The St. Pete Pier Official Magazine 2024

IN THIS ISSUE

Noted historian Will Michaels tells us how The St. Pete Pier™ evolved since the late 1800s.

Pier Design

Forward thinking planners make The Pier special year after year.

Explore Downtown St. Pete

Learn what’s happening at The Pier and things to see and do while you enjoy downtown.

Talented Entertainers

Meet the musicians who perform at The Pier.

Calendar of Events

Attend fitness and festivals to classes and concerts.

From “Bending Arc” to mini-murals, art is at the heart of this new pier.

Pier

Keep

WELCOME TO THE PIER

Greetings from the City of St. Petersburg!

I hope you will enjoy this issue of Pier Magazine, a publication dedicated to the St. Pete Pier, a 26-acre jewel on the City’s sparkling waterfront.

In line with the City's vision to be "a diverse, vibrant city guided by principled progress and intentional inclusivity where innovation, partnerships, and ingenuity create opportunity for all," today’s Pier is the result of powerful collaborations and public input.

When it opened in July 2020, the new Pier provided a safe, welcoming environment and cost-free respite at a time when it was needed most. The Pier has quickly become an inclusive destination for St. Pete residents, businesses, and visitors alike. Annual attendance of 2.3 million is significantly higher than original projections, largely because it offers something for everyone, seven days a week, and exists for the enjoyment of all who live, work, and visit here.

We invite you to soak up the local culture and view the eclectic artwork designed by world-renowned artists specifically for the Pier. Unwind with a fabulous meal enveloped by spectacular views. Take a power walk or a casual stroll. Enjoy an afternoon of fishing, shopping, or playing with the kids. You will also find a bevy of beautiful treasures in downtown St. Pete and the surrounding areas.

Explore the many opportunities that await your visit to the Southeast’s largest waterfront district and discover what makes St. Pete’s newest asset a world class amenity. Once you realize all there is to see and do, I’m confident your visit to the St. Pete Pier will exceed expectations and stretch your imagination.

We Are St. Pete,

PIERS THROUGH THE YEARS

By Will Michaels

Piers and St. Petersburg are virtually synonymous. The city was founded by John and Sarah Williams and Peter Demens in 1888. The Williams owned the land and had visions of a great city. Back then to be a great city a railroad was required. Peter Demens, owner of the Orange Belt Railway agreed to route his railroad to the new city in exchange for a prime share of the anticipated downtown real estate. Part of the deal was that he would extend his railroad tracks out over a pier reaching water 12 feet deep to accomplish cargo exchange between ships and the train. Demens probably did not know how shallow Tampa Bay was, as it took 3,000 feet of pier to reach that depth. Over time the piers became tourist attractions and amenities for residents. Shipping activities were relocated to Bayboro Harbor, adjacent to the current site of the University of South Florida St. Petersburg Campus. The Railroad Pier was located just south of today’s St. Pete Pier, now known as Demens Landing.

The Railroad Pier and the Orange Belt Railway were eventually acquired by railroad entrepreneur Henry B. Plant. Plant also had his own shipping interests, and those that were not a part of his system paid a fee to use the pier. Some thought this wrong. One such person was boatbuilder D.F.S. Brantley. In 1896 Brantley built another pier named after himself to compete. The Brantley Pier was 1,500 feet long. A horse-drawn flat car was used to shuttle goods and passengers from water’s edge to and from moored ships at the pier’s head. It also boasted a 34-room bathing pavilion which proved most popular. The Brantley Pier began the tradition of the downtown 2nd Avenue Northeast piers.

In 1906 The Brantley Pier was replaced by the Electric Pier. This pier was developed by Frank Davis who owned the St. Petersburg Electric Light & Power Company and the St. Petersburg & Gulf Electric Railway, a streetcar utility. Davis used his ready access to electric power to line the pier with hundreds of electric lights. He also extended his streetcar operation all the way down the pier bridge.

The Electric Pier was succeeded in 1913 by the Municipal Recreation Pier. This was the first pier to accommodate automobiles. Various amenities were located along the pier approach including an indoor swimming pool called the Spa and the adjacent Spa Beach, aquarium, history museum, dance hall and banquet facility. Of particular note, a hangar was built in 1914 for the world’s first airline. The location of a hangar on the pier approach at first may seem curious. However, the airline used airboats or what are now called seaplanes. On New Year’s Day, 1914, pioneer pilot Tony Jannus flew the first flight of the world’s first airline from the Central Yacht Basin by the pier across the bay to Tampa and back. Later, additional hangars were constructed for other seaplanes. The current Pier includes a full-size sculpture of the first airliner,

the Benoist Airboat. The most destructive hurricane to hit the area since 1848 damaged the wooden Municipal Pier in 1921. While it was repaired it was eventually replaced by the Million Dollar Pier.

During the era of segregation African Americans were not welcome at the piers. For example, they were restricted from Spa Beach, and a modest, ill-kept beach was designated for their use at Demens Landing.

Opened in 1926, the Million Dollar Pier, with its casino building at the east end, was also a major tourist attraction for the city and a popular gathering space for residents. The Pier extended 1,452 feet including the pier head and accommodated a 100-foot-wide two-lane bridge and a streetcar line which delivered passengers

right into the casino. The casino included an observation deck, bait houses, and the WSUN radio station. The Pier was called the Million Dollar Pier because that was almost exactly what it cost to build--$998,729.18 to be exact. Despite the name Casino for the huge building at the pier head, no gambling was allowed. Designed in the most popular architectural style in St. Petersburg in the 1920s, the Pier incorporated Spanish, Italian, and Moorish elements, rounding out the City’s Mediterranean Revival-style heritage. A Solarium for nude sunbathing was constructed on the pier approach in 1930, and in 1954 a Senior Citizens Center was established with the help of Evelyn Rittenhouse and Doc Webb of the celebrated World’s Most Unusual Drug Store. (Rittenhouse was also a founder of the world-famous Kids and Kubs Senior

The Million Dollar Pier and casino in 1926.

Softball League which still plays at North Shore Park.) The Million Dollar Pier was demolished in 1967 due to deterioration and a desire on the part of some city leaders to see a modern replacement.

The Inverted Pyramid, with its radical, forward-thinking structure was built on top of the 1926 pier foundation. It was designed by noted architect William Harvard, Sr. Completed and opened to the public in 1973, the iconic design continued the tradition of an over-water public gathering place and tourist attraction in downtown St. Petersburg for four decades.

The new St. Pete Pier succeeded the Inverted Pyramid Pier opening in 2020. Its history is now in your hands.

From its earliest days in the late 1800s, St. Petersburg and its piers have been intricately linked. There have been many iterations of a pier over the years including:

1889

The Railroad Pier

1896

The Brantley Pier

1900

The Fountain of Youth Pier

1906

The Electric Pier

1913

Municipal Recreation Pier

1926

Million Dollar Pier

1973

Inverted Pyramid Pier

2020

St. Pete Pier

Will Michaels is a St. Pete historian and was a member of the 2010 Pier Task Force and the subsequent Pier Alliance. He is also the Chair of the Pier and Parks Committee for the Council of Neighborhood Associations. More about Pier history may be found in his book The Making of St. Petersburg.

An early postcard shows the Million Dollar Pier and casino, 1926.

The inverted pyramid pier, 1973.

The current St. Pete Pier, 2023.

ST. PETE PIER COMMUNITY PARTNERS

We acknowledge our community partners whose generous donations make The St. Pete Pier™ even more special.

• Bayfront Health Tilted Lawn

Bayfront Health operates a 480-bed tertiary care center that is equipped to provide comprehensive medical and surgical care.

The Bayfront Health Tilted Lawn is a tilted lawn on the municipal pier approach that offers an expansive, grassy surface for lounging, socializing, and enjoying views of the St. Petersburg waterfront and skyline.

• Glazer Family Playground

The Glazer Vision Foundation is dedicated to removing barriers that stand in the way of children accomplishing their dreams.

The Glazer Family Playground is a marine-themed playground for children of all abilities. Conveniently located between the Bending Arc sculpture and the Majeed Family Splash Pad, the playground has two zones for children of various ages.

• Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital Tram

Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital is a pediatric hospital located in St. Petersburg that provides expert pediatric care for infants, children, and teens.

The Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital Tram is a dedicated tram system that consists of multiple openair vehicles that traverse the District from east to west, stopping at each end of the District and at various points in the middle.

• Majeed Foundation Splash Pad and the Majeed Foundation Coastal Thicket

The Majeed Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of those in the Tampa Bay area through its support of community beautification, fine arts, and relief of food insecurity.

The Majeed Foundation Splash Pad is an interactive water feature on the pier approach that is both a fountain and a children’s splash pad. It has quickly become one of the most popular spots in the Pier Plaza area.

The Majeed Foundation Coastal Thicket is an ADA-compliant boardwalk along the north side of the overwater pier featuring native Florida plants, trees, and shrubs.

