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CoolHistory   |   Vanessa Wheeler

St. Petersburg’s Hidden Beach

Postcard art showing an aerial view of a beach with the intracoastal waterway in the background and beach goers playing on the sand

If you visit Treasure Island near 112th Avenue, you will find a spacious stretch of beachfront that is actually owned and operated by the City of St. Petersburg. This unusual arrangement dates back decades before Treasure Island incorporated as a city in 1955.

According to the Treasure Island Historical Society, the Archibald family conveyed the gulfside property to St. Petersburg leaders with a forward-thinking goal: preserving public access to the coast for mainland residents and future generations.

That vision continues today. St. Petersburg Municipal Beach remains a popular public destination for residents and visitors alike. According to St. Petersburg Parks and Recreation, the property includes a wide sandy shoreline, a pavilion, and amenities such as a refreshment stand.

It is a fascinating reminder that St. Petersburg’s history extends beyond the city limits. Thanks to a decision made generations ago, this stretch of Gulf beach remains a public space for everyone to enjoy.

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