No more “God’s Waiting Room”

The traditionally senior citizen city of St. Petersburg is trying to shed its image as a haven for those about to depart this world for the next."God;s Waiiting room," was a common name.

But today, the city is “taking its place among great waterfront cities such as New York, Chicago and Boston,” say tourism officials. City officials hope to lure not only more visitors but also more convention business.

“Such uptown waterfront cities conjure immediate images of vibrant downtowns that offer a beautiful and multifaceted way of life, especially for those fortunate enough to live within shouting distance of their celebrated shorelines,” said a release.

The city has long outgrown its old rep as a mecca for retirees and vacationers, say city officials.

Why is that?

“Visionary leadership, a can-do business community, strong support of the arts and unparalleled location have transformed it into one of the most likable, livable waterfront cities in the United States,” the release says.

Among its recent improvements: Even during the current economy, when many cities have stalled or slipped, St. Petersburg unveiled a new $35-million Dali Museum and continued building — and selling — waterfront condominiums.

The reasons: the various amenities cited by tourism officials.

The central downtown area of St. Petersburg hugs about three miles of the shores of Tampa Bay, and within that sinuous greenway are 11 distinct, well-kept city-owned waterfront parks.

It’s the third largest waterfront park system in North America — behind only the notable shorelines of Vancouver and Chicago.

Tampa Bay itself is home to picturesque marinas, elegant yachts, bobbing sailboats, boat tours and rentals, commercial ships lining the distant horizon and dolphins playing in the sun. On any day, visitors will also spy paddleboards and paddle boats, paddling kayakers and puddle jumpers.

Fishing and stargazing also are favorite pastimes at The Pier.

This outdoor diversity — along with some 1,000 annual open-air events — is among the reasons St. Petersburg is regularly recognized with “firsts” and “bests,” including Florida’s first Green City by the Green Building Coalition. The later noted its energy conservation, recycling, water conservation, fuel efficiency, landscaping, preservation of open spaces, and other environmental programs.

By David Wilkening