaign or to sign up to participate, go online to www.VisitSPC.com/RisetoShine.
Resilience in St. Petersburg
“Running a city is a challenge during ordinary times,” St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman told Paradise News. “During a global pandemic, it takes an extraordinary team effort to ensure a thriving city like St. Petersburg continues on its upward trajectory.
“Success in St. Pete, a city of more than 270,000 residents that normally welcomes millions of visitors each year, equates to success for our surrounding communities. This is true for everything from the strength of our small businesses to our recent infrastructure upgrades (St. Pete treats the wastewater for Gulfport, South Pasadena, and many of our beach communities).
“Despite the pandemic, we managed to open the new St. Pete Pier in a safe and responsible way. Residents and visitors now have 26 more acres to experience. The entire 26-acre Pier District offers five great restaurants at different price points for all residents and visitors, unique public art from four world-renowned artists, a great lawn, a bathing beach, various teaching landscapes and performance spaces. And there are also places where you can just sit and watch people and the surrounding waterfront.
“Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille is the featured restaurant in the Pelican Lot section of the new Pier. Fresco’s Waterfront Bistro, located near the Pier entrance, features a spacious wrap-around deck with views of the open water, boat-filled marinas and the Pier District. The Spa Beach Bistro is an inviting entry point to the Pier in a stylish Pavilion structure. At ground level, there’s the Driftwood Cafe, rising nine feet from the Pier Point deck and connecting to the tilted lawn; the casual walkup spot offers ice cream and snacks. On the roof, you can kick back at Pier Teaki, a modern take on the classic tiki bar. And Teak is a marquee fine dining eatery on the fourth floor of the elegant Pier Point building at the end of the Pier.
“We’re also very pleased to have Tampa Bay Watch in charge of operating our 3,000-square-foot Discovery Center and we know their long history of ‘saving the Bay every day’ will be a key attraction when the Pier is ready for its many great programs.”
“Just a few weeks ago, we stood with our friends at Visit St. Pete/Clearwater announcing that more than 715,000 Condé Nast Traveler readers had voted for St. Petersburg as one of their top 10 favorite American cities. It is an honor to be named alongside great cities like Chicago, Washington, D.C., New York, and Boston. It was particularly thrilling to announce this honor at the pier.
“We also managed to run our annual Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, one of IndyCar’s most exciting street courses. In St. Pete, we continue to follow the science and stress the importance of being outdoors and socially distanced. Our World Series watch parties, which included socially distanced pods at the Pier’s Spa Beach Park, was evidence of the ‘St. Pete Way.’ We’re doing it right.
“As a leader within the U.S. Conference of Mayors, I am well aware of the impact COVID-19 has had on cities throughout our nation. The news isn’t good for many of them. However, I am proud of how our recent history of fiscal discipline in St. Pete has helped us to weather the pandemic. We even managed to provide unprecedented financial aid to our small businesses and their employees prior to federal or state assistance. We will continue to do all we can to help our residents and business owners survive COVID-19, and then thrive when we get on the other side of this challenge. We will continue to lead.”
Exciting 2021 in St. Pete Beach
“Despite the travel limitations of COVID-19 earlier this year, it has turned out to be an exciting time for residents and visitors alike in St. Pete Beach,” Mayor Al Johnson told Paradise News. “Changes in infrastructure and transportation are bringing many new options to the Sunset Capital of Florida.
“St. Pete Beach’s moratorium on development, enacted several years ago due to the discovery that its sewage system was operating above capacity, may soon be reversed. The city’s new sewer expansion project – beginning Oct. 27th is paving the way for several hotel projects that will not only entice visitors but also add more local entertainment and dining options.“
City Manager Alex Rey noted, “St. Pete Beach is known for its beauty and gorgeous waters. This sewer project is an investment in keeping them pristine, protecting our environment, and updating an older system with current environmentally-friendly technology that reduces our risk of future contamination. It is an exciting expansion to our environmental commitment.”
With the new sewer upgrades in place, the Miramar Beach Resort (4200 Gulf Blvd.) could undergo a large-scale modernization going from a 1-2 story structure to a 6-story, 54-room luxury resort. The resort would include a fitness center, indoor and outdoor dining options, a rooftop pool and lounge.
The Howard Johnson Resort (6100 Gulf Blvd.) is undergoing a $13 million renovation to redevelop and rebrand the hotel as a Hilton Garden Inn and add an additional eight rooms.
The Grand Plaza Hotel (5250 Gulf Blvd.) is planning an $8.1 million renovation project that includes updating the main lobby, Bongos Bar, the Penthouse suite, and other guest rooms. Spinners Restaurant will receive new furnishing and ADA upgrades.
