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HISTORY OF PINELLAS COUNTY

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KENNETH CITY

Kenneth City began as 340 acres of pasture land and was incorporated April 30, 1957 as a tax-free community of single family homes.

Kenneth City was named after developer Sidney Colen’s son Kenneth.  Several of Colen’s other projects have carried the names of his children.  He named these developments after his children not to immortalize them, but to strengthen his commitment to do the best job he could “because I would never do anything to disgrace their names.”

Colen said Kenneth City was “born as a protest of over-bearing regulations and taxes.”  He intended the town to be a model community.

The town has grown nearly ten times in size since it originated.  Kenneth City has also become a lot more active in the last few years.  The first town manager since the early days was hired in 2014.  Kenneth City has always been a very safe area.  The town has one of the lowest crime rates in the state of Florida.  In fact, its motto is “A Safe, Friendly, Small Town.”  A quick drive around the city and you will be able to see that this is an apt description.  Kenneth City has great schools, low crime and a fantastic community spirit.  The little town has accomplished a lot in just over 50 years of existence.

According to the US Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 0.7 square miles, all land.  The 2020 Census reported the population to be 5,121.

In 2020 there were 100 properties that sold for an average sales price of $182,740 and an average of 38 days on market.  There are currently 12 properties listed for sale with an average list price of $141,392.

Visit this site next week when we take a closer look at Largo!

MARCH 2021 REAL ESTATE MARKET STATS

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NEW LISTINGS

Gulf Beaches: 25 – $726,567 average list price

St. Petersburg: 197 – $620,059 average list price

Clearwater: 90 – $493,003 average list price

Seminole: 34 – $372,018 average list price

Largo: 35 – $292,394 average list price

Pinellas County: 563 – $577,796 average list price

SALES

Gulf Beaches: 118 – $711,146 average sales price – 99 average days on market

St. Petersburg: 772 – $431,752 average sales price – 37 average days on market

Clearwater: 458 – $286,395 average sales price – 42 average days on market

Seminole: 114 – $308,333 average sales price – 32 average days on market

Largo: 197- $317,783 average sales price – 27 average days on market

Pinellas County: 2,528 – $397,510 average sales price – 38 average days on market

Are you interested in more detailed market information?  Thinking of selling your home?  Looking for a new nest?  Curious to know the market value of your home? 

…Contact one of the Price Group Realtors!

HISTORY OF PINELLAS COUNTY

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INDIAN SHORES

Indian Shores was originally an Indian campsite and got its name from the large red rocks found along the shoreline.  The first “settlers” were a pair of Robinson-Crusoe-type brothers named Cochran.  In 1883 four Cedar Key speculators sailing to St. Petersburg, stopped to explore the Island.

Indian Shores was incorporated on September 16, 1949 and was called Indian Rocks Beach, South Shore at the time.  The name was changed to Indian Shores August 14, 1973.

In addition to the beautiful beach, Indian Shores is known as the home of the Seaside Seabird Sanctuary, a non-profit organization dedicated to the rescue & treatment of sick & injured birds.  At the sanctuary you can leisurely stroll through the 1.7 acres which is home to nearly 100 permanently disabled birds which are on display in large aviaries.  While at the sanctuary view the memorial dedicated to the late Jim Backus (Mr. Howell of Gilligan’s Island) and from longtime Redington Shores resident Dawn Wells (Mary-Ann of Gilligan’s Island), located in the sanctuary’s Shade Garden. 

According to the US Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 0.9 square miles, of which 0.3 square miles is land and 0.6 square miles is water.  The 2020 Census reported the population to be 1,468.

In 2020 there were 203 properties that sold with an average sales price of $621,761 and an average of 58 days on market.  There are currently 15 properties listed for sale with an average list price of $1,457,953.

Check back with us next week as we look closer at Kenneth City!

HISTORY OF PINELLAS COUNTY

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INDIAN ROCKS BEACH


“I liked the place, I thought it was the most beautiful place on God’s green footstool, and I think so yet.”  Quoted by pioneer settler Harvey K. Hendrick many years after he arrived in Indian Rocks Beach around 1890.

There are two legends about how Indian Rocks Beach got its name.  The first is that of a medicine man who used the local waters to heal his very ill chief (Native American Indian Chief Chic-a-Si).  After the miraculous healing, the Indians returned to the site each year to fish and drink the water.  Early settlers are said to have observed the Indians ‘going to the rocks’ each year-hence the name.  The second legend came from the Native American Indians crossing over from the mainland to the island to fish along the shore.  They chose a narrow spot to cross, where the rocks protruding from the water made it easy for them to walk across to the island.  So, the rocks became known as Indian Rocks.

