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» parks
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St. Petersburg Waterfront Parks Centennial
Get ready to celebrate!A year-long 100th birthday party for the magnificent downtown waterfront parks, the defining feature of beautiful St. Petersburg, Florida is underway as part of the Downtown Saint Petersburg Waterfront Parks Centennial!
Events planned for the Centennial will have something for everyone-from youngsters to the young-at-heart, from history buff to photography buff, from movie fan to sports fan. Free activities in all of the downtown waterfront parks, with eight stages featuring music for every taste. An events schedule is featured online at www.stpeteparks100.org.The Centennial Celebration honors the decisions of early civic and business leaders, acknowledges those who have fostered expansion of the waterfront parks, and looks at ways to preserve and enhance the parkland and open marine vistas for the next century.
Let’s party . . . in Paradise Found!
For more information about Party in the Parks, including where to park and get the shuttle, the entertainment schedule and the full list of participants, check out the below link or visit www.stpeteparks100.org.
Volunteers are needed to help with Party in the Parks on November 6. Volunteers will be expected to work at least a three-hour shift and attend a short training session. Volunteers will receive a free t-shirt. If you can help, go to the “volunteer application form” link on the above website for more information.
HISTORY
In early 2009, St. Petersburg Preservation president, Will Michaels, convened a community meeting to gauge the interest in organizing a celebration to commemorate the centennial of the creation and dedication of waterfront park in downtown St. Petersburg. Encouraged by the enthusiasm of the meeting participants, a steering committee was formed and soon ideas for events were being brought forward and discussed. Additional volunteers stepped forward, fundraising started and artist Carrie Jadus stepped up to create a beautiful centennial commemorative poster. Soon, a centennial celebration with multiple events to be held over the course of 2010 was in the works! In October 2009, City Council declared 2010 to be the waterfront parks centennial year, the centennial poster was unveiled and a kick-off reception was held at the St. Petersburg Yacht Club, itself celebrating its centennial. The centennial celebration is for all to enjoy, visitors and residents alike, and to acknowledge the incredible foresight of William Straub, Perry Snell and the other city leaders who had the vision and commitment 100 years ago to turn the waterfront of a small but growing town into a beautiful green necklace open to all to use. Today, that vision remains and makes St. Petersburg special! Celebrate this city’s glorious waterfront!
MISSION STATEMENT
The Waterfront Centennial Committee has been formed to commemorate and to celebrate the decisions of our early civic and business leaders, which for a century have guided the expansion of the original downtown waterfront park to a green sweep of parkland, from North Shore to Albert Whitted. This unique string of waterfront parks defines the character of St. Petersburg, regularly serving as the scenic focus of city celebrations and events.
The mission of the Waterfront Centennial Committee is:
To commemorate the beginnings of our system of downtown waterfront parks through sponsorship and support of appropriate events in 2009 and 2010
To honor those city leaders, both in government and private enterprise, who had the foresight to assemble the land for our first waterfront park and to establish a strong priority for using our downtown waterfront land for public purposes
To promote awareness of the history of our waterfront parks, and to recognize on this Centennial the centrality of the waterfront parks in forming the character and charm of downtown St. Petersburg, and of the entire city
To envision ways to preserve and enhance our downtown waterfront parks and open marine vistas for the next century.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Carrie M. Jadus was born in Tampa, Florida in 1976 and grew up in the burgeoning city of Saint Petersburg. Hailing from many generations of artists, it was no surprise that Carrie had inherited the artist mind. Her family always encouraged her artistic ability and creativity and Carrie knew her destiny was to be an artist. In her teenage years, her parents encouraged her to attend Pinellas County Center for the Arts (PCCA) at Gibbs High School where her skills where honed and she was trained to work with a large variety of mediums. While attending Gibbs, she won several awards and her art was exhibited in several prominent bay area museums.
