83-763: Pinellas Park is a city located in central Pinellas County , United States. The population was 53,093 at the 2020 census. The city is the fourth largest city in Pinellas County. The City of Pinellas Park was incorporated in 1914. It is part of the Tampa–St. Petersburg–Clearwater Metropolitan Statistical Area, most commonly referred to as the Tampa Bay Area . The city was founded by Philadelphia publisher F. A. Davis , who purchased 12,800 acres (52 km) of Hamilton Disston 's land around 1911. Davies used promotional brochures to lure northerners, especially Pennsylvanians, to
166-481: A Bachelor's degree or higher, also slightly higher than Florida's rate of 25.6%. Per capita income Per capita income ( PCI ) or average income measures the average income earned per person in a given area (city, region, country, etc.) in a specified year. In many countries, per capita income is determined using regular population surveys, such as the American Community Survey . This allows
249-421: A Second Language (E.S.O.L.), American Sign Language, Origami, and Ukulele classes are also hosted by members of the community in conjunction with the library. Pinellas Park is served by major roads such as U.S. Route 19 , Florida State Road 693 , Florida State Road 694 , and is served by an exit off I-275 . Mass Transit through Pinellas Park is provided by Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA). While
332-541: A Spanish Collection, and an extensive collection of graphic novels and Manga. The Barbara S. Ponce Public Library hosts programs for community residents with many designed for children and teens. These programs include many art, music, and literature related educational programs as well as chess clubs, board game events, and programs to tutor schoolchildren with homework help. Adult programming consists of monthly craft nights, an adult coloring club, free movie screenings, murder mystery nights, and technology classes. English as
415-405: A bluff overlooking Clear Water Harbor , which later became part of an early 20th-century residential development (now historic district) called Harbor Oaks . University of South Florida archaeologists excavated the site in 1977 after Alfred C. Wyllie discovered an underground ammunition bunker while digging a swimming pool on his estate. Clearwater would later become the first organized community on
498-399: A degree, 25.8% had an Associate's or bachelor's degree, and 7.7% had a graduate or professional degree. In 2000, the median income for a household in the city was $ 58,526, and the median income for a family was $ 58,526. Males had a median income of $ 44,616 versus $ 38,510 for females. The per capita income for the city was $ 18,701. About 9.0% of families and 13.2% of the population were below
581-572: A major impact on the islands, with the Hurricane of 1848 forming John's Pass between Madeira Beach and Treasure Island, a hurricane in 1921 creating Hurricane Pass and cleaving Hog Island into Honeymoon and Caladesi Islands, and 1985's Hurricane Elena sealing Dunedin Pass to join Caladesi with Clearwater Beach . Between the barrier islands and the peninsula are several bodies of water, through which traverses
664-630: A memorial to the Korean War , located in Freedom Lake Park. Due to its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay, Pinellas Park is home to many marine businesses, from manufacturing to service and supplies. Large optical manufacturers, including Transitions Optical, are located either in Pinellas Park or nearby in the broader area known as " Gateway ". In 2024 the city reported the unemployment rate of
747-628: A plantation near the site of the Tocobaga village in Safety Harbor. It was Philippe who first introduced both citrus culture and cigar -making to Florida. Around the same time, the United States Army began construction of Fort Harrison , named after William Henry Harrison , as a rest post for soldiers from nearby Fort Brooke during the Second Seminole War . The new fort was located on
830-656: A section of the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway . From north to south they are: St. Joseph Sound between the islands and Dunedin, Clearwater Harbor between Clearwater and Clearwater Beach, and Boca Ciega Bay in the southern third of the county. Connecting Clearwater Harbor to Boca Ciega Bay is a thin, approximately 3.5-mile (5.6 km) stretch of water known as The Narrows, which runs next to the town of Indian Shores. Extending from northeastern Boca Ciega Bay , Long Bayou separates Seminole from St. Petersburg near Bay Pines. Long Bayou once extended significantly farther up
