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Millionaires & Bootleggers
Old Southeast Walking Tour
Saturday, September 13, 2025 at 10 AM
Back by popular demand, our all-new "Millionaires and Bootleggers" tour of Old Southeast returns.
We'll gather on the north side of Lassing Park for this special tour before setting off down the brick streets of this historic waterfront neighborhood.
In addition to streets lined with historic homes, stops include the Bayboro House, the Polish American Club, and the Coast Guard Station.
Tour meets at 15th Ave SE and Lassing Park, on the northern end of the park.
PTB members are $10; Guests and non-members are $20/person.
Attendance is limited; advance registration required.
Historic Kenwood Walking Tour
Saturday, September 20, 2025 at 10 AM
Join Preserve the Burg and the Historic Kenwood Neighborhood Association on a tour of St. Pete's first suburb.
The approximately two-hour tour starts at 10 am at the Craftsman House, 2955 Central Avenue, an American crafts gallery and cafe that was the original model home for Kenwood.
Upon leaving the gallery, attendees will be led on a pleasant stroll through the neighborhood that has one of the largest concentrations of bungalow homes in the country.
The tour will focus on the history of the neighborhood, its revitalization and current activities & events. We will end in the Grand Central District on Central Ave, a great area for lunch at one of St. Pete’s many small local businesses.
Tickets are $10 for PTB & HKNA members or $20 for any non-members. Reserve your spot online. Advance registration is required.
PTB and Historic Kenwood host a tour every 3rd Saturday of the month.
Beach Theatre Tour & Film Screening
Monday, September 22, 2025 at 6:30 PM
Join Preserve the ‘Burg at the recently renovated historic Beach Theatre to kick off the Fall season! First opened in 1940, the theatre served as the entertainment heart of St. Pete Beach for over 60 years before closing in 2012. The Hockman Family purchased the cinema in 2024 with the goal of restoring the building’s former glory for a new audience and reopened in July 2025.
Doors open at 6:30, with a 7 PM screening of the documentary "A New Wave: The Revival of The Beach Theatre." This original short film by Lunar Speedboat Productions captures the extraordinary journey of bringing the beloved Beach Theatre back to life. The screening will be immediately followed by a conversation with Hannah Hockman (Beach Theatre owner and Director) and Manny Leto (PTB Executive Director).
Tickets are $25 for PTB members and $30 for non-members. The first 100 registrants will receive a ticket for a beverage or concession stand snack.
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS THROUGH THE BEACH THEATRE
https://www.thebeachtheatre.org/preserve-the-burg
If you are a member and did not receive the Member's Only Ticket Password email membership@preservetheburg.org or coordinator@preservetheburg.org
PlaceMattersSP - 60 Years: The Life and Times
of USF St. Petersburg
Thursday, September 25, 2025, 6 PM
The University of South Florida St. Petersburg (USF SP) campus has a rich history of academic excellence, entrepreneurial spirit, and student-centered learning.
USF SP was the first regional higher education institution in the state. Its early faculty and administrators were creative and ambitious, building broad support from community leaders who were instrumental in campus evolution. The campus was established on July 1, 1965, using facilities in the decommissioned U.S. Maritime Service Training Center on Bayboro Harbor. Today USF SP has expanded to 52 sunny acres in the heart of downtown St. Petersburg.
The close-knit campus offers an intimate academic experience with the benefits of attending a large research institution. Throughout its history, USF SP has embraced bountiful change as Florida’s need for higher education expanded. This presentation will explore USF SP’s colorful journey and its continuing role as a community dynamo.
Presenters:
Dr. Thomas W. Smith is Vice Provost of Academic Affairs, Associate Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences, and Professor of Political Science. He has worked at USF St. Petersburg since 2000 in various leadership and scholarly roles including Director of the Honors Program.
J.M. (Sudsy) Tschiderer has been at USF St. Petersburg since 1969. She’s been a student (with BA and MA in English), a volunteer, and an employee. Developing the campus Student Life programs for 25 years, she later moved to University Advancement where she currently still works part time. An institutional dinosaur, she is deeply proud of her Alma Mater. She is happy to share its stories – past, present, and beyond – in this illustrated program. She hopes you will bring your stories, too.
