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Safety Harbor, Florida

Safety Harbor is a city on the west shore of Tampa Bay in Pinellas County, Florida, United States. It was settled in 1823 and incorporated in 1917. The population was 17,072 at the 2020 census.

History
The area has been inhabited since the Stone Age. In June 2008, a 6,000-year-old spearhead was found at Marshall Street Park. The inhabitants of the area at the time of Spanish exploration were the Tocobaga people, who lived in villages around Tampa Bay. The adaptation of this culture relied on wild resources. Safety Harbor sites have yielded pottery, and artifacts of copper, shell, and stone. The Tocobaga were known for constructing various ceremonial and communal mounds to bury the dead. Most of these mounds were destroyed in the early 1900s due to development. However, one of these ceremonial mounds is still visible in Safety Harbor's Phillippe Park (see photo). Shells found in these mounds were used to pave city streets.

In 1528 Spanish explorer Pánfilo de Narváez landed in the area, followed by Hernando de Soto in 1539. Safety Harbor (formerly known as Worth's Harbor and Green's Springs) was first homesteaded by Count Odet Philippe, a French nobleman who is credited with introducing the grapefruit to Florida in 1823. The name Safety Harbor originated from the early 18th century, when pirates were a substantial influence in the area. Once ships reached this area of the bay, all threats from pirates were gone, and it was commonly referred to as a "Safe Harbor".

Springs
Safety Harbor is the home of the historic Espiritu Santo Springs, or "Springs of the Holy Spirit", a natural mineral spring. Its waters were given this name in 1539 by the Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto, who was supposedly searching for the mythical "Fountain of Youth". Prior to the Spanish exploration of Florida, the Tocobaga and Timuquan tribes are believed to have fished and bathed in the spring's waters.

In the 20th century, Espiritu Santo water was bottled and sold commercially, and later a health spa and hotel were built over the springs. The Safety Harbor Resort and Spa, as it is now known, continues to be a prominent visitor attraction in Pinellas County. In 1964, the site was designated a Historical Landmark by the U.S. Department of the Interior and, in 1997, a Florida Heritage Landmark.

Geography
The city is located on the west side of Safety Harbor, a waterway connected to Tampa Bay.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 5.1 sqmi, of which 4.9 sqmi is land and 0.1 sqmi (2.57%) is water.

2010 and 2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 17,072 people, 6,903 households, and 4,781 families residing in the city.

As of the 2010 United States census, there were 16,884 people, 7,073 households, and 4,750 families residing in the city.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there are 17,203 people, 7,084 households, and 4,845 families residing in the city. The population density was 3,498.3 PD/sqmi. There were 7,483 housing units at an average density of 1,521.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city is 92.23% White, 4.14% African American, 0.24% Native American, 1.68% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 0.44% from other races, and 1.21% from two or more races. 3.65% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

As of 2000, there were 7,084 households, out of which 28.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.3% were married couples living together, 9.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.6% were non-families. 25.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.37 and the average family size was 2.85.

In 2000, the age distribution of the population is 21.8% under the age of 18, 4.9% from 18 to 24, 28.6% from 25 to 44, 27.4% from 45 to 64, and 17.3% age 65 or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females, there were 91.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.1 males.

In 2000, the median income for a household in the city was $51,378, and the median income for a family was $59,911. Males had a median income of $41,883 versus $31,165 for females. The per capita income for the city was $28,632. About 3.6% of families and 5.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.1% of those under age 18 and 8.3% of those age 65 or over.

Library
The Safety Harbor Public Library was founded in 1938 by the Women's Civic Club of Safety Harbor with funds from the federal Works Progress Administration program (WPA). The library was originally housed inside the Community House located at 2nd St. N and 6th Ave N. On November 25, 1938, Daisy Cahow was appointed by the WPA as the First Librarian. To supply the library collection, the Women's Civic Club paid the transportation charges to borrow 50 books from the state and return them at regular intervals. As the collection was expanded it quickly outgrew the space. In 1946, Dr. Salem Baranoff, owner of the Safety Harbor Spa, purchased and donated two empty lots on 2nd St. N and 5th Ave N for the new library. Construction for the new building began on March 4, 1949 and the library opened in November 1949. The Women's Civic Club continued to operate the library in its new building, however, by 1978 it had become difficult for the club to provide adequate funding on its own. The property was deeded to the City of Safety Harbor in exchange for yearly funding, and the Civic Club continued to operate the library until October 1980 when full operation was taken over by the City. As the population of the city continued to grow, the library again outgrew the space and construction of a new building began in 1993 at its current location on 2nd Ave N with the new library opening on October 1, 1994. In February 2024, construction began on a second-floor addition to the current library. Safety Harbor Public Library is part of the Pinellas Public Library Cooperative.

Government
Safety Harbor is governed by an elected Mayor and City Commission. City governmental departments are administered by a City Manager, who is appointed by the City Commission.

Education

There are two public schools within the city: Safety Harbor Elementary School for grades one to five, and Safety Harbor Middle School for grades 6 to 8.

Infrastructure
The CSX railroad branch line from Tampa to St. Petersburg bisects Safety Harbor. Passenger trains last used the line in 1984.

Notable people

 * Matt Geiger, NBA professional basketball player
 * Alan Lomax, collector of folk music, folklorist, and writer
 * Dave Martinez, MLB professional baseball player and manager
 * Taffy Nivert, singer and songwriter with Starland Vocal Band
 * Robin Zander, musician with Cheap Trick
 * Calvin Heimburg, professional disc golfer on Disc Golf Pro Tour

title: Safety Harbor, Florida


text:
Seminole, Florida

Seminole is a city in Pinellas County, Florida, United States. It is part of the Tampa Bay area. The population was 19,364 at the 2020 census.

History
The first white settlement at Seminole was made in the 1840s. This community was named after the Seminole tribe, whose descendants still inhabited the area. Seminole was incorporated in 1970.

Geography
Seminole is located at 27.83861°N, -82.785°W (27.838502, –82.784913). It is surrounded by Pinellas County enclaves in all directions. Its closest neighbors are Indian Rocks Beach to the northwest, Largo to the north, Pinellas Park to the east, St. Petersburg to the south, and Madeira Beach to the west. Its main arteries are State Road 694 and Alternate U.S. Highway 19. It embraces the lower half of the lower limb of Lake Seminole.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 14.6 km2, of which 13.2 km2 is land and 1.4 km2, comprising 9.58%, is water.

2010 and 2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 19,364 people, 8,724 households, and 4,847 families residing in the city.

