December New & Now

Dec 11, 2020

The latest news from the most popular tourism destination on the Gulf of Mexico: St. Pete/Clearwater. For the most up-to-date COVID destination updates, visit VSPC.info 

Visit St. Pete/Clearwater unveiled and launched its $4.5 million winter-time advertising campaign in late November. The in-state and out-of-state efforts embody a creative evolution of VSPC’s “Live Amplified” vibrancy brand platform, taking on “A Whole New Point of View,” embracing the five senses through visceral and sensorial imagery and taglines. For instance, “A touch of bliss” paired with a detail photo of sugar white sand and “You can almost hear it” with a beach hammock and an aerial of the waves coming ashore.

The campaign comes to life in new TV and radio spots, which, along with digital billboards, will be deployed in Atlanta, Indianapolis, Cincinnati, Orlando, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Jacksonville, Fort Myers and Naples through March.

Digitally, the campaign utilizes connected TV across a number of platforms, including Hulu, and rich media units---in addition to ongoing low funnel tactics, like paid search, paid social, highly-targeted buys with Sojern and Epsilon and custom programs with Travelzoo and Expedia. The digital efforts utilize behavioral and contextual targeting and focus primarily out-of-state in Atlanta, Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Chicago, Columbus, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Louisville, Nashville, Charlotte, Chattanooga, Knoxville and St. Louis through March.

'Tis the Season in St. Pete/Clearwater

Twinkling palm trees and decorated boat parades can only mean one thing... it's the holiday season in St. Pete/Clearwater! From pop-up Christmas-themed bars in St. Pete and Dunedin to holiday movies in the beer garden, we'll show you that fake snow might just be better than the real thing. Check out a list of holiday happenings in the destination HERE.

The Cambria Hotel Madeira Beach Opens with Stunning Rooftop Views at Ember Lounge

With open area seating being one of the top priorities now for diners in this COVID-19 era, rooftop bars are more popular than ever. St. Pete/Clearwater boasts an impressive lineup, including newcomer, Ember Lounge.

The brand new rooftop bar is located within the just-opened Cambria Hotel in St. Petersburg at the Madeira Beach Marina. The five-story, 125-room waterfront hotel is Cambria Hotels’ third property to open in Florida.

The hotel features a rooftop bar with panoramic Gulf Coast views, an infinity pool with cabanas, spacious guestrooms and suites and locally curated food and beverage menus. Interior design elements were inspired by the legend of John LeVeque, a pirate-turned-turtle farmer who is credited as the first western settler of the area and who buried treasure on the beach.

Pinellas County Transit Authority Unveils Electric Self-Driving Vehicle in St. Pete

Looking for an easy way to get from Point A to Point B in downtown St. Pete? AVA might have you covered. The Pinellas County Transit Authority (PSTA) unveiled its new self-driving car AVA, which stands for Autonomous Vehicle Advantage.

AVA is one of the first autonomous vehicle programs in the state to operate in mixed used traffic, on an open road next to other vehicles. AVA is operating on Bayshore Drive between 5th Avenue N (The Vinoy Hotel) and Dali Blvd (The Dali Museum) during its three-month pilot. This is the perfect way for those staying at The Vinoy or exploring downtown to efficiently visit the St. Pete Pier, Saturday Morning Market or The Dali Museum.

Bodega Opens New Rum-Heavy Speakeasy -- Bar Chica

In the mood for secluded sips? Sneak into St. Pete/Clearwater’s latest “hidden” cocktail bar tucked inside local favorite, Bodega’s, just relocated and expanded St. Pete location.

Bar Chica—an entirely separate entity from the sandwich mecca—operates within the confines of Bodega’s new building, utilizing a small space discovered when building out the dining room. Stop by to check out Sunshine City’s newest rum-heavy getaway!