Race drivers begin practice runs Friday morning at the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. It's taken weeks of set up to get to this point and some downtown St. Petersburg businesses say they're paying the price.
"I think they could do some things to make it a little easier for these businesses that are right on the course," said Richard Kantner, a lawyer.
Kantner's law office is just feet away from a concrete wall separating the track from the public. He thinks the event is great for the city, but forces him to close his office to clients each year for several days. He said they have no choice because of detours, a lack of parking, and a temporary fence set up less than two feet from his door.
"Let's wait until Friday when you absolutely have to have that cushion," explained Kantner. "This has been up for three days now and so we're squeezing through here trying to come and go from the office."
Next door at Courigan's Irish Pub, owner Sam Martin closed up shop for three days this week to rest from the bar's St. Patrick's Day celebration and to gear up for the race.
"The set up, it takes some business away, but you got to give and take," said Martin. "It's going to bring a thousand more people over the weekend, then it would take away from us during the week."
Race officials said, in recent years, they have reduced the days of road blocks and business detours before and after the race. With an estimated 100,000 fans expected, the event's president said he hopes nearby businesses will benefit.
"Obviously our job is to entertain the fans at the track Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 8 to 6 and hopefully businesses can take advantage of these fans coming in especially in the after hours," said Tim Ramsberger.
The Dali museum is inside the race area and only accessible to race ticket holders for the next three days. To try to get race fans through the door, a museum spokeswoman says they're offering half-price admission through Sunday.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 6:00 PM EDT2013-05-22 22:00:21 GMT
Laura Spaulding is used to crime scenes. Her company, Spaulding Decon, is often called in to clean up sites involving homicides, hoarding and other incidents. But this spring, she discovered signs
Laura Spaulding is used to crime scenes. Her company, Spaulding Decon, is often called in to clean up sites involving homicides, hoarding and other incidents.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 5:35 PM EDT2013-05-22 21:35:08 GMT
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are launching a new "simplified" loan modification program. This is good news for some troubled homeowners who have long complained that mortgage companies reject their applications
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are launching a new "simplified" loan modification program. This is good news for some troubled homeowners who have long complained that mortgage companies reject their applications
Wednesday, May 22 2013 4:53 PM EDT2013-05-22 20:53:43 GMT
A wealthy Sarasota retiree was tired of air travel options in Sarasota, so he decided to fix the problem the only way he knew how- he's starting 'Sunrise Airlines.'
A wealthy Sarasota retiree was tired of air travel options in Sarasota, so he decided to fix the problem the only way he knew how- he's starting 'Sunrise Airlines.'
Wednesday, May 22 2013 4:45 PM EDT2013-05-22 20:45:43 GMT
Did 78 year old Audrey Mulligan die as a result of her injuries from a sexual assault, or did she die of other health issues? That's at the crux of the murder trial underway in Pinellas County this week.
Did 78 year old Audrey Mulligan die as a result of her injuries from a sexual assault, or did she die of other health issues? That's at the crux of the murder trial underway in Pinellas County this week.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 4:28 PM EDT2013-05-22 20:28:45 GMT
Two Seffner homes next to a deadly sinkhole are slated for demolition. Work crews and heavy equipment arrived on Faithway Drive early Wednesday morning.
Two Seffner homes next to a deadly sinkhole are slated for demolition. Work crews and heavy equipment arrived on Faithway Drive early Wednesday morning.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 5:53 PM EDT2013-05-21 21:53:22 GMT
The state admits it dropped the ball, but 51 year old Wes Diebold lost his license over a 2 dollar mistake.
Looking for a job is tough enough these days but how much tougher does having a suspended driver's license make things? 51 year old Wes Diebold doesn't know for sure if his suspended license was a roadblock.
