Not many people would consider the rock heritage that Visit St. Petersburg/Clearwater has when they are relaxing on some of the best beaches in the USA, but since 1961, the area has been attracting a variety of world-class musicians.

Some of the top-picks from Visit St. Pete/Clearwater's musical past include

• The Doors front-man, Jim Morrison, attended St. Pete Junior College in 1961
• In 1965, after a riot in Jack Russell Stadium, the Rolling Stones penned their classic Satisfaction (I can't get no...) in a Clearwater hotel
• Elvis Presley rocked his guitar so hard during a gig at the Bayfront Centre in St. Petersburg on Valentines' Day in 1977, that his guitar strap snapped so he handed the instrument to a stunned fan in the front row
• Coldplay shot the video to Hardest Part on a temporary stage in downtown St. Petersburg
• US country superstar, Carrie Underwood, selected Fort De Soto to shoot the black and white beach scenes for her Wasted video

"As well as award-winning beaches, culture, great food and a variety of excellent accommodation options, music buffs will be pleased to see the destination has attracted some of the biggest names in rock," says Venessa Alexander, Visit St. Pete/Clearwater's UK-based Director.

"We've also got excellent music festivals including the Clearwater Jazz Festival where people can hear local talent, alongside world-class acts," she continues.

With a tropical climate, an annual average of 361 days of sunshine (Guinness World Record for the longest run of sunshine days) and 35 miles of award-winning, white-sand beaches, St. Pete/Clearwater is the perfect destination to soak up the sun. The area also offers an extensive list of exciting sports and activities, a myriad of culture and communities to explore and a packed calendar of events to entertain all ages.

For more information on St. Pete/Clearwater visit www.visitstpeteclearwater.com.

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For further information please contact:

Jill Duffell / Tryphena Greenwood / Laura Jackson
Rooster PR
T: +44 (0) 20 7953 8774
E: jill.duffell@rooster.co.uk / tryphena.greenwood@rooster.co.uk / laura.jackson@rooster.co.uk  
W: www.rooster.co.uk

Visit St. Petersburg/Clearwater

Visit St. Petersburg/Clearwater (VSPC) is the official destination marketing organisation of Pinellas County in Florida and covers 26 municipalities in the area.

The region is located on a beautiful peninsula on Florida's west coast, bordered by the Gulf of Mexico to the west and Tampa Bay to the east.

Just 30 minutes away from Busch Gardens and 90 minutes away from Walt Disney World, the area offers 35 miles of white-sand beaches and uniquely colourful communities to explore.

The destination is renowned for sunshine and currently holds the Guinness World Record for the longest run of sunshine days, a massive 768.

The Clearwater Marina is home to the famous dolphin, Winter, who featured in the smash-hit Dolphin Tale. The film dramatizes the real-life story of how Winter recovered from having her tail removed with the help of a prosthetic.

Also home to the largest collection of Dali artwork outside of Spain, the county has culture, wildlife and beautiful beaches with a semi-tropical climate making it the perfect holiday destination for families, couples and singles.

Tampa International Airport is 30 minutes from St. Petersburg/Clearwater and many international airlines fly direct from the UK. Orlando International Airport is less than an hour's drive from St. Petersburg/Clearwater.

For more information: www.visitstpeteclearwater.com