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TradeWinds responds to country music fest controversy
TradeWinds Resort is pushing back against concerns raised by wildlife advocacy groups over the upcoming Country Thunder Music Festival, stating the event is being planned with environmental safeguards and community coordination at the forefront.
The three-day festival, scheduled for May on St. Pete Beach, has drawn criticism from advocates who argue the event could disrupt sea turtle nesting during a critical period.
In a prepared response, TradeWinds said it has been working “from the outset” with the City of St. Pete Beach, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the Audubon Society to ensure the event meets environmental standards.
A survey conducted March 30 found no active nests on the property, according to the resort. TradeWinds also noted that a certified avian specialist is monitoring nesting activity before, during and after the event, and that Turtle Trackers will conduct twice-daily monitoring throughout the festival.
Additional measures include nightly removal of temporary walkways and fencing placement designed to allow unobstructed movement of sea turtles along the shoreline.
The response comes after Coastal Wildlife Advocacy Group CEO Lisa Reich warned that the event’s “industrial build” could pose risks to nesting turtles and hatchlings, citing concerns over lighting, beach obstructions and enforcement of existing protections.
TradeWinds said it is also incorporating educational components into the event, including an on-site booth and digital outreach focused on protecting shorebirds, sea turtles and coastal ecosystems, with oversight from the Audubon Society.
Beyond environmental considerations, the resort emphasized operational planning intended to limit disruption to residents and the surrounding area.
Most event parking will be located offsite at Tropicana Field, with transportation provided to and from the beach to reduce traffic. The plan also includes expanded restroom facilities and waste management protocols during and after the event.
The resort states the festival is both a community and economic opportunity.
Country Thunder Florida 2026 is expected to generate significant visitation and spending for local businesses, from hotels and restaurants to transportation providers. TradeWinds contends that events of this scale contribute tens of millions in direct spending and more than $150 million in total economic impact annually.
The festival will also include fundraising efforts for hurricane recovery, including a partnership with Hurricane Helpers of Florida and proceeds directed toward local charities. TradeWinds said it is also coordinating with Keep Pinellas Beautiful on potential post-event cleanup efforts.
While the event remains under review by city and state agencies, TradeWinds said it is committed to transparency as planning continues.
The festival’s application is still pending approval, with no permits issued by the city or the Florida Department of Environmental Protection as of now.
Steve Dee
April 5, 2026at8:01 am
The truth doesn’t matter to the TradeWinds haters in St Pete Beach. The residents, and until lately, the former Mayor there continually conjured up ways to repel visitors and developers. They won’t be happy until their transition to Pinellas County’s first beach ghetto is complete. If you’ve been there recently and seen all of the abandoned buildings, you know that they’re well on their way.
Bev Jackson
April 5, 2026at11:30 am
Unfortunately, very true. The fact that May first is the beginning of the nesting season for both turtles and birds, is irrelevant. Having been involved in turtle nesting for years nothing much happens until later and again, Tradewinds is taking all precautions necessary.