» St Pete Beach History
St Pete Beach Information and History

The city was co-founded by John C. Williams, formerly of Detroit, Michigan, who purchased the land in 1876, and by Peter Demens, who was instrumental in bringing the terminus of a railroad there in 1888. St. Petersburg was incorporated on February 29, 1892, when it had a population of only some 300 people.

The city St. Petersburg, was named after Saint Petersburg, Russia, where Peter Demens had spent half of his youth. A local legend says that John C. Williams and Peter Demens flipped a coin to see who would have the honor of naming the city. Peter Demens won and named the city after his birthplace, while John C. Williams named the first hotel after his birthplace, Detroit. The Detroit Hotel still exists downtown.

There are many beachfront resorts and hotels in St Pete Beach. From a weekend getaway to a family or class reunion to your dream beach theme wedding, there is a wide variety of villas, beach houses, bungalows, hotels and resorts to suit your needs.

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You'll find a wide variety of attractions in the greater Tampa Bay area to choose from, guaranteed to make memories for the entire family for years to come.

Discover Florida's nature. For nearly every great experience at Florida’s Beach, you can arrange for that experience on the open water. Sightseeing, gambling, dining and partying, Fishing and sailing. Charter a deep sea sport fishing boat with a captain, or set out on your own. When you're ready for a truly "wild" adventure, visit any one of these Tampa Bay zoo's or aquariums to get a closer look at Florida’s nature.

Explore our rich Floridian history and culture in Tampa Bay. From early Native American settlements, to the arrival of Spanish conquistadors in the 1500s, to pioneering citrus farmers, artists and musicians, railroad barons and entrepreneurial land developers, Florida's Gulf coast has always attracted people in search of opportunity and adventure. Not only did they help build this thriving region, they left a rich and fascinating legacy. Warm mild weather, soft white sand - Tampa Bay beaches are an incredible vacation getaway.