After graduating from high school, Carrie traveled within the United States and to Europe, seeking adventure at each opportunity. It was in Europe that she developed a deep admiration for the impressionist and how they were able to capture the moment “like a glimpse of a dream.” She eventually returned to her home city of St. Petersburg, where she fell in love and married. Though Carrie continued to work on illustrations, portraiture and remained involved in the art community, she chose a different path for a time and attended a Tampa university, where she earned her Bachelor’s of Science in Electrical Engineering. With a blossoming career as a young engineer, all seemed to be going as planned. However over the years, there was a growing sense that her life was moving in the wrong direction. As time ticked on, Carrie had a vivid realization that, if she stayed on the edge of the artist’s world and denied her true talent, her life would be one full of regrets. Equipped with an artist’s heart and the discipline of an engineer, she began to pursue her art full time. Today Carrie is working as a Tampa Bay Area Artist and her art is shown in galleries and belongs to private collections all over the world. To see some of her work or to contact Carrie, go to www.carriejadus.com.
CREDITS: www.stpeteparks100.org. Waterfront Parks Centennial Celebration.
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St. Pete Beach
The numbers tell the story of St. Pete Beach: of the some 20 square miles that comprise this barrier island community just a little over 2 square miles is land. The rest is water. Needless to say, this is a paradise for anyone who likes to sail, swim, fish or just enjoy the tranquility of waterfront living.
Island Time
Three bridges lead to this beautiful island with its soft white sand beaches, beautiful city parks, and an array of retail, restaurants and hotels that serve residents and accommodate the many visitors who are drawn here. The most famous St. Pete Beach icon is The Don Cesar, Florida’s legendary “Pink Palace” luxury resort and an area landmark for nearly a century.About 10,000 people live year-round in St. Pete Beach yet the number of residents doubles in the winter, when seasonal residents from other parts of the U.S., Canada and Europe come to stay. About 28 percent of the homes here are in fact second homes.
Activities
The warm Gulf waters and 4 ½ miles of beach afford plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities. But St. Pete Beach also has one of the most active parks and recreation programs anywhere. The Family Aquatic Center is a popular destination for locals, and offers classes and swim teams along with the opportunity to just relax around the pool. Residents might partake in a painting class at the Cultural Arts Center or a hip hop class at the Community Center. Sports leagues are popular among adults and kids.
Special Time
Every April people from all over the county come to St. Pete Beach for the Beach Goes Pops event on Pass-a-Grill Beach. It’s free to the public with jazz on Friday and full orchestra pops on Saturday. In November the city puts on the Annual Fish Broil and Auction which started in the 1930s as a way to raise money for schools. This popular event features mullet charcoaled over open pits.“St. Pete Beach is an island, a small place that’s not going to get any bigger. Those of us who live here love it and feel fortunate to be a part of it. Truth be known, I hate leaving the island for anything.” Danny Walker, resident since 1973.
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Factoids:
Population: 9,929
Land Area: 2.25 Sq. Miles
Median Age: 53.7Points of Interest: Sailing, Swimming, Fishing, Waterfront living, White Sand Beaches, City Parks, The Don Cesar, Outdoor Recreation Opportunities. The Family Aquatic Center, The Cultural Arts Center, The Community Center, Sports leagues.
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South Pasadena
The small, quiet community of South Pasadena, nestled between southwest St. Petersburg and St. Pete Beach, offers a comfortable setting and ideal location for the many retirees and others who enjoy life in this Florida Gulf coast community.
The town of South Pasadena covers just two thirds of a mile, yet supports a population of over 6,000 people. Mostly because of the large number of high-rises, South Pasadena is one of the more, if not the most, dense city in Florida with more than eighty-five percent of the housing stock is condominiums on the water. In fact, two-thirds of the town is bordered by Boca Ciega Bay.Made for Retirees
The median age of South Pasadena residents is 71 ½, citizens who mostly are retirees from up north who leave for the summer months.Not surprisingly, there is a large medical establishment to support the elderly population, from doctors’ offices and walk-in clinics, to the Palms of Pasadena, a 300-bed facility that services the town and nearby beach communities.
Getting Outdoors
Ironically, while being densely populated, South Pasadena also contains four parks. Locals take a great deal of pride in the parks and continually plant them with well-tended trees and plants. Once you see the parks you are left without a doubt that South Pasadena residents really do like their walks with lots of greenery and an occasional piece of exercise equipment.Neighbors might meet at one of the city tennis courts for a game, or enjoy a cookout at a park. The city hosts a yearly Spring Art Festival, where residents and visitors enjoy the art show and stroll along the main waterfront streets of the town.
