When Guy Lombardo’s Port-O-Call opened on Tierra Verde in 1962, it quickly became one of Florida’s most glamorous waterfront destinations. Developed at a cost of approximately $4.5 million, the resort reflected the growing popularity of the Gulf Coast as a luxury travel destination during the postwar era.
Named for famed bandleader Guy Lombardo, whose orchestra helped promote the property, Port-O-Call welcomed visitors with elegant accommodations, waterfront views, fine dining, and entertainment. Over the years, the resort attracted notable guests including Frank Sinatra, Mel Tormé, and Marlene Dietrich, adding to its reputation as a favorite retreat for celebrities and vacationers alike.
Beyond its famous guests, the resort became known for its striking lobby murals, which greeted visitors for decades and became a memorable part of the property’s character.
After more than 40 years overlooking Tampa Bay, Port-O-Call closed and was demolished in 2007 as Tierra Verde continued to evolve. Though the resort is gone, it remains an important chapter in the history of Pinellas County’s tourism and hospitality industry.
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