913-544: A simulation hospital unit for its nursing program, a patient-care clinic of dental hygiene, and an orthotics and prosthetics lab space. Madalya Fagan was the first president of the library association, and through the efforts of this volunteer organization, the Pinellas Park Public Library was established in December 1948. Fifteen years later, the city of Pinellas Park took control over the library. Marjorie Trimble
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#1732845458982996-489: A small part of the mainland were incorporated into the new county. Aviation history was made in St. Petersburg on January 1, 1914, when Tony Jannus made the world's first scheduled commercial airline flight with the St. Petersburg–Tampa Airboat Line from St. Petersburg to Tampa. The popular open-air St. Petersburg concert venue Jannus Live (formerly known as Jannus Landing) memorializes
1079-568: A unique working full-scale replica of the first self-propelled mechanical vehicle, the fardier of Nicolas-Joseph Cugnot . Luxury cars currently displayed and sold in Pinellas Park include Rolls-Royce Motor Cars , Bentley , McLaren , and Aston Martin . These and a Maserati dealership are all located in the Gateway area near the Automobile Museum. Car and truck aficionados display their prized vehicles nearly weekly on 49th Street and compete in
1162-525: Is "Country in the Park", a festival held every year generally on the third Saturday of March, but always after the Florida State Fair and Florida Strawberry Festival . The festival's popularity stems from its wide array of events, such as arts and crafts shows, NASCAR displays, popular amusement park rides, and multi-artist day-long concerts, and the fact that parking, entry to the festival, and attendance of
1245-479: Is 17.8% under the age of 18, 7.3% from 18 to 24, 23.0% from 25 to 44, 30.8% from 45 to 64, and 21.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 46.3 years. For every 100 females there were 92.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.8 males. The median income for a household in the county was $ 45,258, and the median income for a family was $ 58,335. Males had a median income of $ 41,537 versus $ 35,003 for females. The per capita income for
1328-535: Is a list of all cities, towns, and census-designated places in Pinellas County, Florida. Source: 2010 Florida Census of Population and Housing As of the 2020 United States census , there were 959,107 people, 413,239 households, and 232,884 families residing in the county. U.S. Census Bureau 2010 Ethnic/Race Demographics: In 2010, 6.5% of the population considered themselves to be of only American ancestry (regardless of race or ethnicity.) There were 415,876 households, out of which 19.89% had children under
1411-531: Is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild winters. According to the Köppen climate classification , the City of Pinellas Park has a humid subtropical climate zone ( Cfa ). As of the 2020 United States census , there were 53,093 people, 20,746 households, and 12,344 families residing in the city. As of the 2010 United States census , there were 49,079 people, 20,565 households, and 12,553 families residing in
1494-487: Is home to one of the largest concentrations of ethnic restaurants, businesses, and specialty vendors serving those communities in the southeast. The city's library maintains the county's only special collection of materials in Vietnamese. The population includes those with recent ancestors from Germany, Poland, Eastern Europe, Russia, Armenia, India, Lebanon, Cuba, and Puerto Rico. The Pinellas Park Chamber of Commerce promotes
1577-519: Is located on the west central coast of the U.S. state of Florida . As of the 2020 census , the population was 959,107, making it the seventh-most populous county in the state. It is also the most densely populated county in Florida, with 3,491 residents per square mile. The county is part of the Tampa–St. Petersburg–Clearwater Metropolitan Statistical Area . Clearwater is the county seat . St. Petersburg
1660-491: Is often used to measure a sector's average income and compare the wealth of different populations. Per capita income is also often used to measure a country's standard of living . When used to compare income levels of different countries, it is usually expressed using a commonly used international currency, such as the euro or United States dollar . It is one of the three components of the Human Development Index of
1743-627: Is the largest city in the county, as well as the largest city in Florida that is not a county seat. When Europeans first reached the Pinellas peninsula, the Tampa Bay area was inhabited by people of the Safety Harbor culture . The Safety Harbor culture area was divided into chiefdoms . One documented chiefdom in what is now Pinellas County was that of the Tocobaga , who occupied a town and large temple mound,