In 2019, the median income for a household in the city was $53,975. The per capita income for the city was $42,159.

As of the 2010 United States census, there were 17,233 people, 8,402 households, and 4,207 families residing in the city.

In 2010, the mean income for a household in the city was $45,730, and the median income for a family was $63,260. The per capita income for the city was $29,862.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there are 10,890 people, 5,989 households, and 2,701 families residing in the city. The population density is 1,702.3/km2 (4,402.1/mi2). There are 7,297 housing units at an average density of 1,140.6/km2 (2,949.7/mi2). The racial makeup of the city is 96.61% White, 0.48% African American, 0.34% Native American, 0.85% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.41% from other races, and 1.28% from two or more races. 2.25% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

In 2000, there are 5,989 households out of which 12.6% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 35.4% are married couples living together, 7.4% have a female householder with no husband present, and 54.9% are non-families. 49.1% of all households are made up of individuals and 33.8% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 1.75 and the average family size is 2.48.

In 2000, in the city the population is spread out with 11.8% under the age of 18, 3.8% from 18 to 24, 19.5% from 25 to 44, 21.3% from 45 to 64, and 43.6% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 59 years. For every 100 females there are 76.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 72.3 males.

In 2000, the median income for a household in the city is $29,179, and the median income for a family is $39,491. Males have a median income of $29,237 versus $25,588 for females. The per capita income for the city is $20,951. 9.0% of the population and 5.1% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 5.7% of those under the age of 18 and 9.7% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.

Recreation and library
The City of Seminole has many park spaces for its community to get outside. Its four parks and recreation center area provide people of all ages space to relax and play. Overlooking a large pond with a variety of birds and other wildlife, Seminole City Park is located on the Pinellas Trail (with water and bathrooms) and has a large playground with several pavilions that can be rented. Many events (like the Music in the Park series ) are held in its amphitheater area, and the Seminole Historical Society building sits adjacent. A second city park sits along the Pinellas Trail—Orange Blossom Park—which has a newly constructed large playground, trail, basketball court, and bathrooms. Tennis Club Park is as it sounds—full of tennis courts. The city's newest park is Waterfront Park, which held its playground ribbon-cutting in 2021 and features a waterfront boardwalk, canoe and kayak launch, walking trail, pavilions, bathrooms, and a playground.

Several Pinellas County parks are in the Seminole area, including Lake Seminole Park, Boca Ciega Millennium Park, and Walsingham Park.

Originally founded in 1960, the Seminole Community Library operates as a joint use library campus in conjunction with St. Petersburg College. It is a member of the Pinellas Public Library Cooperative and provides materials, resources, services, and programs to the public.

Notable people

 * Larry Bearnarth, professional NBA baseball player, scout, and coach who was a resident of Seminole at the time of his death
 * Angela Elwell Hunt, author
 * Nicole Johnson, Miss America 1999
 * Casey Kotchman, Major League Baseball player
 * Brittany Lincicome, professional golfer, winner of the 2009 Kraft Nabisco Championship
 * Brett Phillips, Major League Baseball player
 * Randy Savage, pro wrestler
 * Bobby Wilson, Major League Baseball player

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Seminole, Florida


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South Highpoint, Florida

South Highpoint is a census-designated place (CDP) in Pinellas County, Florida, United States. The population was 5,195 at the 2010 census.

Geography
South Highpoint is located at 27.9075°N, -82.71389°W (27.907596, -82.713878). Located within the unincorporated community of Highpoint, it is adjacent to the city of Largo.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 2.6 sqkm, all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 8,839 people, 2,136 households, and 1,386 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 1,565.5/km$2$ (4,062.9/mi2). There were 2,354 housing units at an average density of 416.9/km$2$ (1,082.0/mi2). The racial makeup of the CDP was 67.96% White, 23.25% African American, 0.43% Native American, 3.62% Asian, 0.07% Pacific Islander, 2.92% from other races, and 1.75% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 9.27% of the population.

There were 2,136 households, out of which 37.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 38.7% were married couples living together, 19.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.1% were non-families. 24.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 4.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.64 and the average family size was 3.13.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 20.9% under the age of 18, 13.5% from 18 to 24, 43.9% from 25 to 44, 17.2% from 45 to 64, and 4.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32 years. For every 100 females, there were 165.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 181.4 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $29,440, and the median income for a family was $30,136. Males had a median income of $25,000 versus $21,230 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $9,519. About 21.4% of families and 22.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 34.5% of those under age 18 and 21.1% of those age 65 or over.

title: South Highpoint, Florida


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South Pasadena, Florida

South Pasadena is a city in southern Pinellas County, Florida, United States, near St. Pete Beach and Gulfport. The city is part of the Tampa–St. Petersburg–Clearwater metropolitan statistical area. The population was 5,353 at the 2020 census.

Geography
The exact coordinates for the City of South Pasadena is located at 27.75444°N, -82.74°W (27.754393, –82.739871).

The city is located on a peninsula jutting into Boca Ciega Bay, bordered by Bear Creek to the east and St. Petersburg's Pasadena neighborhood to the north. The city also includes several islands; these include Pasadena Isle, Deadman's Key, Sun Island, and Cat Island. All are inhabited except for Cat Island.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 1.1 square miles (3.0 km$2$), of which 0.7 square mile (1.8 km$2$) is land and 0.5 square mile (1.2 km$2$) (40.87%) is water.

Climate
The City of South Pasadena has a humid subtropical climate (Cfa).

2010 and 2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 5,353 people, 2,888 households, and 966 families residing in the city.

In 2020, the age distribution was 6.2% under the age of 18, and 57.9% over the age of 65. The median age was 70.

In 2020, the median household income was $43,383, and the per capita income was $38,954. About 12% of the population were below the poverty line.

As of 2020, South Pasadena had the densest city in Pinellas County and the Tampa Bay area, due to its preponderance of large apartment buildings.

As of the 2010 United States census, there were 4,964 people, 3,304 households, and 1,047 families residing in the city.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 5,778 people, 3,660 households, and 1,423 families residing in the city. The population density was 3,280.7 /km2. There were 4,555 housing units at an average density of 2,586.3 /km2. The racial makeup of the city was 98.37% White, 0.21% African American, 0.03% Native American, 0.73% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.21% from other races, and 0.43% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.54% of the population.

In 2000, there were 3,660 households out of which 2.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 34.2% were married couples living together, 3.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 61.1% were non-families. 56.6% of all households were made up of individuals and 42.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.50 and the average family size was 2.16.