AWARDWINNING DESIGN

Award-winning Design Takes a Great Team

It is not an exaggeration to say that the St. Pete Pier is an entirely new model for waterfront cities, an example of urban infrastructure without precedent. Redefining the capabilities and features of a modern pier, the Pier is an extension of St. Pete’s bustling city center, offering a picturesque urban beach area, a vast, designforward children’s playground, variety of dining spots, marketplace with local vendors, tree laden walkways, an ecotourism center and so much more. From children to seniors, nature lovers to art enthusiasts, fishermen to foodies – the St. Pete Pier has something for everyone.

Raul Quintana has been with the City for 25 years, and City Architect for the past 15. He was involved in its entire evolution from the iconic inverted pyramid so many people remember.

“The issue was not to eliminate the inverted pyramid. It had more to do with the service life of the superstructure of the bridge and the platform surrounding the building. Structures in an environment of unlimited sunshine and salt water don’t last long and it was built in the ‘20s,” said Quintana. A structural engineering report commissioned in 2004 and 2005 indicated the deck and bridge needed to be replaced.

“To answer the question, ‘replaced with what?’, we reached out to community groups, not just residents, but educators, the boating community, the disabled, parks and recreation, native plant society, public arts organizations and others. Many groups were engaged to help us pull the project together,” Quintana explained. “We needed the public to be engaged. Nobody knew what it was going to be. We developed a process that got us to the end that incorporated what the public said they wanted. We ended up with an asset we are proud of, that is worthy of a City landmark.”

“Florida is all about outdoor experiences. Our instructions to the design team were about getting people closer to the water’s edge and creating public space with active experiential spaces that people could enjoy from the entrance to the very end,” said Quintana.

One of the most significant challenges, as well as a terrific opportunity, came when additional tax increment financing was made available to expand the project by developing the Pier Approach. This meant the original project which was the five-acre, over water Pier would need to be blended with an additional 21 acres of uplands. Two different design teams were engaged

and tasked with combining these two projects into one seamless experience for visitors. The design teams were Rogers Partners, ASD/SKY, Ken Smith Workshop for the Pier and W Architecture and Landscape Architecture and Wannemacher Jensen Architects for the Pier Approach.

Under the guidance of the City of St. Petersburg and former Mayor Rick Kriseman, the designers collaborated with builder SKANSKA to accomplish the vision for a new and revitalized waterfront experience.

The team considered exactly what the St. Pete Pier could be to reflect the city’s history, to preserve the waterfront, and to create the magic of being in, on and above the water.

Diverse spaces include

• a coastal thicket

• a hands-on classroom

• tilted lawns that vary the views

• six restaurants

• a huge fishing deck

• an outdoor market

• playground

• beach

• cycling paths

• courtesy docks for boaters

The award-winning design connects the Pier to the daily life of downtown St. Pete, tying into transportation and recreation systems such as bike paths, jogging trails, parking locations, and public transit systems including a tram that runs the length of the Pier.

A new artificial reef and breakwater gave downtown St. Pete a naturalized beach enhancing the recreational use while providing more suitable environments for marine animals and seagrass habitats.

The Pier has earned numerous awards, most notably, the Urban Land Institute’s 2022 ULI Global Awards for Excellence, a top honor recognizing the best new urban designs. The St. Pete Pier was one of two designs in the U.S. to be awarded and one of only six in the world! Judging by all the recognition, the number of people who populate the new Pier daily, and ongoing reviews, the Pier is considered an architectural marvel and a great success. The Pier represents a significant civic investment by the City of St. Petersburg in the city’s bright future.

Today’s Pier comprises 26 acres of activated space downtown. Each day, visitors will be able to enjoy countless experiences, from pop-up performances to inspiring public art installations. In addition, the Pier will host major events throughout the year, including concerts, markets, and more. To see the latest schedule, visit the website at StPetePier.org

The St. Pete Pier™ Earns Design Awards Galore!

As recent as October of 2022, The St. Pete Pier was selected as one of six winners of the Urban Land Institute’s (ULI) 2022 Global Awards for Excellence, a top honor recognizing the best new urban designs in the world. The St. Pete Pier was one of two designs in the U.S. to be awarded. The Pier also had previously earned ULI’s Americas Awards for Excellence uli.org/aae as the only project in the Southeastern U.S. to be awarded from a field of 68 projects and programs in the country. The Awards for Excellence program is the centerpiece of ULI’s efforts to identify and promote best practices in all types of real estate development.

“This is an incredible, meaningful accomplishment for our city and our iconic waterfront. The ULI Global Awards for Excellence win puts the St. Pete Pier on the map as a world class destination for residents and visitors alike. Thank you to the ULI and members of the jury for honoring us with this award,” said St. Petersburg Mayor Kenneth T. Welch.

Among the categories for the ULI awards—Equitable Development, LowCarbon Development, Resilient Development, Small-Scale Development, and Urban Open Space. The St. Pete Pier was recognized in the Urban Open Space category.

Other Awards Earned Since Inception

The City and members from all of the design and construction teams involved in the development of The St. Pete Pier have earned numerous awards since the project began, including:

2022 Dezeen Jurists’ Vote and Dezeen People’s Vote “Bending Arc” sculpture; Studio Echelman

2022 ULI Global Awards for Excellence

City of St. Petersburg

2022 Creative Loafing Best of the Bay Award

“Best Place to Get the Perfect Instagram Photo”

2022 Tampa Bay Times People’s Choice

Bronze award Best Local Tourist Attraction

2022 The European Centre and The Chicago Athenaeum

The International Architecture Award® for Pier Approach

W Architecture & Landscape Architecture

2022 AIA Florida

Awards of Excellence in Sustainability Merit, Wannemacher Jensen Architects. and W Architecture & Landscape Architecture

2022 Architizer A+Awards Popular Choice Winner

Government & Civic Buildings category - Rogers Partners

2022 Finalist ULI Americas Awards for Excellence

Urban Land Institute

City of St. Petersburg

2021 AIA Tri-State Merit Design Award, Merit Award for Regional and Urban Design

Tri-State AIA new Jersey, AIA New York State, and AIA Pennsylvania Rogers Partners

2021 Tampa Bay CREW –Community Impact Award

City of St. Petersburg

2021 AIA Tampa Bay Design Award for the Pier Marketplace Wannemacher Jensen Architects

ABC ASSOCIATED BUILDERS AND CONTRACTORS

2021 “Excellence In Construction” in the category of Institutional Projects over $20MM from Associated Builders and Contractors Inc (ABC): Florida Gulf Coast Chapter

2021 Landscape/Urban Development

Best Project

Engineering News Record (ENR)

Southeast’s Best Projects

Submitted by Skanska USA Building Inc.

2021 “Excellence In Construction” in the category of Institutional Projects over $20MM from Associated Builders and Contractors Inc (ABC): Florida Gulf Coast Chapter

2021 American Architecture Award

The Chicago Athenaeum St Petersburg Pier Approach. W Architecture and Landscape Architecture

2021 Merit Award ASLA NY Chapter St Petersburg Pier Approach. W Architecture and Landscape Architecture

2021 AIA FLORIDA/CARRIBEAN AWARD OF EXELLENCE

ASD|Sky Architects and Rogers Partners

2021 Green Good Design: Green Urban Planning/Landscape Architecture Award

2020 EXCELLENCE ON THE WATERFRONT HONOR AWARD (The Waterfront Center)

St. Petersburg Approach: W Architecture and Landscape Architecture

2020 AIA TAMPA BAY CHAPTER

H. Dean Rowe, FAIA Award for Design Excellence: ASD/SKY AND Rogers Partners Architects + Urban Designers

2020 Architect’s Newspaper: Best Infrastructure Project of 2020

2020 Building of the Week on WorldArchitects.com

2020 Building and Roofing Awards (New Metal Roofing Category Winner): Skanska Metal Construction News; metalconstructionnews.com/articles/ the-2020-metal-construction-newsbuilding-roofingawards

2020 USA TODAY’S 10 BEST READER’S CHOICE

#2 for Best New Attraction; 10best. com/awards/travel/best-newattraction-2020/

2018 AIA FLORIDA

Honor Award for Unbuilt Design The New St. Petersburg Pier | ASD|SKY St. Petersburg Pier Market | Wannemacher Jensen Architects, Inc.