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#17328454589821826-704: The American Civil War , many residents fought for the Confederate States of America . Brothers James and Daniel McMullen were members of the Confederate Cow Cavalry , driving Florida cattle to Georgia and the Carolinas to help sustain the war effort. John W. Marston served in the 9th Florida Regiment as a part of the Appomattox Campaign. Many other residents served in other capacities. Otherwise
1909-558: The Clearwater Subdivision railroad line runs through Pinellas Park, the city contains no stops on the line. Nearby Tampa International Airport provides air transportation for most passengers. Smaller airlines, with destinations to smaller cities and towns, operate at St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport , with most tenants providing only seasonal services. Pinellas County, Florida Pinellas County ( US : / p ɪ ˈ n ɛ l ə s / , pih-NEL-əss )
1992-527: The Gulfstream G5 , Goodrich Aerospace, Piper, the P-3 , Atlas Launch Vehicle , Space Shuttle , and B-52 Bomber . The C.W. Bill Young Armed Forces Reserve Center, a $ 47-million multi-facility training center for both U.S. Army Reserve and Florida Army National Guard units, opened in 2005 and serves thousands of soldiers yearly. Several of the largest employers in Pinellas County occupy parcels contiguous with
2075-487: The Orange Belt Railway was extended into the southern portion of the peninsula. Railroad owner Peter Demens named the town that grew near the railroad's terminus St. Petersburg in honor of his hometown . The town would incorporate in 1892. Other major towns in the county incorporated during this time were Clearwater (1891), Dunedin (1899), and Largo (1905). Construction of Fort De Soto , on Mullet Key facing
2158-455: The Safety Harbor site , overlooking the bay in what is now Safety Harbor . The modern site is protected and can be visited as part of the County's Philippe Park . During the early 16th century Spanish explorers discovered and slowly began exploring Florida, including Tampa Bay. In 1528 Pánfilo de Narváez landed in Pinellas , and 10 years later Hernando de Soto is thought to have explored
2241-564: The Tampa Bay area . By the early 18th century the Tocobaga had been virtually annihilated, having fallen victim to European diseases from which they had no immunity, as well as European conflicts . Later Spanish explorers named the area Punta Piñal (Spanish for "Point of Pines" or "Piney Point"). After trading hands multiple times between the British and the Spanish , Spain finally ceded Florida to
2324-605: The blue jay , mockingbird , and crow . Ospreys are a commonly seen bird-of-prey , with other birds of prey like turkey vultures , red tailed hawks , great horned owls , screech owls , barn owls , and bald eagles , among others, seen as well. Gopher tortoises are found in many areas, the burrows they dig making them a keystone species . Coyotes , though often associated with the American West, are native-to and can be found in Pinellas. White-tailed deer , wild turkeys , bobcats , otters , and alligators can be found in
2407-702: The poverty line , including 14.8% of those under age 18 and 11.2% of those age 65 or over. The Pinellas Park Civic Orchestra and the Sunsation Show Chorus perform regularly in the City-owned 500-seat Performing Arts Center. Regular theatre organ concerts are given at the City Auditorium, home to a "Mighty Wurlitzer" restored by the local chapter of the American Theatre Organ Society. The Pinellas Park Arts Society holds monthly themed contests in
2490-459: The wild boar , which poses significant health and agricultural problems in Florida and can sometimes be found in Pinellas, and the monk parakeet , small flocks of which can sometimes be seen in flight or building nests on electrical poles or telecommunications towers. There is also a large flock of feral peacocks residing in St. Petersburg's Jungle Terrace, Jungle Prada and Disston Heights neighborhoods. Pinellas gained some national attention as
2573-520: The "Top 10 Bridges" in the World by the Travel Channel . The county operates a 21-acre (8.5 ha) living history museum called Heritage Village containing more than 28 historic structures, some dating back to the 19th century, where visitors can experience what life was once like in Pinellas. Pinellas County celebrated 100 years of existence on January 1, 2012. According to the U.S. Census Bureau ,
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2656-565: The 'immediate area' at 3.10%. In 2020, the city reported total governmental-type and business-type assets of $ 271 million and total revenue from taxation and charges for services of $ 104 million. Lockheed Martin Aeronautics' Pinellas Park facility specializes in metal forming, fabrication and assembly of components for military and civilian aircraft. Current and prior projects include the F/A-22 , F-16 , C-130J , C-5 , U2 , Northrop's E-2C Hawkeye ,
