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Pinellas County Area Information
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Pinellas Area Guide
Welcome to beautiful Pinellas County, home to the Sunshine State’s finest beaches and most vibrant attractions! This thirty-eight mile peninsula juts out between the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay, and enjoys nearly three-hundred and sixty days of sunshine each year! Known as one of the top tourist destinations in the country, the temperate coastal county also boasts a prolific business sector, tightly knit retirement community, and thriving local government. Pinellas is one of the most densely populated and dearly loved areas in the state of Florida, and has rightfully become known as one of the finest places to live in the country!
History
Pinellas was discovered by Panfilo de Narvaez in 1528, just thirty-six years after Columbus’ arrival in the Caribbean.
The beautiful forested coastal land was named “Punta Pinal,” meaning “point of pines” for its wondrous, looming evergreens. Narvaez landed amongst the area’s original Native American inhabitants in search of gold and silver. Many of the monumental Indian shell mounds from this time period have survived to this day!
The county is roughly thirty-eight miles long, fifteen miles wide, two-hundred and eighty square miles, and enjoys one of the richest and most extensive historical narratives in the country, as it was founded nearly forty years before St. Augustine!
In 1763, Florida was ceded by Spain to England under the Treaty of Paris, and in 1821 the largely untamed marshland was turned over to the United States following the Seminole War.
Shortly later, in 1834, Hillsborough County was formed and the area became inundated with military forts, land grants, and fertile farmlands.
In 1855, Pinellas began a proud tradition of educational excellence with the formation of a public school on land granted by John Taylor. This site is today the location of Clearwater High School!
Pinellas was originally a component of Hillsborough County, but became its own separate entity in 1912. The area’s local government has a unique organizational structure consisting of twenty-five governmental bodies; one for each of the twenty-four municipalities, and one for the remaining unincorporated area.
Conveniently nestled between fantastic interstate roadways has aided Pinellas in becoming both a top tourist destination and a premier commercial hub. Pinellas is situated on the western coast of Florida and is connected to the east by Interstate 4, while Interstate 75 runs along the western boundary of the county connecting it to the Floridian panhandle.
Attractions and Activities
Dunedin Fine Art Center
The fine educational programs offered by this premier cultural center include workshops, classes, lectures, exhibitions, and showcases designed to stimulate artistic awareness and enhance interpretive creativity. Originally founded in 1974, the fine arts center has grown to include classes for adults and children alike while providing fantastic exhibits and showcases of outstanding work!
1143 Michigan Blvd
Dunedin, FL 34698
Phone: (727) 298-3322
www.dfac.org
Fun Ride Rentals
Conveniently located along beautiful Pier 60 in Clearwater Beach, Fun Ride Rentals affords you the chance to mix a little adrenaline into your day amidst the surf and sun. Cruise the pier on a segway, scooter, or fun coupe provided by these transportation professionals operating directly in the middle of paradise!
400 Mandalay Ave.
Clearwater Beach, FL 33767
Phone: (727) 519-3008
http://www.funriderentals.com/
Clearwater Marine Aquarium
This expansive and awe-inspiring collection aquatic creatures and interactive exhibits has been masterfully curated since 1972 and currently welcomes visitors to a marine wonderland devoted to the spirit of adventure and exploration typified by pioneers such as Steve Irwin. Clearwater Marine Aquarium houses dolphin exhibits, turtles, sharks, stingrays, and sunken ship walkways!
249 Windward Passage
Clearwater Beach, FL 33767
Phone: (727) 441-1790
Busch Gardens
This incredible theme park and hospitality center is the largest zoological institution in the region, featuring nearly three-thousand exotic animals ranging from Rhinos to lions alongside its breathtaking rides and roller-coasters. Busch Gardens is located a short distance from downtown Tampa and partners with parent organizations and sister theme parks to provide top-notch entertainment, amenities, and experiences in one of the most inclusive, refined, and spectacular attractions in the country!
3000 E. Busch Blvd.
Tampa, FL 33674
Phone: (813) 987-5987
Sea Screamer
You simply have not experienced the beautiful beaches of Pinellas County until you have done so at forty miles per hour aboard the world’s largest speed boat! Armed with twin turbo-charged diesel engines, this seventy-two foot marine monster cruises the Gulf of Mexico in comfort and class. Also, you are guaranteed to site a pod of dolphins, or you ride again free!
25 Causeway Blvd Slip 15
Clearwater, FL 33767
Phone: (727) 447-7200
Ruth Eckerd Hall
This fine seventy-three thousand square foot performing arts center proudly fosters top-rate performers and educators in order to further appreciation for performing arts and cultural well-being. Each year, hundreds of thousands of patrons flock to the expansive auditorium of Eckerd Hall to experience premier musical acts, ballets, theatrical productions, dance recitals, and orations.
1111 McMullen Booth Road
Clearwater, FL 33759
Phone: 727-712-2717
Tampa Bay Rays
One Tropicana Drive
St. Petersburg, FL 33705
Phone: (727) 825-3278
Adventure Island
10001 N. McKinley Drive
Tampa, FL 33612
Toll-Free: 1-888-800-5447
Captain Memos Pirate Cruise
25 Causeway Blvd Slip #3
Clearwater, FL 33767-
Phone: 727-446-2587
Parks and Recreation
The Parks and Conservation Resources department maintains more than 20,000 acres of parks and preserves. Picnic shelters, camping, playgrounds, boat ramps and trails are among the many amenities enjoyed by our residents and visitors.
Parks and Recreation Official Site
http://www.pinellascounty.org/park/default.htm
Fort De Soto
This historic five-island site contains eclectic ecology and nearly every ecosystem native to the area amidst its eleven hundred acre grounds. Millions of visitors each year flock to enjoy the extended and innumerable amenities contained within the park, which has resulted in Trip Advisor declaring it the “America’s Top Beach – 2009!” Enjoy the expansive picnic locations, boat launches, playgrounds, swim centers, fishing piers, walking trails, dog parks, camp sites, and historic fort sites situated
3500 Pinellas Bayway South
Tierra Verde, FL 33715
Phone: (727) 552-1862
Lake Seminole Park
This two hundred and fifty acre wildlife refuge and public park boasts scenic, shaded walkways and winding bike trails filled with aviary magnificence. Watch as the skies fill with hawks, bald eagles, and ospreys as you enjoy the bike trails, playgrounds, ball fields, and numerous picnic areas of this wonderful naturalistic paradise! The park is also home to first-class fishing spots as it boasts scenic ponds, lakes, and waterways!
10015 Park Blvd. (74th Ave. N.)
Seminole FL 33777
Eagle Park
As regal as the renowned bird of prey lending it a moniker, Eagle Park boasts over one hundred and sixty acres of Citrus Grove themed trails, open areas, boardwalks, picnic areas, playgrounds, fishing ponds, and shell paths! The eclectic make up of the park provides an interesting opportunity to view one-hundred percent native animals in their natural habitats including wetlands, prairies, and ponds filled with turtles, tortoises, fox squirrels,
1800 Keene Road, Largo, FL 33771
Events
http://www.americantowns.com/fl/pinellas-county/events
http://www.tampabay.com/news/briefs/article1025120.ece
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