In 2000, in the city the population was spread out with 2.9% under the age of 18, 1.5% from 18 to 24, 9.7% from 25 to 44, 22.8% from 45 to 64, and 63.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 71 years. For every 100 females there were 63.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 62.6 males.

In 2000, the median income for a household in the city was $28,160, and the median income for a family was $39,646. Males had a median income of $27,092 versus $26,125 for females. The per capita income for the city was $26,420. About 6.4% of families and 8.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 14.5% of those under age 18 and 7.1% of those age 65 or over.

Government
The city was incorporated on July 1, 1955. The South Pasadena City Commission is the elected legislative body of the city government. Legislative authority is divided among five commissioners, and one is appointed mayor every four years.

As of 2023, the current mayor is Arthur Penny, serving from 2022 to 2026, and the other city commissioners are Thomas Reid, Gail Neidinger, Ben Thomas, and Lynda Thompson.

South Pasadena has a mayor-commission form of government.

Parks and Recreation
The city owns and maintains several parks within its city limits:
 * 14th Avenue Park
 * Barbara Gilberg Habitat
 * Fred Held South Pasadena Habitat
 * Galatea Garden
 * Huffman Way Park
 * Island Drive Park
 * Maynard A. Duryea Bay View Park, which includes several tennis courts and a playground.

The city also has several shops and businesses, including the Ten Pin bowling alley.

Education
Public education is provided by Pinellas County Schools. No schools are located within South Pasadena's city limits, but nearby schools include Gulf Beaches Elementary Magnet School, St. John Vianney Catholic School (private), Pasadena Fundamental Elementary, Thurgood Marshall Middle School, and Boca Ciega High School. Additionally, a private K-12 boarding school, Admiral Farragut, operates nearby.

title: South Pasadena, Florida


text:
St. Pete Beach, Florida

St. Pete Beach (formerly called St. Petersburg Beach) is a coastal city in Pinellas County, Florida. Known as a tourist destination, St. Pete Beach was formed from the towns of Pass-a-Grille, Belle Vista, St. Petersburg Beach, and unincorporated Pinellas County. It is part of the Tampa Bay area. The population was 8,879 at the 2020 census.

St. Pete Beach's downtown is centered on Corey Avenue. This district contains bars, restaurants and shopping and retail outlets. The Pass-a-Grille Historic District and the historic Don CeSar beach resort are located at the southern end of the beach. In 2021, TripAdvisor named St. Pete Beach the number one beach in the US, and the number five best beach in the entire world.

History
The town of St. Pete Beach was consolidated from the municipalities of Pass-a-Grille, Don CeSar Place, Belle Vista, and St. Petersburg Beach in a 1957 referendum, in which consolidation only won by a margin of 5 votes. At the time of its incorporation in 1957, its name was St. Petersburg Beach. On March 9, 1994, locals voted to officially change the name to the shorter version of St. Pete Beach, to distinguish it from the city of St. Petersburg a few miles to the east.

Geography
St. Pete Beach is located at 27.72472°N, -82.74194°W (27.724587, –82.741850). According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 19.9 sqmi, of which 2.2 sqmi is land and 17.6 sqmi (88.68%) is water.

St. Pete Beach occupies the entire space of Long Key, a barrier island at the east central edge of the Gulf of Mexico. Three bridges lead into the city, connecting it to Treasure Island, South Pasadena and the Bayway Isles area of St. Petersburg. St. Pete Beach is located about 20 mi south of Clearwater Beach.

2010 and 2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 8,879 people, 4,933 households, and 2,938 families residing in the city.

As of the 2010 United States census, there were 9,346 people, 4,844 households, and 2,512 families residing in the city.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 9,929 people, 5,294 households, and 2,726 families residing in the city. The population density was 4,417.8 PD/sqmi. There were 7,817 housing units at an average density of 3,478.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 97.61% White, 0.66% African American, 0.55% Asian, 0.22% Native American, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.34% from other races, and 0.57% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.51% of the population. In the 2000 census, St. Pete Beach had the largest proportion of residents who were Lithuanian-American in Florida (3.3 percent).

In 2000, there were 5,294 households, out of which 10.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.2% were married couples living together, 5.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 48.5% were non-families. 40.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 18.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.82 and the average family size was 2.40.

In 2000, in the city, the population was spread out, with 9.7% under the age of 18, 3.3% from 18 to 24, 22.6% from 25 to 44, 31.3% from 45 to 64, and 33.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 54 years. For every 100 females, there were 99.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.9 males.

In 2000, the median income for a household in the city was $47,574, and the median income for a family was $61,434. Males had a median income of $40,938 versus $30,532 for females. The per capita income for the city was $35,514. About 3.7% of families and 7.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.5% of those under age 18 and 4.6% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Residents are zoned to Pinellas County Schools, specifically the schools of Azalea Elementary School, Madeira Beach Middle School, and Boca Ciega High School.

In 1915 Sunshine Elementary School opened in Pass-a-Grille. Gulf Beaches Elementary opened in 1950. The Tampa Bay Times said that Gulf Beaches "quickly absorbed most of the kids from Sunshine". Sunshine Elementary School closed on June 6, 1975. The Gulf Beaches School absorbed the traditions of the Sunshine school, including the fish broil fundraiser.

On January 14, 2009, the Pinellas County school board voted 7–0 to close several schools, including Gulf Beaches Elementary School. When the school was in operation, it had annual fish broils. Linda Chaney, the commissioner of St. Pete Beach, and Mary Maloof, the mayor of Treasure Island, had asked the school board not to close Gulf Beaches. The Gulf Beaches campus, which is located on 4.7 acre of land in St. Pete Beach, had been closed after the school board faced budget cuts. In addition the year-round population of children had decreased. In 2014, the Pinellas County School Board announced Gulf Beaches would be reopened for the 2014–2015 school year as a technology magnet school.

Library
The St. Pete Beach Public Library is the public library that serves the city of St. Pete Beach and the greater Pinellas area. The library was founded in 1951 by the St. Petersburg Beach Community Club inside their clubhouse with “450 books on two shelves”. The library grew to include “200 adult and 200 children’s books” from the Florida State Library Extension Service.

In 1957 it became a municipal library when the city of St. Pete Beach was incorporated allowing the St. Petersburg Beach Community Club to turn operations over to the city. In 1968 the Friends of the St. Pete Beach Public Library was formed raising over $26,000 for a new library building.

