News Summary
The 2025 Besties Awards recently took place in St. Petersburg, Florida, honoring the hospitality industry with a record 280 nominees across 34 categories. The event highlighted the significance of local tourism, which has seen over 15.4 million visitors and an economic impact exceeding $11.2 billion in fiscal year 2024. Key figures in the industry, including award recipients and community members, came together to celebrate collective achievements and recognize contributions to the local tourism sector.
St. Petersburg, Florida – The 2025 Besties Awards celebrated the top achievements in the hospitality industry across Pinellas County, recognizing outstanding nominees and winners in 34 categories. Held at The Floridian Social in downtown St. Petersburg on a Thursday night, this event marked a significant milestone with a record 280 nominees, the highest number in the awards’ history.
This year’s categories spanned a wide range of interests, including Best Foodie Hotspot, Best Beach Bar, Best Local Shop, and Best Influencer. The enthusiastic participation of the community was evident, with thousands of votes cast in support of local businesses, highlighting the importance of hospitality in the region’s economy.
The Besties Awards were presented by BVK and Miles Partnership, organizations that contribute to enhancing the visibility and performance of tourism in the area. Britt Addis, a contributor to I Love the Burg, was nominated for Best Influencer, while publisher Dexter Fabian played a role in presenting awards during the ceremony. Further information about finalists and the St. Pete-Clearwater destination is available in Visit St. Pete-Clearwater’s Gulf to Bay Destination Magazine, which can be accessed online or ordered for free.
Significance of Local Tourism
Tourism continues to play a pivotal role in Pinellas County, as evidenced by the impressive data from fiscal year 2024. The county welcomed over 15.4 million visitors, leading to an economic impact exceeding $11.2 billion. Accommodations revenue for the county surpassed $1.6 billion, with more than $95 million collected in hotel bed tax for the third consecutive year. This bed tax funds various tourism-related projects, including beach restoration efforts and supports over 100,000 tourism-related jobs in the county.
During the awards ceremony, Brian Lowack, President and CEO of Visit St. Pete-Clearwater, took a moment to congratulate all winners while reinforcing the sentiment that all nominees are winners, showcasing the collaborative success of the local hospitality community.
Honoring Industry Leaders
Among the notable attendees, Russ Kimball, CEO of the Sheraton Sand Key Resort, was honored for an impressive 50 years of service in the local tourism industry. He received a custom-made award from Zen Glass Studio in recognition of his contributions to the hospitality sector in Pinellas County.
Acknowledging Collective Success
The Besties Awards night not only celebrated individual triumphs but also highlighted the collective achievements of the area’s hospitality professionals. The event reinforced the importance of local hospitality in creating memorable experiences for visitors and elevating the overall appeal of Pinellas County as a tourist destination.
As the county continues to thrive and attract tourists, the enduring support from the community remains vital. Events like the Besties Awards serve to underscore the rich tapestry of local businesses and the essential role they play in the cultural and economic landscape of Pinellas County.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
2025 Besties Awards Celebrate Local Hospitality Excellence
St. Petersburg College Partners to Revamp Hospitality Course
Additional Resources
- I Love the Burg: 2025 Besties Awards
- Wikipedia: Tourism in Florida
- St. Pete Catalyst: Top Hospitality Businesses
- Google Search: Pinellas County tourism
- I Love the Burg: Best of St. Pete Clearwater
- Encyclopedia Britannica: St. Petersburg, Florida
Author: STAFF HERE PETERSBURG WRITER
ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER The ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREStPetersburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in St Petersburg, Pinellas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Localtopia, and SHINE Mural Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Pete Downtown Partnership, plus leading businesses in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Raymond James Financial, Jabil, and Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
