Fall 2025 Intern Spotlight

Growing up in Broward County, Dimitri Bernadotte (known to most as DJ) was always surrounded by the towering skylines of Fort Lauderdale and Miami. While many saw just tall buildings and traffic, he saw its urban energy. The density, the movement, and the vibrancy of those downtowns left an impression on him early - sparking a fascination with how cities grow, connect, and revitalize their residents.

This fascination eventually took him to the University of South Florida, which he proudly calls “the best university in the state.” Now a senior majoring in Marketing and minoring in Real Estate, DJ has combined his love for urban spaces with the marketing tools to help shape them. “USF and Tampa Bay will always be my second home,” he says. “I’ll always be a Bull no matter where I go.” 

After interning with the Fort Lauderdale Downtown Development Authority for summer 2025, DJ was connected by President and CEO Jenni Morejon to SPDP President Jason Mathis, opening the door to his current role as the Fall 2025 intern with the St. Petersburg Downtown Partnership. At SPDP, he’s focused on using his marketing and real estate background to support projects that build a stronger, more vibrant downtown.

Looking ahead, DJ envisions St. Petersburg as Tampa Bay’s cultural and arts hub, driven by a thriving nightlife, growing creative community, and USF’s expanding downtown presence. More than that, he sees it as one of the rare places in Florida that can be a model for what a dense, walkable city in the Sunbelt should look like.

Outside of school and work, Dimitri is a Miami Heat fan, an intramural referee, and someone who loves exploring new cities through public transit. “I’ve always loved cities you can explore without ever needing a car”, he said. “The best cities are ones you can experience on foot and my hope is to one day build those.”

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