The Pier, St. Petersburg's most popular tourist attraction, may soon have another reason to visit: a Commie sub.

This week, the city council will debate the merits of a pitch by a Canadian businessman who wants to berth a Soviet-built, Juliett class, cruise missile submarine on the north side of The Pier. Stan Sherman is seeking permission to display the 300-foot Russian submarine and charge people up to $ 8 for a tour.

The city would receive minimal direct compensation, about 1 percent of gross ticket sales. Sherman's company, Russian Submarine B.C. Ltd., also would pay the city a $15 a day maintenance fee. But the additional traffic, some argue, would benefit other businesses, including some of The Pier's 16 shops, three restaurants, food court and aquarium.

According to Pier manager, Bill Griffith, he has always been besieged with unusual ideas, and the sub may go the way of many of them. In the past, he has been pitched on: a crab racing booth, a human slingshot ride, and even the wandering 416-foot tall statue of Christopher Columbus (which can't find a home in the United States, even though it's been made. RA thinks it is currently in storage in Columbus, OH.).

[05/25/1997]