2739-628: The Bomb-a-Dears, holding dances, socializing with recruits, and selling war bonds. After the war many of these same soldiers remembered their wartime experience in Pinellas well, and returned as tourists or residents. With the end of the Second World War, Pinellas would enter another period of rapid growth and development. In 1954 the original span of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge was opened, replacing earlier ferry service. By 1957 Clearwater
2822-636: The Fire Department facilitates the Fire Explorers. Youth in both programs are involved in community service as well as competitions among similar groups. The city is served by the Pinellas County Schools district. Most of the city's high school students attend Pinellas Park High School or Dixie M. Hollins High School . The Caruth Health Education Center is home to the healthcare-related degree programs of St. Petersburg College . It includes
2905-656: The Park Station building, close to the Creative District. To encourage artists to live and work in the district, the city has established two facilities: Studios at 5663 and the Artist Live/Work building. The Tampa Bay Automobile Museum displays an extensive collection of historical automobiles with an emphasis on progressive engineering achievement, the personal interest of founder and benefactor Alain Cerf. The museum houses
2988-493: The Tampa Bay estuary and numerous gulf seagrass beds. The county also maintains several artificial reefs . Numerous bird species can be sighted in Pinellas, either as permanent residents or during the winter migration, including wading birds like great blue herons , egrets , white ibises and roseate spoonbills , aquatic birds like brown pelicans , white pelicans , and cormorants , numerous species of shorebirds , and very-common birds like seagulls and passerines like
3071-480: The United States in 1821, and in 1823 the U.S. Army established Fort Brooke (later Tampa ). In 1834 much of west central Florida, including the Pinellas peninsula (then known simply as West Hillsborough ), was organized as Hillsborough County . The very next year Odet Philippe , a French Huguenot from Charleston, South Carolina became the first permanent, non-native resident of the peninsula when he established
3154-419: The age of 18 living with them, 40.33% were married couples living together, 11.86% had a female householder with no husband present, and 43.67% were non-families. 35.42% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.14% (4.53% male and 10.61% female) had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.16 and the average family size was 2.79. The age distribution
3237-404: The area. During the war, the area's tourist industry collapsed, but thousands of recruits came to the area when the U.S. military decided to use the area for training. Area hotels became barracks. The Vinoy Park Hotel was used as an Army training school. The area's women and girls participated in the war effort as well. Hundreds of girls from the area's most prominent families formed a group called
3320-476: The calculation of per capita income for both the country as a whole and specific regions or demographic groups. However, comparing per capita income across different countries is often difficult, since methodologies, definitions and data quality can vary greatly. Since the 1990s, the OECD has conducted regular surveys among its 38 member countries using a standardized methodology and set of questions. Per capita income
3403-613: The city and a glimpse of the peninsula's original state. Geologically, Pinellas is underlain by a series of limestone formations, the Hawthorne limestone and the Tampa limestone . The limestone is porous and stores a large quantity of water. The Hawthorne formation forms a prominent ridge down the spine of the county, from east of Dunedin, south to the Walsingham area and east towards St. Petersburg. The 35 miles of beaches and dunes which make up
Pinellas Park, Florida - Misplaced Pages Continue
3486-461: The city and the surrounding areas. In 2017, the city paid $ 915,000 for the site of a former church with the intention of building a new fire station. The city has announced construction of the new station will cost approximately $ 4.7 million. The Fire Department is led by Fire Chief Brett Schlatterer. The Police Department facilitates the Police Cadets, a youth education and service group. Likewise,
3569-564: The city is voluntary by both the property owner and the City Council. Because of the city's relatively low elevation between major bodies of water, and its generally flat topography, it has historically been subject to flooding. Through construction of a network of drainage canals and other measures by the Pinellas Park Water Management District, flooding in the city has been greatly mitigated. The climate in this area
