No, St Petersburg isn't just Russia. The city of Florida comprises three distinct parts: St Petersburg (the center of the big city, on the bay, which has no beach), St Pete (the beach on the Gulf of Mexico), and the gigantic natural park of Fort De Soto: 10 km of beaches which are certainly among the most beautiful of the United States (and in any case the most beautiful of the bay of Tampa). The whole forms a whole of nearly 300 000 inhabitants - in the south of the peninsula which closes the bay of Tampa - very directed on the seaside tourism. St. Petersburg Petersburg owes its birth to two men: General John Williams who bought the first piece of land in 1875 (more than 1000 hectares, however), and Peter Demens, a Russian aristocrat who brought the railway in 1888 and named the place after his hometown. First through the fishing industry and then through the growing tourism, St. John's has become a major tourist destination. Petersburg has grown steadily ever since. Today, with a population of nearly 250,000, it is Florida's fifth largest city. In recent years, downtown St. John's has become a major centre of economic activity. Petersburg is experiencing a new lease of life, encouraged by a flourishing artistic offer and an influx of residents and tourists. Talented chefs have also chosen to set up here restaurants that reflect unique cooking styles and a desire to create special living spaces where local residents love to meet. The City of St. John's Petersburg/Clearwater is served by two international airports: St. Petersburg and St. Petersburg. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) and Tampa International Airport (TPA). So you can easily come and go by plane. Real gateways to this little corner of paradise, these two airports offer the services of more than 30 airlines, competitive fares and efficient facilities with a large number of facilities. Direct international flights are available from Panama, London, Frankfurt and Zurich.