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St. Petersburg's vibrant arts scene

By Times editorial
Published May 5, 2006

The renovated Mahaffey Theater in downtown St. Petersburg is a feast for the eyes and ears, but a building alone does not guarantee a successful cultural scene. That takes sophisticated programming ... and that takes money. With a stroke of a pen Thursday, Mayor Rick Baker and the City Council went a long way toward resolving the financial uncertainty.

The council approved a contract selling the naming rights of the entire waterfront complex that includes the theater and, possibly, a new Salvador Dali Museum to Progress Energy. For a total value of $6.2-million over 20 years, the city will get a little more than $5-million to spend on programming at the theater and environs (there could also be outdoor events), while Progress Energy will spend more than $1-million promoting activities there, as well.

The complex will be named the Progress Energy Center for the Arts, while the theater and museum will retain their current names. Many residents may not realize that in addition to the refreshed theater and new art museum (if Dali works out its funding), there will be a new waterfront park where an asphalt parking lot now sits and an open plaza between the theater and museum. All are potential venues for cultural events.

A city with St. Petersburg's ambitions needs to distinguish itself from other urban areas, and offering a wide variety of top-notch cultural events is one way. Progress Energy, which is also building a high-rise office building downtown to house its state corporate headquarters, is certainly doing its part. "We believe investing in the arts and improving the vibrancy and vitality of a community adds to the quality of life," said Jeff Lyash, the utility's top Florida official.

St. Petersburg's quality of life, already quite good, is about to get a little better.

[Last modified May 5, 2006, 06:30:18]