Facts About Pinellas County Florida
These facts highlight Pinellas County’s unique blend of history, density, natural beauty, and economic vitality, making it a distinctive part of Florida.
Location and Geography: Pinellas County is situated on Florida’s west central coast, forming a peninsula bordered by the Gulf of Mexico to the west and Tampa Bay to the east. It spans 280 square miles, stretching 38 miles long and up to 15 miles wide at its broadest point. The county boasts 588 miles of coastline and 35 miles of beaches.
Name Origin: The name "Pinellas" comes from the Spanish "Punta Pinal," meaning "point of pines," a description given by Spanish explorer Pánfilo de Narváez in 1528 when he encountered the pine-covered area.
Historical Background: Discovered by Narváez in 1528, the area was initially inhabited by the Tocobaga people of the Safety Harbor culture. Pinellas County became Florida’s 48th county on January 1, 1912, after separating from Hillsborough County following a local referendum. It was historically significant for early aviation, with Tony Jannus piloting the world’s first scheduled commercial airline flight from St. Petersburg to Tampa in 1914.
Population: As of the 2020 census, Pinellas County had a population of 959,107, making it Florida’s seventh-most populous county. It’s the most densely populated county in the state, with 3,491 residents per square mile, far exceeding Broward County, the next densest at 1,470 per square mile.
County Seat and Largest City: Clearwater serves as the county seat, while St. Petersburg, with a 2021 population of 258,201, is the largest city. Tarpon Springs holds the distinction of being the first incorporated city in 1887.
Size and Municipalities: Pinellas is Florida’s second-smallest county by land area, larger only than Union County, and contains 24 municipalities. It features approximately 4,500 miles of paved roads and over 400 bridges, including the Gandy Causeway (1924), the first to span Tampa Bay.
Natural Features: The county’s highest natural point is 110 feet above sea level, located near State Road 580 and Countryside Boulevard in Clearwater. It maintains over 20,000 acres of parks and preserves, with 117 miles of recreational trails and four nationally ranked beaches: Fort De Soto Park, Clearwater Beach, St. Pete Beach, and Caladesi Island State Park.
Climate: Known for its sunny weather, St. Petersburg averages 361 days of sunshine annually, earning it the nickname "Sunshine City" from National Geographic.
Economy: Key industries include financial services, life sciences, medical technologies, tourism, manufacturing, defense, aviation, and IT. Over 38,400 businesses operate here, employing 492,537 people, with a median household income of $56,737.
Tourism: The county attracts around 20 million visitors annually to its parks and preserves, bolstered by its beaches and year-round warm climate.
Third Friday: This is a long-standing street festival held on the third Friday of each month, including March 21, 2025. It features shopping, dining, and live entertainment, attracting locals and visitors throughout Pinellas, Hillsborough, and Pasco counties. It's known as one of the premier street festivals in the Tampa Bay area.
Safety Harbor Art & Music Center: Throughout March, the center hosts various events like art classes, live performances, and exhibitions, which are integral to the cultural scene in Safety Harbor. Check their …
In a significant policy move, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has endorsed the idea of abolishing property taxes in the state, which would necessitate a constitutional amendment. Property taxes in Florida are managed locally, and any changes to eliminate or even reform them would require 60% voter approval through such an amendment. The proposal has sparked discussions on how the state would address the resultant shortfall in revenue, as property taxes fund various local services and infrastructure.
In Collier County, Florida, residents would be directly affected by this potential change. However, no specific …
In the United States, K-12 schools spend about $612.7 billion annually. This is about $12,612 per pupil. Federal, state, and local governments spend about $720.9 billion annually or $14,840 per pupil. The federal government provides 7.7% of funding, state governments provide 46.7%, and local governments provide 45.6%. On average, the U.S. spends $15,908 per pupil on postsecondary education and $33,063 per pupil on graduate and postgraduate education.
The USA Depatment of Educations has 4,400 employees and a buget of $238 billion in 2024.
Simply place a full glass of water inside of your microwave before turning the machine on. Let the microwave operate as steam is generated within the machine. The steam will soften stains which will allow you to quickly and easily wipe the remaining residue away from the surface.
This non-toxic method is perfect for those seeking a natural pest control solution. Start by popping some popcorn, then crush it into thick dust. Mix the crushed popcorn with grated soap and baking powder (or baking soda). Scatter the mixture in areas where you’ve seen pests.
The smell of popcorn attracts pests. When they eat it, the baking powder and soap disrupt their digestion, effectively eliminating them. This way, you get rid of mice and cockroaches in your house for good.
Gov. Ron DeSantis is pushing for immigration reforms in Florida, including cutting in-state tuition for undocumented students.
Lawmakers are being called back to the Capitol for a special session on January 27, and one of the governor's key goals is to curb immigration and assistance to undocumented people.
The law providing undocumented students with in-state tuition rates was signed by former governor and fellow republican Rick Scott. It was originally proposed by DeSantis' Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez in the 2014 legislative session.
But now, DeSantis wants it gone.
Astrid Rodriguez was an undocumented student when she was able to graduate from Seminole State College while paying the in-state rate. She wants the law to remain in place and reflected on the fight to pass the law in 2014.
"Now we were fighting, we were marching, and we were calling our representatives to try and get this passed. And it finally did pass, and that was amazing. I went from taking one class to taking five so I would be able to finish out my education," Rodriguez said.
Rodriguez said the in-state tuition made it possible for her to earn her degree faster and launch her career in the insurance business. "We pay our taxes. I bought my home, and it's a well-being for everyone as well. It's an investment for the future of Florida as well," she said.
This clever trick holds the latch back, preventing the door from catching and closing. It's the perfect assistant for those busy days or when your hands are full, making life just a little easier.
While you can use our website, our app gives a smoother experience and offers you a much better way to interact with HOA Bulletin Board