Dear Industry Partners,

With the peak summer season right around the corner, I’d like to recognize a historic spring season in St. Pete-Clearwater, one that welcomed nearly 5 million visitors between February and April, generating a record $36.1 million in Tourist Development Tax (TDT) collections. This remarkable achievement for the destination is only possible because of the dedication of our entire community, with each of you contributing your own "grain of sand" to our shared success.

As we all know, the month of July brings our very own unofficial holiday—727 Day, which has become a meaningful moment to celebrate our local community and highlight the value of tourism. 727 Day is our annual opportunity to extend a thank you to the incredible residents who make St. Pete-Clearwater such a vibrant and welcoming place for the millions of visitors each year. Thank you to all the partners who are joining in this year’s weekend-long celebration to help make this annual tradition so impactful. There’s still time for those that want to get involved – details below!

It’s great to see doors open to visitors at The Luce in St. Pete Beach and Dockside Dave’s in Madeira Beach, as well as welcoming Michelin-recognized chef Alex Chamberlain and Mei to downtown St. Pete. Additionally, the opening of the historic Blue Bayou Inn in Tarpon Springs adds another spectacular boutique option to our region.

With these stunning new properties going online, innovative restaurant concepts opening their doors, and major global events taking place right in our backyard, these are incredibly exciting times for St. Pete-Clearwater.

Thank you,

The weekend-long celebration will feature more than 100 deals to thank our beloved residents - and we want you to be part of the action.

We have extended the deadline to submit your deals so, in case you have not had the chance to do so, there's still time to send us your 727 day exclusive offers by using the online sign-up form.

Participating in this community-wide event is completely free, offering a fantastic opportunity to boost your brand's visibility. The entire celebration, along with the featured business deals, will be heavily marketed through local media outlets, social media campaigns, and strategic community partnerships to guarantee widespread engagement. It is a seamless way to connect with residents and show appreciation for their role in making the region thrive.

Taking advantage of this free marketing window allows you to join forces with other local establishments in giving back to the community while driving traffic straight to your door.

Learn more about your local convention and visitors bureau and chat with Brian about his vision and objectives in a more personal setting.

Register today to save one of 25 spots available.

Join HSMAI's Florida Gulf Coast Chapter and the region's official destination marketing organizations (DMOs) for an exclusive panel discussion exploring how strategic partnerships build economic strength and destination resilience across our community.

Space is limited. Secure your seat today. 

Help shape the future of Florida’s tourism industry by joining a VISIT FLORIDA committee. Applications are open for the FY 2026-27 Marketing and Industry Services Committees. As VISIT FLORIDA builds a new strategic plan, your unique insight will provide vital direction for upcoming statewide programs.

The Marketing Committee acts as a steering group to establish key performance metrics and create a living planning system. The Industry Services Committee ensures all regions are represented by guiding strategic objectives and designing vital statewide input sessions.

Apply by July 10.

On Sept. 2, the Sandpearl Resort will once again host the 7th Annual Pinellas ROSE Awards—a premier celebration dedicated to honoring the exceptional hospitality of Pinellas County.

This prestigious event honors frontline hospitality professionals who embody the spirit of service excellence, creating unforgettable experiences for every visitor. Recognition spans across the entire industry, highlighting standout individuals in hotels (including front desk, housekeeping, valet, bellmen, security, maintenance, and engineering), restaurants (such as chefs, cooks, kitchen staff, hostesses, bartenders, and servers), customer-facing attraction roles, and other vital positions like volunteers and greeters who work directly with visitors.

Do you work with a hospitality hero who consistently goes above and beyond? Celebrate and recognize their dedication and exceptional service by submitting your nomination.

Nomination deadline - Aug. 7, 2026

From June 8–12, St. Pete-Clearwater hosted 30 travel professionals from the U.K. One of the largest familiarization tours to date, the initiative highlighted the destination's urban vibes and beach culture. Our appreciation goes to participating partners for hosting the group, including the Sheraton Sand Key Resort, AC Hotel Downtown St. Petersburg and the Hilton Garden Inn in St. Pete Beach.

