Focus on community and support of our awesome local businesses is what St. Pete is all about, but for small businesses and consumers alike, keeping things local has been more difficult over the past year than ever before.
“Just as none of us were prepared for how to live through a pandemic, our local business owners could never have prepared for how to operate through one,” says Olga Bof, Executive Director or Keep St. Pete Local. “They were already facing tough times before COVID. Rising rents meant those with brick-and-mortar businesses were struggling to keep their doors open. They, along with home-based businesses (e.g. our incredible artists, artisans, makers), were also having to compete with the behemoth that is Amazon even before our world changed.”
Importance of Actually Keeping It Local
2020 was a huge hit to our beloved local businesses, which are part of what makes St. Pete so unique and charming. In the wake of the pandemic, small business owners had to quickly learn to navigate website creation, regulations, applications for assistance to help keep them afloat, and concerns about employee and community well-being. Sadly, a good number of local faves couldn’t make it, and many national and global franchises have jumped in to take their places, stripping the local charm of our little city. Even the businesses that have survived now must compete with recognizable franchises, many of which tout themselves as “local,” and the massive marketing budgets that come with them.
“The sad, heartbreaking truth,” says Olga, “Is that we will see many of our beloved businesses close this year if we do not do absolutely everything we can to Think Local First for all of our needs! We can totally appreciate that your budget may not allow for you to always do so, but we also want to reiterate that local isn’t necessarily the more expensive option.”
“If we can all consciously commit to seeking out a St. Pete-grown business whenever we need to buy any product or are in need of any service, we can all help to Keep St. Pete Local, right now, when it is needed more than ever! Our city will look and feel so vastly different if our favorite independent businesses are no longer here when this is all over. Let’s not be the community that laments locals’ closures and didn’t do all we could to prevent it. It is definitely the moment to Buy Local, or it’s Bye-Bye Local.”
Localtopia 2021, Be There!
Enter Localtopia: an annual celebration of local businesses, showcasing just what makes them so special – on their own and as a community. This buzzing outdoor event usually draws locals of all ages to enjoy the bounty of our city. Naturally, of course, this year will be a little different, but have no fear! Localtopia will still bring smiles to the people of St. Pete, even if they are hidden behind (locally-made!) masks.
“The most important thing to know about this year’s Localtopia is that we are committed to putting on a safe event following CDC, as well as City and County guidelines,” states Olga. “We understand that not everyone will feel comfortable attending this year’s festival, but if they do choose to attend, that they need to follow all of our COVID-19 Plan measures (found on the Localtopia website), including wearing a mask the whole time they’re there.”
“The other important thing to note,” she continues, “Is that this event is truly not superfluous. It is vital for the nearly 200 vendors, most of whom are makers, whose livelihoods rely on markets and events that did not take place last year. Many of them participated at Localtopia 2020, and shared that the festival is what kept them in business when the pandemic first began.”
“Despite the challenges and COVID measures, we still have a very special festival planned, with new elements including new street art experiences.”
Though it will feel different than in past years, it is more important than ever to Keep St. Pete Local. Stop by on February 20th to support the small, local businesses in our city, and enjoy some much-needed entertainment and a warm – but safe – sense of community.
Localtopia will take place at Williams Park on Saturday, Feb. 20, from 10-5. Visit localtopia.keepsaintpetersburglocal.org for more info!
