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SunRunner Smashing Success For St Pete

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Author Keith Connors

SunRunner smashing success for St. Pete. Maybe we need 5 more in Pinellas and Hillsborough?  Pretty cool if you’re living on 2nd Ave South in the middle of Pinellas county these days. You’re just a few “steps” from downtown St Pete for Concerts, Restaurants, Soccer, Events. And, you’re also a few steps form The Beach. Here’s the best part, No parking issues!

Everybody knows about the SunRunner. And now, with the announcement of a new stop and two new buses, it’s safe to say that the SunRunner is here to stay. The new stop will be located on the 100 block of First Avenue North near the Sundial parking garage.

SunRunner smashing success? In just six months since launching, the rapid bus service has already surpassed its projected 3,000 riders per day, with ridership increasing every month. In March alone, the SunRunner saw over 115,000 riders, or about 3,700 per day. And, during major downtown events like Localtopia and the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, the SunRunner’s ridership hit record highs.

Not only is the SunRunner popular among event-goers, but it’s also convenient for workers. With over 50,000 jobs located within a half-mile of the line, it’s easy for employees to ditch their cars and opt for mass transit instead. And, with nearly half of all riders using the SunRunner in lieu of their personal vehicle, the SunRunner is making a positive impact on the environment and traffic safety.

Plus, with the leftover federal dollars from the original SunRunner project funding the new stop and buses, it’s clear that the SunRunner is a smart investment for the city of St. Petersburg. And, with talks of extending the free period for another year, there’s never been a better time to give the SunRunner a try. TBT

 

50 World Famous Stars From Florida

50 World Famous Stars From Florida. These folks are either living in Florida now, or were born, raised, or lived here at one time. Some of the most well-known and influential actors, actresses, and entertainers are from Florida. The diverse range of talent featured in this list reflects the rich cultural history of the Sunshine State, with notable contributions to film, music, politics (Janet Reno), and television.

From iconic singers like Ray Charles and Gloria Estefan to renowned actors like Will Smith, Burt Reynolds and Sidney Poitier, these artists have made a lasting impact on the entertainment industry and left a significant mark on American popular culture. Whether through their acting, singing, or directing, each of these Floridians has made a significant impact on their respective fields and cemented their place in history as some of the most talented and respected entertainers of their time. Have fun checking out the full list of World Famous Stars From Florida.

  • 1 Will Smith

    Will Smith – Born and raised in West Philadelphia, he spent his summers in Jacksonville, Florida.

    “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” and “Men in Black” film series.

  • 2 Sidney Poitier

    Sidney Poitier – Born in Miami, Florida.

    “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” and “In the Heat of the Night.”

  • 3 Wesley Snipes

    Wesley Snipes – Born in Orlando, Florida.

    “Blade” film series and “White Men Can’t Jump.”

    Wesley Snipes

    (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

  • 4 Jim Morrison

    Jim Morrison – Born in Melbourne, Florida.

    Lead vocalist for the band “The Doors.”

  • 5 Ariana Grande

    Ariana Grande – Born in Boca Raton, Florida.

    Singer and actress known for roles in “Victorious” and “Sam & Cat.”

  • 6 Cameron Diaz

    Cameron Diaz – Born in San Diego, California, but raised in Long Beach and Seal Beach, both in California.

    “There’s Something About Mary” and “Charlie’s Angels” film series.

    Cameron Diaz

    (Photo by Elisabetta Villa/Getty Images)

  • 7 Ray Charles

    Ray Charles – Born in Albany, Georgia, but grew up in Greenville, Florida.

    Singer and musician known for hits such as “What’d I Say” and “Georgia on My Mind.”

  • 8 Maya Rudolph

    Maya Rudolph – Born in Gainesville, Florida.

    “Saturday Night Live” and “Bridesmaids.”

  • 9 Sidney Lumet

    Sidney Lumet – Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, but raised in Miami Beach, Florida.

    Director of films such as “12 Angry Men” and “Dog Day Afternoon.”

  • 10 Angela Bassett

    Angela Bassett – Born in New York City, but raised in Saint Petersburg, Florida.