PlaceMattersSP is presented by Preserve the ‘Burg and USF's Nelson Poynter Memorial Library.
Lecture takes place at the Nelson Poynter Memorial Library, located on the USFSP campus.
Founders & Scoundrels Downtown Walking Tour
Saturday, September 27, 2025 at 10 AM
"There is nothing new under the sun," especially here in the Sunshine City. St. Pete's founding mothers and fathers sometimes floundered, even failed, yet fostered our fabulous city as we know it today.
The tour will highlight some of the City's notable icons like Peter Demens, who began St. Pete as a tiny Russian village in 1888, and his business partner John Constantine Williams. Early city mayors helped bring in developers and growth, but also allegedly caused some scandals. Amusing stories and interesting historic details from 1888 thru 1930 will cover St. Petersburg's founding, episodes of floundering, and the foundations of the Sunshine city.
The tour will start at the Bayfront Fountain of Youth, walk to Demens Landing, St. Pete Yacht Club, the Ponce de Leon Hotel, Detroit Hotel, Snell Tower, the Post Office, Princess Martha, and wind up at St. Peter's Cathedral and City Hall.
Tour reservations are strongly recommended, space is limited.
Tour will meet in front of the Bayfront 'Fountain of Youth' 4th Ave. S. and 1st St. SE
Hidden, Historic Campbell Park Walking Tour
Saturday, October 4, 2025 at 10 AM
Hidden behind the barrier wall of I-175, Campbell Park is rich in Black history. St. Petersburg’s first “Negro Park,” it was home to the Negro Baseball League where Jackie Robinson and Jesse Owens played, and neighbors hosted community events both large and small, from dances to Girl Scout camps.
Join historian Josette Green and Preserve the 'Burg for a leisurely 1.5-mile stroll while learning about the park's important role in St. Petersburg's history during this special tour.
Green's meticulous research, aided by historic photos and maps, helps tell the story of a park originally dedicated in 1950 "for the permanent use by Negroes." Learn how the past has influenced the development of Campbell Park and what the future holds for this often overlooked community gathering space.
Tickets are $10 for PTB members & Campbell Park residents and $20 for non-members.
Bridges, Beauties, and Busts: Walking in Snell’s Footsteps
Saturday, October 11, 2025 at 10 AM
Walk the path of Perry Snell, the complicated man who built neighborhoods, parks, and clubs that defined early St. Pete.
From the Woman’s Club to the iconic Snell Isle mansions, discover the stories of bridges built, fortunes lost, and beauty preserved. The community’s resilience endures even today, as seen in the recovery and renewal following the devastating 2024 hurricanes.
Along the way, we’ll uncover quirky tales—from a Moorish-style clubhouse to an art collection housed in a tower overlooking Tampa Bay. It’s history with flair—just the way Snell would have wanted.
Tour will meet in the parking lot of the St. Pete Woman's Club
40 Snell Isle Blvd NE
Cade Allen House at Mirror Lake Porch Party
Wednesday, October 15, 2025 at 6 PM
Join Preserve the ‘Burg and Backstreets Capital for a tour and talk at the historic Cade Allen home on Mirror Lake that is currently undergoing a complete restoration.
Most recently used as an office space, the restoration team is returning the structure’s intended residential purpose while highlighting its historical and architectural significance. Cade Allen, for whom the Allendale neighborhood is named, built the family home at Mirror Lake in 1937.
This project showcases the possibilities of new development working hand in hand with historic preservation. Backstreets Capital’s founder and president Will Conroy stated, “Our aim is to maintain and enhance the craftsmanship of the original interiors and exteriors while incorporating the modern amenities that today’s luxury homeowners expect. This home will be truly one-of-a-kind, offering its future owner a unique chance to own a piece of St. Pete history.”
The community conversation will be led by PTB Executive Director Manny Leto and include insights from Will Conroy (Backstreets Capital Founder and president), local architect Elizabeth Hallock (EDAD Studio), Cassie Gardner (CEO, ALL Trades Historical Restoration), and leading general contractor Mike Fox (Fox Building Company).
