St. Pete Closes Bayshore Drive To Create Social Distancing

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — The city of St. Pete has decided to close Bayshore Drive NE from Fifth Avenue NE to Second Avenue NE at 8 a.m. on Friday, May 22, to vehicular traffic, a news release said. Mayor Rick Kriseman wants to create more space for residents and visitors who walk and cycle in this small stretch yet heavily populated area because of its location near the Vinoy, restaurants, nightlife and museums.

"Beyond our Open Streets events, we have been looking at opportunities to experiment with road closures and create more space for those walking, biking and exercising," Kriseman said. "While is a small stretch of road, it is heavily used and should give residents and visitors the chance to further spread out. I am hopeful it will use used wisely."

City Council Vice Chair Gina Driscoll added that this is an exciting opportunity to help foster more of our downtown waterfront while allowing for easier social distancing. This closure should help to inform future actions related to opening our streets for alternative uses."

It is unknown when the city plans to reopen the portion of Bayshore Drive NE from 5th Avenue NE to 2nd Avenue NE. For more information on Restart St. Pete, visit their website at www.restartstpete.com.