3652-513: The city's population more than tripled. According to the United States Census Bureau , the city has a total area of 16.2 square miles (41.9 km), of which 15.5 square miles (40.2 km) is land and 0.66 square miles (1.7 km) (4.14%) is water. Pinellas Park city limits are contiguous with those of St. Petersburg , Clearwater , Largo , Seminole , Kenneth City , and unincorporated areas of Pinellas County. Annexation into
3735-410: The city, including Raymond James Financial , Transamerica Financial , Cisco , FIS (credit card services), Valpak (advertising mailers), Orbital ATK (defense electronics), and Home Shopping Network . The city has three concentrations of retail business all along Park Boulevard. At 49th Street, near the historic center of town, one finds traditional shops, small businesses, and restaurants. Just to
3818-559: The city. Linguistically in 2000, 76.1% of the population over the age of five reported speaking only English at home, while 23.9% reported speaking some other language. As of 2000, there were 20,746 households, out of which 22.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.8% were married couples living together, 10.2% had a female householder with no spouse present, 6.6% had a male householder with no spouse present, and 40.4% were non-families. 32.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 17.6% had someone living alone who
3901-449: The concert are all free of charge. As of 2011, the Country in the Park festival has been organized for 21 years straight. Another popular celebration among the locals is Pride in the Park. This celebration occurs during the week leading up to Country in the Park. Usually the night before Country in the Park, the firefighters' chili cookoff takes place at the bandshell. Pinellas Park is home to
3984-410: The council on governmental matters. The city council itself consists of four board members. Pinellas Park's original police department was founded on May 27, 1915, with its only member being the appointed Marshal George W. Williams Sr. The modern Police Force was established in 1948. Today, the city maintains a Police Department of more than 150 employees. In 2023, Police Chief Adam Geissenberger assumed
4067-417: The county as well. Sea turtles nest on the shores or Pinellas' barrier islands and have been threatened by development. Offshore, dolphins , sharks , and manatees are numerous as well, while closer inshore stingrays are a common sight, leading those in-the-know to do the "stingray shuffle" (shuffling up the sand to scare nearby stingrays off) when entering gulf waters. Species of fish commonly caught in
4150-568: The county has a total area of 608 square miles (1,570 km ), of which 274 square miles (710 km ) is land and 334 square miles (870 km ) (55.0%) is water. It is the second-smallest county in Florida by land area, larger than only Union County . Pinellas forms a peninsula bounded on the west by the Gulf of Mexico and on the south and east by Tampa Bay . It is 38 miles (61 km) long and 15 miles (24 km) wide at its broadest point, with 587 miles (945 km) of coastline. Elevation in
4233-499: The county ranges from mean sea level to its highest natural point of 110 feet (34 m) near the intersection of SR 580 and Countryside Blvd. in Clearwater. Due to its small size and high population, by the early 21st century Pinellas County has been mostly built out , with very little developable land left available. The county has maintained a fairly large system of parks and preserves that provide residents and visitors retreat from
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#17328454589824316-482: The county seat, across the bay in Tampa, was generally an overnight affair and the automobiles that existed on the peninsula at that time would frequently become bogged down in the muck after rainstorms. Angry at what was perceived as neglect by the county government, residents of Pinellas began a push to secede from Hillsborough. They succeeded, and on January 1, 1912, Pinellas County came into being. The peninsula, along with
4399-884: The county was $ 28,742. About 8.1% of families and 12.1% of the population were below the poverty line , including 17.7% of those under age 18 and 9.0% of those aged 65 or over. In 2010, 11.2% of the county's population was foreign born , with 50.3% being naturalized American citizens . Of foreign-born residents, 33.6% were born in Europe , 32.1% were born in Latin America , 20.9% born in Asia , 9.8% in North America , 3.0% born in Africa , and 0.6% were born in Oceania . As of 2000, there were 921,482 people, 414,968 households, and 243,171 families residing in