Aside from learning first-hand about accommodation options to their clients, the group spotted dolphins with Little Toot Dolphin Adventure and The Tropics Boat Tour and joined the excitement of a Tampa Bay Rays game at Tropicana Field. Cultural stops included The Dalí Museum, Chihuly Collection, and The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art. Additional activities included a visit to the St. Petersburg Distillery, candle crafting at The Candle Pour, creative art at DIY Shattered Glass, a sunset celebration at Coconut Charlie's, and a preview of the recently opened property in St. Pete Beach - The Luce.

The Luce, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, has officially opened its doors on St. Pete Beach following an extensive redevelopment. The property, formerly the Postcard Inn on the Beach, was reimagined into a modern 200-room resort.

The Luce also introduces new culinary experiences, anchored by Sundrop Brasserie, an indoor-outdoor lobby restaurant and bar serving daily coastal-inspired brunch and dinner. 

St. Pete Beach’s Sirata Beach Resort has completed a $25 million renovation, officially debuting as part of the Tapestry Collection by Hilton. The transformed boutique resort features upgraded rooms, a redesigned lobby, refreshed dining, and enhanced pool spaces while keeping its coastal charm.

Dockside Dave’s has officially opened its doors in Madeira Beach. Known for its famous half-pound grouper sandwiches, the iconic eatery establishes another staple dining spot for residents and visitors alike. The new location brings back the classic, relaxed coastal flavor the region is known for.

Travelers passing through St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) can now experience a nostalgic celebration of local culture at the Sightline Gallery. The new exhibition "Juicy: A Slice of Florida Life" explores the state's historic relationship with the citrus industry. Presented by Creative Pinellas in partnership with Heritage Village to mark its 50th anniversary, the display pairs vintage archival citrus crate labels with vibrant, food-inspired blown glass citrus sculptures by artist Steve Hagan. The exhibition, running through Sept. 30, 2026, offers airport visitors a curated look at Florida's identity as a tropical paradise through both historic marketing art and modern glass craftsmanship.

Photo: Clearwater Marine Aquarium

Clearwater Marine Aquarium officially opened Pinniped Pier, a brand-new, state-of-the-art habitat for California sea lions. Along with harbor seals, these charismatic animals will help the aquarium expand its vital rescue efforts and inspire marine conservation from coast to coast. Guests will have the unique opportunity to explore this beautiful new space, connect with incredible rescue stories, and get up close with these amazing animals.

The St. Pete Pier ranked among the Top 10 Best Free Attractions in the U.S. by USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice Awards. 

Industry trade publication POLLSTAR recently released its mid-year rankings, naming The BayCare Sound as the #2 amphitheater in the U.S. and #3 in the world for venues with 10,000 seats and under. 

In Golfweek’s recently published list of the Best Public Courses in Florida, Dunedin Golf Club ranked #23 out of approximately 700 public courses in the state.

Additionally, because only four municipal courses made the list, Dunedin Golf Club ranks as the #2 municipal golf course in Florida.

The Safety Harbor Art and Music Center (SHAMc) has been awarded the Music in Action Grant by the Live Music Society, a national organization that supports music communities. This funding will be used to launch new creative initiatives aimed at supporting artists, engaging the community, and expanding arts access.

Photo: The Safety Harbor Art and Music Center (SHAMc)

The Don CeSar

Best Destination Resort

Visiting journalist Will McGough produced a great piece for Forbes about the rich baseball history in St. Pete-Clearwater: America's Secret Baseball City Is Hiding On Florida's Gulf Coast

The Fold Hotel in Indian Shores was featured in Tampa Bay's Morning Blend, as part of a series that encourages the Greater Tampa Bay Area to enjoy a staycation in St. Pete-Clearwater. 

https://www.tampabay28.com/morning-blend/visit-st-pete-clearwater-the-fold-hotel

Islands.com highlighted the community of Treasure Island: https://www.islands.com/2196113/treasure-island-florida-suburb-st-petersburg-white-sand-beach-local-eats/

Sima Sthanakiya, the content creator behind @thecuriouspixie, visited us from the U.K. to share her experience on St. Pete-Clearwater's Beach.Culture.

The Partner Portal is the gateway to updating your business listing and staff member directory, upload videos, photos, and special offers, share your social media channels, & so much more. Partners with questions about navigating the Partner Portal or that do not have a username or password to log in to the partner portal, can email Contact@VisitSPC.com.