Love it or hate it, one thing is certain: the St. Petersburg Pier is closing May 31, 2013. A visit with five of the business owners reveals what their plans are.
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Some have started the process of signing new leases, others are hoping for miracles. Most are concerned their tourist shops won't survive in the average retail setting.
Nic Weathersbee, owner of the St. Petersburg Candle Gallery, has yet to find a location.
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"It's on my mind every day," he said. "I am looking, but I am not sure if there is really anywhere my shop can survive."
A Pier tenant for 13 years, his business is more tourism-based. He said the future location means everything. “You can’t really take a t-shirt shop and plop it down where Daddy Kool’s is just the same as you can’t put a Daddy Kool’s over at John’s Pass.”
Weathersbee estimates about 400 local jobs will be lost when the Pier closes, including a ripple effect on additional vendors such as pest control and security.
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Owner Carol Gray’s gift shop, the Crystal Mirage Gallery, has been at the Pier for over 25 years. The shop carries a variety of jewelry, Swarovski crystals, and contemporary glass art.
In her 60s, she contemplates closing her shop for good. “I honestly don’t know what I will do,” she said. “I am older; I may just go home to relax.”
Gray has considered Clearwater Beach, Sarasota, and Tarpon Springs as places of interest, but remains firm about keeping her business out of St. Petersburg.
Deborah Brown, owner of the hostess gift shop Peppers on the Pier, continues to order a limited amount of merchandise.
"I am walking a tight-rope with how much to order," she said.
Brown prefers using local vendors and estimates about 80% of the products she stocks her store with are locally made. "All of our hot sauces are made local," she said.
At the Pier for 17 years, Brown said she was here the day it opened. At one time, she had another shop at the Pier–an autograph and movie memorabilia business that ahs recently relocated to John's Pass in Madeira Beach. Brown said it took two years to find a new location.
“My intention is not for us to close,” said Jon Reno La Budde, owner of the surfer-themed bar and grill, Jonny Reno’s. At the Pier for 18 months, Jonny Reno’s opened after the demolition announcement. La Budde said it was implied they would be there longer: “We created a business plan based on three plus years.”
Although he doesn’t have a new location, La Budde plans to “stick it out for as long as we can.” A commercial realtor by day, he said despite the limited space, he prefers to stay downtown.
John McKinlay and son Andrew bought Wheel Fun Rentals, a bike and surrey rental business, in March 2012.
Despite purchasing after the decision to demolish the Pier, McKinlay said they rolled the dice in order to maintain a presence in the downtown area.
“Most of our customers are tourists and day trippers,” McKinlay said. A new location has not yet been chosen but McKinlay believes keeping a waterfront presence downtown is a big draw for their unique business. “It’s a fun and affordable thing to do with your family,” he said.
Without a new location lined up, McKinlay's fate hangs in the balance.
"It's up to the city of St. Petersburg," John said. "If they want surreys, they'll let me know because ultimately I will be renting from the city."
Photos and report contributed by Aimee Alexander, freelance Journalist and recent USFSP Journalism & Media Studies graduate. Her love of art, history, events, local businesses and what makes people tick is the driving force behind her stories. When not scouring Pass-a-Grille Beach for seashells with her two children, Aimee can be found riding her bike along Coffee Pot Bayou, soaking up the sunshine on the trails of Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, or sampling local fare at the Saturday Morning Market.Have a small business story to tell? Let us know at info@iLovetheBurg.com with the subject "Small Biz".
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