When photographer Jack Swenningsen arrived in St. Petersburg in 1948, he quickly discovered that promoting the Sunshine City required more than taking beautiful pictures. Working for the Chamber of Commerce, he staged colorful scenes for postcards, brochures, and magazines that showcased the city’s beaches, attractions, and year-round sunshine.
His most recognizable companion was “Mr. Sun,” a cheerful six-foot plywood cutout with a bright smile. Created from a design by Griffin Advertising, the oversized mascot became a fixture in Swenningsen’s photographs and publicity campaigns. Too large to fit inside his station wagon, Mr. Sun usually rode strapped to the roof as Jack traveled from one photo shoot to the next, turning heads everywhere he went.
Together, Jack and Mr. Sun helped create the cheerful image of St. Petersburg that reached millions of people across the country. Their photographs reminded travelers that the Sunshine City was more than a destination. It was a place filled with warmth, fun, and unforgettable memories.
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