Tampa Bay Beaches

If you took a survey and asked where St. Pete Beach or Indian Rocks Beach are, most would tilt their head and looked bewildered. But if you were to ask where Tampa Bay is, they would be able to point to the map directly. That is why we call this area the Tampa Bay Beaches. It gives our visitors a better sense of where our friendly beaches are located.Off the west coast of Pinellas County (where St. Petersburg and Clearwater are) you'll find 10 barrier Islands. These atural islands are connected together by a stretch of road called Gulf Boulevard. You can learn about each individual beach by choosing one from the menu on the right.Each Tampa Bay beach possesses its own individuality and administration, located so close to the main land of St. Petersburg and Clearwater that many travelers do not realize they are on an island. With these islands having such easy access to the mainland, we have no need for goods to be delivered by air or sea, which keeps the cost of island living reasonable. We have it all, without the high price of island living!

 

Clearwater Beach

Clearwater Beach is the northernmost developed barrier island along the Tampa Bay Beaches. Unlike our other island communities, Clearwater Beach is part of the City of Clearwater. Today, fun 'n sun lovers still come from around the world, and although Clearwater is a great spot to get away, it's an even better place to live. Our community is friendly and socially responsive, and our City government is economically active and environmentally conscious. The City of Clearwater provides citizens with the programs and resources they need, and the amenities they desire.Two hours before the sun sinks into the Gulf of Mexico people flock to Pier 60 on Clearwater Beach to salute the setting of the Florida sun. Come out and celebrate as local artisans and crafters offer handmade treasures and street performers amaze with spectacular feats of skill while you dance to the rhythm of live music flowing from Pier 60 Pavilion. 



 

Belleair Beach

Belleair Beach is our northernmost community. It was chartered in 1950, and is two miles long. The population is approximately 1630 full time residents. It borders Clearwater and Sand Key Park on the North and Indian Rocks Beach on the South.The City of Belleair Beach is an upscale residential community; home to families with children, empty nesters, retirees, and seasonal residents, our city has a relaxed peaceful atmosphere with all the advantages of waterfront living and the charm of an old-fashioned friendly neighborhood. Belleair Beach residents are justifiably proud to have preserved one of the last strictly residential beach neighborhoods in Pinellas County. Although we are a small community, Belleair Beach is a progressive city with big city sophistication and a hometown feel. It is located in the west center of the Tampa Bay metropolitan area. Within a short distance, residents and visitors alike can find world class shopping, professional sports teams, dining and entertainment, and easy access to international air and sea ports.The City provides many park facilities to our residents, including 4500 feet of beach with four beach accessways and three resident-only beach parking areas, eleven public parks including Morgan Beach Park, the Causeway beach area, a boat ramp, two tennis courts, and a municipal Marina.Residents enjoy the security that living on an island provides. We are fortunate to have our own police department and one of the lowest crime rates in Pinellas County. The city has an active Code Enforcement program to protect and enhance our quality of life.

 

Belleair Shore

Belleair Shore is perhaps the smallest town in Florida, in both size and population. Our community consists of approximately 55 private homes along the Gulf of Mexico, west of Gulf Boulevard and just north of Indian Rocks Beach. If you are looking to relocate to our area, Belleair Shore offers a community of 100% residential homes! No businesses, stores, schools, churches, etc. are located in Belleair Shore. It is an extremely quaint neighborhood where the most noise you'll be likely to hear is the gentle whoosh of the Gulf of Mexico at your front door and the chirping of seagulls at your window!Another very unique feature of Belleair Shore is that every home is gulf front and all share Gulf Boulevard addresses. Although there are no public or commercial facilities in our town, we join with the other Gulf Beach municipalities in welcoming visitors to the many attractions and beautiful beaches that are available on these barrier islands.

