Country Thunder Fest Faces Venue Change, Wildlife Concerns

0:00It's April 14th. From your city to your ears, this is Tampa Bay News today, powered by AI. Country Thunder's Big 3 Day Country Music Fest is hitting roadblocks just weeks out, with organizers now eyeing a switch from St. Pete Beach to Coachman Park in Clearwater. The event set for May 8th through 10th, featuring stars like Cain Brown and Shabuze, but is still waiting on approvals everywhere. St. Pete Beach officials hit pause because the dates clash with peak sea turtle and shore bird nesting season right on the beach at Trade Winds Resort. Organizes so non-refundable tickets without a full permit, breaking local rules, and the city demanded plan changes to protect wildlife. Residents and groups like the Audubon Society have been protesting hard outside the resort, worried about noise, lights, and crowds stressing nesting. Birds and turtles. Even the resort manager stayed optimistic, but pushback forced talks of relocation. Clearwater confirmed they got the application for their 19 acre waterfront spot, though officials aren't spilling details yet.

1:04Tickets are still hawking the beach location online, leaving buyers in limbo over parking at Tropicana Field and bus rides. Word is an announcement on the venue could drop as soon as Tuesday or by week's end, so keep an eye on how this shakes out for fans and the environment.