Barbara Zaccaria ~(727) 709-0577
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St Petersburg, FL Area Guide
St. Petersburg, “The Sunshine City”, is as synonymous with Florida as the oranges and limes grown here, bringing to mind images of sand, surf and sunshine. Referred to by locals as St. Pete, our city is part of the larger Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater Metropolitan Area, welcoming new residents, seasonal residents, tourists and visitors year-round to enjoy the estimated 360 days of St. Petersburg’s sunny weather, year after year.
Located on the peninsula between Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, St. Petersburg is accessible to mainland Florida, convenient to a number of airports, and surrounded by water on three sides. The city prides itself on its colorful character, the artistic and eclectic proclivities of its residents, and its location in what many call “paradise on Earth”. Pirates, poets, politicians and pioneers make up our unique cultural history—we invite new residents to come to our shores and write a few chapters of their own here. To learn more about life in St. Petersburg, please visit:
Florida Touristry Division--Visit Florida, St. Petersburg
St. Petersburg & Clearwater Visitors & Convention Center
City of St. Petersburg Visitors & Residents Guide
History
Co-founded in 1888 by John C. Williams and Russian aristocrat Peter Demens to accommodate the terminus of the Orange Belt Railway system, St. Petersburg is named after the historic Russian city bearing the same name. The city was incorporated in 1892, with St. Petersburg’s population and infrastructure gradually expanding with the rail lines connecting it to other major industrial cities nationwide. Electrical service, trolley cars, business centers and a strong shipping economy grew at the beginning of the 20th century and remain financially viable mainstays into the present era of St. Petersburg. In 1914, the nation’s first commercial airline, the St. Petersburg–Tampa Airboat Line, instituted round-trip air service across Tampa Bay from St. Petersburg to Tampa and back. Easy accessibility to air-conditioning in the 1940’s prompted a population boom across Florida, with the beaches of St. Petersburg bringing tourists, retirees and new families to the area. There are over 100 neighborhoods in St. Petersburg, many of which are listed on the historic registry and feature unique, preserved historic architecture. Historical districts, such as the notable Ybor City, historic buildings, destinations and museums are abundant throughout St. Petersburg and the Tampa Bay area. To explore the history of Pinellas County, St. Petersburg and the Tampa Bay region, please visit:
St. Petersburg Historic Landmarks
Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum
Indian Rocks Beach Historical Museum
MOSI (Museum of Science and Industry)
Pinellas County - Heritage Village
Gulf Beaches Historical Museum
Parks and Recreation
St. Petersburg is one of the jewels of Florida’s crown—our region offers residents and visitors access to 26 miles of the most beautiful coastline Florida has to offer, 2300 acres of preserved natural lands and wildlife and over 100 unique destinations to experience it all in. Bocce courts, nature trails, bird watching locations, public pools, picnic areas and playgrounds are just some of the featured amenities at the neighborhood parks of St. Pete.
Baseball, softball, basketball, disc golf, football, golf, horseshoes, kickball, sailing, shuffle board, skate parks, soccer, tennis and Jai-Alai areas are built into the design of many of our municipal sports complexes, and the sunny climate makes most outdoor activities enjoyable and available throughout the seasons: from horseback and ATV riding, hiking, biking and rock climbing to fishing, parasailing, windboarding, swimming, kiteboarding, sailing, snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking and canoeing, there’s an adventure awaiting you by land or by water. Equestrian activities, camping, nature watching, nature touring, and picnicking are available at most area parks; no matter what your preference, there’s a place to enjoy it in St. Petersburg.
The municipal, state and national parks of our area offer some of the nation’s finest bird watching, as well as history and nature coming together in the idyllic scenery of Florida. Madira Bickel Mound State Archaeological Site, the Skyway Fishing Pier State Park, Ybor City Museum State Park, Myakka River State Park and the famous mermaids of Weeki Wachi Springs are other conveniently located destinations that offer a glimpse of the pristine beauty of Florida’s natural lands. Ft. DeSoto Beach, consistently ranked the #1 beach in the United States, is St. Petersburg’s must-see attraction. Named for the historic fort located on the park grounds, Ft. DeSoto Beach features 900-acres of park lands, a year-round county campground, an 800-foot boat launch with floating docks, picnic pavilions with grills, fishing piers, 2.25 miles of canoe trails, miles of nature trails and paved fitness trails, a concession stand and restroom and shower facilities for visitors to make use of while enjoying the park. Tours of the five interconnected islands that comprise the park are offered daily, and the sweeping panoramic view of the sunset (or sunrise) over the Sunshine Skyway Bridge is a perfect beginning or ending to any visit to the park. To learn more about the parks, recreation, sports and activities available in St. Petersburg, please visit:
St. Petersburg Parks and Recreation
Florida State Parks, Southwest Region
National Parks Service, Florida Locations
Weeki Wachee Springs State Park
Skyway Fishing Pier State Park
Madira Bickel Mound State Archaeological Site
Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary Inc.