On July 7, 1969 the St. Pete Beach Library opened an 8,200 square foot building by architect Glenn Q. Johnson at 365 73rd Avenue. The building was partially refurbished in 1995, and underwent a major renovation in 2020–2021. A member of the Pinellas Public Library Cooperative since 1989, the library was temporarily relocated to 7470 Gulf Boulevard during the renovation. On March 26, 2021 the St. Pete Beach Library reopened after a $2.6 million restoration and renovation.

Tourism
St. Pete Beach is a seaside tourist destination.

The Don CeSar is a renowned historical hotel, opened in 1928, located on the Gulf shore in St. Pete Beach.

Notable people

 * Chuck Hiller, baseball player

title: St. Pete Beach, Florida


text:
Tarpon Springs, Florida

Tarpon Springs is a city in Pinellas County, Florida, United States. Downtown Tarpon Springs has long been a focal point and underwent beautification in 2010. It is part of the Tampa Bay area. The population was 25,117 at the 2020 census.

As of 2000, Tarpon Springs had the highest percentage of Greek Americans of any city in the US, with 10.4% of residents who had Greek ancestry.

History
The region, with a series of bayous feeding into the Gulf of Mexico, was settled by farmers and fishermen around 1876. Some of the newly arrived visitors spotted tarpon jumping out of the waters and so named the location Tarpon Springs. The name is said to have originated with a remark of Mrs. Ormond Boyer, an early settler from South Carolina, and who, while standing on the shore of the Bayou and seeing fish leaping, exclaimed, "See the tarpon spring!' For the most part, the fish seen splashing here were mullet rather than tarpon. In 1882, Hamilton Disston, who in the previous year had purchased the land, ordered the creation of a town plan. On February 12, 1887, Tarpon Springs became the first incorporated city in what is now Pinellas County. Less than a year later on January 13, 1888, the Orange Belt Railway, the first railroad line to be built in what is now Pinellas County, arrived in the city. During this time the area was developed as a wintering spot for wealthy northerners.

The city's Rose Cemetery, where Black residents are interred, is believed to contain burials which began in the late 1800s; the earliest legible marked burial is from 1904. The cemetery contains the grave of Richard Quarls, a Confederate veteran of the American Civil War who fought alongside his enslaver before moving to Tarpon Springs and choosing the new name "Christopher Columbus", and veterans of subsequent wars.

Sponge industry
In the 1880s, John K. Cheyney founded the first local sponge business. The industry continued to grow in the 1890s. Many people from Key West and the Bahamas settled in Tarpon Springs to hook sponges and then process them. A few Greek immigrants also arrived in this city during the 1890s to work in the sponge industry.

In 1905, John Cocoris introduced the technique of sponge diving to Tarpon Springs by recruiting divers and crew members from Greece. The first divers came from the Saronic Gulf islands of Aegina and Hydra, but they were soon outnumbered by those from the Dodecanese islands of Kalymnos, Symi and Halki. The sponge industry soon became one of the leading maritime industries in Florida and the most important business in Tarpon Springs, generating millions of dollars a year. The 1953 film Beneath the 12-Mile Reef, depicting the sponge industry, takes place and was filmed in Tarpon Springs.

In 1947, a red tide algae bloom wiped out the sponge fields in the Gulf of Mexico, causing many of the sponge boats and divers to switch to shrimping for their livelihood, while others left the business. Eventually, the sponges recovered, allowing for a smaller but consistent sponge industry today. In the 1980s, the sponge business experienced a boom due to a sponge disease that killed the Mediterranean sponges. Today there is still a small active sponge industry.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city of Tarpon Springs has a total area of 16.9 sqmi, of which 9.1 sqmi is land and 7.7 sqmi (45.83%) is water.

Climate
Tarpon Springs' climate borders on humid subtropical and tropical savanna, with warm temperatures year-round, although winter nights are cool. Annual precipitation is around 50 in. Winters are warm, with daytime highs of 69 to 72 °F, and nightly lows of 50 to 54 °F. Freezing temperatures (32 °F or lower) occur infrequently, while snowfall is extremely rare; there was accumulation in 1977 and 1989, while the years 1899, 1954, 1958, 1973, 2001, 2006, 2010, and 2014 either saw light snow mixed with rain, or flurries. The record low temperature of 19 °F was observed on four different dates: December 1, 1962, December 13, 1962, December 14, 1962, and January 13, 1985. Summers are hot and very humid, causing frequent afternoon thunderstorms that can occasionally produce hail, and, even tornadoes or waterspouts off the Gulf of Mexico. Daytime temperatures usually range from 89 to 91 °F, with temperatures over 100 °F very rare. The record high temperature of 102 °F was observed on July 10, 1997. Spring and fall are generally warm.

2010 and 2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 25,117 people, 10,971 households, and 6,191 families residing in the city.

As of the 2010 United States census, there were 23,484 people, 9,870 households, and 6,113 families residing in the city.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 21,003 people, 9,067 households, and 5,947 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,297.1 PD/sqmi. There were 10,759 housing units at an average density of 1,176.7 /mi2. The racial makeup of the city was 90.07% White, 6.15% African American, 0.29% Native American, 1.04% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 0.81% from other races, and 1.57% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.33% of the population.

In 2000, there were 9,067 households, out of which 22.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.2% were married couples living together, 10.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.4% were non-families. 29.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.27 and the average family size was 2.78.

In 2000, in the city, the population was spread out, with 19.2% under the age of 18, 6.2% from 18 to 24, 23.9% from 25 to 44, 25.9% from 45 to 64, and 24.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 45 years. For every 100 females, there were 91.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.1 males.

In 2000, the median income for a household in the city was $38,251, and the median income for a family was $46,316. Males had a median income of $36,356 versus $25,252 for females. The per capita income for the city was $21,504. About 7.7% of families and 9.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 16.1% of those under age 18 and 7.9% of those age 65 or over.

In 2000, 84.99% of the population spoke English as a first language, while the second most spoken language was Greek, at 8.87% of residents. 3.46% spoke Spanish, 1.09% at French, German 0.56%, and Italian was spoken by 0.55% of people living in Tarpon Springs. In total, 15% of the population spoke a language other than English as a mother tongue.

Epiphany celebration
Tarpon Springs is known for elaborate religious ceremonies hosted by the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral, part of the Greek Orthodox Church, including the January 6 Epiphany, celebration that includes youths diving for a cross and the blessing of the waters and the boats. Since the first Greek immigrants depended on the sea and their boats for their livelihood, their attachment to a religious service centered on requesting divine protection for what used to be a highly risky job can be easily explained.

