ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Just feet from the sandy beach on St. Pete Pier, the city is preparing to open an outdoor ice skating rink just in time for the holiday season.

The 4,000 square-foot rink sits on the edge of Spa Beach about halfway down the pier. Construction will continue throughout the week as they prepare to open November 20.

“It’s very Florida, and I think that’s what makes Florida so awesome,” said Cathy Kalugar, who we met while she was tanning outside just feet from the new rink.

While the city had a smaller rink a few years ago at a nearby park, this is the first time they’ve ever had a skating rink of this magnitude. The process of creating real ice that lasts during the sunny and warm winter days has been a challenge. 

A tent will cover the rink during the sunrise and midday hours in order to protect the ice, but it will be open air in the evenings, leaving a perfect view of the water.

“When the sun clears they’ll open these doors so it will feel like you’re ice skating on the beach,” explained Tony Leno with the City of St. Pete.

In addition to skating, there will be visits from Santa, festive food, and ‘snow days’.

The rink will be open daily from November 20 through January 17. A grand opening ribbon cutting is scheduled with Mayor Rick Kriseman.

Tickets are now on sale for $17 and include 75-minute access to the rink and skate rentals​.

To view more details, location and map, click here.