2017 The European Centre and The Chicago Athenaeum, American Architecture Award

2017 The European Centre and The Chicago Athenaeum, Green Good Design Award

2017 World Landscape Architecture Award

2016 International Design Awards, Gold Medal for Urban Design

2016 AIA NY CHAPTER Design Awards

Rogers Partners Architects+Urban Designers: St. Pete Pier

W Architecture and Landscape Architecture: St. Pete Pier Approach

2016 AIA TAMPA BAY CHAPTER Honor Award

ASD|SKY and Rogers Partners for The New St. Pete Pier Design

DISCOVER CULTURED ST. PETE

St. Petersburg is home to dozens of performing arts companies, museums, theatrical and concert venues, studios, galleries and outdoor festivals. The annual SHINE St. Petersburg Mural Arts Festival takes place every October and adds vibrant expressions of art on buildings and traffic signal boxes created by international and local artists. March 8 – 10 of this year, the streets of downtown St. Pete will come alive with the 20th annual Firestone Grand Prix. St. Pete Pride, a month-long celebration, is the biggest pride event in Florida and ranks in the top 40 largest pride celebrations in the world. To learn about all of St. Pete’s events and festivals, please visit Stpete.org/ events.

AMERICAN STAGE THEATRE COMPANY

163 3rd St. N

727-823-7529

Americanstage.org

@americanstage

American Stage Theatre Company, founded in 1977, aims to tell powerful stories, in a bold way. American Stage presents five Mainstage productions in the 182seat Raymond James Theatre year-round and an annual community musical at Demens Landing Park every spring. They also operate a drama school, serving both adults and children who are pursuing training in the performing arts.

DR. CARTER G. WOODSON AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM

2240 9th Ave. S

727-323-1104

Woodsonmuseum.org

@woodsonmuseum

The Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum, fondly known as The Woodson, is an institution in St. Pete’s African American community. Exhibits are dedicated to the rich history of the city, credited to the African Americans who played a crucial role in its growth since the late 1800s. It consists of gallery space, event space, and beautiful gardens, all providing a forum for the education and preservation of African American history, equal rights and social justice. The Woodson: Museum, Gardens and Visitor Center, a renovated and expanded museum is being planned. The 29,000-square-foot facility will include three galleries, a sculpture garden and a justice center, which can be used to host community conversations as well as serve as educational space.

CHIHULY COLLECTION

PRESENTED BY THE MOREAN ARTS CENTER

720 Central Ave.

727-822-7872

MoreanArtsCenter.org

@ChihulyStPete

Located in the vibrant Central Arts District in St. Petersburg, the Collection offers visitors a look at several of Chihuly’s series work: Chandeliers, Macchia, Drawings,

Persians, Niijima Floats, Mille Fiori, Neon, and Ikebana, which have thrilled audiences around the globe. Each space has been designed individually to complement each installation, producing unique visual experiences. A temporary exhibition space features glass artists from around the country in rotating showcases in addition to the theatre which shows films about the work of Dale Chihuly, all included with admission to the Collection, as well as a visit to the Morean Glass Studio for live local glassblowing demonstrations.

MOREAN ARTS CENTER

719 Central Ave.

727-822-7872

MoreanArtsCenter.org

@MoreanArts

The free Morean Arts Center Galleries feature more than 30 exhibitions each year that promote local, regional and national contemporary artists. Art classes and workshops are held for all ages and abilities year-round. At the Morean’s Glass Studio, watch working artists create magnificent glass pieces or book one-on-one or small group experiences. The Morean Center for Clay, housed in the restored Historic Train Station on 22nd Street South, is the largest working pottery in the Southeast with a goal of promoting and enhancing the education of contemporary and historic ceramics. Collectors, visitors and artists alike will appreciate the variety of high-quality clay work available for purchase. Stop by and watch artists at work or get in on the action with custom hands-on pottery making.

Morean Arts Center

Photo/Morea Arts Center

THE DALI ' MUSEUM

One Dali Boulevard

727-823-3767

TheDali.org

@TheDaliMuseum

#TheDali

The Dalí houses more than 2,400 pieces of art by Salvador Dalí, including some of the artist’s renowned Master Works—paintings that measure more than five feet and can also be viewed in augmented reality. A helical staircase resembles a strand of DNA, recognized by Dalí as evidence of the divine in nature. Using cutting-edge artificial intelligence, Dalí Lives gives Museum visitors an opportunity to learn more about Salvador Dalí’s life from the person who knew him best: the artist himself. Installed last year, Dalí Alive 360° is an immersive experience celebrating the creative genius of the most influential and inventive artist of the modern era. Visitors are enveloped in light and sound inside the Dalí Dome.

DUKE ENERGY CENTER FOR THE ARTS - MAHAFFEY THEATER

400 1st Street SE 727-892-5767

TheMahaffey.com

@MahaffeyTheater; #TheMahaffey

Located in the heart of beautiful Downtown St. Petersburg, the Duke Energy Center for the Arts – Mahaffey Theater is a 2,031-seat cultural jewel

featuring elegant ballroom space, spectacular waterfront views, and European box-style seating. Just steps away from the culturally vibrant downtown and minutes away from white sandy beaches and world-famous museums, The Mahaffey hosts top-quality national and international artists and performances – classical, pop, rock, comedy, dance, family, and the renowned Florida Orchestra.

FAIRGROUNDS ST. PETE

26006 Fairfield Ave. S. Fairgrounds.art

@FairgroundsStPete

Fairgrounds St. Pete is located in the heart of the Warehouse Arts District and is an arts destination where everyone is invited to explore an immersive world of playful art and technology exhibits based on original Florida stories. Through a range of exhibits, events and workshops, Fairgrounds St. Pete showcases the creative innovations of artists working in all mediums.

GREAT EXPLORATIONS

CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

1925 4th St. N 727-821-8992

GreatEx.org

@GreatExKids

For over 35 years, Great Explorations has been Tampa Bay’s preeminent children’s museum

supporting practical learning applications through a proven creative curriculum. Our mission remains focused on stimulating learning through creativity, play and exploration. One of America’s top museums for children, Great Explorations features interactive exhibits on the arts, sciences, health and technology that will amaze, inform and delight the young, and the young at heart. Exhibits include Live and on the Air: Great News!; the Engine Company 15 Fire House; Critter Cave; The Smile Spot; For All Animals; and Longo’s Cove Luckey Climber.

GREENLIGHT CINEMA

221 2nd Ave. N.

GreenlightStPete.com

Greenlight Cinema is St. Pete’s local independent 80-seat art house movie theater offering a diverse lineup of indies, foreign, docs, classics and local content to our community.

IMAGINE MUSEUM

1901 Central Ave. 727-300-1700

ImagineMuseum.com

@imaginemuseumflorida

@imaginemuseum

Expand your imagination and challenge how you think about art. Imagine Museum represents a historical family tree of the

Dalí Alive © 2023 by The Salvador Dalí Museum, Inc. St. Petersburg, FL and Grande Experiences, Port Melbourne, Australia. Worldwide rights ©Salvador Dalí, Fundacio Gala-Salvador Dalí.

The Dali ' Museum

Fairgrounds St. Pete

Photo/Fairgrounds St. Pete

Museum of Fine Arts

Photo/Museum of Fine Arts

Contemporary Glass Art movement from the 1960s to the present. In 2018, founder, philanthropist, artist, and businesswoman Trish Duggan, brought together a collection of artworks to promote an experience that would inspire, uplift, and educate. The collection has expanded to over 1,600 spectacular contemporary artworks representing artists from over 22 countries, including America, Canada, the Czech Republic, Italy, Sweden, Netherlands, Germany, Japan, and Australia— works highlighting the connections and influences among contemporary glass pioneers to the present.

MUSEUM OF THE AMERICAN ARTS AND CRAFTS MOVEMENT

355 4th St. N

727-440-4859

Museumaacm.org

@Museum_aacm

The Museum of the American Arts and Crafts Movement (MAACM) is the only museum in the world dedicated exclusively to the American Arts and Crafts movement. Founded by local philanthropist and collector Rudy Ciccarello, MAACM is St. Petersburg’s newest museum, with stunning architectural features, incredible works of art, and an ideal location in downtown St. Pete.

MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS (MFA)

255 Beach Dr. NE

727-896-2667

MFAstpete.org

@MFAStPete

The Museum of Fine Arts inspires visitors with its renowned collection of art from around the globe and across the centuries. 5,000 years of civilization are represented by thousands of objects extending from antiquity to the present. Highlights include permanent collection galleries showcasing masterpieces from Georgia O’Keeffe, Claude Monet, Berthe Morisot, Auguste Rodin, and Kehinde Wiley. The museum’s photographic collection is one of the largest and most significant in the Southeast. The MFA continues to support community engagement through world-class exhibitions and public programs for Tampa Bay

residents, as well as for visitors from around the globe.

THE JAMES MUSEUM OF WESTERN & WILDLIFE ART

150 Central Ave. 727-892-4200

TheJamesMuseum.org

@JamesMuseum

The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art transports visitors through the rich and diverse heritage of the American West. Its more than 400 works of art evoke the spirit of a wide-open frontier and the beauty of life in the wild. The museum engages the community through a variety of programs and educational opportunities that bring our history and culture to life. Museum cofounders Tom and Mary James share their vast personal collection of

Western and wildlife with thousands of visitors by creating an artistic legacy — one populated by emerging artists and living legends and filled with tribal tradition and classical finesse.

