Family-Friendly Movie Series Returns

More than 200 locals lounged around the pool deck to kick off the summer 2011 Dive-In Movie series with “Finding Nemo.”

"Our goal is to provide families with entertainment that is affordable,” said Kelley Poole, St. Pete Beach Community Center Marketing and Special Events CeM. “A family of four can see a Dive-In movie together for the cost of one regular movie ticket.”

Families can bring their noodles, folding chairs and kiddie water wings to float around the St. Pete Beach Community Center pool while enjoying a G-rated, family-friendly film projected on an inflatable screen.

“Our staff selects popular movies that are great for the whole family,” said Suzanne Greenfeld, St. Pete Beach Community Center Aquatics Coordinator.

The Family Aquatic Center has been hosting the event for three years. It started out with a donated projector from Trade Winds, and the center now owns an inflatable screen and licenses films from Swank Motion Pictures.

It costs $250 to license a single film for one night. The community center used $6,000 from the first-year profit to purchase the equipment.

Food and beverages are available for purchase on site. Most items are less than $2, including candy, popcorn, pizza, soda and bottled water. Glow-in-the-dark jewelry is also sold during the event. Outside coolers are not allowed on the pool deck.

The next Dive-In Movie feature, “Sponge Bob Square Pants,” will launch on July 8. The 2011 summer movie series runs through August, featuring: “Despicable Me” on July 15, “Madagascar” on Aug. 5, and “Shark Tales” on Aug. 12.

Doors open at 8 p.m. and the movie begins shortly after sunset. Pets are not allowed. 

Admission is $3 per person. All proceeds benefit the event.

The St. Pete Beach Family Aquatic Center is located at 7701 Boca Ciega Drive on St. Pete Beach.