Indian Rocks Beach

The City of Indian Rocks Beach welcomes you and invites you to visit our "Little Piece of Heaven". Our sensitivity to the environment, safe beaches, wonderful restaurants, and quaint hotels continues to make Indian Rock Beach a favorite for seasonal guests.Our city is less than three miles along the Gulf of Mexico and, like its neighboring barrier islands, waterfront property faces either the Gulf or the Intracoastal Waterway. At some points along this narrow piece of land you can view both bodies of water.A quiet town of approximately 4,000, Indian Rocks Beach was initially developed in the 1920’s as a weekend getaway destination for wealthy inland residents. Its 2.7 miles of beachfront are popular with all ages and between its array of motels and condominiums there are more than 20 beach accesses.Despite its sleepy appearance, Indian Rocks Beach is home to some of the best known restaurants along the Gulf Coast, and holds an Arts and Crafts Festival every November and April. The city’s tourist population, especially in the winter months, is one of its greatest assets.Our easily accessible beaches and intracoastal waterways provide an array of enjoyable activities for residents and visitors alike. Whether you swim, fish boat or just sunbathe there are an endless number of amenities available for your pleasure. 

 

 
Indian Shores

From the sun's first glimmer over the Boca Ciega Bay until it slips into the Gulf of Mexico, the Town of Redington Shores beckons visitors and residents to enjoy its wide white sandy beaches, abundant fishing, boating activities, its pleasant parks and spectacular natural wildlife and beauty. With 360 sunny days a year, this semi-tropical barrier island community typifies the charm and variety of activities to be found on Florida's famed Sun coast. Located midway between Clearwater to the north and St. Pete Beach to the south, Redington Shores is just 45 minutes from the Tampa Bay International Airport.

N. Redington Beach

Nestled on the pristine beaches of Pinellas County, between the sparkling waters of the Gulf of Mexico and Boca Ciega Bay, is the friendly, little town of North Redington Beach. It is a small town with an eclectic mixture of waterfront single family and multi-family residences fronting on both the Gulf of Mexico and the Intercoastal Waterway. We have local shops, restaurants, motels and hotels to provide for the desires and comfort of our visitors. Almost a mile of beautiful beach slopes gently into the Gulf for safe bathing for children and adults alike. There are all the services and amenities of a much larger city without the crowds, bustle and impatience.One of the early noteworthy events was the opening of the Tides Bath Club on January 1, 1936, on approximately one-quarter mile of frontage on the Gulf. This was one of the first premier resorts on the Gulf beaches and included numerous amenities. Many notable people stayed there, including Joe DiMaggio and Marilyn Monroe during their marriage. The club was demolished in 1996 and replaced by 214 luxury condominiums.There are six beach accesses on the Gulf side, which are marked for short and easy passage to the beach. The town has two playground areas for children as well as two tennis courts for the use of residents and visitors. Also available about one mile north along Gulf Boulevard in the town of Redington Shores is a county owned park which has ample parking, access to the beach and shower and toilet facilities.For those who want to live here permanently, the property tax is the lowest in the whole county. Come for a visit and you'll want to come back to stay!

 

Redington Beach

A native from Iowa named David Welch owned most the land from John's Pass to Indian Rocks Beach. In the early 1930's a man by the name of Charles Redington purchased the northern end of David Welch's property and, in 1935, built the first permanent residence in the area. Three cities that Redington owned are Redington Beach, incorporated in 1935, North Redington incorporated in 1953, and Redington Shores incorporated in 1956.This primarily residential town of less than two square miles and approximately 1700 residents, is proud host of the new Tides Beach Club. This 214-unit condominium fronts a quarter mile of the Gulf of Mexico. This quaint residential community has private beaches with no public parking and host only three motels on Gulf Blvd.

Madeira Beach

On the Gulf of Mexico waits an island two miles long and a SMILE wide.

The City of Madeira Beach is an ideal vacation spot for the whole family. We are proud of our clean streets, quiet neighborhoods, excellent public services, superb law enforcement and fire protection and a government that listens to the people. Our friendly, laid-back atmosphere is the reason many vacationers make Madeira Beach their permanent home away from home.


 

Treasure Island

We, the citizens and business people who are the caretakers of Treasure Island, Florida, dedicate ourselves to the vision of protecting and preserving the natural beauty and the small town ambiance of the community where the people live, work and play in harmony.Treasure Island is a special tropical community which engages nature, water and the environment at every opportunity. The brilliant sun, white sandy beaches and glorious sunsets are pars of our everyday life. We know we are home when we cross one of the three bridges that brings us to our tropical world of lush flowers, palm trees, parrots, pelicans and dolphins.Our vision is also to ensure a clean and safe community that is highlighted by friendly residential neighborhoods and energetic business communities working diligently together to enhance and improve our island's qualities. Elected officials maintain a responsive city government where people can exchange ideas freely, insist on quality public services and foster beautification and a unique and diverse style for this community. As we endeavor to fulfill this vision, we will embrace the spirit of those who live, work and play on the island paradise that is our home, Treasure Island.