The celebration attracts Greek Americans from across the country, and the city's population is known to triple in size for that day. The Metropolitan of Atlanta usually presides over the blessings, sometimes joined by the Archbishop of America. The blessings conclude with the ceremonial throwing of a wooden cross into the city's Spring Bayou, and boys ages 16 to 18 dive in to retrieve it: whoever recovers the cross is said to be blessed for a full year.

Tourism
Dodecanese Avenue in the Greektown Historic District of Tarpon Springs is both part of the traditional Greek community and the city's primary tourist destination. The street winds its way from Pinellas Avenue west along the Anclote River. Numerous restaurants serve traditional Greek cuisine and fresh seafood.

The nearby beaches, part of the Pinellas County parks, are popular for water activities. Sandy barrier islands off shore shift position over time with the waves and storms. They are accessible by boat and are especially ideal for shell spotting and watching bottlenose dolphins at play. One permanent island, Anclote Key, is a State Park Preserve with a historic lighthouse, bird nesting colonies and pristine beaches.

The Tarpon Springs Heritage Museum in Craig Park offers a permanent exhibition about the history and culture of the Greek Community. The Cultural Center at 101 W. Pinellas Avenue has a changing roster of exhibits about local and regional traditional culture. The Safford House Museum on Parkin Court is a historical house museum that tells the fascinating story of one of the city's early families. The Depot Museum on Tarpon Avenue provides an overview of Tarpon Springs history. The Tarpon Springs Performing Arts Center is a 300-seat theater located inside of historic City hall, 324 Pine Street, and operates year-round bringing an array of nationally touring artists, musicians, dancers, etc. as well as a variety of community theatre plays featuring local actors and directors.

Historic sites
There are several districts or properties in Tarpon Springs that have been listed on the National Register of Historic Places:
 * Tarpon Springs Greektown Historic District
 * Tarpon Springs Historic District
 * Cycadia Cemetery
 * Arcade Hotel
 * Old Tarpon Springs City Hall
 * Old Tarpon Springs High School
 * Safford House
 * Rose Hill Cemetery
 * Tarpon Springs Depot

Many sites related to the sponge industry within the Greektown Historic District also have been recognized. They include but are not limited to two sponge packing houses: And boats:
 * E.R. Meres Sponge Packing House
 * N.G. Arfaras Sponge Packing House
 * N.K. Symi/Tarpon Springs (Sponge Diving Boat)
 * Apalachicola (Sponge Diving Boat)
 * Anastasi (Sponge Diving Boat)

Library
The Tarpon Springs Public Library is the public library that services Tarpon Springs, Pinellas, and the greater Tampa Bay area. The library was founded in 1916 Julia Roswell Smith Inness who was the daughter of the owner of the Century Publishing Company.

Over the course of its history, the Tarpon Springs Public Library has called many places home. Originally taking residence in City Hall, the library then moved into a small house on Orange Street in 1921. From there, the library then moved to Pinellas Avenue and then to Library Lane in 1937 when a new building was constructed. As the surround population began to grow, the library made yet another move in 1967 to a building located on Spring Bayou. By this time, the library earned support from the city and eventually enlarged the building from 3,000 to 9,000 square feet in 1986. Less than ten years later, the Tarpon Springs population grew and additional space was needed. In January of 1997, a new 20,000 square foot building officially opened in the middle of the downtown area.

The library is a member of the Pinellas Public Library Cooperative.

Media
Tarpon Springs is the setting and primary filming location of the 1953 film Beneath the Twelve-Mile Reef which follows the lives of a family of Greek sponge fishermen and depicts the annual Epiphany celebration.

Infrastructure
The Tarpon Springs Police Department has 57 sworn officers. Of those, approximately 32 are assigned to the patrol division.

Healthcare
The only hospital in Tarpon Springs is AdventHealth North Pinellas.

Notable people

 * Doug Ault, as a rookie with the Toronto Blue Jays, hit 2 homeruns (and the team's first 2 HRs) in the team's historical inaugural game. After baseball, he lived in Tarpon Springs.
 * Michael Bilirakis, former United States representative (1983–2007)
 * Gus Bilirakis, United States representative (2007–)
 * Chris Coghlan, outfielder for the Miami Marlins, Chicago Cubs and 2009 Rookie of the Year
 * Mason Cole, offensive tackle for the Arizona Cardinals
 * Dieselboy, electronic music artist
 * Billy "The Kid" Emerson, preacher and former rock and roll pianist and songwriter
 * Michael Koulianos, preacher, writer and YouTuber
 * Elaine Esposito, former record holder of the longest coma
 * Wayne Fontes, former NFL coach for the Detroit Lions
 * Bertie Higgins, singer of "Key Largo"
 * William W. Kingsbury, United States House of Representatives, territorial delegate from Minnesota Territory
 * Themistocles Leftheris, 2006 Olympian (with Naomi Nari Nam) in pairs figure skating
 * Lois Lenski, Newbery Medal-winning children's author
 * Savatage. Influential heavy metal band and precursor to Trans-Siberian Orchestra.
 * Artavis Scott, wide receiver for the Los Angeles Chargers
 * 2 Pistols, rapper
 * Melanie Safka, singer-songwriter

In popular culture

 * Tarpon Springs is referenced by Cmdr. Tucker in Star Trek: Enterprise episode "The Crossing".
 * Tarpon Springs is referenced in Ring Lardner's short story "The Golden Honeymoon".
 * A character in Allen Drury's novel The Throne of Saturn is referenced as "The Greek Loner from Tarpon Springs".

Sister cities
In 2007 and 2008, the City of Tarpon Springs established Sister City relationships with Kalymnos, Halki, Symi, Hydra, and Larnaca, Cyprus, honoring the close historical link with these Greek-speaking islands.

title: Tarpon Springs, Florida


text:
Tierra Verde, Florida

Tierra Verde is a census-designated place (CDP) in Pinellas County, Florida, United States. The population was 3,721 at the 2010 census. The community is located on an island near the entrance of Tampa Bay, and is connected by the bridges of the Pinellas Bayway to both St. Petersburg and St. Pete Beach. At the southern end of Tierra Verde is Fort De Soto, a county park.

