New Signs Encourage Visitors, Residents To 'Buy Beaches First'

ST. PETE BEACH, FL — As part of a campaign to bring businesses back to Pinellas County beaches, beach businesses are displaying brightly colored yellow signs reminding visitors and locals to Buy Beaches First.

On Friday, the Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce delivered 200 Buy Beaches First signs to member businesses as part of its campaign to encourage the community to shop small first.

The chamber is reminding residents that, when they shop with beach merchants, more of that money stays close to home.

Buy Beaches First connects community-minded shoppers to local businesses by using #buybeachesfirst. For more information, visit BuyBeachesFirst.com.

The chamber is also resuming plans for its annual Taste of the Beaches event.

From Friday, Oct. 2 through Sunday, Oct. 4, attendees will enjoy a taste tour of specialty dishes prepared by the community's favorite restaurants. Tickets are $30 and can be purchased here. Each ticket included three tastes and entry for a chance to win a grand prize. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the nonprofit Sea Turtle Trackers.