Localtopia at 12: Indie businesses will celebrate after calamitous year

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — If you want to invest in your community, find cool artists and creators or just dance in the street at a DJ booth, Localtopia might be for you.

Now in its 12th year, the event in Williams Park attracts more than 300 independent businesses and community organizations from St. Petersburg.

Because of the past year’s catastrophic weather, coupled with rising prices, founder Olga Bof is calling this the most important Localtopia ever.

“Because a lot of people are making decisions about ‘Are we actually going to continue as a local business owner,’” said Bof, also the founder of Keep St. Pete Local.

At Reclaim Threads in St. Pete, clothes get a new life.

“We are really focused on the environmental impact of the fashion industry and saving the clothes that already exist,” said Emma Charles.

Charles started the vintage/upcycled clothing store with her partner, Marissa Baker.

“We just really thing about the durability of pieces when we are making something,” said Baker.

The company opened a brick-and-mortar shop in the Warehouse Arts District in 2024, and it was events like Localtopia that helped them afford a space for customers to shop.

“Not to get too specific, but it’s our highest single sales day every year,” said Charles. “We are really lucky to have moved into this space before the hurricane, because the stuff was in my house before, and my house did flood,” said Charles.

“We don’t buy anything new as far as fashion goes — if we don’t have to and a huge part of our life is spreading that to other people,” said Baker.

Localtopia will take place Saturday, Feb. 22.