 

St. Pete Beach

At one time, the string of islands that made up the Tampa Bay Beaches were known as four different keys: Long Key, Treasure Island, Sand Key and Clearwater Beach Key. Long Key, the most southern island, was originally made up of four areas: Pass-A-Grille Beach, Don CeSar Place, Belle Vista Beach and St. Petersburg Beach. In 1957, the four communities merged and formed the City of St. Petersburg Beach. Later, in efforts to achieve their own identity, the City voted to shortens its name to St. Pete Beach.Pass-A-Grille, the most southern tip of St. Pete Beach, is thought to have gotten its name from the Cuban fisherman, known as "Grillers", who camped along the waters edge of the island and would smoke their fish before returning home. Traveling thru the pass, you could see the fires on the beaches, hence Pass-A-Grille. Soon residents began to make Pass-A-Grille their home and in 1902, the first store was built on Long Key Island in Pass-A-Grille. In 1905, Pass-A-Grille opened a Post Office and in 1911, State Legislation declared Pass-A-Grille a town and twenty -one residents voted at the first election. In 1914, electricity came to Long Key Island (St. Pete Beach) and in 1922, the island's first fire station was established - Pass-A-Grille Engine Company Number One.



 

Tierra Verde

The Tierra Verde Community, which is located on the southernmost tip of Pinellas County, is not part of any municipality. The Community is a part of unincorporated Pinellas County and is governed by Pinellas County regulations. Tierra Verde was once 15 islands covered with foliage. These islands ranged in size from only a few acres to the largest, Cabbage Key, having over 289 acres. For centuries, Indians used the islands for ceremonial and burial grounds.Tierra Verde is home of the #1 beach - Fort Desoto Park. Award winning Fort DeSoto features a 238-site family camping area with facilities including picnic tables, grills, water, electricity, washers, dryers, modern restrooms, showers, play areas and a camp store. On the island is an old fort complete with canons. You can take a tour through the museum and ride the ferry to Edgemont Key, a State Park and National Wildlife Refuge.






 

 SEMINOLE, FLORIDA - A SHORT HISTORY

The City of Seminole was incorporated November, 15, 1970 with Russell Stewart elected the first mayor of Seminole. The is event was commemorated by a plaque located in the Seminole Mall located on 113th street. The form of government in the city is a City Council with a City Manager to manage the affairs of the city. The titles of Mayor and Vice-Mayor are awarded by a vote of the elected City Council. The Mayor has a three-year term and six Councilors are elected in City-wide elections with three-year overlapping terms.

Seminole occupies approximately 5.3 square miles with a 2008 population of 18,862 with 12,939 registered voters. The Greater Seminole area, which is serviced by the Fire Department, Library and Recreation Divisions has a population of about 80,000. The City is located on Florida's West Coast in West Central Pinellas County. Seminole is only 1.5 miles from the Gulf of Mexico and is halfway between Clearwater to the north and St. Petersburg to the south.

Seminole is a full service city, including professional administration, finance, library, recreation, community development, fire, public works, sanitation, and recycling services Sewage is treated by Pinellas County through a long-term agreement. Pinellas County provides City water supply. Sanitation and recycling services are contracted through Waste Management, Inc. and the transportation service is contracted with the countywide public transportation system. The Pinellas County Cooperative provides library services. Finally, law enforcement services are provided by the Pinellas County Sheriff's Department.

Seminole demographic studies indicate that the city population has almost doubled from 1999 to the present population of 18,862 estimated in 2008. Personal income average is $44,028 and median age is 44.9 years. the principal employers in Seminole are as follows: Freedom Square, St. Petersburg College, Home Depot, Lake Seminole Square, Publix Super Markets, Target , City of Seminole, Tandem Health Care, Suncoast Chrysler Jeep, U.S. Post Office and Winn-Dixie.