St. Pete Beach has a new gem on Corey Avenue: Sun Drunk, a boutique that blends beach-ready practicality, modern style, and community spirit. Owned by Cat Lepetit, Sun Drunk officially opens its doors at 409 Corey Ave with a grand opening celebration on September 20 and a ribbon cutting the evening before.
From C-Suite to Corey Avenue
After a successful career in the cosmetics industry, Cat moved to Florida in search of balance and joy. One day at the beach, overwhelmed by the sense of peace she felt, she told herself: “I feel sun drunk.” Inspired, she trademarked the phrase the very next day, setting the stage for her new venture.
The Star Product: Turkish Towels
At the heart of Sun Drunk’s offerings are authentic Turkish towels—flat-woven, made from 100% Turkish cotton, and designed to last for years without fraying. Unlike traditional terry-cloth towels with micro-loops, these lightweight yet absorbent towels resist sand, dry quickly, and are easy to carry—making them a lifesaver for families.
As a mom of three, Cat experienced firsthand the struggle of lugging heavy, soggy towels after beach outings. The Turkish towel became her creative solution, one that resonated instantly with her customers. In fact, while visiting the boutique, one shopper declared: “Everyone should convert to these towels.”
And the best part? The more you buy, the cheaper they get. Despite tariff challenges, Sun Drunk has kept prices accessible, choosing not to pass extra costs on to customers.
Beyond Towels: Sun, Skin, and Style
Sun Drunk is more than a towel shop. Cat curates a collection of beach lifestyle essentials, including:
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Lip repair, sunscreen, and rejuvenating body and hair products to restore post-beach glow.
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UPF 50 shirts for sun protection—perfect for those who’d rather skip sunscreen altogether.
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Roomy beach bags built to carry up to five towels, water bottles, and family gear with ease.
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Locally made goods, from whimsical turtle and seahorse designs by artist Elena Kamenica to creations from other Corey Avenue vendors.
Cat’s resilience also shines through in her business story. After losing everything in the last hurricane, she chose to view it as an opportunity to reinvest and build something meaningful.
A Store With Heart
Giving back is central to Sun Drunk’s mission. Ten percent of total profits are donated to Keep Pinellas Beautiful, helping preserve the natural beauty that inspires the boutique’s very existence.
Grand Opening Festivities
The community is invited to celebrate Sun Drunk’s official launch:
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Ribbon cutting: Friday, September 19 at noon.
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Grand opening party: September 20, featuring drinks, food, and fun extras like “fairy hair” styling, live customization of shirts and totes, and appearances by local artists.
