St. Petersburg Science Festival Inspires Next Generation of STEM Professionals

Annual event showcases diverse STEM career paths and hands-on learning opportunities

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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The St. Petersburg Science Festival and MarineQuest recently drew around 10,000 visitors, featuring 150 interactive exhibits that aimed to inspire young people to consider STEM-related careers. The events highlighted the growing demand for skilled STEM professionals, as well as the expansion of STEM fields beyond traditional roles like robotics to include specialized positions like aerial drone pilots and waterfront preservation experts.

Why it matters

With STEM occupations projected to grow by over 8% from 2024 to 2034, initiatives like the St. Petersburg Science Festival are crucial for sparking interest and equipping the next generation of innovators. The festival's focus on STEAM (incorporating art and design) also recognizes the importance of creativity in solving complex problems.

The details

The St. Petersburg Science Festival and the concurrent MarineQuest event, hosted at the University of South Florida St. Petersburg campus and Poytner Park, featured 150 interactive exhibits across various scientific disciplines. The events aimed to showcase the diverse opportunities within STEM fields and encourage young people to consider related careers. Beyond traditional STEM roles like robotics, the festival highlighted in-demand specialized positions in the Tampa Bay region, such as aerial drone pilots and waterfront preservation professionals.

  • The St. Petersburg Science Festival and MarineQuest were recently held.
  • The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects STEM occupations will grow by more than 8% from 2024 to 2034.

The players

St. Petersburg Science Festival

An annual regional event where families can explore hands-on science, technology, engineering, art, and math.

MarineQuest

An open house hosted by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, held alongside the Science Festival.

Alison Barlow

Co-chair of the St. Petersburg Science Festival and CEO of the St. Petersburg Innovation District.

Ethan

A ten-year-old attendee who expressed enthusiasm for a STEM career that allows him to utilize a unique thought process.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.