Beaches of St. Petersburg & Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce
St. Petersburg Municipal Beach
Fort Desoto Beach
Maximo Beach & Park
St. Petersburg's Spa Beach
North Shore Beaches
Egmont Key
Tierra Verde/Isla Del Sol
Pass-a-Grille Beach
St. Pete Beach
Treasure Island
Madeira Beach
Redington Beach
North Redington Beach
Redington Shores
Indian Shores
Indian Rocks Beach
Clearwater Beach
Sports and Activities
Tampa Bay Storm Arena Football
St. Petersburg Shuffleboard Club
St. Pete Parasails & Capt. Mike's Watersports
Attractions and Activities
St. Petersburg is culturally diverse and cosmopolitan, offering residents and visitors some of the finest offerings in its museums, cultural attractions, arts exhibitions and theatrical performances. The Port of Tampa is one of the busiest cruise ports in the United States—so step aboard and relax on a day cruise, sunset cruise, dolphin watch, pirate ship or weeklong furlough to the islands—in St. Petersburg, it’s all up to you. Our residents enjoy easy access to beaches and theme parks, upscale shopping and dining destinations, and a diverse choice of entertainment opportunities. With everything from nightclubs and spas to world-class art galleries available, our residents have a busy calendar to choose from. Noted for its arts community, St. Petersburg has consistently ranked in the top 25 national arts destinations.
The Salvador Dalí Museum, which features the largest collection of Dalí’s work outside of Europe, is one of St. Petersburg’s more unique cultural draws. Musical performances, theater events, dance recitals, art exhibits, festivals, and crafts shows are available daily. Wineries, breweries and an exciting array of tours—from historic to natural to ghost-hunting—are all available to experience year round, with special seasonal events scheduled to highlight the civic and natural spirit of the area. To learn more about the cultural, artistic and high-energy attractions of St. Petersburg, please visit:
The Pirate Ship at John's Pass
Theatre, Culture and the Arts
The St. Petersburg Arts Center
Great Explorations Children's Museum
Museum of Fine Arts in St. Petersburg
Chihuly Collection presented by Morean Arts Center
The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art
Shopping, Dining, Leisure and Attractions
Seasonally, St. Petersburg residents have the opportunity to shop the local farmer’s market, which sets up at Al Lang Field (Progress Energy Park), supporting local craftsmen, artisans and farmers of the community. Downtown, St. Petersburg’s BayWalk shopping complex, features a diverse selection of retailers, eateries and entertainment opportunities, making it a popular nightlife destination as well as a place for daytime shopping and dining excursions. Jannus Landing, just south of BayWalk, is the heart of St. Petersburg’s vibrant arts and nightlife community, with numerous venues, including the noteworthy State Theatre, scheduling live music and performances year-round.
Malls, Merchants' Associations and Shopping Centers of St. Pete/Tampa Bay
Pinellas Park Square Shopping Center
400 Beach Seafood and Tap House
Events
Geologically, culturally, civically and historically rich, St. Petersburg is a progressive community that honors its histories and traditions while embracing modernization and technological advancement in their community.The St. Petersburg community calendar is full of festivals and events, changing constantly with seasonal scheduling. Annual events span a diverse range and ensure that there’s an event scheduled to meet anyone’s taste. The Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Circus McGurkis, Acura Sports Car Challenge of St. Petersburg, Saint Petersburg Times Festival of Reading, Gasparilla Pirate Festival and Ybor City’s Latin-style Halloween festival, GuavaWeen are area favorites that are not to be missed. To find out what sporting, historic, cultural or ecological events are happening during your time in St. Petersburg, please visit:
St. Petersburg & Clearwater Events Calendar
Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg & Acura Sports Car Challenge of St. Petersburg
