The St. Pete Pier burst with life as thousands gathered for its fifth birthday bash. Bad weather in July pushed the celebration to a crisp October weekend, where visitors found free fun and an astonishing light show above the water.
On Oct. 19, music filled the air while children bounced and played. Artists turned faces into works of art. Food trucks lined the paths. Not a single visitor paid for the fun.
As night fell, a fleet of 1,000 drones took command of the dark sky, their lights dancing in perfect time. “They all have a mission, as we say. So they’re going up into a pre-designed motion,” said drone pilot Yosef Dandis, according to FOX 13 News.
The aerial display painted the city’s spirit across the stars. “You’ll see the story of St. Pete, the Dali Museum, the art, the sports,” said Ferdian Jap, partner at Pier Events. The show peaked with a glowing birthday cake, where a light-drawn pelican swooped down to snuff out five bright candles.
When the $90 million waterfront opened in 2020, masks and social distancing rules were still in place. Back then, scattered groups of Rays fans watched the World Series from safe spots along the pier.
“I’m getting emotional to talk about it,” Jap said. “It’s to bring people out and it’s a free community event that anybody could come and gather and hang out with their neighbors.”
Now the pier stands as the city’s heart. Each week brings something new: from musicians on stage to morning yoga and seasonal celebrations that draw crowds from across the bay.
Next up: dogs in costume will strut their stuff at the Halloween parade on Oct. 28.