If you were under the impression that do-gooders have no fun, think again! Here at PCI, we’re happy to be involved with multiple local charities. Sure, we enjoy that feeling of doing “the right thing,” but we’re also having a great time. If you want to help out and have fun, too, join us for one of our upcoming events!

Rock by the Sea

We love this organization because it pairs charitable fundraising with music events.  Rock by the Sea is producing an all day concert here at PCI on Sunday September 18th. Join us for this free show featuring performances by Emerson Hart, Lani Daniels, Son of a Bad Man, and Dirty Shannon. If you wanna party like a rockstar, purchase a VIP pass for $50, which grants you backstage access, 6 raffle tickets, and 2 drink coupons. We’ll even throw in that warm and fuzzy feeling that comes with helping in the fight against pediatric cancer.

6 on the Beach Luau

6 in the City was started by six local women who decided to put their networking skills and connections to good use, helping area children. Not only have they become wildly successful in their chairitable pursuits, but they’ve organized some amazing community events here in the St. Petersburg area. For both of these reasons, we’re proud to be their luau locale on Sunday September 25th from 3PM to 6PM. Your $20 ticket includes entry, pig roast, drink discounts, games, prizes, and  more (we know you’re curious about that “and more”). Sponsors include BPW, CAbi, and John Bishop Salon. Best of all, proceeds benefit the Discovery Learning Center for Children at Parc, turning disabilities into capabilities. For tickets or further information call 727.385.7686 or e-mail info@6inTheCity.org

Friday Wine Tastings

Ever thought, “How can I indulge in some new wine varieties while helping children?” Until now, this question has stumped many SPBers/ Herre at PCI we’re offering you the rare opportunity to acheive this goal, with the help of the NFL (football and wine totally go together-  trust us). Join us on Fridays 3PM-5PM for our Taste of the NFL complimentaty (yes, FREE!) wine tasting to benefit Feeding America’s local chapter here in the TBA. Feeding America is a more-than-worthy charity which supplies food to more than 37 million Americans each year, including 14 million children. For every case we go through, $5 is donated. Don’t you worry- that $5 is enough to feed up to 30 people! So, let’s have another and toast to ending hunger!

Tampa Bay’s Dancing with the Stars 2011

Our very own Jillian Thompson is a celebrity… but we knew that already. Now, she’s a featured celebrity dancer for Tampa Bay’s Dancing with the Stars! Jillian, and her Bulgarian partner Ivan, are dancing the night away, every night in practice for this Broadway-themed event on October 1^st. Although Ivan is helping her with her dancing, Jillian still needs your help! Just like the ABC show, votes are pivotal for every contestant, but in this case, you won’t just be helping Jillian win. Your $10 vote goes to three great local charities: Kids Charity of Tampa Bay, Pepin Academies and Hands Across the Bay. http://dancingforcharity.com/dancers/jillian-thompson/

Between music, roast pig, wine, and dance, we’re sure you found a charitable function to participate in. If not, there’s more to come and you know we’ll keep our loyal PCIers informed, right here. Have a great week and let’s be thankful for all we have and all we can do… together!

It’s going to be a long weekend of fun, that is! We’re bidding the summer farewell this Labor Day Weekend, the last weekend of the season, with parties, music, and specials. So, pack your white shoes for one last go-’round before they retire until the spring, and come join us here on the beach!

We'd always rather be poolside.

Friday officially kicks off the weekend and we’re not waiting until 5 o’clock to get started. At 1PM Matt Paolino will set the mood for all of our afternoon arrivals out at PCI Beach Bar. The live music continues into the night with Soundwave  playing everyone’s favorites, from Jimmy Buffett to Kings of Leon. Just don’t get too carried away, because we have so much more planned.

Your Spanish lesson for the day.

