'Spring Breakers' Spent $1 Million Locally

From cruising down Corey Ave to getting booked into the Gulfport Police Department, the cast of "Spring Breakers" lured fans, onlookers and extras from across Tampa Bay. The cast included young actors James Franco, Selena Gomez, Vanessa Hudgens and Ashley Benson.

The film shot in various spots in Gulfport, St. Pete Beach and St. Petersburg over four weeks. In that time the production helped boost the local economy, spending more than $1 million.

That's more than $40,000 a day.

Jennifer Parramore, St. Petersburg-Clearwater Film Commissioner, says the film crew spent $1.3 million across Pinellas County with the execption of a couple days at Ringing College in Sarasota.

"Every city and its staff were super cooperative," Parramore wrote to Patch.

Parramore emphasizes that the amount does not include how much the crew spent. The estimate accounts for hotel rooms, equipment rental, location, gas, extras, private homes and off duty police services.

Parramore says most of the crew stayed at the Postcard Inn on St. Pete Beach and most of the talent roomed at The Vinoy in downtown St. Petersburg. The crew filmed from March 6 to April 5 and wrapped on location on April 15, according to Parramore.