St. Pete Beach is a city located in Pinellas County on the Gulf Coast of the U.S. state of Florida. It forms part of the Tampa Bay metropolitan area and is situated on a barrier island west of the city of St. Petersburg.
Geography
- Coordinates: 27.9625° N, 82.7770° W.
- Area: According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of approximately 2.5 square miles (6.5 km²), of which about 2.0 square miles (5.2 km²) is land and 0.5 square miles (1.3 km²) is water.
- Boundaries: The city is bounded by the Gulf of Mexico to the west, St. Pete Creek to the north, and the Intracoastal Waterway to the east.
History
- The region was originally inhabited by the Tocobaga people before European contact.
- In the late 19th century, the extension of Henry Plant’s railroad to nearby St. Petersburg spurred coastal development.
- The area developed as a resort community during the early 20th century, attracting visitors for its beaches and warm climate.
- The municipality was incorporated as St. Petersburg Beach on July 13 1957.
- In 1993, the city officially changed its name to St. Pete Beach to reflect local usage and to distinguish itself from the adjacent city of St. Petersburg.
Demographics (2020 United States Census)
- Population: 8,066 residents.
- Population density: approximately 4,000 persons per square mile.
- Racial composition: majority White (≈84 %), with notable Black or African American (≈6 %), Asian (≈2 %), and Hispanic or Latino (≈8 %) communities.
- Household characteristics: about 55 % of housing units are owner‑occupied, and the median age is around 45 years.
Economy
- The local economy is heavily oriented toward tourism, hospitality, and recreational services.
- Hotels, condominiums, restaurants, and retail establishments line Gulf Boulevard, the primary commercial corridor.
- Marine‑related activities—including fishing charters, watersports, and boat‑storage services—contribute to employment.
Education
- St. Pete Beach is served by Pinellas County Schools.
- Public schools within the city limits include St. Pete Beach Elementary School and Pinellas Elementary School.
- Secondary students attend nearby high schools such as St. Raymond Catholic High School (private) or St. John Neumann High School in St. Petersburg (public).
Transportation
- Major roadways: U.S. Route 19 runs north–south through the city, and Gulf Boulevard (State Road 699) serves as the primary east–west thoroughfare along the beachfront.
- Public transit: Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) provides bus service connecting St. Pete Beach with St. Petersburg and Tampa.
- Airports: The nearest commercial airport is Tampa International Airport, located approximately 25 miles (40 km) northeast.
Climate
- Classified as humid subtropical (Köppen Cfa).
- Summers: Hot and humid, average high temperatures near 90 °F (32 °C).
- Winters: Mild, average low temperatures around 57 °F (14 °C).
- Precipitation: Approximately 50 inches (1,270 mm) annually, with a summer peak due to convective thunderstorms.
Recreation & Attractions
- Beaches: The city’s 2‑mile shoreline offers public access via multiple beachwalks and parking areas.
- Corey Pier: A historic fishing pier and popular spot for anglers and tourists.
- St. Pete Beach Nightlife: Numerous beachfront bars, restaurants, and live‑music venues.
- Nearby natural areas: Fort De Soto Park and Pass-a-Grille Beach lie a short drive to the north.
Governance
- St. Pete Beach operates under a mayor‑council form of government. The city council consists of five members elected at large, with the mayor serving a four‑year term.
References
- United States Census Bureau, 2020 Census Summary Files.
- City of St. Pete Beach official website (city-stpete-beach.org).
- Pinellas County School District enrollment data.
- National Weather Service climatology reports for the Tampa Bay region.