OCEAN BLUE GALLERY

284 Beach Drive NE

727-502-2583

OceanBlue.gallery

@OceanBlueArt

With over 55 years of experience specializing in the art world, the owners of Ocean Blue Galleries in Florida have built a coveted reputation of networking and representing many of the top selling and most collectible artists from around the world. Artists include Tom Everhart, Michael Cheval, Stephen Harlan, Steve Barton, Stephen Muldoon, James Coleman, Nano Lopez, David Wight, Clarita Brinkerhoff, Wendy Norton, David Oppenheimer, Michael Hudson, Oscar Zanetti, and Borowski Bros. glass, plus Wyland original paintings and sculptures and a collection of the Art of Dr. Seuss by Theodore Geisel.

THE PALLADIUM AT ST. PETERSBURG COLLEGE

253 Fifth Ave. N 727-822-3590

Mypalladium.org

@PalladiumSPC

Whether in the main concert hall – the 815-seat Hough Hall with its unsurpassed new sound system – or kicking back in the intimate Side Door Cabaret, the historic Palladium Theater is consistently ranked as one of Tampa Bay’s best, most affordable venues for classical, jazz, blues, theatre, opera, comedy, dance, educational, literary, community events, and more.

ST. PETERSBURG MUSEUM OF HISTORY

335 2nd Ave. NE 727-894-1052

HistoryStPete.org

@HistoryStPete

For 100 years, the St. Petersburg Museum of History has shared the stories of the Sunshine’s City with visitors and residents alike. Explore

St. Petersburg Museum of History

Photo/St. Petersburgh Museum of History

James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art

Photo/James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art

the city’s history from pioneer days and early trains to the arrival of soldiers training for World War II to the Golden Age of Florida tourism. Don’t miss the Flight One Gallery, detailing the birth of commercial aviation right here on the St. Pete Pier and see the airboat that started it all with a flight from St. Pete to Tampa. Visit St. Petersburg’s oldest resident – an authentic 3,000-yearold Egyptian mummy and stroll through the history of baseball in Little Cooperstown - the world’s largest collection of autographed baseballs.

SUNKEN GARDENS

1825 4th St. N.  727-551-3102

Stpete.org/visitors/ sunken_gardens.php

@SunkenGardens

St. Pete’s oldest living museum, and one of the last remaining Florida roadside attractions, Sunken Gardens is a botanical paradise in Sunken

the midst of the bustling city. The 100-year-old gardens are home to some of the oldest tropical plants in the region. Meandering paths guide visitors through a living collection of thousands of tropical plant species and flowers with lush demonstration gardens, cascading waterfalls, and a flock of flamingos. Sunken Gardens provides garden tours, horticultural programs, special events, field trips, weddings, and private and corporate rentals.

ZUBRICK MAGIC THEATRE

1211 1st Ave N., Suite 101 1-866-ZUBRICK

Zubrickmagic.com

@ZubrickMagic

The “Hottest Ticket in St. Pete” is a one-of-a-kind experience at the Zubrick Magic Theatre that gives audiences an intimate and unforgettable evening of magical entertainment. Illusionists Chris and Ryan Zubrick conjure up an exhilarating blend of sleight-ofhand, family-friendly comedy and breathtaking grand-scale illusions in a 70-minute performance that captures hearts and imaginations. The spectacular venue promises to give audiences a kaleidoscope of sights, sounds and sensations like they’ve never experienced before. Zubrick Magic Theatre guarantees to stretch smiles and drop jaws with a performance that will leave you scratching your head in disbelief saying, “How did they do that?”

Zubrick Magic Theatre

Photo/Zubrick Magic Theatre

Gardens

Photo/City of St. Petersburg

MEET THE PIER MUSICIANS

The St. Pete Pier™ is a family destination, a place to enjoy a meal, take a stroll, and listen to music. Musical entertainers* vary from a popular one-man talent strumming his guitar to country music to a 12-piece Flamenco band with dancers. Plus, talented roaming buskers regularly appear along The Pier District walkways. “They are not scheduled,” says Pier Manager Juniper Rodriguez, “They just show up.”

Spa Beach Bistro

A trio from Kafkasso, a talented group of 12 artists, all from different areas of the world, play “Sangria Sundays” at Spa Beach Bistro, a place to enjoy lunch or dinner next to the Splash Pad in Pier Plaza. Sometimes they bring Flamenco and belly dancers whose energy never fails to get the audience up and dancing.

“Seventy percent of our tunes are originals,” said Daryal Kafkasso Erdem, the leader of the band who was born and raised in Istanbul. “We always get great feedback and if people are not dancing and smiling, then we think we’re doing something wrong.”

Kafkasso’s unique sound is primarily instrumental, playing world music and cosmopolitan tunes with a Mediterranean Gypsy, Aegean and Balkan influence.

“We love sharing our music, meeting new people, especially talking with tourists on our breaks. People come to The Pier from all around the world,” said Daryal.

One-man band Mark Mann was the very first booking at Spa Beach Bistro when it opened and continues to perform there every Friday night from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

He hails from the Northwest corner of New Jersey and began playing the guitar for audiences there as a youngster until his dad moved the family to Florida when he was a teen. Mark has been performing on the Tampa Bay beaches for over 30 years as a guitar player, singing ‘70s music, as well as some ‘50s and ‘60s.

“People from all over the world come to see me at The Pier or the Bamboo Beach Bar and Grill on

Madeira Beach,” said Mark. “They used to vacation and now they live in St. Pete and come to celebrate anniversaries and birthdays.”

Mark says he’s excited to play at the Pier because it has so much to offer. “The Pier designers did such a great job. The audience does not sit here all night. People can walk or ride bicycles to the end of the Pier and come back. It’s a lot of action and I try to be a part of it. The kids enjoy the music, too, and it gives the family a nice night out.”

Taria Lee & Marty Long relocated to Florida from Nashville in April of 2022 and both have impressive backgrounds in country music. At Spa Beach Bistro, they perform music from Lady Gaga, Patsy Cline, Adele, The Judds, Crosby Stills & Nash, America, Zac Brown Band, and Sugarland.

“We mix it up and play originals, too,” said Marty. “We play to tracks that we strip down, generally using just bass,

Mark Mann

Photo/Liam Pope

Geoff Proud Band at Doc Ford's

Photo/Doc Ford's

drums and a signature lick from a guitar or keyboard and I play the rhythm guitar, so it sounds sort of unplugged.”

Marty was Roy Clark’s drummer of Hee Haw fame and toured with a show honoring the late great Conway Twitty with Conway’s son Michael and grandson Tre’, where he also met his wife Taria, who was the “Loretta Lynn” in the show.

An amazing singer, Taria sang at age 14 with Vern Gosdin and Grand Ole Opry star Del Reeves at the Nashville Palace and Midnight Jamboree. When the band is on a break, ask them about how 15-yearold Taria was introduced by one of her idols, Lorrie Morgan and sang on stage at the Grand Ole’ Opry.

“We’ve worked together for 20 years and married now for 18,” said Marty, who played the drums for Johnny Lee of “Looking for Love” fame. A torn rotator cuff turned him from a drummer to a strummer.

“Music is a great way for us to reach out to more people and do what we love,” said Taria. “There’s an eclectic group of folks who come to the Pier. Our job is to make sure people are smiling and having a good time, and when that happens, we know we are doing our job. It’s such a neat and rewarding job to have.”

Pier Teaki

Pier Teaki, the elevated bar located at the Pier Head that offers a spectacular view of the St. Pete skyline offers rotating DJ’s Wednesday through Friday evenings.

. These talented DJ’s can quickly read the room and keep in theme with the island feel, adding some Reggae and R&B to get people dancing. Pier Teaki has two house DJ’s—DJ 808 who performs during the afternoon on Saturdays and DJ Keytone who is there on Sundays. Both invite audience requests so don’t be shy.

Doc Ford’s Rum Bar and Grille “We’ve played at Doc Ford’s for a couple of years, and it is such a great setting on the Pier overlooking downtown and the water,” said Brian Leneschmidt, whose band formed in 2012 as a Tampa Bay blues-rock band performing high energy shows as a trio or four pieces at blues festivals, Jannus Live, Skippers Smokehouse in Tampa, Hard Rock Cafe Miami, and the House of Blues in New Orleans and Orlando. Brian has played as a full-time musician for twenty years. He has recorded six albums and gets international radio play. He has been a featured artist of the week on Music Tampa Bay.

Only a couple of years in St. Pete had Steve Balesteri quickly welcomed by the Tampa Bay music scene. He honed his craft in his hometown of Buffalo, NY and decided to make his favorite vacation spot a permanent residence. Bringing his brand of upbeat feel-good vibes to the Sunshine State was the perfect match and it didn’t take long for

him to find residency at some of the best spots in town, like Doc Ford’s. Primarily performing as his solo acoustic one man band, Steve covers everything from the current radio hits to classics.