4482-409: The county's 11 barrier islands provide habitat for coastal species, serve as critical storm protection for the inland communities, and form the basis of the area's thriving tourism industry. The islands are dynamic, with wave action building some islands further up, eroding others, and forming entirely new islands over time. Though hurricanes are infrequent on this part of Florida's coast, they have had
4565-445: The county's average temperatures. St. Petersburg, further south on the peninsula, tends to have warmer daily average lows (by about 3 degrees) than areas such as Dunedin and Palm Harbor further north, though daily highs are very close. The north of the county also has fewer overall days of rain, but higher total annual precipitation when measured in inches, the county's south being prone to shorter, more frequent thunderstorms especially in
4648-476: The county. The population density was 1,271/km (3,292/sq mi), making it the most densely populated county in Florida. There were 481,573 housing units at an average density of 1,720 per square mile (660/km ). The racial makeup of the county was 85.85% White (82.8% were Non-Hispanic White ,) 8.96% Black or African American , 0.30% Native American , 2.06% Asian , 0.05% Pacific Islander , 1.14% from other races , and 1.64% from two or more races. 4.64% of
4731-473: The east, at U.S. 19, the Shoppes at Park Place anchor the city's second retail hub with big-box retailers and a large movie theater. At the western edge of the city, near 66th Street and Belcher Road, are more big box retailers, ethnic specialty shops and restaurants, and the enormous Wagon Wheel and Mustang flea markets. Due to the significant Vietnamese, Laotian, Indian, and southeast Asian community, Pinellas Park
4814-441: The farms they established was sugar cane. By 1912, lots in the city were being sold separately. The City of Pinellas Park was formally incorporated on October 14, 1914. Though not on the original Orange Belt Railway , Pinellas Park did have a train depot, razed in 1970, on the line between Clearwater and St. Petersburg. The city lay on the vehicle road from St. Petersburg to Tampa. Growth was moderate until after World War II, when
4897-465: The flight. The early 1920s saw the beginning of a land boom in much of Florida, including Pinellas. During this period municipalities issued a large number of bonds to keep pace with the needed infrastructure, such as roads and bridges. The travel time to Tampa was cut in half—from 43 to 19 miles (69 to 31 km)—by the opening of the Gandy Bridge in 1924, along the same route Jannus' airline used. It
4980-582: The home of the Mystery Monkey of Tampa Bay , a non-native, feral rhesus macaque that had been on the loose for approximately three years in the south of the county. No one was sure where the monkey came from, and a Facebook page set up for the monkey had over 84,000 likes (as of October 2012). The monkey was the subject of a sketch on the March 11, 2010, episode of the Colbert Report . As of February 2012,
5063-399: The interests of local and nearby businesses, contributing to the overall vitality and cooperative nature of the mid-county economy. Pinellas Park has a council-manager form of government. The current mayor is Sandra Bradbury, who is the daughter of former mayor Cecil Bradbury. The current city manager is Bart Diebold. Various volunteer citizen boards are appointed by the city council to advise
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#17328454589825146-594: The late summer. Freezing temperatures occur only every 2–3 years, with freezing precipitation occurring extremely rarely . Springs are usually short, mild, and dry, with occasional late-season cold fronts. Summertime weather is very consistent, with highs in the low 90s °F (around 32 °C), lows in the mid-70s °F (around 24 °C), accompanied by high humidity and an almost daily chance of afternoon thundershowers. The area experiences significant rainfall during its summer months (approximately May through October), with nearly two-thirds of annual precipitation falling between
5229-796: The library was renamed in honor of late director Barbara S. Ponce. Mrs. Ponce was promoted to community activities administrator and library director in 1999, and retired in 2008. The job placed her over the Pinellas Park Library, parks and recreation, and media/public events. The library houses a collection of over 100,000 physical items, including books, audio books, newspapers, magazines, DVD's, and Blu-ray discs available for holders of Pinellas Public Library Cooperative -issued library cards to check out. E-books and other digital services are also available. Special collections include an Asian Language Collection with materials in Hindi, Mandarin, and Vietnamese,