    “What’s Love Got to Do with It” and “American Horror Story.”

    Angela Bassett

    (Photo by Matt Petit/A.M.P.A.S. via Getty Images)

  • 11 Burt Reynolds

    Burt Reynolds – Born in Lansing, Michigan, but moved to Riviera Beach, Florida when he was 10 years old.

    “Smokey and the Bandit” and “Boogie Nights.”

  • 12 Ben Vereen

    Ben Vereen – Born in Miami, Florida.

    Broadway productions of “Pippin” and “Jesus Christ Superstar.”

  • 13 Janet Reno

    Janet Reno – Born in Miami, Florida.

    First female Attorney General of the United States.

  • 14 Christian Slater

    Christian Slater – Born in New York City, but raised in Miami, Florida.

    “Heathers” and “Mr. Robot.”

    Christian Slater

    (Photo by Nicholas Hunt/Getty Images for Tribeca Film Festival)

  • 15 Harry Wayne Casey KC

    Harry Wayne Casey (KC) – Born in Opa-locka, Florida.

    Lead vocalist for the band “KC and the Sunshine Band.”

  • 16 Bob Ross

    Bob Ross – Born in Daytona Beach, Florida.

    Host of “The Joy of Painting” TV show.

  • 17 Wesley Ruggles

    Wesley Ruggles – Born in Los Angeles, California, but grew up in Daytona Beach, Florida.

    Director of films such as “Cimarron” and “No Man of Her Own.”

  • 18 Faye Dunaway

    Faye Dunaway – Born in Bascom, Florida.

    “Bonnie and Clyde” and “Network.”

    Faye Dunaway

    (Photo by Pier Marco Tacca/Getty Images)

  • 19 Deborah Norville

    Deborah Norville – Born in Dalton, Georgia, but raised in Marietta, Georgia, and then later in Pensacola, Florida.

    Co-anchor of “Inside Edition” news program.

  • 20 Alex D. Linz

    Alex D. Linz – Born in Santa Barbara, California, and raised in Eagle Rock, California. He later also lived in New York City and Tampa, Florida.

    “Home Alone 3” and “Max Keeble’s Big Move.”

  • 21 Billy Mays

    Billy Mays – Born in McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania, but raised in McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania and Palm Harbor, Florida.

    Infomercial spokesperson and TV pitchman.

  • 22 Flo Rida

    Flo Rida – Born in Carol City, Florida.

    Rapper and singer known for hit songs such as “Low” and “Whistle.”

    Flo Rida

    (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

  • 23 Fred Durst

    Fred Durst – Born in Jacksonville, Florida.

    Lead vocalist for the band Limp Bizkit.

  • 24 Linda Fiorentino

    Linda Fiorentino – Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, but raised in South Philadelphia and Turnersville, New Jersey, and then later in Sewall’s Point, Florida.

    “The Last Seduction” and “Men in Black.”

  • 25 Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson

    Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson – Born in Hayward, California, but raised in Honolulu, Hawaii and then later in Davie, Florida.

    “Jumanji” and “Fast and Furious” film series.

    The Rock

    (Photo by Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images,)

  • 26 Don Felder

    Don Felder – Born in Gainesville, Florida.

    Former lead guitarist for the Eagles.

  • 27 Scott Stapp

    Scott Stapp – Born in Orlando, Florida.

    Lead vocalist for the band Creed.

  • 28 Pitbull

    Pitbull – Born in Miami, Florida.

    Rapper and singer known for hit songs such as “I Know You Want Me” and “Timber.”

    Pitbull

    (Photo by Nicholas Hunt/Getty Images for 103.5 KTU)

  • 29 Terrence J

    Terrence J – Born in Queens, New York, but raised in Raleigh, North Carolina, and then later in Rocky Mount, North Carolina and Greensboro, North Carolina.

    Co-anchor of “E! News” and host of “106 & Park.”

  • 30 Tom Petty

    Tom Petty – Born in Gainesville, Florida.

    Lead vocalist for the band Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.

  • 31 Josh Gad

    Josh Gad – Born in Hollywood, Florida.

