St. Petersburg is a sunny, walkable Gulf Coast city with world-class beaches, a bustling waterfront of restaurants, breweries and galleries, a thriving arts scene (including the Dali Museum), plentiful outdoor recreation and mild winters—great for multi-week contracts that feel like mini-residencies rather than being stuck.
Within ~25–40 miles you can reach Tampa for big-city amenities and an international airport, Clearwater for more beaches and nightlife, and Sarasota for additional arts and cultural options, making weekend escapes and networking easy.