Geography
Tierra Verde is located at 27.68139°N, -82.72444°W (27.681353, -82.724408).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 12.6 sqkm, of which 3.1 sqkm is land and 9.5 sqkm (75.07%) is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 3,574 people, 1,661 households, and 1,132 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 938.7/km$2$ (2,430.1/mi2). There were 1,975 housing units at an average density of 518.7/km$2$ (1,342.9/mi2). The racial makeup of the CDP was 95.89% White, 1.79% African American, 0.20% Native American, 0.98% Asian, 0.14% Pacific Islander, 0.48% from other races, and 0.53% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.41% of the population.

There were 1,661 households, out of which 17.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 62.7% were married couples living together, 3.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.8% were non-families. 23.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 4.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.15 and the average family size was 2.53.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 13.8% under the age of 18, 3.7% from 18 to 24, 26.4% from 25 to 44, 41.8% from 45 to 64, and 14.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 48 years. For every 100 females, there were 101.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 103.2 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $86,617, and the median income for a family was $96,155. Males had a median income of $63,750 versus $41,250 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $48,259. About 1.9% of families and 3.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 2.6% of those under age 18 and none of those age 65 or over.

In 2010 the median income for a household in the CDP was $100,500, and the median income for a family was $125,547. The per capita income for the CDP was $64,731.

History
Tierra Verde was once 15 islands covered with mangroves, pines and bush. These islands ranged in size from only a few acres to the largest, Cabbage Key, having over 289 acre. For centuries, Native Americans used the islands for ceremonial and burial grounds. A marker remains on the east side of Pinellas Bayway, just north of East Shore Drive, where Native American relics were found in a typical shell mound, excavated when the road was built to Fort De Soto Park. The islands were sacred ground to Native nations as far back as 500 years ago, archaeologists suggest, and deadly conflicts occurred when outsiders trespassed.

Then, the Spanish explorers came. One explorer, Juan Ponce de León, came to the area in 1513, and again in 1521, when he received the wound that he later died from after returning to Cuba. Later, Narvaez and Hernando de Soto explored, and then pirates and buccaneers sailed the area, including José Gaspar, Juan Gomez and Jean Lafitte. A treasure was reputed to have once been buried here.

In 1848 Robert E. Lee, then a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. army, recommended that Mullet Key be used for coastal defense in Florida. During the Spanish–American War of 1898, Fort De Soto was built on Mullet Key. Remains of the fort still stand, along with fortifications on Egmont Key. In 1948 the federal government sold Mullet Key to Pinellas County for park and recreation facilities, now Fort De Soto Park.

Cabbage Key was documented in 1902 as the location where a particularly large alligator was caught, the specimen being reported as twelve feet long and weighing 431 pounds. Human skeletons were also found on the island at one time, although early searches found no pottery. A dredging project in 1913 filled in low-lying areas of the island, and in December of that year the island was sold by owner Will Dent to "[a] syndicate composed of H.E. Dickens, E. Durant and others" for around $50,000. Early settlers to the area included Baltimore sea captain William Bunce and Silas Dent, who with his brother had a dairy farm. Dent lived on Cabbage Key until he died there in 1952. The Roberts family was among the early settlers of Pass-a-Grille and Tierra Verde. George "Florida" Roberts was a fishing guide for figures such as land developer Walter Fuller, Cecil B. Detre, and John Wanamaker. The thousands of tarpon caught by Roberts and his clients can be found as far away as Alexandria, Egypt, in the home of Sir Harry Rofe. By 1920, Cabbage Key had "a first-class dairy with 36 cows", as well as the first wireless tower in Pinellas County.

Although two homes were built on Monte Cristo in 1923, and one in 1946, things were quiet until the mid-1950s when a Dr. Bradley "Doc" Waldron went to Tallahassee and persuaded the State of Florida to sell him Pine Key, Cabbage Key, Pardee Key and the surrounding bay bottom. This was about the same time construction of the old Skyway Bridge began. Waldron formed a partnership with two builders from Detroit, Hyman and Irving Green, who became majority owners of a group of 36 corporations. They named their island investment "Green Land".

Waldron-Green Associates applied for a dredge-and-fill permit in 1957. Their intent: to pump some 9000000 cuyd of sand and shells from the bottom of the bay and thus enlarge and raise the ground level of the three keys Doc Waldron had purchased from the State and join them to create one large island intersected with canals between the sections.

Meanwhile, others sought county and state permission to dredge and pump the bay bottom and build up Bird Key, today's Bayway Isles and Isla Del Sol. Miami developer Leonard Ratner purchased land which became the site of Eckerd College. Real estate ventures in the area began in 1884 when Hamilton Disston, once the largest landowner in the United States, began and lost his Disston City development, which later was renamed Gulfport in 1910.

At first, the only way to get to Tierra Verde was by boat. A ferry ran from Pass-a-Grille to a dock at the end of Madonna Boulevard. Then the state developed its plans for the Bayway and financed it through a $16.8 million bond issue. The Greens persuaded the Department of Transportation to add a Fort De Soto leg and contributed the land on which it was to be built, thus assuring themselves of land access to their proposed Tierra Verde.

The state's final road and bridge plans were approved in early 1960, and the developer's dredging permit was granted in December of that year. The dredging would create about 5,000 acre of buildable land. Waldron-Green and their various partners and corporations then sold the islands, with the dredge-and-fill permits, to Louis Berlanti, a contractor from New York City, and his son, Fred.

In 1960 Louis and Fred Berlanti arrived in Tierra Verde. By June of that year Louis was named president of the Tierra Verde Community Association, Inc.; Doc Waldron and H. D. Sluyter, of Dallas, Texas, were each appointed vice president. There was considerable speculation at the time as to exactly whose money it was that Berlanti represented. He was generally considered to be a "nominee" for Clint Murchison, Sr., the Texas oil tycoon, since both Murchison and Sluyter had been elected directors of the Association. One or more union pension funds were thought, by some, to be the real source of the new money.

On June 30, 1961, the Tierra Verde Community Association Articles of Incorporation were filed with the State of Florida, and the original Declaration of Restrictions and Covenants were recorded in public records in August that same year.

By December 1962, there was a road and a bridge to Tierra Verde. In January 1963, Guy Lombardo's Port O' Call Resort had its grand opening, where Frank Sinatra, Marlene Dietrich, Liberace, Mel Tormé, and many other musical and theatrical stars would later perform. Two episodes of the popular TV show Route 66 were filmed there. The place was hopping with celebrities. Lombardo promoted the resort all across the country when the band did a 10-week national bus tour to more than 20 cities. Every show included several minutes to promote Tierra Verde and "his and the Murchisons' Port O' Call Resort." All across the country, their bus had a Tierra Verde banner hung on its sides.

