Planning Your Trip to St. Pete
Trip planning can always be made easier. That's why we've provided some helpful tips, contacts, and services to help your vacation be what it should be--fun!
Helpful Contacts:
St. Petersburg/Clearwater Area Convention and Visitors Bureau
13805 58th Street N., Suite 2-200, Clearwater, FL 33760.
(727) 464-7200 or (887)352-3224
The Fish and Wildlife Research Institute provides information on local animals, wildlife, and health conditions.
Weather-- Hurricane season runs June through November (though the St. Pete area hasn't been hit for over 150 years!). For an up-to-date recording of current weather conditions and forecasts, call (305) 229-4522. Online, you can check http://www.intellicast.com/ or http://www.weather.com/.
Traveler's Tips:
- White sand extra-magnifies the sun's intensity so don't forget the sunscreen! Apply sunscreen with a SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of at least 15, paying special attention to the face, nose, ears and shoulders.
- When packing for a trip to the beach, don't forget important items, like your beach towel, hat, sandals, sunscreen, sunglasses, swimsuit, and a water bottle.
- If you are driving in rain hard enough that you must use the windshield wipers, Florida law requires that you must also turn on your headlights.
- Florida law requires the use of seat belts for all front seat passengers and children under the age of three are required to be in a safety car seat.
- The Florida state sales tax is 6%. Many municipalities add 1% or more to that, and most levy a special tax on hotel and restaurant bills. In general, expect at least 9% to be added to your final hotel bill. There are also hefty taxes on rental cars.
- Time Zones—The Florida peninsula observes Eastern Standard Time, but most of the Panhandle, west of the Apalachicola River, is on Central Standard Time, 1 hour behind the rest of the state.
Getting to St. Pete Beach
Airports:
Tampa International Airport
5507 Spruce Street
Tampa, Florida USA 33607
813.870.8770
From Tampa International Airport to TradeWinds Resorts:
Follow the signs to I-275 South "To St. Petersburg" and across Tampa Bay. Continue South on I-275 approximately 15 miles through St. Petersburg. Proceed from * below.
St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport
14501 Roosevelt Blvd.
Clearwater, Florida USA 33762
(727) 453-7800
From St. Petersburg/Clearwater Airport to TradeWinds Resorts:
Turn left out of airport onto Roosevelt and follow signs to I-275 South through St. Petersburg, approximately 13 miles. Proceed from * below.
* Exit I-275 at the St. Pete Beach/Pinellas Bayway Exit (new exit 17, old exit 4). Proceed west across Pinellas Bayway ($.50 toll) which takes you directly to St. Pete Beach and ends at Gulf Blvd. Turn right, and TradeWinds Resorts are on the left hand side of the street, about 1-1.5 miles north.
Ground Transportation:
Rental Cars and Services from Tampa and St. Petersburg – Clearwater International Airports:
Avis
Tampa Intl Airport - TPA
Airport Service Road, Tampa, FL 33607
1-813-396-3500
Sun-Sat Open 24 hrs
St Petersburg/Clearwater Airport - PIE
14700 Terminal Blvd, Clearwater, FL 34622, USA
1-727-530-1407
Sun 07:00AM-10:00PM; Mon 06:30AM-10:00PM; Tue 06:30AM-11:00PM; Wed-Fri 06:30AM-10:00PM; Sat 07:00AM-11:00PM
Hired Cars and Limousines:
Sedan 2 Airport
Visit them on the web or call toll-free: 1-866-403-3303
By Car:
St. Petersburg/Clearwater is easily accessible from major Interstates along the Midwest (I-75) and Northeast (I-95) corridors, as well as Orlando (I-4).
TradeWinds Guest Services:
We are pleased to offer a superb selection of in-room gifts, tropical trinkets, and beachwear that you can order right from the TradeWinds website. Buy a package online and surprise your family with fun snacks, beverages, toys, and much, much, more. Visit the Just Let Go Shop online
Golf Concierge:
Tee times for play at some of the area's best public golf courses may be made up to weeks in advance through our Golf Concierge. Located in the lobby at the TradeWinds Island Grand, PGA member Jack Lima has been serving the St. Petersburg/Clearwater golfing community for over 15 years, and can assist with course selection, reserve tee times for individual and group play, as well as coordinate tournaments for groups. With a climate promoting year-round play, pack your clubs and enjoy the many courses within a short drive of the TradeWinds Resorts. Call toll-free 1-888-465-3302.
Spa Services:
Body Works Salon and Spa at TradeWinds Resorts offer a serene setting to enjoy a pampering "mind, body, and soul" experience. With more than 40 salon and spa treatments available, the most difficult decision will be what to choose! Open daily in the Breckenridge Building at TradeWinds Island Grand. Combination appointments, half day, and full day packages should be made one to two days in advance. All treatments and prices are subject to change without notice. Please call us at 1-727-363–2348 to make a credit card secured appointment or visit our website for more information.
