Gulfport Tampa Bay Florida

This sleepy seaside town was established in 1889 as Disston City, then the name was changed to Gulfport in 1910. Gulfport was originally a fishing village and the first settlement in southern Pinellas county, while the adjacent town of St. Petersburg, which was started later and where the railroad was built, grew quickly to become the largest city in the area. Gulfport declined as St. Petersburg grew.

In recent decades Gulfport became a bastion of liberal open-mindedness, attracting many singles and retirees. It's long fishing pier is a local favorite, and the old casino on the beach has been redone into a dance and party hall. The Catherine Hickman Theater and the Stetson Law school brings many visitors and residents.

The old cottages and bungalows in the waterfront district have been restored and command high prices. Boca Ciega Bay is a sailing favorite, and on alternating friday and saturday evenings an art walk keeps shops, boutiques and restaurants open late. Well worth a visit, just to relax on the quiet beach.