News Story

From the city of St. Petersburg
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Paul Stellrecht, 727-892-5561
Midtown Economic Development

Cities Unite to Host 49th Street South
Celebration & Parade May 17

St. Petersburg, Fla. (May 7, 2008) - The public is invited to the 49th Street South Celebration to showcase businesses along 49th Street South in Gulfport and St. Petersburg - on Saturday, May 17, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. - at the Tangerine Avenue Greenway, at 18th Ave. S. between 49th St. and 52nd St. Sponsored by the city of St. Petersburg, city of Gulfport and Gulfport Chamber of Commerce, the first-ever event is to highlight commerce and support businesses along the 49th St. S. corridor shared by the two cities.

At 10 a.m., a parade of unity will kick off the free festivities - staging at the former Winn Dixie parking lot at the northwest corner of Gulfport Blvd. (22nd Ave. S.) and 49th St., before proceeding north to the Gulfport Neighborhood Center at 1617 49th St. and disbanding at the Tangerine Greenway. In addition, there will be live music and food vendors.

Businesses are invited to set up a tent or a table along the Tangerine Avenue Greenway (18th Ave. S.) between 49th St. and 52nd St. S. Participation is free for businesses. A 10 by 10-ft. space is offered, one per business. Businesses must provide their own tents, tables and chairs. There is no electricity available. Businesses should register by May 14 by contacting the Gulfport Chamber of Commerce at 727-344-3711 or the City of Gulfport Leisure Services Department, 727-893-1067.

“This is an opportunity to promote your business and showcase your specialty products or services during a fun and festive community event,” says Goliath J. Davis III, St. Petersburg’s Deputy Mayor for Midtown Economic Development. “As part of our Childs Park initiative, we are excited to be part of this innovative first-ever celebration where our two cities work together to support commerce and grassroots neighborhood efforts,” he added.

For more information, contact the Gulfport Chamber of Commerce at 727-344-3711, the Gulfport Leisure Services Department at 727-893-1067 or visit www.ci.gulfport.fl.us.