1415909778pinellas county history

Pinellas County became the 48th county in Florida on January 1, 1912 after separating from Hillsborough County, which was established in 1834. Located on the Gulf Coast of Florida, Pinellas County offers much in the way of entertainment, recreational activities and beautiful parks, both state and local.

Prior to the exploration of early European settlers, the area was inhabited by a native tribe known as the Tocobaga. Although not much is left of their settlement now, a mound created by this tribe still remains in what is now Phillippe Park located in Safety Harbor. This tribe was later wiped out either by European diseases, to which they had not immunity, and conflict with the Spanish explorers. The Spanish that inhabited the area at the time referred to the land as Punta Pinal which means “Point of Pines” or “Piney Point”. After trading hands multiple times from Spanish to English rule, the land was finally given to the U.S. In 1821. The area experienced much military presence during the times of the Seminole Wars. After the Armed Occupation Act was passed in 1842, further settlement of the area was encouraged by the offering of 160 acres to anyone that would bear arms and cultivate the land. Pioneer families like the Booths, the Coachmans, and the McMullens established homesteads in the area in the years following, planting more citrus groves and raising cattle. It was at this time that what would become Pinellas County was still under the umbrella of Hillsborough County in an area known as West Hillsborough. Tarpon Springs became the first incorporated city in West Hillsborough in 1887. Even early into the 20th century, West Hillsborough had no paved roads, making transportation difficult. The residents of the area saw this as neglect from Hillsborough officials and seceded from Hillsborough in 1912.

The 1920’s land boom caused Pinellas to experience much growth and improvement within the new county. New roads and bridges were constructed, one of the first notable being the Gandy Bridge in 1924. Prohibition was nowhere near as unpopular in this county as it was in others at the time. The numerous inlets and islands in the area made it ideal haven for rumrunners  bringing in liquor from Cuba and many made moonshine in stills that are still stumbled across to this day. The Great Depression stunted growth in the area for a time, but in the years after World War II the area grew again due to the fact that after the war, thousand of recruits would return to the area for training. Area hotels became barracks, the Renaissance Vinoy Hotel was used as an Army training school. Many of the recruits would return to live there after the war was over.

Pinellas County boarders Hillsborough and Pasco Counties by land and Manatee County by water. Agriculture was Pinellas County’s major industry with many citrus groves and cattle farms up until the early 20th century. In 1885, the American Medical Society declared the Pinellas Peninsula the “Healthiest spot on Earth” which helped to boost tourism to the area. To this day, tourism remains the major industry of this county.

Pinellas County has become a true cultural hub for both residents and visitors alike. In addition to the miles of white, sandy beaches to enjoy, Pinellas County also has numerous concert venues, museums and recreational complexes. Some of the most popular areas of interest are the Salvador Dali Museum, Ruth Eckerd Hall, Jannus Landing, Florida Holocaust Museum, Tropicana Field and the Skyway Fishing Pier to name a few. There are also numerous state and local parks to add to the seemingly never ending list of things to do. So as you can see there is a little something for everyone to enjoy making Pinellas County a great place to live and vacation!

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