Get here early on Saturday so you don’t miss out on any of the fun! 97X and Pacifico are helping us throw an epic party, starting at 1PM. Drew and Seth from the Morning X will be among the first Americans to enjoy Pacifico on tap, and you can be, too! In honor of Pacifico draft’s national premiere we’re offering these refreshing Mexican beers for just $2 each. Our first revelers to arrive will be rewarded with a pig roast lunch (if you miss out, don’t worry- Beachwood BBQ is open until 10PM). Paddleboard lessons and demonstrations will be given by Shane of SUP paddleboarding until 3PM (Looking for a private lesson? Contact him at 423.463.1847). After sunset we’re heating up one of these last summer 2011 nights with a bonfire! Throughout the festivities, Brian Spotts and Amber Lynn Nicol will be providing the tunes to keep everyone moving and dancing.

There's a reason they look so fit.

We’ve seen some pretty intense beach volleyball competition this season and Sunday’s games will surely not disappoint. The Bud Light Lime Tournament starts at noon (how funny, that’s just in time for PCI Beach Bar to open!). The winners will move forward in the series and have the chance to win the $20,000 grand prize in Miami. Since our skills are certainly not getting us that championship, we’ll be standing by with discounted Bud Light Lime cans, 2 for $5. If you’re feeling a little guilty just enjoying beer stationary, dance along to our Sunday Funday favorite, the Josh Magwood Band.

Best seats in the house.

Monday (weather permitting) is going to be a great beach day, relaxing and recapping with friends in the sun.  The beach is always a great place to be on Mondays and on this one you don’t even have to lie to your boss to be there. Oh, how we love our holidays.  This is certainly going to be our busiest Labor Day Weekend ever, and we’re out to make it our most fun, too!  We hope you can be a part of it!

Innnnnnn-troducing…

So,  your travels are taking you outside Florida because you want to check out the big city? Or you have to do some traveling on business? Or maybe Great-Aunt Betty keeps asking you why you don’t visit? We understand. Bathing in the sun with a rumrunner in your hand, listening to the tide come in, isn’t for every getaway. But fortunately, there are some amazing and unique hotels to the north of us, where you PCI fans won’t have to compromise on style! As a member of this set, we are excited to introduce to you the Independent Collection.

Capital Hill Suites

That’s right, this elegant boutique style hotel is located right in the heart of our nation’s capital, Washington, D.C. Walk the same steps our country’s forefathers took over 200 years ago to see all the sights. And like PCI, they’re pet-friendly, so your pup can pop into those vacation pictures, too!

The Independent

This exclusive hotel has a grand total of 24 guest rooms, fewer than any other hotel in this collection. Within walking distance, you’ll find the Convention Center, as well as Philadelphia’s renowned Avenue of the Arts. Looking to stay fit on your trip? Like PCI, this hotel offers its guests complimentary gym access!

Minnewaska Lodge

If you’re feeling outdoorsy, this rustic yet modern destination in Upstate New York is for you! Get away from it all and enjoy the change in seasons more than you ever will in Florida (we still have beaches, OK?). Hike, bike, or climb the mountains, and when you’re ready for a break and some warmth, relax in from of their Vermont Castings stove.

Nu Hotel

Looking for style, eco-friendliness, free WiFi, select rooms with hammocks, and a hip bar? Well, PCI, of course! But, wait, we’re not strictly talking about ourselves today. Also offering these amenities, is Nu Hotel in Brooklyn, NY. Explore the four unique Brooklyn neighborhoods that surround this artist’s haven on Nu bikes, provided free of charge.

Duane Street

This upscale and intimate hotel offers quiet charm, despite being in one of the largest cities in the world, the city that never sleeps.  Gaining international recognition from the film festival this Manhattan, NY neighborhood lends its name to, TriBeCa boasts world-class restaurants, shopping, and galleries. Truly for the discerning traveler, luxuriate in in-room spa services, 24-hour concierge service, and pastry-influenced signature cocktails.

Are Your Bags Packed Yet?

Yup, the Independent collection has something for everyone. If you can’t make it to your desired destination just yet (we know there’s that pesky thing called “work”), take a little online vacay by visiting your favorites’ Facebook and Twitter pages. You’ll get all the up-to-date happenings, exclusive specials, and new photos posted regularly, to keep you in on the action. Now, are your bags packed?