The self-proclaimed devilishly handsome three-piece Geoff Proud Band plays at Doc Ford’s every Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Geoff plays guitar and sings. Bob Powers also sings and plays the bass. Their drummer is Burt Rushing. Together they have played a variety of ‘70s, ‘80s, and ‘90s rock for about three years. “It is a lot of fun interacting with the audience,” said Geoff. “That corner is really active at The Pier. We recognize people who have been coming out every Sunday for a couple of years. We call it work, but it’s not.”

An alternate on NBC television’s “America’s Got Talent,” Manny Sanfeliz has had a band for 15 years called Critical Downfall. Manny says Doc Ford’s saved his business after so many gigs were cancelled due to the pandemic. “The restaurant already had musicians performing, but I asked to be an emergency contact and fill in…and they called!” He has been an acoustic musician at Doc Ford’s for two years now and his band continues to perform several times a month in Safety Harbor. “Doc Ford’s gave me a chance to do what I love—to bring joy and music to amazing crowds at one of the most beautiful places in Florida. I could never thank them or the people of St. Pete enough.” Ask Manny to tell the story about a former boss and mentor who said he should be singing instead of slinging drinks at a bar.

*Entertainers are scheduled by the venues and subject to change.

Taria Lee and Marty Long

Photo/Taria Lee and Marty

FITNESS, FESTIVALS AND FUN

Events and festivals have become a foundational part of the St. Pete Pier experience.

From pop-up events and concerts to weekly fitness classes and art displays, there’s always something happening at The Pier. Holidays, big and small, are celebrated with themed community festivities and family-friendly events.

MUSIC AT THE PIER

Spa Beach Park, located along the water at the St. Pete Pier, has evolved into the Sunshine City’s latest waterfront concert destination with its urban beach access, 360- degree views, and capacity for several thousand people. Its newest and largest festival yet, Rise Up St. Pete Concert Series is taking the concert experience at the Pier to a whole new level. From November through January, St. Pete’s beautiful surrounding waterfront merges with the booming energy of downtown St. Pete, offering diverse popular musical acts.

Concert details and ticket information can be found at RiseUpStPete. com.

FITNESS AT THE PIER

Local fitness studios host yoga, Pilates, and Latin dance classes on a weekly basis. All classes are free and open to the public, with an opportunity to donate to a local charity.

“Sunset Yoga, held every first Wednesday evening, is especially popular, attracting as many as 300 participants,” said Ferdian Jap, Partner at Pier Events, LLC and organizer of the Rise Up St. Pete Concert Series, as well as The Pier’s special events and festivals.

PIER EVENTS

Visit StPetePier.org/Events for an up-to-date list of events and other information.

Easter Egg Hunt & Festival

Fourth of July Celebration

Tampa Bay Ice Cream Festival

St. Pete Powerboat Grand Prix

Piertoberfest

Fall Festival

Pumpkin Patch

Concert Series

Beer at the Pier

Holiday Putt-Putt

New Year’s Eve on the Pier

THE PIER PROMOTES PUBLIC ART

Olnetopia Photo

St. Pete Pier™ exemplifies the transformative power of public art, thanks to large-scale public art installations from world-renowned artists Xenobia Bailey, Janet Echelman, Nick Ervinck and Nathan Mabry.

St. Petersburg has become one of the most recognized cultural hubs in the country and these four works join the renowned museums, street art festivals and creative downtown murals in contributing to this city’s cultural renaissance.

Nathan Mabry’s “Myth (Red Pelican)” greets visitors at the entry plaza of the Pier and is inspired by the geometry of the new pier design and the pelican emblem for St. Pete - a symbol for kindness, generosity, friendship and love. Mabry found inspiration in the accessible and universal visual language of Origami, the art of folding paper. His work is a mixture of primitive sculpture and minimalist-style art. Mabry’s work combines references to art history, South American artefacts, and popular culture to create provocative monuments entwining high culture, primitive ritual, and contemporary experience. Tying into the larger sculpture are smaller red pelicans on display throughout the district.

Nick Ervinck’s “Olnetopia” is created in bronze with a patina finish. The sculpture represents the dynamic power of life and provides space for reflection and innovation. Ervinck creates a dialogue between craft and technology, and between the virtual and the physical. He has developed his own visual language combined with traditional sculpture. The work of this Belgian-born artist has been acquired by art collectors around the world and shown in solo and group exhibitions throughout Europe as well as Asia and the U.S. In 2021, a large solo museum exhibition featured Ervinck in Häme Castle organized by the National Museum of Finland. “Olnetopia” is inspired by macro photographic images of splashing water - thus sculpturally interpreting the encounter between nature and technology.

in aerial view can be read as three barnacle-like parasols nestled together. As Echelman continued her design process, she learned of the Pier’s importance in the civil rights movement. It was the place where local citizens peacefully challenged racial barriers, leading to the 1957 U.S. Supreme Court case ruling which upheld the rights of all citizens to enjoy use of the municipal beach and swimming pool without discrimination. The sculpture is composed of multiple arcs, which gently billow in the wind.

The artist titled the sculpture in reference to Martin Luther King, Jr.’s words, “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” Named an Architectural Digest Innovator for “changing the very essence of urban spaces,” Echelman and her work defy categorization. “Bending Arc” earned both the jurist’s and people’s votes from the 2022 Dezeen Awards.

Janet Echelman’s “Bending Arc” is composed of 1,662,528 knots and 180 miles of twine to create an aerial sculpture that spans 424 feet and measures 72 feet at its tallest point. The international artist, born and raised in Tampa Bay, was inspired by old postcards depicting striped beach parasols and geometric forms made by barnacles growing on the underside of the pier itself. The sculpture’s design

Mark Aeling, designer of the 16,000- pound stainless steel replica of Tony Jannus' Benoist Air Boat, is an internationally acclaimed local artist. The Benoist Air Boat is the plane that made the first commercial flight. In 1914, Jannus flew then St. Petersburg Mayor, Abe Phiel, to Tampa for $400.

Xenobia Bailey, creator of “Morning Stars” is an artist, designer, supernaturalist, cultural activist and fiber artist

Continued on page 28

Photo /VisitStPeteClearwater.com

Myth (Red Pelican)

best known for her eclectic Africaninspired hats and her large-scale crochet pieces and mandalas. Having studied ethnomusicology at the University of Washington and Industrial Design at the Pratt Institute, she worked as a costume designer and learned to crochet at the Greenpoint Cultural society in Brooklyn. Her crochet hats infiltrated pop culture in the 1980s and today, her mosaics grace the wall and dome at NYC’s Hudson Yards station, her first public art installation. “Morning Stars,” installed on the main Pier approach, consists of colorful tiles that are patterned after crocheted mandalas, some with an iridescent finish allowing them to sparkle like stars as the sun rises. The large mosaic is vibrant, transformative and almost hypnotic – beckoning the viewer for a closer look at its rich colors and patterns.

In addition to the installations above, the Pier Marketplace features details of seven downtown St. Pete murals by artists Derek Donnelly, Leo Gomez Studio, Zulu Painter, Vitale Bros., Cecilia Lueza, Pale Horse and Jennifer Kosharek.

Morning Stars

Benoist

Photo courtesy of VisitStPeteClearwater.com

Photos /VisitStPeteClearwater.com

DINING AT THE PIER

Photo/Pier Teaki

Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille

Of all the places you can grab a bite on the Pier, Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille is where you’re most apt to find a party. Located at the southern end of the Overlook, the 10,000-square-foot restaurant/ bar serves authentic Florida fare and flavors from throughout the Caribbean Rim. Enjoy their famous Yucatan shrimp, chicken wings, flatbreads and more. Doc Ford’s recently opened their second Pinellas location in the Bay Pines area of St. Petersburg. DocFords.com

The Driftwood Cafe

At street-level rising nine feet from The Point deck and connecting to the great lawn is the Driftwood Cafe, a casual walkup spot offering specialty coffees, various breakfast items, sandwiches, ice cream, snacks…and even dog treats!

StPetePier.org/food-drink/driftwood-cafe

Fresco’s Waterfront Bistro

Located near the Pier entrance, Fresco’s Waterfront Bistro features a spacious wrap-around deck with waterfront views and boat-filled marinas. The restaurant serves lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch, specializing

in fresh seafood, steaks, burgers, appetizers, salads and more, including gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options. Enjoy a drink at Fresco’s full service indoor bar or outdoor bar with a beautiful view.

FrescosWaterfront.com

Pier Teaki

Sitting atop the state-of-the-art building at The Point, Pier Teaki is a classic tiki bar with a modern, tropical atmosphere, picturesque views, small bites, and craft tiki cocktails. Various space options are available for events. Experience stunning 360-degree views of Tampa Bay and downtown St. Pete from this rooftop.