Light refreshments provided and a donation bar is available courtesy of Backstreets Capital
$25 for PTB members and $30 for non-members
Saturday, October 18, 2025 at 10 AM
Arcades & Entrepreneurs Downtown Walking Tour
Saturday, October 25, 2025 at 10 AM
Join us for a very special "Arcades Tour" of Central Avenue.
This downtown walk will highlight the historic arcade buildings lining Central Avenue, including the Crislip Arcade and Green-Richman Arcade, both located on the 600 Block.
Our tour guide will share stories of the passionate entrepreneurs that drove the success of these buildings, St. Petersburg's booms and busts and how they survived the wrecking ball.
St. Petersburg was once home to 11 arcade buildings, constructed primarily in the 1920s. While several remain and others have been enclosed or significantly altered, four of these buildings still dot the central business district.
Tour will meet in front of the Crislip Arcade, 645 Central Ave.
Jungle Prada
Archaeological Mound Site Tour
Saturday, November 1, 2025 at 10 AM
Join us for a very special tour of Jungle Prada with Preserve the 'Burg and Discover Florida Tours.
The Jungle Prada Tour is a historian-led guided tour of a pre-historic Tocobaga village site, including the best-preserved American Indian mound in Tampa Bay. The Jungle Prada Site Complex is also thought to be the landing place of the 1528 Narváez expedition, the survivors of which walked from Florida all the way to the Pacific Ocean (1528 – 1536)!
Located on the shores of beautiful Boca Ciega Bay, directly across from John’s Pass and Treasure Island, the privately-owned Anderson Mound has been lovingly preserved by the Anderson family for over 80 years. You’ll meet peacocks (residents of the Jungle Prada Site since the 1950s), discover native plants used by the Tocobaga people, and explore a side of St. Petersburg few people have seen.
This is a partnership between Discover Florida Tours and Preserve the 'Burg.
Tickets for this exclusive private tour are $21 for PTB members and $25 for non-members.
Tour reservations are strongly recommended as space is limited to 25 people.
From Pink Palaces to Military Parade Grounds:
St. Pete Goes to War
Walking Tour
Saturday, November 8, 2025 at 10 AM
What happens when paradise becomes a military training hub?
In the 1940s St. Petersburg traded beach umbrellas for boot camp drills. Join us on a waterfront walk to learn how St. Pete hosted more than 100,000 troops during World War II.
Discover how elegant hotels like the Vinoy became barracks, how merchant mariners trained on tall ships in Bayboro Harbor, and how the Coast Guard launched daring rescues from Albert Whitted. Hear the fascinating story of St. Pete in WWII—its role as a training center, its colorful characters, and the everyday locals who supported the troops as you enjoy the beauty of the waterfront.
We will start at the park in front of the Vinoy Resort and finish near the airport where you can hop the free trolley back, if desired. Total walking distance about 1 mile.
St. Petersburg Downtown Looper | PSTA
Tour will meet at the North end of North Straub Park across from the Vinoy Resort (350 Bayshore Dr NE)
image by Elisa.rolle CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=57308498
Saturday, November 15, 2025 at 10 AM
Old Northeast Walking Tour
Saturday, November 22, 2025 at 10 AM
The tour will begin at the former Westminster Church on 11th Avenue NE, where you'll hear about the history of the building and efforts to save it, along with plans for the future. From there you'll hear about the history of one of St. Pete's first suburbs, promoted in the 1900s as the city's "premier residential address.”
PTB members - $10 per person.
Guests and non-members are $20 per person.
Tour reservations are strongly recommended as space is limited to 30 people, walk-ups cannot be accommodated.
"On the Road" Walking Tour: Historic Clearwater
Saturday, November 29, 2025 at 10 AM
Join the Preserve the 'Burg On the Road! We are partnering with the Clearwater Historical Society for a docent-led road trip through Clearwater’s past and present. We’ll gather at the Clearwater Historical Society Museum & Cultural Center on the historic South Ward School campus for a tour of the Museum, before walking to a curated set of sites that trace the city’s growth.