Ah, Florida in the summertime. Sure, others may complain of the stifling heat and there being nothing to do, but we Floridians know better. We have our ways of beating the heat and staying entertained. It’s time to enjoy our beaches with less people and less traffic, and savor that laid-back feeling that summer always brings. So, here’s to summer!

Tunes with a View

Scout, this makes us wish there was more than one sunset a day! Thanks!

New this year to PCI is our Summer Break Concert Series, through our partnership with Backline Music Group. Of course, we still have live music and cold drinks 6 days a week at PCI Beach Bar, but this is a celebration taking place once a month on a much grander scale- all along our Junior Olympic size pool! We’re setting up a stage right at the head of the pool for our spotlight musicians to perform while the sun sets behind them. Around the pool bars will be set up, so you won’t have to wander far for libations. If you’re feeling hungry, we’ve got you covered there, too. Nothing says party at PCI like a whole BBQ roast pig from Beachwood BBQ & Burger and we’re serving it up right outside!

Professional Russ Robinson took this glamorous shot.

Mark your calendars for July 23rd and join us for the fun, kicking off at 4PM. Anchor Atlantic, named 93.3FLZ’s Best Top 40′s Cover Band of Tampa Bay, will be our spotlight act. If you’ve caught them here before, you know they put on a great show. If you haven’t heard them yet, check out their Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/AnchorAtlantic?ref=ts, to know what it’s all about. Now picture yourself with your feet in the pool and a drink in your hand, rocking out and relaxing (yes, you can do these actions simultaneously, trust us). 

We know, we know, you’re busy and popular and maybe we didn’t give you enough time to plan. It’s OK. We know we’ll see you next time. Here’s your advance notice- Summer Break Concerts will also be held on August 20th and September 23rd.

Weekday Woes? Weekday Whoas!

Love this photo and the effect, Carrie. Thank you for sharing!

Summer vacation is  a necessity, right alongside food, water, and shelter. While the kids have the season off school, take a few days off yourself (whether you have kids or not!) to enjoy Beachwood BBQ & Burger (food), the beach or pool (water), and a surf decor room (shelter). Our newly minted Weekday Wipeout rate knocks 30% off regular Sunday-Thursday rates all summer long. Book online or call us directly at 727.367.2711.

Don’t forget about our other weekday specials- happy hour specials! Sunday-Thurday 4PM-7PM enjoy insane deals out at PCI Beach Bar or in the bar at Beachwood (if you need a little break from the sun). We’re offering appetizer specials, discounted wells, and 2-for-1 on all draft beers.

So, come join us in celebrating summer, just like when you were a kid (but waaayyyy better- adult beverages, talking to strangers, no curfew…). Hope to see you soon!

Dorian Rodrigues

Ladies Love Cool Dorian

Our first ever Employee Spotlight is none other than Dorian Rodrigues! If you’ve stayed with us before, you’ve probably already met our favorite Bronx-native at the front desk. His shifts vary from morning and afternoon to the dreaded overnight 11PM-7AM shift (OK, it’s not dreaded… if you happen to be a vampire); he’s always willing to pick up an extra shift or switch with a team member if asked. So, let’s get to know a little more about the awesomeness of Dorian…

Favorite Movie: Stepbrothers

Favorite Video Game: Call of Duty: Black Ops

Favorite Cartoon Character: Bart Simpson

Favorite Meal at Wildwood BBQ: Bacon and Cheddar Burger

Great Moment Working  Here at PCI: “Every day is a good day at PCI.” (He’s a good kid… Personally,our favorite is when a seagull vomited on Jeremy, the Director of Operations… but that’s a story for another day.)

Why You Enjoy Wroking Here: “PCI is THE place to be on the weekends!”

Something You’re Looking Forward To: “The birth of my baby boy.”

Thanks for all the great responses, Dorian! You help make this a great place for guests and team members alike.