Dolphin Tale 2 showcases the best of Florida’s Gulf Coast
Set in St. Pete/Clearwater, Dolphin Tale 2 (now showing in cinemas) continues the true story of Winter the dolphin, first told in 2011’s Dolphin Tale. The film is shot over several locations in the area including the Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA), the sponge docks of Tarpon Springs, downtown St. Pete and the sweeping beaches of Fort de Soto Park.
Winter’s home, the CMA, was founded in 1973 with a simple mission – Rescue, Rehab & Release for injured marine life. The facility does not operate shows for entertainment purposes but allows visitors the chance to watch the animals they house for educational purposes, including a dedicated Winter Zone where they can see Winter and Dolphin Tale 2 co-star; Hope. Morgan Freeman, who plays Dr. Cameron McCarthy, said of the CMA: “The work is being done here by the aquarium, we’re just telling their story, hopefully we did it right.” The CMA is open 9am – 6pm seven days per week. General admission tickets start from $19.95 for adults, $14.95 for children and free for children aged two and under.
Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks are also featured within the movie, an area with a heavy Greek influence. As such, the area is host to some of the finest Greek restaurants outside of Europe as well as markets and bakeries. The movie has spectacular shots of downtown St. Pete and Fort de Soto Park both from the ground and sweeping shots from the skies utilising helicopter photography. Charles Martin Smith, director of Dolphin Tale 2 said: “I kept telling the cinematographer; I want this to be a postcard of the area, so that people see the beauty.”
The famous St. Pete/Clearwater sunsets also made an impression on the stars of the movie. Harry Connick Jr., who plays Dr. Clay Haskett in the movie, said: “the sky would be like a giant chandelier with all of these dazzling colours over the Gulf, just an amazing thing to behold, it’s like nowhere else in the world.”
Since Winter’s arrival and the release of the first Dolphin Tale movie, St. Pete/Clearwater has seen a sharp increase in visitor numbers, dubbed the ‘Winter Effect’. As part of this effect the CMA has plans to expand its downtown location to educate visitors further with hands-on exhibits. This year also saw the opening of Hotel Zamora, St. Pete Beach’s first new opening in 30 years. The current economic boost is set to continue through an ongoing influx of new visitors generating upwards of $5 billion by 2016. Developments currently underway, including a major renovation of the Shepherd’s Beach Resort, will add 2,000 new hotel rooms to the Clearwater area in the next few years.
David Downing, Interim Director of Visit St. Pete/Clearwater said: “We’re excited for the ‘Winter effect’ to take hold again bringing more visitors to the area not only to see Winter but also to experience our fantastic beaches and hospitality. Along our 35 miles of white sand beaches you will find world class accommodation, restaurants with a broad range of fine cuisine and activities that will appeal to adventure lovers of all ages. As for whether there might be a Dolphin Tale 3, we would certainly welcome a third instalment!”
For more information on the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, visit seewinter.com. For more information on St. Pete/Clearwater, visit visitstpeteclearwater.com.