Membership Spotlight: Shaun Drinkard

Shaun Drinkard has spent more than two decades helping bring downtown St. Pete's public spaces to life. As Vice President of the St. Petersburg Downtown Partnership and CEO of the St. Petersburg Downtown Improvement District (SPDID), Shaun connects the big-picture vision for downtown with what people experience every day. This season, he's also leading Winter Wonder, which transforms Williams Park into a holiday destination with an outdoor ice rink, shopping, food and entertainment. We sat down with Shaun to talk about his work, the launch of the Improvement District and what's in store for Winter Wonder.

You wear a few hats. How would you describe what you do to someone who's new downtown?

I help connect the bigger vision for downtown with what people experience every day. Through the St. Petersburg Downtown Partnership, I work with businesses, residents and community partners on downtown's future. Through the Downtown Improvement District, I'm focused on the details that make downtown welcoming and enjoyable, from maintenance and hospitality to bringing public spaces to life. A lot of my work is connecting people and turning good ideas into something you can see and experience.

What drew you to downtown work, and what keeps you excited about St. Pete?

My background is in landscape architecture, and I've always been interested in how public spaces bring people together. Over time, I became just as interested in what happens after a space is designed: who takes care of it, how it's programmed, and the long-term vision.

I landed in St. Petersburg 23 years ago and quickly fell in love with the community. It was a different city when I arrived shortly after college, but over two decades later, the evolution is incredibly exciting, and I appreciate everything that is uniquely St. Pete.

What will the Improvement District do day to day to keep downtown clean and welcoming?

We're building a team that will provide consistent, visible attention to downtown's public spaces. That includes litter removal, graffiti cleanup, spot pressure washing, weed removal and other maintenance, alongside ambassadors who can offer directions, answer questions and connect people.

These services will supplement the City's work. Our ambassadors will provide a welcoming presence and help identify and report concerns, while working closely with City staff and community partners. As we prepare for our full launch, the priority is establishing a dependable operation that businesses and residents can get to know and count on.

How will the district's work show up for business owners and residents?

It should show up in practical ways: a cleaner walk to work, a welcoming person who can help a visitor find a business, or a familiar contact when something needs attention. For business owners, we want to be an accessible partner who understands what's happening outside their front door. For residents, we want downtown's shared spaces to feel cared for every day. Consistency is what will make the difference.

For anyone who hasn't been, what is Winter Wonder?

Winter Wonder is a seasonal transformation of Williams Park, bringing together an outdoor ice rink, shopping, food and drinks, entertainment, and family activities in the heart of downtown.

We're creating a whimsical winter atmosphere inspired by the northern lights, with colorful lighting and playful touches. What makes it special is the setting and the opportunity to connect it with everything around the park. You can skate, meet friends, explore downtown, and make an evening of it. It also sets the stage for future programming in Williams Park throughout the year.

How does Winter Wonder help downtown businesses during the holidays?

It gives people another reason to come downtown and stay longer. Someone coming to skate might have dinner beforehand, visit a nearby shop or stop somewhere afterward. We want Winter Wonder to connect with the surrounding business community through promotions, partnerships and recommendations. The opportunity is to introduce people to businesses they haven't discovered yet and give them reasons to come back after the season ends.

Any insider tips for visiting?

Make an evening of it. Arrive before sunset so you can see the park transition into the nighttime lighting, leave time to explore, and plan a meal at a downtown restaurant. If your schedule is flexible, consider a weekday visit. Check winterwonderstpete.com before heading out for current hours, skating information and programming. For parking, look at nearby public garages in advance and allow time to enjoy the walk through downtown. And you don't have to skate to enjoy the atmosphere.

How can members and businesses get involved?

Reach out to me directly. With the Improvement District, we want ongoing input from businesses and residents about what they're seeing and where we can make a difference. For Winter Wonder, we welcome conversations about sponsorships, business collaborations, programming, and volunteer opportunities. There are many ways to contribute, and we're happy to explore ideas together.

If people take away one thing from this spotlight, what should it be?

A great downtown takes daily care and people who are willing to invest in it. The Improvement District is about providing that consistent care, and Winter Wonder is an opportunity to bring people together and show what's possible in our public spaces. I want people to feel that they have a part in downtown's success, whether they own a business, live here, work here, or simply enjoy spending time here.

Winter Wonder runs November 20, 2026, through January 3, 2027, in Williams Park. Learn more at winterwonderstpete.com.