When many people hear of St. Petersburg, they think of the Dali, downtown waterfront dining and the Rays.
It’s something people love to share on social media.
So now, a campaign is taking that idea to new heights.
This weekend if you post why you love living in St. Petersburg with the #SunshineStPete, it could show up on the 28-story Priatek building.
The goal is to get people excited about where they live, work and play, hoping outsiders do the same.
“While the sun is rising over the west facing tower, it will be powered by people's hashtag, #SunshineStpete posts,” said Clear Labs owner Jenn Greacen.
Greacen saying it took her team 700 man hours to create the first of its kind projecting downtown.
“These projectors put out 100,000 lumens of light. They are so powerful that if you walk in front of them while they're running, the light could literally burn you,” said Greacen.
The lights will display your thoughts on why you love the city.
“People will be able to see their posts within ten minutes or so up on the building,” said Greacen.
Deputy Mayor Dr. Kanika Tomalin hopes by sharing your St. Pete story it will spark others to create their own.
“What I hope will happen is that this city will be so awesome that my children will have every choice in the world to make their lives where they wantt, but think that St. Pete is the best place they can build their best future,” said Tomalin.
That will bring in more jobs, housing and talent like entrepreneur Andy Salyards.
“People who have the drive, hustle and the smarts, you can do something here,” said Salyards.
Now opening his fifth business he believes investing in St. Petersburg is the best move he’s made.
“Everything is so wide open, you have access to the mayor, officials, it's easier to get things done,” said Salyards.
In fact, in the past three years almost two dozen companies have relocated to the city for opportunity.
And if you’re thinking about moving, housing prices have gone up 11 percent in the last year. The median rent price is $1250, cheaper than Tampa, according to Zillow.
So even though the technology is pretty cool to look at, it’s more than just flashy lights, it’s a chance to make the town even better.
To get your post on the building use #SunshineStPete on your Twitter or Instagram pages. Or, post on the City of St. Petersburg's Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/CityofStPetersburg).