Indian Rocks Beach was developed in the early 1920’s as a weekend getaway destination for the wealthy.  It became known as “Tampa’s playground” when the Tampa and Gulf Coast railroad built a spur from the city to the beach.  Tampans flocked to their newly discovered paradise, seeking relief from the summer heat and the pressures of boom era city life.

Indian Rocks Beach was incorporated in 1956 after the creation of the longest fishing pier in Florida, and the biggest attraction of all: Tiki Gardens.  The multi-acre Polynesian paradise that drew 300,000 visitors a year during its prime years.  Today, a diverse, colorful blend of people from all age groups, and places old and new, give Indian Rocks Beach its unique, eclectic “cottage” character.  Located on the barrier island Sand Key, there are 26 public beach accesses.  Indian Rocks Beach is a mix that residents prize and visitors seek out year after year. 

According to the US Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 1.4 square miles, of which 0.9 square miles is land and 0.5 square miles is water.  The 2020 Census reported the population to be 4,285.

In 2020 there were 199 properties that sold with an average sales price of $678,635 and an average of 56 days on market.  There are currently 13 properties listed for sale with an average list price of $754,623.

Visit us here again next week as we take a look at Indian Shores!

HISTORY OF PINELLAS COUNTY

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GULFPORT


Gulfport has been known as Disston City, Bonifacio, and Veteran City over the years.  Then in 1910, the name officially changed to Gulfport when it was incorporated.  Gulfport, located in an area commonly referred to as “Old Florida,” is today a lovely waterfront community.

The 1990’s were a period of growth and renewal for this small community, areas were revitalized, and the population grew.  However, even with this increase, the city retains to this day its small-town charm.

As part of the lovely “Old Florida” area, it boasts a mix of small businesses, shops, and quaint cottages.  Today, Gulfport is becoming known for its arts district, as well as for its restaurants.  It continues to be a popular area for fishing, and the maintains Williams Pier as a public fishing area, as well as a full-service marina.

The city’s two parks, the Casino Ballroom, and the beautiful tropical scenery make it an attractive area for visitors and artisans.  From its humble beginnings and numerous setbacks, Gulfport has been transformed into a quaint, pleasant city that is attractive to residents and visitors alike.

According to the US Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 3.8 square miles, of which 2.8 square miles is land and 1.0 square mile of water.  The 2020 Census reported the population to be 12,342.

In 2020 there were 418 properties sold with an average sales price of $350,220 with an average of 50 days on market.  There are currently 23 properties listed for sale with an average list price of $655,587.

Stop by next week as we take a closer look at Indian Rocks Beach!

HISTORY OF PINELLAS COUNTY

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DUNEDIN

In 1852, the settlement was originally named Jonesboro by George Jones, the owner of the area mercantile.  Two Scotsmen, J.O. Douglas and James Somerville later named the settlement Dunedin after applying for the first post office in northern Pinellas County.  The name is taken from the Scottish Gaelic name for Edinburgh.   Dunedin was incorporated in 1925.

With a dock built to accommodate larger sailing vessels, Dunedin became an important trading center and at one time it had the largest fleet of sailing vessels in the state. 

“Delightful” Dunedin’s village-like atmosphere and a relaxed lifestyle has lured people from around the world for decades.  The downtown business district is notable for its absence of large commercial signage, corporate franchise restaurants or chain retail stores.

Dunedin’s quality of life is linked to its appreciation of its diverse and colorful past, and to the country that helped shape it future…Scotland.  In commemoration of its ancestral ties Dunedin has chosen Stirling, Scotland, and Summerside, Prince Edward Island as its sister cities. 

Dunedin is proud of its “firsts” which are chronicled in “Dunedin Through the Years” by William L. Davidson.  The amphibious tractor, the Alligator, assembled in Dunedin and used in WWII, played a decisive role in the Pacific phase of the war.  Frozen orange juice concentrate, and the “Pram” sailboat racer both originated here.  Dunedin was the first home of the prestigious PGA (Professional Golfers Association).  The first radio signals from Pinellas County were sent from Dunedin.  The oldest continuous garden club on Florida’s west coast is the Dunedin Garden Club.

Dunedin is home to several beaches, including Dunedin Causeway, Honeymoon Island, and Caladesi Island State Park, which is consistently rated among the best beaches in the world.  It is also one of the few open waterfront communities where buildings do not obscure the view of the Intercoastal Waterway and the Gulf of Mexico beyond.

According to the US Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 28.2 square miles, of which 10.4 square miles is land and 17.8 square miles is water.  The 2020 Census reported the population to be 36,537.

In 2020 there were 1,013 properties sold with an average sales price of $323,526 and an average of 41 days on the market.  There are currently 65 properties for sale with an average list price of $555,358.

