Wine Walk draws record crowd to Belleair Bluffs
Thousands attended the 12th annual event on Oct. 24, aided by a new shuttle route and dry weather.
By Valentina Cruz ·
Several thousand people attended the Bluffs Wine Walk on Oct. 24, marking the largest turnout in the event's history. The clear skies and warm temperatures drew attendees to the city's business district for the 12th annual sip-and-stroll hosted by the Bluffs Business Association.
Approximately 90 businesses and vendors lined the route along Indian Rocks Road and West Bay Drive. Larry Bell, president of the Bluffs Business Association, attributed the record attendance to the live music, the traditional hog roast, and a new transportation option. "This year's celebration was our biggest yet," Bell said in an email sent two days after the event.
Star Trolley's Pink Champagne Bus served as the free shuttle for the day, replacing the previous Jolley Trolley service. The vehicle, which features a lounge, bar, and dance floor, operated on the same route for the full four-hour duration of the event.
Performances and food vendors occupied several blocks of the route from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. At Belleair Bluffs City Hall, Alex Whalen, a former contestant on NBC's The Voice, performed for the crowd. Attendees also queued for food at establishments including Tavern in the Bluffs.
Organizers for The Annika, an LPGA tournament scheduled for next month at Pelican Golf Club, held a putting contest outside Stefanec's South Barber Shop. The shop, located near Mehlenbacher Road, served as a new check-in site this year to distribute the crowd more evenly.
Dave Roberts, Belleair Bluffs Vice Mayor, noted that the additional stop helped manage the foot traffic. "I like how it was spread out, with the crowd stretching from one end of the route to another instead of just being concentrated at City Hall," Roberts said.
Source: Tampa Bay Newspapers