PierTeaki.com

Spa Beach Bistro

This inviting entry point to Spa Beach features a stylish structure to provide shade and comfort, as well as a cafe that offers grab-and-go snack items for beachgoers. The Spa Beach Bistro is surrounded by colorful tables and chairs, so you can munch on a snack, sip a drink, enjoy good times with friends and family, or just exhale and enjoy the view. Nestled between the Playground and Splash Pad, it’s a great spot to relax between activities.

SpaBeachBistro.com

Teak

Located on the fourth floor of the state-of-the-art building at The Point, Teak is an elevated, casual, modern waterfront restaurant. A nautical-inspired menu crafted by top area chefs and elevated casual dining offers 360-degree waterfront views and amazing sunsets framed by the downtown skyline. Teak can accommodate large events of 15-30 guests or more with a partial restaurant buyout.

TeakStPete.com

Doc Ford's

Photo/Joe Harrity

Spa Beach Bistro

Photo/Spa Beach Bistro

E P KID STUFF AT THE PIER

The Pier Plaza and the Glazer Family Playground have become destination amenities for families, including the play area, the Pavilion with restrooms, the Majeed Foundation Splash Pad and Spa Beach. On any given day, you’ll find a wide range of ages and interests in this diverse family recreational area. The playground, now covered in parts by a shade structure, includes two areas that each interpret the theme of the fantasy bay scape in a different way, based on ages and play abilities. The design of the equipment takes into account a wide range of abilities and encourages exploration.

Barbara Wilks, designer and principal of W Architecture and Landscape Architecture, the lead designers of the Pier Approach, worked with the City and Earthscapes Play to create the playground, with a mythical Kraken, sea turtles, a lifeguard stand, and other elements which were all customdesigned by Earthscapes. “Collaborating with Earthscapes, we placed the equipment in three oval gardens, similar to the passive oval gardens on the other side of the lawn,” said Wilks. “The natural wood equipment emphasizes and blends with the natural surroundings. The whole effect is a space that fluidly integrates play with the remainder of the park.”

Just beyond the Marketplace at the Pier’s entrance is the Family Park, a tree-populated common area that is ideal for a picnic and one of the many eco-friendly aspects of the Pier. With ample seating and shade, not to mention plenty of green space and flowering plants, this area is a charming little world unto itself. It overlooks the North Basin facing Vinoy Park and the Vinoy® Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort & Golf Club.

A storm water wetland/pond with native plants brings nature and wildlife into the park to provide areas of calm for those who might rather observe play or animal life rather than participate. Existing trees were incorporated with many new trees and other native vegetation for shade. In fact, throughout the Pier, there were over 500 new trees planted with this development. This park, and all areas throughout the Pier are entirely handicapped accessible.

The Glazer Family Playground offers shade areas.

The Splashpad, perfect for hot Florida days.

A DAY AT THE PIER

Photos/Kristine Kirstein

By Kristine Kirstein, mother of three rambunctious boys, a resident of St. Pete for more than 20 years and a frequent Pier visitor.

In my opinion, there is no better day than exploring our beautiful and vibrant city and one of our favorite places to do that is at the St. Pete Pier! Many of the activities on the Pier are free and we think it truly encompasses the best of St. Petersburg, Florida living.

With three boys under five, we almost always start our day at the Glazer Family Playground. The kids burn all their energy running around, climbing on everything and surfing on cardboard down the famous blue hill. But rain was coming in, so we changed plans and went to the Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center (TBWDC) first.

The endless options available at the Pier are such a relief for parents with little ones. With so much versatility, we can pivot our plans at any time. In the summer, we often go back and forth between the playground, splash pad and the beach. There is limitless kid fun! Kudos to the designers for the way the Pier seamlessly integrates so many great features for families to enjoy.

At TBWDC, we learned about Florida’s unique ecosystems through a scavenger hunt and various exhibits. We even got to explore sea creatures in the touch tank. Tampa Bay Watch also has eco tours of our beautiful bay leaving from St. Pete Marina.

Once we worked up an appetite, we headed to one of our favorite places to eat with the kids. With the kid friendly menu (they even bring an ice cream sandwich at the end!) and outdoor seating with beautiful views of the bay, it is easy to understand why Doc Ford’s Rum Bar and Grille is a no brainer for family dining. The entertainment is great, and lunch is always delicious…I love the macadamia nut-crusted grouper.

After Doc Ford’s, our kids happily spent hours at the playground. Then we hopped on the trolley and took it for a few spins around the Pier. If you have little ones, you know the trolley is an attraction in itself! Finally, we stopped for some sightseeing at Pier Teaki and looked in the bay for dolphins, fish and pelicans. We capped our day off with an ice cream and coffee picnic (yum!) at Driftwood Café for some rest and relaxation.  Let’s be honest, Kyle and I rested, and the kids ran around in the green space.

After we had a fabulous family day at the Pier, we took the kids home for late naps, hired a babysitter and went back to the Pier for date night at Teak. The ambiance was serene and eating at sunset was an amazing experience! With 360-degree sweeping views of either the waterfront or our beloved city, we enjoyed uninterrupted conversation and took our time savoring wine while watching the sky’s brilliant hues. Their nautical themed menu checked all of the boxes. So much so that we had difficulty choosing our food because we wanted everything. Ultimately, we decided on the wedge BLT salad, Caesar salad, pan roasted grouper and seafood linguine. The food was out-of-this-world delicious; everything was cooked to perfection and the service was excellent. We can’t wait to go back.

St. Pete Pier, we love you and look forward to making many more family memories for years to come!

Kristine started an Instagram page with 5 other local mothers that has great, family friendly St. Pete activities. Follow @stpetemoms

Families have fun and learn at the same time.

Look what I can do at The Pier, Mom!

Cheers

ECO TOURS OPEN EYES AND MINDS

Come discover what makes this estuary so extraordinary.

Situated on the iconic St. Pete Pier™ is a cornerstone of environmental education—the Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center. Made possible by the Milkey Family Foundation, and operated by the esteemed nonprofit, Tampa Bay Watch, this interactive center is your starting point for a deep dive into the Tampa Bay estuary. But the adventure doesn’t end at the water’s edge. Come discover what makes this estuary so extraordinary.

A Voyage Beyond the Shore

Board U.S. Coast Guard-certified eco-vessels and immerse yourself in Tampa Bay’s vibrant marine life. Whether it’s a family outing, a dolphin-spotting cruise, or a private charter, there’s an option for everyone. Not just a boat ride, it’s also an opportunity to engage with dolphins, manatees, birds, and even stingrays in their natural habitat.

Meet the Marine Experts

Leading your tour are experienced marine science educators who offer more than just a scripted journey. They provide valuable insights into the ecosystem, making your experience educational as well as entertaining.

A Tour with a Purpose

Your ticket does more than provide a day of fun; it supports Tampa Bay Watch’s vital environmental restoration initiatives. Established in 1993, the organization has a proven track record of maintaining the ecological balance that this unique estuary needs to thrive.

Pricing and Focus

Adult tickets are priced at $24, while children can join the adventure for $16. These tours are designed to educate participants about the history of Tampa Bay and its crucial role as a marine nursery.

How to Book Your Eco-Tour

Emai: tbwdcecotours@tampabaywatch.org

Operating Hours: The Discovery Center is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For More Information, visit the Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center Website: TBWDiscoveryCenter.org/

The Discovery Center is operated by Tampa Bay Watch.

Discovery Center Eco Tours are more than a boat ride.

The St. Pete Pier features an interactive marine discovery center that takes visitors on an environmental journey through the Tampa Bay estuary.

Photo/PTampa Bay Watch Discovery Center

PIER MARKETPLACE

When the new St. Pete Pier was being re-imagined, a local market was identified as one of the 10 essential elements the community wanted to see at the new Pier. Specifically, “a colorful retail Marketplace at the Pier’s entrance with unique offerings and a focus on local goods and services” was desired. Having a consistent space for local businesses to sell goods and share their stories boosts economic equity and diversity in St. Pete. The Marketplace is open Friday – Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. During the summer (June through September), The Marketplace is open on Friday –Sunday from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The Marketplace structure itself follows the cantilevered roofs that are seen throughout the Pier, notably at the Pavilion and the Discovery Center. Incorporated into the structure are solar panels that help generate power for portions of the Pier District.

When it was time to recruit vendors for the Pier, there was a strong emphasis on having an assorted array of goods sold by merchants who weren’t in a position to have a storefront of their own. Open house events were held throughout the city to provide this opportunity to a diverse group of vendors.

As a result, shoppers will always find something new at The Pier Marketplace. Visit the website (StPetePier.org/the-marketplace) for the current list. According to Pier Manager Juniper Rodriguez, the philosophy is to focus on local artists and people who may not be to the point where they can open their own store.

“The Pier is a good place to start, to learn about being a business owner and to see if what they are selling is really going to work,” said Rodriguez. “We help them make their dreams come true. Some are from other countries and have only been in St. Pete a short while. It’s amazing to see their strong entrepreneurial spirits.”