Allison Dolan, President of the Clearwater Historical Society, will guide the tour through the City’s historic district, into downtown, and along the reimagined waterfront. Amber Brice, Clearwater Arts & Culture Manager, will join us to discuss how the city is working with partners like the historical society to thoughtfully renovate and enliven the city center.
The tour moves at an easy pace with short walks at several stops and concludes back at the museum for optional exhibit browsing; bring water, sun protection, and comfortable shoes. Space is limited; advance registration is recommended.
PTB members - $25 per person; Guests and non-members are $30 per person.
Tour reservations are strongly recommended as space is limited. Walk-ups cannot be accommodated.
Round Lake Walking Tour
Saturday, December 6, 2025 at 10 AM
Join Preserve the 'Burg for a relaxing stroll through Historic Uptown/Round Lake.
Known as one of the city’s oldest and most eclectic neighborhoods, it is located just north of downtown and west of 4th St. N. The neighborhood was listed on the National Register because of the excellent and varied examples of popular styled homes from the early 1900's thru the 1920's.
Emily Elwyn, historic preservationist, architectural historian, and PTB Board member, will guide you on an evening stroll while discussing the unique architecture and development of the neighborhood in addition to showcasing some hidden gems.
The tour will start at the gazebo next to Round Lake, located at 7th Ave. N. & Dartmoor St.
Tour reservations are strongly recommended as space is limited to 30 people.
Historic Craftsman House Gallery Porch Party
Wednesday, December 10, 2025 at 6 PM
The building that now hosts the Craftsman House Gallery was originally constructed in 1918 as a model home by developer Charles Hall, intended to showcase and promote the emerging Kenwood neighborhood.
The house was added to the local historic registry in 1994, and the neighborhood was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2003.
Owner Jeff Schorr will discuss how the bungalow’s blend of historic form and modern functionality helps serve the St. Petersburg community. Today, the house offers a gallery, café, and working pottery studio.
Free parking is available on Central Avenue, and both First Avenues North & South. However, public transportation is easily accessible for this location. The Central Avenue Trolley has a stop right out front. It is free from the Pier, up Central Avenue to the Grand Central bus station at 32nd Street. Sunrunner stops are two blocks away both eastbound and westbound.
Light snacks provided; cash bar and non-alcoholic beverages available.
Waterfront Walking Tour
Saturday, December 13, 2025 at 10 AM
Join PTB board member Maria Erickson for a stroll along the waterfront!
Tour participants will learn about the waterfront's importance to the city's efforts to promote itself as the embodiment of the Florida dream and hear stories about the civic visionaries who transformed a working waterfront into one of the country's largest waterfront park systems.
The waterfront is where baseball’s spring training got its start, was the 1914 home to the world’s first airline, the St. Petersburg - Tampa Airboat Co., and the location for the 'Burg's historic Fountain of Youth - Try the fountain during the tour and you'll feel younger by tour's end!
Tour meets at the Fountain of Youth, 4th Ave S & 1st St S, in front of the Mahaffey Theater.
Walking tours are $10 for PTB members or $20 for any non-members. Reserve your spot online. Advance registration is required.
Historic Mirror Lake Walking Tour
Saturday, December 20, 2025 at 10 AM
Tour St. Petersburg's newest Local Historic District, Mirror Lake!
Designated as a LHD at the end of 2024 after years of hard work by Mirror Lake residents and Preserve the 'Burg board members and volunteers, Mirror Lake and its surrounding neighborhood are a special part of the 'Burg. While it is just blocks from Central Avenue, the area has its own sense of place, with an array of historic buildings including the 1916 Carnegie Library, and the 1924 St. Petersburg Shuffleboard Club among many others. The area still retains much of its historic integrity and is a part of the Downtown National Register Historic District in addition to its new distinction as a local district.
This tour, led by former PTB president Emily Elwyn, will be a leisurely stroll around Mirror Lake, taking in the best of the past as well as discussing changes on the horizon.
$10 for PTB members and $20 for non-members.
We will begin at and include a tour of the Unitarian Universalist Church.
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