For beach lovers, lots of beautiful Gulf Beaches lie but a short drive away. For those more interested in hitting the links, the plethora of golf courses in the surrounding area satisfy even the most avid golfer.
“South Pasadena is a low-key waterfront community – a very nice type of living for senior citizens.” Fred Held, ex-mayor and a 40-year resident.
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Factoids:
Population: 5,778
Land Area: 0.68 Sq. Miles
Median Age: 70.6Points of Interest: Four Parks. City Tennis Courts, Cookout at a park, Spring Art Festival, Waterfront streets, Gulf Beaches Golf courses.
Statistics are an estimation only
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Seminole
Having recently annexed four nearby communities, the population of Seminole has grown to nearly 19,000 since the 2000 census tally of just under 11,000. It’s a quaint and clean community only two miles from the beaches. Economically, Seminole is thriving with a low unemployment rate that hums along in a mostly service-based economy.Demographics Shift
Along with the growth in population has come a major shift in demographics. The median age has dropped from nearly 60 to 49.5. Traditionally popular with retirees, Seminole is now becoming the hometown of choice for many young families.The mix in demographics is served well by the wide variety of housing from which to select. Seminole residents have the option of condominiums, villas, town homes and single-family residences in settings that range from luxurious country club communities to affordable family neighborhoods.
Education Reputation
One of the reasons young families have flocked to Seminole is good schools. Over the years, Seminole has built a reputation for having a very good educational establishment. According to Seminole’s Mayor Jimmy Johnson, it’s because of the staff. “We have excellent teachers and staff,” he said. “They are who make the schools so good.” He went on to say that just about everyone in town lives within walking distance of a school.Seminole maintains five parks and recreation centers – all offering superb amenities. Residents can take a dance class at the recreation complex, cool off with the kids at the aquatic center, or meet neighbors for a match at the tennis club. Locals gather to play softball or basketball or just drop a line in a fishing lake. The spectacular Seminole City Park, with its band shell and picnic gazebos, is host to all kinds of community events. Each spring much of the town turns out for the Pow Wow Festival, a three-day old-fashioned community celebration.
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Factoids:
Population: 19,219
Land Area: 2.47 Sq. Miles
Median Age: 59.1Points of Interest: Five parks and Recreation centers, Dance Class, Aquatic center, Tennis Club, Softball, Basketball Fishing, The Pow Wow Festival.
Statistics are an estimation only
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Redington Shores
The island community of Redington Shores offers sunrise views over Boca Ciega Bay to the east and breathtaking sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico to the west.Residents live in modern beach homes, luxury condos, or in lovely apartments or cozy cottages on quaint inland streets in an area covering only 200 acres.
Surrounded with wide sandy beaches, 2,500 residents enjoy a lifestyle understandably focused around the water. In fact, a glimpse of water is literally never far away from just about anyone in Redington Shores, beckoning sunbathers, swimmers and shell-gatherers. The turquoise water is certain to attract boaters and fishermen. The popular Redington Shores Beach Access boasts a successful dune establishment program, where boardwalks protect the seashore grasses and plants that thrive in this delicate ecosystem.Children gather at the playground in one of three neighborhood parks, all available with an easy stroll from most homes. Anglers fish the coastal waters from one of the city docks. Neighbors greet each other as they stroll along the beach at sunset. The Lobster Pot, a local landmark, attracts folks from near and far for fantastic seafood meals.
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Factoids:
Population: 2,467
Land Area: 0.39 Sq. Miles
Median Age: 55.3Points of Interest: Beaches, Sunbathers, Swimmers, Boating Fishing, The Lobster Pot, Parks, City Docks, Three city parks Tennis courts, Boardwalks.
Statistics are an estimation only
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Redington Beach
This small residential community maintains a laidback atmosphere with plenty of private beaches and quaint neighborhoods. 1,700 residents enjoy four town parks, a community recreation area and a causeway that’s a favorite of fishermen. The city prides itself on its “triangle” parks, small areas of colorful flowers and native foliage that adorn many city intersections.Measuring just one square mile in size, the city is surrounded by water – the Intracoastal Waterway on the east and the Gulf of Mexico on the west. It is a haven for boaters and beachcombers.