Rodriguez has watched some merchants grow. Keisha Long-Watson, owner of InSparkle Me, opened her own kiosk after starting her sales as part of a co-op. Now she is known as the “blingologist” creating custom rhinestone apparel and accessories with inspirational and empowering messages.

An array of local independent artists and business owners sell unique items in kiosks under a solar roof structure, where visitors may browse the selections in cool shade. .

Merchants vary throughout the year - please go to our website for the latest additions:

StPetePier.org/the-marketplace

Alameda Vintage Decor

Ancient Herbal Care

Flaming Pearl

Florida Vibes Art

Gulf Planks

Hammam Chic

Hats at the Pier

Hey Mon Caribbean Cooking Magic

Homemade by Carolyn InSparkleMe

Island Flavors & Tings

Land of Gaia

Lily Rose Jewelry Co. MINDBEND

Mitch Jewlry

Passion Palms Creations

Puppy Nums

Sadie + Sky Permanent Jewelry

Sea St. Pete

Cashew Brittle

Tropico Trading

Uniquely Handcrafted Wide Sky

In addition to the Marketplace, the Pier features Pier Gear and Gifts, a sundry shop located in The Point building as well as Gator Jim’s Tackle Shop.

A wide range of products can be found in the Pier Marketplace.

Pier Marketplace

Highlight: Gulf Planks

You’ve likely seen the decorative landmark signs created by Gulf Planks all over The Tampa Bay area and beyond. Residents proudly stake them in their yards to identify a neighborhood, such as Historic Kenwood, Old Northeast, Redington Shores, or Pass a Grille. Other signs reflect landmarks like El Cap, Wilson’s, Ferg’s, Skyway Jack’s, The Bilmar, Albert Whitted Airport or St. Petersburg Lawn Bowling Club. After establishing his shop in the Marketplace at The St. Pete Pier when the Pier opened in 2020, business has taken off, says the creative woodworker Darren Crew.

A corporate communications manager with an office job for 20 years, Crew now works outside or in his garage, happy to have sawdust in his hair. The St. Pete native says he wouldn’t change a thing.

“My job was so draining on my soul I was crafting things on the side as a release and creative outlet. For the past decade, I made signs for our home or built furniture and after watching someone make custom signs during a visit to Key West, I learned some new techniques and started making signs for places people would recognize in town.”

Crew says Gulf Planks will take on custom work, also. People send him their own images or ideas and he works magic with Photoshop on MDF, a renewable pine board mostly used for cabinets. He has an ultralight version that’s easy to cut and sand and holds images well.

Crew says many of the tourists who frequent The Pier purchase signs as souvenirs.

“I am surprised at how many people return home, use the contact info on the back of the plank, and ask me to create signs as gifts or custom make something for their northern homes or businesses.”

Gulf Planks is a family affair with Darren’s wife Corrie in charge of ordering and keeping the books. You’ll also find her working at the kiosk on The Pier occasionally. Crew says his niece Olivia is one of his best employees and his oldest daughter Malia will be working at Gulf Planks while she attends St. Petersburg College.

“The best part for me is not having to be part of corporate America anymore,” he said.

Artisan Darren Crew shows his process for creating signs of locations around town and custom orders.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What are the operating hours?

Opens 30 minutes before sunrise and closes at 11:00 p.m.

• Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center: Sun. to Sat.

10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

• Gator Jim’s Bait and Tackle: Mon.-Sat. 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Sun. 10 a.m. – 7 p.m

• Pier Restaurant Hours: See a list of restaurants at StPetePier.org/food-drink/. Please note that while the St. Pete Pier™ property closes at 11:00 p.m., Pier Teaki remains open until midnight on Sun. – Thurs. and 2:00 a.m. on Fri. – Sat.

• Pier Gear and Gifts: Sun.-Sat.

9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

• Marketplace Hours: Friday, Sat., Sun. 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. (hours may change during summer months)

• Glazer Family Playground:

7:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

• Majeed Foundation Splash Pad: 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

• Museum of History: Sun.-Sat. 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Is there an admission fee?

There is no charge to enter the Pier District. Most events are free to the public; however, there will be ticketed special events planned throughout the year. Events are subject to a ticketing fee.

Is there Security onsite? Is there a lost and found?

Yes, 24/7. Contact security at (703) 863-1794.

Are pets allowed?

The St. Pete Pier is pet-friendly and there are pet bag dispensers throughout the Pier District. All pets in the park must be on a leash that is six (6) feet or less under the control of the owner or handler*. For information on service animals, go to StPete.org/residents/community/accessibility_in_stpete. php; nondiscrimination and accessibility in St. Pete stpete.org. *City Code Chapter 4. Please contact restaurants directly as they may have their own pet policies.

• Dogs are not allowed on the Majeed Foundation Splash Pad or on Spa Beach.

• For information regarding the City of St. Pete’s PetFriendly Business Program, visit StPete.org/government/ initiatives___programs/st_pete_paws.php

Will I be able to dock my boat at the St. Pete Pier?

There are a limited number of boat slips for short-term tie-ups. Docking is first come, first served. No reservations. Learn more about our boat slips at StPetePier.org/gettinghere-parking/arriving-by-boat/ (See page 44.)

Is

fishing permitted?

Fishing is ONLY permitted on the Fishing Deck located to the east of the Pier Point building*. Gator Jim’s Tackle is also available at the location for any angler needs. Fishing hours are 30 minutes before sunrise until 11:00 p.m. 7 days a week. Hours of operation are subject to change. *City Code 7-5

Is there transportation throughout the Pier District?

Pedestrian paths have been provided to allow visitors to explore all the various attractions within the Pier District. Additionally, the Johns Hopkins All Children’s Tram system provides three (3) trams and four (4) tram stops located throughout the Pier District. To view a map of Tram Stop locations visit stpetepier.org/explore/.

Each tram can carry up to 46 passengers and can accommodate wheelchairs or walkers. Trams may be augmented by smaller all-electric eco-shuttles which also have accommodations for persons using a wheelchair.

The Pier is in the heart of downtown St. Pete.

Tram operating hours:

• Sun.-Sat.: 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.

• Special events may impact these operational hours.

What are the estimated wait times for a tram?

12 - 15 minutes

Is there any other way to get to the Pier Head?

Yes, two (2) Eco-Shuttles each carry eleven (11) passengers. We will operate these as needed and may be available by reservation at an additional charge for special services such as weddings.

Coast Bike Share will be available throughout the Pier District as well.

Can I rent a wheelchair?

There are no wheelchair rentals at this time.

Does the St. Pete Pier provide stroller rentals?

There are no stroller rentals at this time.

Is alcohol allowed within the Pier District?

Yes, alcohol is permitted if it is in a Pier approved cup, which will be provided by the restaurants and cafes within the Pier District. It is not permissible for alcohol to be brought onto the Pier for personal consumption.

Where can guests park who arrive by car?

There are two (2) parking lots as well as on-street metered

parking located on the Pier along Pier DriveDrive and parking at the boat dock. Payment can be made at the pay stations or via the Park Mobile app. Zones are as follows:

2005 - Roadside Meters

2015 - Dolphin Lot

2024 - Pelican Lot

2025 - Boat Dock

Outside the Pier complex, metered street parking is available, as are several downtown parking garages and lots within walking distance of the Pier. Fees vary. For more information, visit the City of St. Petersburg’s parking page at StPete.org/ residents/parking___transportation/where_to_park.php.

The Downtown St. Pete Looper is a free trolley service that runs 7 days a week with stops at the Sundial parking garage and Pier Entrance every 15 minutes. To find out more on route information and hours of operation, please visit LooperTrolley.com.

What is the cost and how do I pay to park?

Paying in the Dolphin (Zone 2015) and Pelican (Zone 2024) parking lots will be through ParkMobile or the pay stations located throughout the lots designated by signs above the machines. Visitors enter their license plate and can pay either by credit card or cash. Enforcement hours are 24/7.Enforcement hours are 24/7.

Weekday Rates

• 12:00 a.m. Mon. through 5:00 p.m. Fri.

• First 4 hours = $2 per hour

• 5th hour = $3

• 6th hour = $4

• Parking in lots limited to 6 hours or less

6 hours cost $15

Weekend Rates

• 5:00 p.m. Fri. through 11:59 p.m. Sun.

• First 4 hours = $2.50 per hour

• 5th hour = $3.50

• 6th hour = $4.50/hr.

• Parking in lots limited to 6 hours or less, 6 hours cost $18

On-Street Meters: Payment can be made with cash or credit card at meter or with Parkmobile App.

• First 3 hours = $2.50 per hour

• 4th hour = $5

• Parking is limited to 4 hours in these locations

• 4 hours of parking cost $12.50

• 9 a.m. – 10 p.m. 7 days per week

• Motorcycle parking is available along Pier Drive in designated motorcycle spaces or if full, in the Dolphin and Pelican lots at the rates stated above.

