In this episode of St. Pete SNAPSHOP, St. Petersburg Museum of History Executive Director Rui Farias takes a look back October 28, 1970:  President Richard Nixon arrived at St. Petersburg–Clearwater Airport and delivered a campaign address at the Bayfront Center Arena before a crowd of nearly 7,000 people. The stop was part of a Florida tour supporting Republican candidates Claude Kirk for governor and William (Bill) C. Cramer for the U.S. Senate. Nixon opened his remarks by thanking the audience for the warm welcome and noting that he was the first sitting president ever to visit St. Petersburg.
His speech touched on the key issues of the day, calling for “peace abroad, peace at home, and progress” while addressing inflation, jobs, and economic stability. He emphasized the responsibility of leadership and of citizens in shaping the nation’s course during a time of social change. Nixon also praised Florida’s importance to the nation, saying he had spent more time there than in any other state except Washington, D.C. The event marked a proud moment for St. Petersburg, linking the city to the broader story of American politics in the modern era.
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