5312-514: The monkey had apparently taken up semi-permanent residence behind a family's home at an undisclosed location in St. Petersburg, according to the Tampa Bay Times . Efforts to capture the monkey were reignited after it reportedly bit a woman living near where it had taken up residence, and the monkey was captured in late October 2012 and eventually was sent to live at Dade City's Wild Things, a 22-acre (8.9 ha) zoo north of Tampa. Pinellas, like
5395-516: The months of June and September. The area is occasionally affected by tropical storms and hurricanes, but has not suffered a direct hit since 1921 . Fall, like spring, is usually mild and dry, with the hurricane season extending through November and sometimes affecting the area. Many portions of south Pinellas, especially near the bay and gulf, have tropical microclimates. Tropical trees such as coconut palms and royal palms and fruit trees like mangoes grow very well in these microclimates. The following
5478-482: The mouth of Tampa Bay, was begun in 1898 during the Spanish–American War to protect Tampa Bay from potential invading forces. The fort, a subpost of Fort Dade on adjacent Egmont Key (which lies in the mouth of Tampa Bay), was equipped with artillery and mortar batteries. Even into the early years of the 20th century, West Hillsborough had no paved roads, and transportation posed a major challenge. A trip to
5561-660: The peninsula as well as the site of its first post office. The Armed Occupation Act , passed in 1842, encouraged further settlement of Pinellas, like all of Florida, by offering 160 acres (0.65 km ) to anyone who would bear arms and cultivate the land. Pioneer families like the Booths, the Coachmans, the Marstons, and the McMullens established homesteads in the area in the years following, planting more citrus groves and raising cattle. During
5644-551: The peninsula had virtually no significance during the war, and the war largely passed the area by. On September 27, 1848, a strong hurricane struck the West Coast of Florida. It separated the barrier island on the coast and created a waterway known today as John's Pass. John Levique, along with Joseph Silva, was the one who discovered it and named it after himself and is now a federally owned canal. Tarpon Springs became West Hillsborough's first incorporated city in 1887, and in 1888
5727-459: The peninsula until the northern portion was sealed off to create Lake Seminole . Extending further still from Long Bayou, the Cross Bayou Canal traverses the peninsula, crossing Pinellas Park in a northeasterly direction before emptying into Tampa Bay on the northwest side of St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport . Source: Boyd Hill Nature Preserve : A 245-acre (99 ha) park on
5810-461: The population of Pinellas Park swells temporarily, but substantially, for half the year as mostly-retired adults (called "snow birds"), who reside elsewhere in the northern states or Canada during the summer, come to Florida for its mild winter climate. As of 2000, educational statues surveys showed that among those 25 and older 14.3% did not have a high school diploma, while 32.4% had only a high school diploma, 19.8% had some college experience without
5893-444: The population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. There were 414,968 households, out of which 22.10% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.80% were married couples living together, 10.50% had a female householder with no husband present, and 41.40% were non-families. 34.10% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.50% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size
5976-427: The regularly scheduled shows. The Showtime Dragstrip provides a venue for drag racing fans. Nearby on the aptly-named Automobile Boulevard is Tampa Bay Grand Prix, where youth and young adults race high-speed go carts on an indoor track. Pinellas Park is known throughout the Tampa Bay area for a series of community events held annually in a city-owned bandshell located behind City hall. The most popular of these events
6059-406: The rest of the Tampa Bay area, has a humid subtropical climate , resulting in warm, humid summers with frequent thunderstorms, and drier winters. Pinellas County's geographic position- lying on a peninsula between Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico introduces large amounts of humidity into the atmosphere and serves to moderate temperatures. The geography of the peninsula also causes some variance in
6142-439: The role of police chief following the retirement on Police Chief Mike Haworth. In 2015, Mike Haworth assumed the position previously held by Dorene Thomas, the first female police chief in the county. The city announced in its 2020 budget that it will begin work on a $ 25 million construction project of a new Police and Fire Operations Center. The Fire Department was established in 1912, when the city had only 50 residents. It serves
