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St. Petersburg, Florida remains the sunniest place to be gay! Just as in this 1926 Chamber of Commerce ad, St. Petersburg’s thriving downtown and proximity to the fabulous Gulf beaches with amazing sunsets has attracted visitors for a century! Beginning in 2014 and every year since, St Petersburg has scored a perfect 100 on the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipality Equality Index (MEI). The Municipal Equality Index examines the laws, policies, and services of municipalities and rates them on the basis of their inclusivity of LGBTQ+ people who live and work there.
Explore your creative side with St. Petersburg’s expanding culture, including nine world-class museums, performing arts venues, unique galleries and stores. The Warehouse Arts District west of downtown is booming area for artists and art lovers. Downtown’s public parks host more than 200 events annually including Main Sail Arts Festival, 4th of July, RibFest, Caribbean Festival, Music Festivals, many concerts and more special events. Over a dozen craft breweries have opened in the last few years. Public art murals have sprouted all through downtown spreading.
Lower your stress levels with our laid back lifestyle and effective transportation networks. St. Petersburg’s diverse economy and increasing job opportunities all beckon for potential residents to take a closer look. In 2006 St. Petesrburg was named one of the “50 Fabulous Gay Friendly Places to Live” by Gregory Kompes.
One of the most beautiful aspects of the St. Petersburg area is the diversity of the neighborhoods. While there is no “gay ghetto” there are many neighborhoods that are gay and lesbian friendly. The price ranges and styles differ greatly. Nearby communities such as Gulfport, Dunedin and Safety Harbor also provide a welcoming community on a smaller scale. The Grand Central District is an urban village in the heart of St. Petersburg and home to many LGBT businesses and the annual St. Pete Pride Celebration in June and Come OUT St Pete in October. We hope you will explore the Greater St. Petersburg Area. Come and play, indeed!