With very limited commercial development, residents enjoy a tranquil atmosphere. Housing is primarily single-family dwellings and low-rise condominiums.
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Factoids:
Population: 1,700
Land Area: 0.36 Sq. Miles
Median Age: 49.9Points of Interest: Four Town Parks, Community Recreation Area, Fishing, Native Foliage that adorn many city intersections, The Intracoastal Waterway, The Gulf of Mexico, Boating and Beachcombing.
Statistics are an estimation only
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Pinellas Park
Pinellas County residents seeking a central location find it in Pinellas Park. Situated midway between Clearwater and St. Petersburg, this city of approximately 47,000 people is a community-oriented place to live.
This family-friendly community offers a variety of housing options among several neighborhoods and real estate developments, including single-family residences, golf course homes, town homes, condos and waterfront homes.
Performances
One focal point of community activity is the city-owned England Brothers Band Shell, where annual events including the popular Country in the Park festival are held. Every third Tuesday of each month, folks gather there for a free lunchtime performance on the Mighty Wurlitzer Theater pipe organ.Concerts, plays and other live performances are enjoyed at the Pinellas Park Performing Arts Center throughout the year. The Center was completed in late 2007, seats 500, and is a multi-use facility. Currently, it is home to the Civic Orchestra, a local community chorus and the Sunstate Opera Society. The facility is also available for weddings and banquets.
Watch for Horses
An active parks and recreation department provides opportunities for casual or league play, and indoor and outdoor activities. Some of these offer special facilities for the 800 horses that live in the city. There are horse trails in some parks and a show ring in Hellen Howarth Park. Horses are commonplace enough that traffic officials saw fit to place horse crossing lights on some streets and cross walk buttons high enough so that riders can reach them.On the weekend, residents might be found hunting for a bargain at the Wagon Wheel Flea Market, a 100-acre market that attracts folks from near and far.
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Factoids:
Population: 47,354
Land Area: 14.7 Sq. Miles
Median Age: 40.2
Points of Interest: England Brothers Band Shell, Country in the Park festival, City Auditorium, Pinellas Park Performing Arts Center, The Civic Orchestra, The Sunstate Opera Society, League Play, Indoor and Outdoor Activities. Horse Trails, Hellen Howarth Park. Equestrian Events, Flea Markets. -
Oldsmar
Oldsmar residents can thank founder Ransom E. Olds for the charm of the town with its thoughtfully planned streets fanning out from Shore Drive along Tampa Bay. Hiring engineers and surveyors from Boston, Olds modeled the community after Washington, D.C., with tree-lined boulevards leading from the bay to downtown like spokes of a wheel.Varied Lifestyles
Oldsmar has changed dramatically in recent years as the older cracker-style homes have given way to luxurious waterfront estates, and former farmland has been developed into master-planned communities with golf, tennis, swimming and other amenities. With the multitude of new neighborhoods, everything from starter-homes to luxury condominiums to executive mansions is available to fit a wide range of budgets and lifestyles.Natural Beauty
Oldsmar residents take seriously their stewardship of the area’s natural beauty. In 1992, rather than develop the land, nearly 1,700 acres of pine flatwoods, cypress domes and wetlands were set aside for the Brooker Creek Wildlife Preserve. The city maintains an exceptional reclaimed water system as part of its commitment to the environment.Its location on the Eastern edge of Pinellas County make it a favorite of individuals who want a small town lifestyle, but need to be centrally located between the larger bay area cities of St. Petersburg, Clearwater or Tampa. On the weekend, Oldsmar residents might be found hunting bargains or purchasing fresh produce at the Oldsmar Flea market, a local institution, or hiking a nature trail in one of the city’s many parks. Each spring everyone turns out for Oldsmar Days and Nights which for almost 50 years has been the annual celebration of Oldsmar’s history.
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Factoids:
Population: 13,443
Land Area: 8.92 Sq. Miles
Median Age: 35.5Points of Interest: Master-Planned Communities, Golf, Tennis, Swimming, The Brooker Creek Wildlife Preserve. Small Town Lifestyle, Centrally located between the larger bay area cities of St. Petersburg, Clearwater or Tampa. Oldsmar Flea market, Hiking, Nature Trails, Oldsmar Days and Nights.
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