Looking for a job is tough enough these days but how much tougher does having a suspended driver's license make things? 51 year old Wes Diebold doesn't know for sure if his suspended license was a roadblock.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 2:30 PM EDT2013-05-21 18:30:01 GMT
The Obridge Academy is a virtual school with a virtual Florida headquarters and a virtual track record of performance. But under new legislation awaiting the signature of Governor Rick Scott it could
The Obridge Academy is a virtual school with a virtual Florida headquarters and a virtual track record of performance.
Monday, May 20 2013 5:56 PM EDT2013-05-20 21:56:22 GMT
The weather is getting warm in the bay area and pest control experts say it's bringing out dry wood termites. "The phones are ringing off the hook now because the termites are swarming," said exterminator
The weather is getting warm in the bay area and pest control experts say it's bringing out dry wood termites. "The phones are ringing off the hook now because the termites are swarming," said exterminator
Friday, May 17 2013 7:36 AM EDT2013-05-17 11:36:31 GMT
As the news of Angelina Jolie brings awareness to the fight against breast cancer there is a major medical breakthrough thanks to a nationwide study with the largest number of participants at USF.
As the news of Angelina Jolie brings awareness to the fight against breast cancer there is a major medical breakthrough thanks to a nationwide study with the largest number of participants at USF.
Friday, May 17 2013 5:00 AM EDT2013-05-17 09:00:46 GMT
Teacher supplies can be very expensive. Ask any teacher they will tell you it's true. A couple of local educators are doing their best to help cut the cost for the tools teachers use in the classroom. Adrianne
Teacher supplies can be very expensive. Ask any teacher they will tell you it's true. A couple of local educators are doing their best to help cut the cost for the tools teachers use in the classroom. Adrianne
Friday, May 17 2013 4:58 PM EDT2013-05-17 20:58:08 GMT
The 'Great May Giveaway' is underway. Now through May 24, you have a chance to win tablets, tickets and more! All this week we're giving away an Apple iPad mini , every weekday morning.
The 'Great May Giveaway' is underway. Now through May 24, you have a chance to win tablets, tickets and more! All this week we're giving away an Apple iPad mini , every weekday morning.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 2:50 PM EDT2013-05-22 18:50:34 GMT
An abandoned U-Haul trailer at a Publix parking lot in Spring Hill attracted attention of Pasco County Code Enforcement officials Tuesday because they thought it might be full of cats and dogs.
An abandoned U-Haul trailer at a Publix parking lot in Spring Hill attracted attention of Pasco County Code Enforcement officials Tuesday because they thought it might be full of cats and dogs.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 10:00 AM EDT2013-05-22 14:00:26 GMT
Fashion Expert Mickey Williams is back with this summer's hottest swimwear to suit every body type from www.BareNecessities.com. www.BareNeccesities.com carries the best brands for bra-sized swim up to
Fashion Expert Mickey Williams is back with this summer's hottest swimwear to suit every body type from www.BareNecessities.com. www.BareNeccesities.com carries the best brands for bra-sized swim up to
Wednesday, May 22 2013 9:08 AM EDT2013-05-22 13:08:53 GMT
The Chicago Health Department's new teen pregnancy prevention campaign is sparking conversation. The new campaign features teenage boys shirtless and pregnant. "The ads are currently displayed on public
The Chicago Health Department's new teen pregnancy prevention campaign is sparking conversation. The new campaign features teenage boys shirtless and pregnant. "The ads are currently displayed on public
Wednesday, May 22 2013 1:11 PM EDT2013-05-22 17:11:24 GMT
Going in for surgery
It's a typical story of a cat with a hairball, only the this cat weighs approximately 400 pounds, and what seems to be a giant hairball, is too big to be removed without surgery.
It's a typical story of a cat with a hairball, only the this cat weighs approximately 400 pounds, and what seems to be a giant hairball, is too big to be removed without surgery.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 12:30 PM EDT2013-05-22 16:30:57 GMT
A man being questioned by authorities in the Boston bombing probe was fatally shot when he initiated a violent confrontation, FBI officials said Wednesday.
A man being questioned by authorities in the Boston bombing probe was fatally shot when he initiated a violent confrontation, FBI officials said Wednesday.