6225-916: The shores of Lake Maggiore in south St. Petersburg, operated by the city and featuring a nature center, bird-of-prey aviary, and over three miles of trails through a variety of ecosystems. Hillsborough County extends along the shipping channel towards Egmont Key and into the Gulf of Mexico, separating Pinellas County from Manatee County. Several natural communities exist within the county, including areas of freshwater wetlands (dominated by bald cypresses and ferns), coastal mangrove swamps, sporadic hardwood hammocks (dominated by laurel oaks and live oaks , cabbage palms , and southern magnolias ), low-lying, poorly drained pine flatwoods (dominated by longleaf pines and saw palmettos ), and well-drained, upland sandhills (dominated by longleaf pines and turkey oaks ) and sand pine scrub (dominated by sand pines , saw palmettos, and various oaks). Offshore ecosystems include
6308-472: The town, noting the pleasant climate in the winter and the agreeable agricultural conditions. The Florida Association, a corporation, set up model farms and offered a free lot in the city with the purchase of ten acres of nearby farm land. A two-story building called the Colony House was established to house prospective purchasers of the available farm plots. The primary crop that the founders intended to grow on
6391-621: The waters surrounding the county include spotted seatrout , red drum or redfish, snook , pompano , sheepshead , Spanish mackerel , grouper , mullet , flounder , kingfish , and tarpon . Like much of Florida, Pinellas County is home to several invasive species that propagate easily outside their (and their natural predators') native range. Examples of commonly seen invasives include Brazilian pepper , water hyacinth , Australian pine , melaleuca and air potato . These species are considered serious pests, and varying methods have been tried to eradicate them. Examples of invasive animals include
6474-541: Was 2.17 and the average family size was 2.77. In the county, the population was spread out, with 19.30% under the age of 18, 6.40% from 18 to 24, 27.30% from 25 to 44, 24.50% from 45 to 64, and 22.50% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43 years. For every 100 females there were 91.00 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.80 males. In 2000, 87.8% of persons age 25 or above were high school graduates, slightly above Florida's average of 84.9% for Florida. 26.7% of persons age 25 or above held
6557-437: Was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.54 and the average family size was 3.22. In 2000, in the city, the population was spread out, with 20.3% under the age of 20, 10.4% from 20 to 29, 14.3% from 30 to 39, 12.5% from 440 to 49, 20.5% from 50 to 64, and 22.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43.6 years. 47.1% of the inhabitants were male and 52.9% were female. Like many areas in Florida,
6640-474: Was America's fastest growing city. Tragedy struck on May 9, 1980, when the southbound span of the original Sunshine Skyway Bridge was struck by the freighter MV Summit Venture during a storm, sending over 1,200 feet (370 m) of the bridge plummeting into Tampa Bay. The collision caused seven personal vehicles and a Greyhound bus to fall 150 feet (46 m) into the water, killing 35 people. The new bridge opened in 1987 and has since been listed as #3 of
6723-449: Was built in 1969, and is located at 7770 52nd St, across the street from City Hall and Pinellas Park Elementary School. The library was last remodeled in 2001 and has undergone several additions that expanded the original 7,000 square feet interior into 30,972 square feet, which includes over 26 adult desktop computers, 11 children desktop computers, a teen lounge, a quiet room, and two meeting rooms for rentals and programs. On June 6, 2014,
6806-622: Was the longest automobile toll bridge in the world at the time. Prohibition was unpopular in the area and the peninsula's inlets and islands were used by rum-runners bringing in liquor from Cuba. Others distilled moonshine in the County's still plentiful woods. As was the case in much of Florida, the Great Depression came early to Pinellas with the collapse of the real estate boom in 1926. Local economies came into severe difficulties, and by 1930, St. Petersburg defaulted on its bonds. Only after World War II would significant growth return to
6889-402: Was the very first paid librarian, although it wouldn't be until 1967 when Ms. Harrop would be the first librarian who possessed a Master of Library Science degree to be hired. The first library building was located in Park Station, an old pump house in the middle of Triangle Park. The second library was then built at 5795 Park Boulevard, although that structure no longer stands. The current library
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