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.
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