    “Frozen” and “The Book of Mormon” on Broadway.

  • 32 Jim Morrison

    Jim Morrison – Born in Melbourne, Florida.

    Lead vocalist for the band “The Doors.”

  • 33 Yara Shahidi

    Yara Shahidi – Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, but raised in Glendale, California, and then later in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and then later in California and Florida.

    “Black-ish” and “Grown-ish.”

  • 34 Patrick Wilson

    Patrick Wilson – Born in Norfolk, Virginia, but raised in St. Petersburg, Florida.

    “The Conjuring” and “Fargo.”

    Patrick Wilson

    (Photo by Imeh Akpanudosen/Getty Images)

  • 35 Ed Helms

    Ed Helms – Born in Atlanta, Georgia, but raised in Atlanta, Georgia, and then later in New York City and then later in St. Petersburg, Florida.

    “The Hangover” film series and “The Office.”

  • 36 Zoë Kravitz

    Zoë Kravitz – Born in Los Angeles, California, but raised in Miami, Florida.

    “Big Little Lies,” “Mad Max: Fury Road,” and “Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald.”

  • 37 Victoria Justice

    Victoria Justice – Born in Hollywood, Florida.

    “Victorious” and “Zoey 101.”

  • 38 Darrell Hammond

    Darrell Hammond – Born in Melbourne, Florida.

    “Saturday Night Live” and “The King of Staten Island.”

  • 39 Fred Rogers

    Fred Rogers – Born in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, but spent much of his childhood in Jacksonville, Florida.

    Host of the TV show “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.”

    Fred Rogers

    (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)

  • 40 Rob Thomas

    Rob Thomas – Born in Landstuhl, Germany, but raised in Lake City, Florida.

    Lead vocalist for the band Matchbox Twenty and solo artist known for hit songs such as “Smooth” and “Lonely No More.”

  • 41 David O. Russell

    David O. Russell – Born in New York City, but raised in Larchmont, New York, and then later in Boca Raton, Florida.

    Director of films such as “Silver Linings Playbook” and “American Hustle.”

  • 42 Bella Thorne

    Bella Thorne – Born in Pembroke Pines, Florida.

    “Shake It Up” and “Famous in Love.”

  • 43 Gloria Estefan

    Gloria Estefan – Born in Havana, Cuba, but raised in Miami, Florida.

    Lead vocalist for the band Miami Sound Machine and solo artist known for hits such as “Conga” and “The Rhythm is Gonna Get You.”

    Gloria Estefan

    (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images)

  • 44 Tom Sizemore

    Tom Sizemore – Born in Detroit, Michigan, but raised in Clinton, Michigan, and then later in Wayne, Michigan and then later in Riverview, Florida.

    “Saving Private Ryan” and “Heat.”

  • 45 John Travolta

    John Travolta – Born in Englewood, New Jersey, but raised in Englewood, New Jersey, and then later in West Englewood, New Jersey, and then later in Hillsdale, New Jersey and then later in Ocala, Florida.

    “Grease,” “Saturday Night Fever,” and “Pulp Fiction.”

    John Travolta

    (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images)

  • 46 Ashley Greene

    Ashley Greene – Born in Jacksonville, Florida.

    “Twilight” film series and “Pan Am.”

  • 47 Elizabeth Ashley

    Elizabeth Ashley – Born in Ocala, Florida.

    “Take Her, She’s Mine” and “Ship of Fools.”

  • 48 Mark Consuelos

    Mark Consuelos – Born in Zaragoza, Spain, but raised in Lebanon, Illinois, and then later in Tampa, Florida.

    “All My Children” and “Riverdale.”

    Mark Consuelos

    (Photo by Maury Phillips/Getty Images for Los Angeles LGBT Center )

  • 49 Amanda Bearse

    Amanda Bearse – Born in Winter Park, Florida.

    “Married… with Children” and “Fright Night.”

  • 50 Emilio Estefan

    Emilio Estefan – Born in Santiago de Cuba, Cuba, but raised in Miami, Florida.

    Record producer and songwriter who has worked with Gloria Estefan and many other artists.

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