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New Grand Prix dates disrupt schedule for Dalí, Mahaffey and others

 
A car makes its way through Turn 10 at the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, directly in front of the Mahaffey Theater and the Dal? Museum at left. [DIRK SHADD   |   Times (2013)]
A car makes its way through Turn 10 at the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, directly in front of the Mahaffey Theater and the Dal? Museum at left. [DIRK SHADD | Times (2013)]
Published Aug. 7, 2015

ST. PETERSBURG — A scheduling conflict with next year's Grand Prix of St. Petersburg is drawing fire from downtown's other marquee attractions, which say the race is forcing them to scrub events that have already been booked.

On Thursday, a Salvador Dalí Museum official told the City Council that he objected to the new dates of the race, March 11-13, which is two weeks earlier than this year's event.

"This is something that has caused a lot of turmoil," said Brian Iacofano, the museum's director of facilities. "Not only for business owners, but for people who have planned major life events."

Last month, Motosports Travel, a website that books accommodations for racing events, posted the package offer for the new dates. After a week of speculation, the organizers of the Grand Prix confirmed the dates Thursday.

"We are pleased to confirm our 2016 event dates," said Kim Green, owner, chairman and CEO of Green Savoree Racing Promotions. "While our place on the calendar is a little bit different, we look forward to bringing another great weekend of racing to St. Petersburg."

Mayor Rick Kriseman was quoted in the statement urging support.

"I am excited to welcome back one of the Sunshine City's best events," Kriseman said. "I invite everyone to once again embrace the race this March 11, 12 and 13."

Although the change was announced about eight months before the event, it isn't enough lead time to plan events like weddings and other logistically complex events, Iacofano said.

Council member Karl Nurse said the Mahaffey Theater and the Florida Orchestra have also been affected.

"There are several events that are going to be turned upside down as a result of this," Nurse said.

The Mahaffey has booked and paid entertainers who will now have to agree to be rescheduled without "dinging" the theater for money. The Vinoy Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort & Golf Club has also been hurt, he said.

"When you look at all the venues, it's several hundred thousand dollars," Nurse said.

Joe Santiago, the Mahaffey's general manager, said a Tony Bennett concert scheduled for the Monday before the race won't be affected. The city has promised to steer race traffic away from the theater's parking lot.

But two concerts will have to be moved: Frank Sinatra Jr. and the Florida Orchestra. The orchestra has some rehearsals that week, too, he said.

Santiago said it's too early to tell if the theater will incur any costs for moving the concerts.

Kathy Greif, the Dalí's marketing director, said two weddings will have to be shifted. And the museum's annual fundraiser might also have to be changed.

"We have a lot to work out," Greif said.

Council member Amy Foster said the city should amend its race contract to require sufficient notice.

The city has tried to do just that, but has been unsuccessful so far, said City Attorney Jackie Kovilaritch.

Contact Charlie Frago at cfrago@tampbay.com or (727) 893-8459. Follow @CharlieFrago.