Check us out again next week when we take a closer look at Gulfport!

HISTORY OF PINELLAS COUNTY

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BELLEAIR SHORE


The Town of Belleair Shore was established in 1955 along one mile of beachfront consisting of 57 properties.  Belleair Shore is a community of private homes on the eastern shore of the Gulf of Mexico.  The town lies four miles directly south of the City of Clearwater Beach and one mile west of the City of Belleair Bluffs.  Residents of Belleair Shore enjoy an unobstructed view of the western sky from their homes.
 
The Town Government consists of a Mayor and four Commissioners who serve two-year terms and are elected by the town’s residents.  The Mayor and Commissioners recognize their responsibility to the founders of the town and jealously guard the single-family zoning regulations specified in the charter and ordinances.  Commercial and multi-family high rise buildings are prohibited and set-back and height limitations are designed to protect the continuity of the area.
 
One of Florida’s smallest and thinnest incorporated towns, Belleair Shore is located entirely on the west side of Gulf Boulevard.  According to the US Census Bureau, the town has a total area of  0.5 square miles. Of which 0.1 square miles is land and 0.4 square miles is water.  The 2020 Census reported the population to be 114.
 
In 2020 there were 5 properties sold with an average sales price of $4,242,000 with an average of 379 days on market.  There are currently no properties listed for sale.
 
Check us out again next week when we look at Dunedin!

FEBRUARY 2021 REAL ESTATE MARKET STATS

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NEW LISTINGS

Gulf Beaches: 43 – $755,795 average list price

St. Petersburg: 230 – $497,795 average list price

Clearwater: 129 – $347,088 average list price

Seminole: 39 – $278,255 average list price

Largo: 67 – $263,045 average list price

Pinellas County: 698 – $443,882 average list price

SALES

Gulf Beaches: 106 – $638,646 average sales price – 71 average days on market

St. Petersburg: 584 – $380,916 average sales price – 42 average days on market

Clearwater: 317 – $313,498 average sales price – 44 average days on market

Seminole: 103 – $335,571 average sales price – 33 average days on market

Largo: 147 – $280,060 average sales price – 34 average days on market

Pinellas County: 1,850 – $367,601 average sales price – 16 average days on market

Are you interested in more detailed market information?  Thinking of selling your home?  Looking for a new nest?  Curious to know the market value of your home? 

…Contact one of the Price Group Realtors!

HISTORY OF PINELLAS COUNTY

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BELLEAIR BLUFFS


  “Some said it couldn’t be done – others said we’d never make it.”  That quote from one of the city’s founders was made on March 4, 1963 when a New England type town meeting was held and the Town of Belleair Bluffs on the western shore of Pinellas County was born.
 
Belleair Bluffs town is in a local administrative entity run by a mayor.  The current Mayor is Chris Arbutine, he has held this position since 2001 and is Pinellas County’s longest-serving mayor.
 
Local attractions include the Belleair Causeway Boat Ramp which has a dog park under the bridge to watch the pups play in the water.  The city is home to William Dean Chocolates where you can get your sweet tooth fix as well as attend cooking classes!  Additionally, there are several boat charters, rentals and fishing guides.
 
According to the US Census Bureau, the city has a total area of .61 square miles, of which .46 square miles is land and .15 square miles is water.  The 2020 Census reported the population to be 2,329.
 
In 2020 there were 72 properties sold with an average sales price of $717,343 with an average of 67 days on market.  There are currently 7 properties for sale with an average list price of $599,543.
 
Check us out again next week when we look at Belleair Shore!

HISTORY OF PINELLAS COUNTY

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BELLEAIR BEACH


The City of Belleair Beach, chartered in 1950, is an upscale residential community located in west-central Pinellas County.  This lovely town is situated on a barrier island and serves as the home to a variety of families including those with children, empty nesters, retirees, and seasonal residents.
 
Belleair Beach maintains a relaxed and peaceful atmosphere providing all the advantages of waterfront living and the charm of an old-fashioned neighborhood.  Belleair Beach residents are proud to have preserved one of the last strictly residential beach communities in Pinellas County with three ‘resident only’ beaches. Local attractions include the Belleair Beach Bird Sanctuary, the Marina and a system of twelve parks.  The Marina features 20 boat slips and is located along the Inter-coastal Waterway.
 
According to the US Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 1.7 square miles, of which 0.46 square miles is land and 1.2 square miles is water.  The 2020 Census reported the population to be 1,625.
 
In 2020 there were 80 homes that sold with an average sales price of $812,070 with 54 days on the market.  There are currently 11 homes for sale with an average sales price of $1,447,536.
 
Check us out again next week when we look at Belleaire Bluffs!