2018 is almost a wrap and Skyway Marina District wants to highlight some of what they have accomplished, review some current activities and list a few of their goals for the coming year.
They held two large events in the District in 2018, the May Day Race and 5 Year Anniversary Block Party. Both were great successes:
- Approximately 600 participated in the May Day Race and with some planned additions for 2019 they hope to attract about 700 participants.
- The 5-year Anniversary Party attendees were estimated to be 1,500. They had great reviews following the event.
In addition to the above, the SMD has hosted 4 cleanup events in cooperation with Keep Pinellas Beautiful. Volunteers collected over 500 lbs of trash in 2018!
Other news & happenings:
- The Maximo Marina has officially opened its docks and are applying the finishing touches of their renovation.
- The Getaway Maximo opened its doors in May.
- The Phillips “Sur Club” held a community meeting to update the community as to the status of their project after the Cube Smart was finished. Philips plans to start construction on the apartments in 2019. Two restaurants are to be developed in the front section of the property along 34th St S.
- There is a new restaurant in the Publix complex, Yummy Teriyaki.
- A Brick Oven Pizza restaurant is coming to the Marina Village complex
- The news of the current K Mart property to house new apartments and restaurant by Contravest came and was approved by the City Review Board.
- A new car wash is planned for the Region’s Bank Property in front of Walmart
- Wawa is back on track to start construction next to St. Bart’s Church.
- Hwy 19 / 34th Street re-surfacing project
- FDOT has announced they have shortened the scheduled time for re-surfacing 34th St from 22nd Ave N to 54th Ave S from 2022 to 2020
- The project includes an 8’ to 10’ sidewalk on the east side of 34th from 22nd Ave S to 54th Ave S
- Representatives are active on the review committee formed by Forward Pinellas to make recommendations to improve the project in the SMD
The Skyway Marina District has plans for great things in 2019 including:
- May Day Race
- Food truck rally
- Joint activity with St. Petersburg City Theater
- Apply decorative paint themes to dumpsters
- Wrap signal light boxes with marine-oriented themes
- Artwork throughout the District
- Place murals on identified buildings and fences in the District
Four SMD committees worked hard on ideas, thoughts and concerns of the District all through 2018. Here is some of what they did:
- They participated in many meeting and seminars including City Council, Complete Streets, Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Committee(s), and many others.
- Economic Vitality Committee held 2 business workshops on Google and Social Media,
- Economic Vitality Committee organized monthly Business Association meetings and soirees to encourage the businesses in SMD to network with one another.
- This year they held a scarecrow contest between businesses and had 10 participants. The 2018 winner was featured Tosti’s Spirits & Fine Wine. Tosti’s was featured, won a trophy and they have bragging rights until next year!
- The Marketing Committee sent out a brochure of business ads to over 5,000 households letting the residents know what they can find in the SMD.
- The Arts and Design Committee received the news that permits were accepted to underground electric utilities in front of the monument sign at 34th St. S and 54th Ave S.
- The Arts and Design Committee reports that permitting was approved for installing the 147 pedestrian lights along 34th St. S. As soon as the light installation is completed banners touting the SMD will be mounted on each light pole. Installation is expected in first half of 2019.
- The Arts and Design Committee reports the City of St. Pete and the PSTA have agreed to install new bus shelters in the District.
As always, we encourage you to join a committee, get involved and help us become the destination we want to be.