• Monthly parking is not available at the Pier parking lots. Monthly parking and daily parking in excess of 6 hours is available at the Sundial Parking Garage on 2nd Street North near 2nd Avenue North.

Can I park overnight?

Overnight parking is not permitted in the Pier District.

Can I charge my electric vehicle?

Yes, there are six (6) charging stations located in the Pelican Parking Lot. There is no fee for the charging, but users pay the normal rate to park and must comply with all regulations related to parking (i.e. no overnight parking). The Greenlots App is required.

Are bicycles allowed?

The St. Pete Pier is bicycle-friendly. Bike racks are available for personal bicycles. The Coast Bike Share program will provide service within the entire Pier District and Coast bikes can be parked at any bike rack within the Pier District at no charge. Bicycles must obey all posted speed limits, which is 5 mph. on the Pier. Electric bicycles are not permitted.

Are electric scooters or bicycles allowed*?

No electric or motorized recreational vehicles, including electric scooters or bicycles, are allowed on the Pier District and pedestrian walkways. Motorized scooters are permitted within the roadway only. *City Code 26-404.

Are skateboards allowed?

No skateboards or longboards are allowed on the Pier District and pedestrian walkways.

Where is the boarding for the Cross Bay Ferry and where can I buy tickets?

Visit TheCrossBayFerry.com for more information on tickets and schedules.

How do I become a service vendor at the St. Pete Pier?

Contact Pier Operations – Tyler Spencer, Facilities Assistant at Tyler.spencer@stpete.org.

Is the St. Pete Pier hiring? Where can I find job postings?

Contact Pier Operations and Business directly. For more information, contact Pier Operations and Business directly. See contact information below.

Can I take transit to get to the Pier?

Yes, the Downtown Looper is free and has a stop at Bayshore Drive and 2nd Avenue NE, right at the entrance to the Pier District. Schedule info here: https://loopertrolley.com/ schedules.

PSTA operates the Central Avenue Trolley which has a stop on Bayshore Drive just south of 2nd Avenue.

Coast Bike Share is another easy way to get to the Pier. Hubs with Coast Bikes are located throughout greater Downtown. Coast bikes may be parked at any bike rack within the Pier District at no charge.

Getting to the pier is easier with the new SunRunner Bus Rapid Transit. The closest spot to the Pier is 5th Street N (Stop #1111). Once you get off at that stop, continue down 1st Ave N towards the water. You’ll pass Jannus Live on the right and Starbucks on the left. Once you hit South Straub Park, you’ll see the entrance to the Pier ahead.

Is recycling available?

Yes, trash cans throughout the property have designated recycling containers.

PIER GROUP VISITS

Is it possible to reserve a tram?

Yes, please contact SP+ Parking by calling 727-244-6189.

Can the Pier restaurants accommodate large groups?

There are multiple restaurants and two cafes on-site, please contact them directly for reservations. A picnic lunch or “grab and go” lunch at Spa Beach Bistro may be preferred.

Can I rent or reserve a picnic area or shade structure?

For groups of 50 people or less, they are on a first come, first served basis and cannot be rented. If the group is 50 or more people, contact Pier Management for Use Agreement terms and pricing.

If we have additional questions, how do we contact St. Pete Pier Management?

Office: (727) 893-7248 8:30 .

Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m./Mon. – Fri.

Tyler Spencer, Facilities Assistant – Tyler.spencer @stpete.org.

HOW TO GET TO THE PIER

Here’s some helpful information about parking and finding the Pier, located at 800 2nd Avenue NE in St. Petersburg.

• Opens 30 minutes before sunrise and closes at 11:00 p.m.

• Marketplace Hours: Friday, Saturday, Sunday 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. (Summer hours may change.)

Directions

If arriving via I-275, follow the interstate signs and exit onto I-375. I-375 becomes 4th Avenue North and guests should follow that to the end where it forms a T with Beach Drive. If guests wish to avoid some traffic, consider taking a left on Beach Drive, then a right on 5th Avenue North and a right on Bayshore Drive. You will find the Pier entrance at the next left.

Parking

Peak traffic and parking demand occur most Fridays between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. as well as on Saturdays from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m., so expect more traffic and longer waits during those times.

There are two (2) parking lots as well as roadside meters on the Pier along Pier Drive and parking at the boat dock. Payment can be made at the pay stations or via the Park Mobile app. Zones are as follows:

2005 - Roadside Meters

2015 - Dolphin Lot

2024 - Pelican Lot

2025 - Boat Dock

Arriving by Boat

We have a limited number of metered boat slips for short-term tie-ups at the Pier.

General Rules

No reservations. Docking is on a first-come, first-served basis during operating hours only. One boat per slip, up to 40 feet, no commercial activity including loading/unloading passengers and no water or electric hook-ups. You must provide your own lines and fenders. Dock at your own risk.

Hours and Duration

Open from 6am to 11pm. 6 hours maximum. Gate is chained and locked at 11pm. Contact Pier Security for any issues or after hour access.

Outside the Pier complex, metered street parking is available, as are several downtown parking garages and lots within walking distance of the Pier. Alternatively, the Al Lang Parking Lot entrance is located on 1st Avenue South between Beach and Bayshore Drive. Access the Pier by walking north on Bayshore Drive. Fees vary. For more information, visit the City of St. Petersburg’s parking page at StPete.org/residents/parking___transportation/ where_to_park.php.

The Downtown St. Pete Looper is a free trolley service that runs 7 days a week with stops at the Sundial parking garage and the Pier entrance every 15 minutes. To find out more on route information and hours of operation, visit https://loopertrolley.com/schedules.

• Weekday Rates

First 4 hours = $2 per hour 5th hour = $3 6th hour = $4/hr.

• Dock Parking limited to 6 hours or less 6 hours cost $15

• Weekend Rates

First 4 hours = $2.50 per hour 5th hour = $3.50 6th hour = $4.50/hr.

• Dock Parking limited to 6 hours or less 6 hours cost $18

Cash and all major credit cards accepted. Please note that the machines do not give change.

Boaters have access to St. Pete Pier.

Arriving by Bus

Looking to explore the Sunshine City using PSTA's convenient public transit options? The SunRunner, Downtown Looper, or Central Avenue Trolley can get you where you need to go.

The SunRunner travels every 15 minutes from beach to Burg. The closest stop to the Pier is 5th Street N. at Stop #1111. Once you get off at that stop, continue down 1st Ave N. towards the water. You’ll pass Jannus Live on the right. Once you hit South Straub Park, you’ll see the entrance to the Pier ahead. Learn more about the SunRunner by visiting PSTA.net/About-PSTA/ Projects/SunRunner.

The Downtown Looper is free and has a stop at Bayshore Drive and 2nd Avenue NE., right at the entrance to the Pier District. Find an updated schedule at LooperTrolley.com/schedules.

PSTA also operates the Central Avenue Trolley, which has a stop on Bayshore Drive just south of 2nd Avenue. See the Central Avenue Trolley by visiting PSTA .net/RidingPSTA /Trolley-Services.

Take the Cross Bay Ferry

Travel to and from Tampa across the bay using the Cross Bay Ferry. In St. Petersburg, the ferry will dock parallel to Eighth Avenue Southeast, just south of Albert Whitted Airport. There will be free parking with no daily time limit in the lot to the left of the port building and the city plans to install bike racks and create a new parking corral for rental scooters and e-bikes. Tickets are available online, at the ferry landing ticket windows, and in the City Experiences app. Corporate or social groups of 20 or more are welcome, booking three months in advance. Please visit TheCrossBayFerry.com for tickets and information.

Park for free at the Sundial garage with the purchase of a ticket for the Cross Bay Ferry – just ask ferry staff for your parking pass at the St. Petersburg ticket booth. Other garages and lots downtown

are open to the public for market rates, as well as metered street parking.

The Tampa Ferry Terminal is located on the water side of the Tampa Convention Center, just west Franklin Street. Public parking garages within a five-minute walk of the Tampa Ferry Terminal include the Tampa Convention Center Garage, the Amelia Arena garage located at Florida Avenue and Channelside Drive, and the Ft.

Brooke Garage.

In cases of inclement weather, cancellations will be announced on the website and on social media, with credit for the tickets purchased.

Avenue and Channelside Drive, and the Ft. Brooke Garage.

In cases of inclement weather, cancellations will be announced on the website and on social media, with credit for the tickets purchased.

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22. Museum of the American Arts and Crafts Movement

23. Museum of Fine Arts

24. The Palladium Theater at St. Petersburg College

25. St. Petersburg Museum of History

26. Boyd Hill Nature Preserve

27. Florida Botanical Gardens

28. Gizella Kopsick Palm Arboretum SHOPPING & SERVICES

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30 Lily Rose Jewelry Co

31. Ocean Blue Art Gallery

32. Sartorial Menswear

33. Style Clothing

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