Six months later, on August 16, 1963, Louis and Fred Berlanti died. The private airplane he was flying with his son was sabotaged and exploded over Lake Okeechobee, Florida, killing them both. Fragments of their bodies and their exploded airplane were found floating in Lake Okeechobee. Berlanti had suffered sizable real estate losses from Castro government property confiscations and had pledged half a million dollars to unseat the Castro regime. He and his son were members of the "United Organizations for the Liberation of Cuba". The St. Petersburg Times also alluded to "covert" local activities.

With the death of the Berlantis, Tierra Verde was in the hands of the Murchisons for more than 14 years. Guy Lombardo and his band returned for only one more season, and was quoted as saying he had tried to strike a "new deal" with the Murchisons but had not succeeded. He never returned.

Guy Lombardo died in 1977, the same year that real estate developer Frank E. Mackle III was elected president of a new venture called the Tierra Verde Company, a joint venture between Madonna Corporation (a Murchison interest), and Delverde (Deltona) Corporation. Because of lack of local interest, the Tierra Verde Company worked with a network of international brokers and sold many lots to overseas investors. But growth on Tierra Verde was still slow. However, in 1984 an exit ramp was built connecting the Pinellas Bayway to Interstate 275, and Tierra Verde property sales increased greatly because of the easier access. In January 1985 Deltona turned the community over to the homeowners.

Tierra Verde may have been named perhaps as much for the brothers Green as for its green land. Tierra Verde is a 667 acre unincorporated portion of Pinellas County. Both St. Petersburg and St. Pete Beach have bid for annexation, but Tierra Verde has voted to stay independent. The 15 original islands are now the present six areas of Tierra Verde: Monte Cristo, Entrada, Pinellas Bayway, Sands Point, East Shore (Bayview) and West Shore (Oceanview).

In 1980 Tierra Verde real estate was valued at $15 million. By 1991 values had soared to $304 million. In November 1996 the Pinellas County Property Appraiser's Office evaluated Tierra Verde property at $349 million, 1999 values were listed at $478 million and in 2003 values are listed at $632 million. There are now approximately 2,000 single-family and multi-family structures on Tierra Verde, as well as a number of commercial enterprises. An estimated 2,500 families are expected when Tierra Verde is built to completion.

title: Tierra Verde, Florida


text:
Treasure Island, Florida

Treasure Island is a city in Pinellas County, Florida, United States. It is situated on a barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico. As of the 2020 census, the city population was 6,584.

History
The area of Treasure Island was originally settled in small communities by the Tocobaga around 300 AD. The Timucua traded with other Native American tribes in the area until the arrival of Pánfilo de Narváez in 1528. De Narváez decimated the indigenous people before leaving the area in search of gold.

Treasure Island got its name early in the 20th century, after several property owners attempted to boost sales of the properties being developed on the island by first burying and then pretending to discover a couple of wooden chests on the beach around 1915. After claiming the chests were filled with treasure, the news of the discovery quickly spread and people began calling the island Treasure Island.

With an elevation of only three feet, the Great Gale of 1848 carved out John's Pass on the island's north end and split off two smaller islands, called the Isle of Palms and Isle of Capri.

Treasure Island saw a surge in residential and hotel construction following World War II through the 1950s. The real estate used in these ventures often consisted of fill from dredged material. Artificial extensions of the land were created, which were usually designed for convenient access to navigable waterways like Boca Ciega Bay.

Geography
The exact coordinates for Treasure Island's location is at 27.76889°N, -82.76833°W.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 5.3 square miles (13.8 km$2$), of which 1.6 square miles (4.1 km$2$) is land and 3.7 square miles (9.7 km$2$) (70.11%) is water.

Climate
Treasure Island has a humid subtropical climate, closely bordering a tropical climate, resulting in warm, humid summers with frequent thunderstorms, and drier winters.

2010 and 2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 6,584 people, 3,951 households, and 1,954 families residing in the city.

As of the 2010 United States census, there were 6,705 people, 3,854 households, and 1,672 families residing in the city.

2000 census
At the 2000 census there were 7,450 people in 4,128 households, including 2,059 families, in the city. The population density was 4,679.0 PD/sqmi. There were 5,694 housing units at an average density of 3,576.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city of the city was 97.69% White, 0.28% African American, 0.28% Native American, 0.59% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.43% from other races, and 0.70% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.23% of the population.

Of the 4,128 households in 2000, 10.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.8% were married couples living together, 4.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 50.1% were non-families. 41.5% of households were one person and 14.3% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 1.80 and the average family size was 2.38.

The age distribution in 2000 was 9.2% under the age of 18, 2.7% from 18 to 24, 23.4% from 25 to 44, 38.5% from 45 to 64, and 26.3% 65 or older. The median age was 52 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.0 males.

In 2000, the median household income was $42,150 and the median family income was $64,158. Males had a median income of $38,903 versus $32,586 for females. The per capita income for the city was $34,965. About 3.9% of families and 5.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 0.4% of those under age 18 and 6.9% of those age 65 or over.

Library
The community is served by the Gulf Beaches Public Library, located in nearby Madeira Beach. The library is supported by Madeira Beach, Redington Beach, North Redington Beach, Redington Shores, and Treasure Island. These five communities have combined their resources in order to fund the library, which they would not be able to maintain individually.

Notable people

 * Michael Clarke, rock drummer for The Byrds, Flying Burrito Brothers, and Firefall
 * Roberto Hernandez, former MLB relief pitcher
 * Jerry Sags, WWE and WCW professional wrestler

title: Treasure Island, Florida


text:
West and East Lealman, Florida

West and East Lealman, more commonly known collectively as Lealman, was a census-designated place (CDP) in Pinellas County, Florida, United States. The population was 21,753 at the 2000 census. For the 2010 census, the area was split into two separate CDPs, Lealman and West Lealman.

Geography
"West and East Lealman" was located at 27.82°N, -82.68667°W (27.820103, -82.686670). The community is adjacent to the cities of Pinellas Park, St. Petersburg, and Kenneth City. The elevation is 49 ft above sea level.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP had a total area of 12.3 km2. 12.3 km2 of it was land and 0.1 km2 of it (0.63%) was water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 21,753 people, 9,906 households, and 5,369 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 1,775.7 /km2. There were 11,750 housing units at an average density of 959.1 /km2. The racial makeup of the CDP was 88.31% White, 3.22% African American, 0.61% Native American, 4.08% Asian, 0.07% Pacific Islander, 1.65% from other races, and 2.05% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.91% of the population.

