GUIDE
2026 Convention Guide
FYD Convention 2026 Attendee Guide, Tampa Bay
Campus Address: 140 7th Ave South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
HOTELS & LODGING: All hotels are within a 6-minute drive of USF St. Petersburg campus. Listed from lowest to highest nightly rate.
The Cordova Inn (New Hotel Collection)
Address: 253 2nd Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 | Price: from $98/night | Distance: 0.9 miles · 4-minute drive
The Ponce De Leon Hotel
Address: 95 Central Ave, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 | Price: from $129/night | Distance: 0.9 miles · 4-minute drive
Avalon Hotel St. Petersburg/Downtown
Address: 443 4th Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 | Price: from $142/night | Distance: 1.1 miles · 4-minute drive
The Inn on Third
Address: 342 3rd Avenue North, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 | Price: from $154/night | Distance: 0.9 miles · 4-minute drive
The Galaxy Hotel
Address: 101 3rd Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 | Price: from $174/night | Distance: 1.1 miles · 5-minute drive
Prestige Collection - Boutique Hotel
Address: 115 5th Ave NE, St. Petersburg, FL | Price: from $174/night | Distance: 1.2 miles · 5-minute drive
Hyatt Place St. Petersburg/Downtown
Address: 25 2nd St N, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 | Price: from $179/night | Distance: 0.8 miles · 4-minute drive
Hilton St. Petersburg Bayfront
Address: 333 1st St SE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 | Price: from $189/night | Distance: 0.7 miles · 4-minute drive
Hampton Inn & Suites St. Petersburg/Downtown
Address: 80 Beach Dr NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 | Price: from $229/night | Distance: 1.0 miles · 5-minute drive
AC Hotel St. Petersburg Downtown
Address: 110 2nd St N, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 | Price: from $243/night | Distance: 0.9 miles · 4-minute drive
The Birchwood
Address: 340 Beach Dr NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 | Price: from $395/night |Distance: 1.3 miles · 6-minute drive
SUNRUNNER GUIDE
GETTING AROUND (SUNRUNNER): The SunRunner is St. Pete's hybrid electric rapid bus service connecting downtown to the beach.
Fares: Single ride: $1.10 OR Day pass: $5.00
Campus Stop: 6th Ave S & 3rd St S (by the parking garage)
Frequency: Every 15 minutes Beach to Downtown: approximately 35 minutes end-to-end
More information: https://psta.net/services/sunrunner/
Tip: If you're staying downtown, most hotels are under a mile from campus and the SunRunner makes a car unnecessary.
CAMPUS & PARKING
Campus address: 140 7th Ave South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Driving Directions: From I-275, take Exit 22 and merge onto I-175. Continue straight onto 5th Ave S, then turn right onto 3rd St S. Turn left onto 6th Ave S. The University Student Center/Welcome Center will be on your right.
Visitor Parking: Visitor parking is in the Fifth Street Parking Facility, a 7-story garage on campus.
Day permit cost: $5 - Purchase at the walk-up machine on garage Level 1 (Visa/Mastercard accepted), or buy online in advance through the USF parking portal
Day permits are valid on garage Levels 2–5 — (Parking is enforced 24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
After 5:30 PM, visitor permits allow parking in additional lots beyond the garage
Parking Services contact:
Phone: (727) 873-4480 | Email: stp-parking@usf.edu
WEATHER
St. Petersburg summers are hot and humid, typically in the high 90s°F with a chance of brief afternoon thunderstorms, especially common June through September.
Plan accordingly:
Stay hydrated throughout the day | Apply sunscreen if spending time outdoors | Bring a light jacket or layer for air-conditioned indoor spaces | Pack a small umbrella or poncho for afternoon storms
EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN:
In any emergency on campus, follow the directions of convention staff and USF personnel. Know the location of the nearest exit when you arrive at each venue.
Emergency Contacts:
Emergency (fire, medical, police): 911
USF Campus Police (non-emergency): (727) 873-4140
Nearest Hospital: Bayfront Health St. Petersburg 701 6th St S, St. Petersburg, FL Approximately 1 mile from campus
Severe Weather: If a severe weather alert is issued, seek shelter on interior lower floors of a building. Stay away from windows and monitor the National Weather Service for updates.
