It’s tough living in paradise, ain’t it? Well, if not paradise — with its bumper-to-bumper traffic, a scarcity of affordable housing options and the anxiety that comes with the annual hurricane season — it still boasts undeniable charm and scenic beauty. That’s surely what makes Pinellas such an attractive destination for tourists, seasonal residents, transplants, and Hollywood filmmakers.
Described as a visually-stunning setting by the Visit St. Pete-Clearwater Film Commission, Pinellas County offers diverse and picturesque locations, a supportive community, and a film-friendly environment that makes it an ideal setting for an array of productions. In addition to movies, local communities have been featured on television shows, including a recent season of “Rock the Block.” HGTV’s home renovation competition show featured attached waterfront homes in Treasure Island.
Last year, the romantic comedy “Valentine’s Town” premiered on Amazon Prime in June. Directed by Josh Banks, the film features a talented cast that includes Jonathan Stoddard and Lindsey Dresbach, along with Austin Robert Russell, Michelle Neil, Brian Dijols, Eric Esteban and Tony Foggia. The community of Dunedin — known for its relaxed pace and award-winning beaches such as Caladesi Island State Park — served as the filming set for “Valentine’s Town.”
“The city of Dunedin shines in this uplifting story about the power of honesty, communication and being true to oneself,” said Lisa Dozois, Visit St. Pete-Clearwater film commissioner. “Once again, city staff went above and beyond to facilitate the production’s needs, reinforcing the area’s reputation as a desirable, film-friendly destination.”
Winter, a bottlenose dolphin and former resident of the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, is undoubtedly one of the most widely known and beloved stars of the big screen. She appeared in the 2011 film “Dolphin Tale.” The family drama was shot primarily in Pinellas County, utilizing the CMA as its principal setting. The cast featured Harry Connick Jr., Ashley Judd, Nathan Gamble, Kris Kristofferson, Cozi Zuehlsdorff, and Morgan Freeman. Winter also appeared in the film’s 2014 sequel. In 2021, Winter died after showing signs of a gastrointestinal infection.
Director Robert Altman filmed his ensemble comedy “H.E.A.L.T.H.” in its entirety at the Don CeSar Beach Hotel in St. Pete Beach. Filming began in 1979. The cast featured Carol Burnett, Glenda Jackson, James Garner, Lauren Bacall, and Paul Dooley. The film never received a proper theatrical showing, playing only at film festivals before being broadcast on The Movie Channel and Fox Movie Channel in the early 1980s.
Many long-time residents will recall “Cocoon,” a science fiction comedy and drama film directed by Ron Howard. Released in 1985, “Cocoon” was filmed in St. Petersburg with prominent locations including the St. Petersburg Shuffleboard Club, Suncoast Manor Retirement Community, the Coliseum, and Snell Arcade buildings. The cast featured Don Ameche, Wilford Brimley, Hume Cronyn, Brian Dennehy, Jack Gilford, Steve Guttenberg, Maureen Stapleton, Jessica Tandy, Gwen Verdon, Herta Ware, Tahnee Welch, and Linda Harrison. Ameche picked up an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his performance, and the film also earned an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects.
Carl Reiner directed “Summer Rental,” with John Candy receiving top billing. The cast also included Richard Crenna, Rip Torn, Karen Austin, Kerri Green, John Larroquette, and Joey Lawrence. Shooting locations included both St. Petersburg, Madeira Beach and St. Pete Beach.
Following is a look at some examples of other movies filmed in Pinellas County.
‘Strategic Air Command’
A 1955 military drama, “Strategic Air Command” was directed by Anthony Mann. The film features a scene at St. Petersburg’s Al Lang Field, as well as a quick pan across the downtown cityscape. Stars June Allyson and James Stewart are shown conversing as the St. Louis Cardinals take the field during spring training.
‘The Strange One’
Ben Gazzara, George Peppard and Julie Wilson all made their cinematic debut in 1957’s “The Strange One,” a film noir directed by Jack Garfein. Gulfport’s Stetson University was selected for outdoor scenes set at a fictional military college.
‘Once Upon a Time in America’
Directed by Italian filmmaker Sergio Leone, the 1984 epic crime film “Once Upon a Time in America” includes a beach scene shot at the Don CeSar in St. Pete Beach. Robert DeNiro and James Woods are seated on beach chairs in front of the county’s renowned “pink castle.”
‘Magic Mike’
Pay attention and you’ll find many Pinellas vistas on display in 2012’s “Magic Mike,” starring former Tampa resident Channing Tatum. Locations include Wilson’s Bar in St. Petersburg, Caddy’s on the Beach in Treasure Island, on the Pinellas Bayway Bridge, and at Three Rooker Island off Tarpon Springs.
‘Spring Breakers’
Filmed in 2010 and released in 2013, the satirical crime thriller “Spring Breakers” brought an ensemble cast to St. Pete Beach. The film stars James Franco, Selena Gomez, Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Benson, Rachel Korine, and Gucci Mane. The story follows four college-age young women who, while on spring break in St. Petersburg, get involved with a drug dealer named Alien.
That’s not all, of course — but you get the picture: Pinellas County is an ideal filming location that attracts filmmakers. In fact, it always has. Back in the 1930s, area investors purchased Kennedy Studios, founded by Aubrey Kennedy, and renamed it Sun Haven Studios. The movie company was based on Weedon Island in St. Petersburg.
Given the economic downturn of the time, it is not surprising that Sun Haven only produced three movies. The titles included “Playthings of Desire” in 1933, “Hired Wife” in 1934, and “Chloe, Love Is Calling” in 1934. Buster Keaton — who was in a career slump at the time — visited the studio before its ultimate demise, but did not sign on to any projects.
The Visit St. Pete-Clearwater Film Commission continues to provide exclusive destination exposure for the St. Pete-Clearwater area as a destination for all forms of media production. Maybe next summer’s biggest blockbuster will be filmed right here in Pinellas County.