There were 9,906 households, out of which 23.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 36.4% were married couples living together, 12.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 45.8% were non-families. 37.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.16 and the average family size was 2.82.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 21.0% under the age of 18, 6.7% from 18 to 24, 28.9% from 25 to 44, 23.9% from 45 to 64, and 19.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females, there were 99.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.4 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $26,282, and the median income for a family was $31,915. Males had a median income of $25,700 versus $20,639 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $15,672. About 11.5% of families and 17.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 22.1% of those under age 18 and 12.7% of those age 65 or over.

title: West and East Lealman, Florida


text:
Auburndale, Florida

Auburndale is a city in Polk County, Florida, United States. It is part of the Lakeland-Winter Haven, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 15,616 at the 2020 census.

History
Auburndale was founded in 1880 by Frank Fuller, who was seeking refuge from chilly winters in the Northeast United States. The place was originally named Sanatoria, from a hotel located there. When the railroad arrived in the 1880s, the town was renamed Auburndale at the suggestion of settlers from Auburndale, Massachusetts. The New England town had been named from the opening line of the poem "The Deserted Village" by Oliver Goldsmith. Early on, the city became a chosen destination for a number of America's most prominent artists.

Geography and climate
The city is located 40 mi northeast of Tampa and 59 mi southwest of Orlando. Auburndale is located within the Central Florida Highlands area of the Atlantic coastal plain with a terrain consisting of flatland interspersed with gently rolling hills.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 9.3 sqmi, of which 5.2 sqmi is land and 4.1 sqmi (43.87%) is water.

Auburndale is located in the humid subtropical zone, as designated by (Köppen climate classification: Cfa).

Government
The city commission is made up of five commissioners elected from single-member districts. The mayor is elected from the commissioners by the voters. The city budget is $69 million.

2010 and 2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 15,616 people, 5,141 households, and 3,701 families residing in the city.

As of the 2010 United States census, there were 13,507 people, 4,671 households, and 3,327 families residing in the city.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 11,032 people, 4,119 households, and 3,002 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,113.5 PD/sqmi. There were 4,547 housing units at an average density of 871.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 81.13% White, 12.26% African American, 0.26% Native American, 0.88% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 3.46% from other races, and 1.96% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 8.10% of the population.

In 2000, there were 4,119 households, out of which 35.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.1% were married couples living together, 15.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.1% were non-families. 21.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.63 and the average family size was 3.02.

In 2000, in the city, the population was spread out, with 27.2% under the age of 18, 9.0% from 18 to 24, 27.8% from 25 to 44, 20.8% from 45 to 64, and 15.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 92.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.6 males.

In 2000, the median income for a household in the city was $34,184, and the median income for a family was $36,303. Males had a median income of $30,468 versus $21,232 for females. The per capita income for the city was $15,510. About 13.4% of families and 17.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 28.3% of those under age 18 and 7.6% of those age 65 or over.

Transportation
The important freeways and highways in the Auburndale area are:
 * - Just north of town, this is the main interstate highway in central Florida, leading westward to Lakeland and Tampa, and eastward to Orlando and Daytona Beach.
 * (Polk Parkway) - This toll road provides Auburndale with quick access to I-4 to the north, and leads westward to southern Lakeland.
 * - This divided highway leads westward to Lakeland and eastward to Lake Alfred.
 * - Traverses from eastern Auburndale to Winter Haven, hence its name Havendale Boulevard.
 * - This road leads to Polk City and I-4.

Mass transit
Auburndale is served by Winter Haven Area Transit's #12 & #50 routes.

Railroads are also important to Auburndale. The city contains two major railroad lines. The first being the CSX Carters Subdivision, and the other being the CSX Auburndale Subdivision. Amtrak uses both lines but does not stop in the city.

Airports
Two airports serve Auburndale, both of which are located in Winter Haven, east of the city. The Winter Haven Regional Airport along US 92 and the adjacent Jack Browns Seaplane Base located on the northeast shores of Lake Jessie.

Media
Auburndale is part of the Tampa/St. Pete television market, the 13th largest in the country and part of the local Lakeland/Winter Haven radio market, which is the 94th largest in the country.

Library
The Auburndale Public Library is a member of the Polk County Library Cooperative. The library is located at 100 West Bridgers Avenue Auburndale, Florida 33823. The library offers a number of services to all Polk County Residents, including 24/7 card catalog access.

Education
The public schools in Auburndale are operated by the Polk County School Board. There are five elementary schools, Berkley Elementary (a charter school ), Auburndale Central Elementary, Lena Vista Elementary, Boswell Elementary and Caldwell Elementary, which feed into Stambaugh Middle School. Students from Berkley Elementary are admitted into Berkley Accelerated Middle School (another charter school), while other students wishing to apply are put on a waiting list. Auburndale High School and Polk Pre-Collegiate Academy (PPCA) are the only high schools in Auburndale, although nearby Tenoroc High School serves students in both Auburndale and Lakeland.

Southern Technical College operates a campus in Auburndale. Nearby in Lakeland, Florida there is the main campus Florida Polytechnic University.

title: Auburndale, Florida


text:
Babson Park, Florida

Babson Park is a census-designated place (CDP) in Polk County, Florida, United States. The population was 1,182 at the 2000 census. It is also the home of Webber International University.

Babson Park is part of the Lakeland–Winter Haven Metropolitan Statistical Area, situated roughly halfway between Tampa and Orlando.

Geography
Babson Park is located at 27.83042°N, -81.52825°W.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 3.9 km2, all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,182 people, 367 households, and 277 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 306.3 /km2. There were 442 housing units at an average density of 114.5 /km2. The racial makeup of the CDP was 77.92% White, 16.92% African American, 1.44% Asian, 2.88% from other races, and 0.85% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 7.11% of the population.

There were 367 households, out of which 41.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.9% were married couples living together, 12.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 24.3% were non-families. 17.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.81 and the average family size was 3.22.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 26.7% under the age of 18, 18.4% from 18 to 24, 26.1% from 25 to 44, 18.0% from 45 to 64, and 10.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 30 years. For every 100 females, there were 104.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 100.9 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $28,487, and the median income for a family was $34,444. Males had a median income of $30,625 versus $18,875 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $11,912. About 9.2% of families and 10.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.0% of those under age 18 and 15.9% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Despite its small size, Babson Park is home to Webber International University and just a half-mile from Warner University. Babson Park is also home to Dale R. Fair Babson Park Elementary.

Climate
The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Babson Park has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.

title: Babson Park, Florida