The venerable Don CeSar Hotel (3400 Gulf Blvd.) is undergoing a $10.7 million renovation project that includes the 277 guest rooms as well as exterior projects.
In addition to the accommodation changes, the St. Pete Beach Library is undergoing a renovation to its 51-year-old building’s roof and interior. Next January, visitors can expect new furniture, flooring, paint and lighting. Rey added, “Not only will the library have a more modern, brighter space, but patrons will undoubtedly enjoy the return of many of its valuable programs and vital spaces.”
Transit options are also increasing in St. Pete Beach. By the beginning of 2022, St. Pete Beach will be easily accessible from downtown St. Pete via The SunRunner. This new train-like transit line will have limited stops and semi-exclusive travel lanes, running every 15-30 minutes depending on the time of day.
Once arriving in St. Pete Beach, “Freebee” is a fun and free way to get around. Last December, St. Pete Beach rolled out the free micro-transit electric bus. Freebee’s on-demand service means passengers can “order it” (like Uber or Lift) via a phone call or on the app. In 2020, the route expanded to include Dolphin Village South, Belle Vista, Lido Beach, and Boca Ciega Isle as well as its original area of County Park to Pass-a-Grille. The service runs 6am-midnight, seven days a week.
“Freebee perfectly marries our laidback, beach-life attitude with an environmentally-conscious mode of transportation that fits the size of our beach community,” said Rey.
“In addition to a fun community and beautiful natural resources, St. Pete Beach is continuing the work it started that won it the designation of second-best beach destination in the nation. In 2021, we’re looking forward to continuing the commitment to protecting our environment and natural resources, while balancing that with smart growth.”
“Sandhenge” Sparks Treasure Island
“’Sanding Ovations presents Sandhenge, a Sand Sculpting Exhibition’, is a modification of the annual Sanding Ovations, Masters Cup Competition,” Treasure Island Recreation Director Cathy Hayduke told Paradise News. “The 12th annual Sanding Ovations, Masters Cup will return in November 2021.
“Due to COVID-19, the event was modified to adhere to CDC guidelines for mass gatherings and to encourage social distancing. The main change this year is that Sanding Ovations is not a competition but an exhibition. International sculptors were unable to travel due to travel restrictions and therefore, could not compete. Sculptors from the U.S. and Canada will be in attendance to create Sandhenge.
“Event is set for Nov. 19-22 on the beach behind the Bilmar Resort at 10650 Gulf Blvd. The masterful exhibition of sand sculpting talent at the world-class level is the big appeal, supplemented by the giant sponsor sculpture created by Treasure Island’s own Meredith and Dan Doubleday of Sanding Ovations professional sand sculptors. Sanding Ovations welcomes sculptors Sue McGrew, Deborah Barrett-Cutulle, Melineige Beauregard, Manuel Campos, Damon Meri, Abe Waterman and Bruce Philips who will be creating Sandhenge.
“Additional changes include cancellation of the Meet the Masters event and elimination of a main stage. Social distancing enhancements will include virtual engagements with the sculptors and event organizers and smaller entertainment platforms featuring local entertainment along with roving performers will be held throughout the event. The food court seating area has been eliminated this year and guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs to enjoy the entertainment as well as the Saturday night fireworks display at 8pm.
“The annual Veterans Fall Fly sponsored by Windworks of Madeira Beach will be held in conjunction with Sanding Ovations. Breath-taking kites will be flown each day from 10am to 4pm, with a possible night fly on Friday and Saturday evening. Check the Sanding Ovations website at www.sandingovationsmasterscup.com for updates and entertainment.”
Mayor Larry Lunn added, “In addition to hosting Sandhenge, one of the first major Tampa Bay festivals to go on in 2020, we’re very pleased with continuing progress on talks with St. Petersburg for continuing repairs and maintenance for the vital bridge link between Treasure Island and the mainland. We expect to welcome many local residents and visitors for our Sanding Ovations exhibition as the kickoff to a much more forward-looking 2021.”
[Editor’s Note: Special thanks to President/CEO Steve Hayes and Mackenzie Comerer, VSPC; Mayor Rick Kriseman and Ben Kirby, St. Petersburg; Mayor Al Johnson, City Manager Alex Rey and Sarah Laracuente, St. Pete Beach; Cathy Hayduke; Mayor Larry Lunn and Jeff Jensen, Treasure Island, for their valuable input.]
[Steve Traiman is President of Creative Copy by Steve Traiman, St. Pete Beach, providing business writing services at traimancreativecopy@gmail.com or by phone to 727-363-7531.]