From the early 1800s through present day, Hillsborough County has had six courthouses. Most of…read morethose structures are long gone and faded from the Tampa skyline. However, this silver dome remains. It used to sit on top of the courthouse completed in 1892, an ornate red brick courthouse that occupied an entire city block. Its architect was J.A. Wood, the same man who designed the elaborate Tampa Bay Hotel. The dome acts as a gazebo in Joe Chillura Courthouse Square which is a downtown park with the 1952 courthouse across the street. Located the northwest corner of the park, the Hillsborough County Square Pavilion feels like the quiet architectural anchor of the square, a small civic gesture that frames the open lawn and gives the space a sense of purpose even on an empty afternoon. With the park undisturbed today, it was easy to appreciate how the pavilion's understated lines complement the surrounding sculptures, with a nod to the courthouse buildings nearby, creating a calm pocket in the middle of downtown. [Review 141 of 2026 - 2248 in Florida - 25331 overall]

This a quiet little city that is a must visit. The downtown area has local shops that offer a…read morevariety of offerings. There are a number of resturants that you can find your favorite foods. Don't miss this beautiful location.

One of my favorite places to visit Florida is Safety Harbor…read more The dining choices are plentiful and first rate. If you're a runner or walker, you'll love the Best Damn Race and Best Damn Leftovers Race held here each year. Safety Harbor seems to be a very pet friendly area, too. The Chalk Fest and street fest Fridays are so much fun. The shops on Main Street are super cute and walkable, and views by the pier and off Bayshore are memorable. I can't wait for my next visit!

As a historian, this location called me to go visit and take in the significance of this place. The…read morebuilding is located in a quiet businesss area. It currently is closed off with a fence and you can see its falling apart. We arrived and parked next to it. You can walk up and see the homestead with no obstacles. I enjoyed it yet the reason I gave it 3 stars was not much to do once you arrive and take pictures History nerds and their kids will enjoy the ten minute stop others might not. Sad, that it can't be restored.

This is a rather hauntingly beautiful yet sad sight that gives you a good look into Tampa's past…read more It was built in 1901 and served as a rooming home for African American travelers during the segregation era. Some notable guests included musicians Cab Calloway, Ella Fitzgerald, Count Basie, James Brown, and Ray Charles, per the Wikipedia page about this house. Today, its only inhabitant is a stray cat that I've seen twice coming up to the property. Peering inside, I could see that its badly deteriorated, yet the outside did retain a lot of its old fashioned charm. Not sure what the plan is for this house's fate, but I though I'd pay it a visit and see it before it does get demolished.

Had an amazing experience spending time in the city of Dunedin, Florida. This town has such a…read moreunique charm with a perfect mix of coastal vibes, walkable streets, and a welcoming small town feel. Everywhere you go there is something to enjoy, from the local shops and restaurants to the beautiful waterfront areas. The downtown area is especially nice with its laid back atmosphere, friendly people, and plenty of spots to grab a bite or just relax and people watch. The parks and marina areas are clean, scenic, and perfect for a peaceful walk or watching the sunset. You can really tell the city takes pride in keeping everything well maintained and inviting. It feels safe, vibrant, and full of character without ever feeling too crowded or overwhelming. Overall, Dunedin is one of those places that just feels good to be in. Easy 5 stars and always worth a visit.

One of the finest small cities in America. The downtown is full of shops that offer local items…read more There are also restaurants that offer some amazing entrees and lots of locally caught seafood. It is small enough to walk to most shops. There is also a local waterfront that you don't want to miss. A must see place.

Another pretty space in downtown Tampa near City Hall, this pedestrian plaza is a nice spot with…read moreplenty of shade from trees and taller buildings. It is named after Tampa's mayor from 1974 to 1979 who passed away in 2014. There's a marker here which reads: William F. Poe Plaza is named in honor of William F. Poe, Sr. in recognition of the many significant improvements he initiated in downtown Tampa during his five years of service as Mayor of Tampa from October 1974 to October 1979. For many years, the Poe family's generosity assisted educational and charitable projects with an emphasis on ethics. Bill Poe's successes in business positively affected the image and reputation of the City of Tampa and Hillsborough County. In recognition of these many contributions to our community, William F. Poe Plaza is dedicated to the ideals embodied by Bill Poe and the Poe family. Bill Poe loved being Mayor of Tampa. Dedication Ceremony May 17, 2005

Blink and you'll miss it…read more Hugging the west coast of Florida at St. Joseph Sound 4 miles north of Dunedin and about 1 mile south of Palm Harbor is a hidden Pinellas County gem. Folks traveling along ALT 19 pay no attention while they're caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily automobile traffic. If people slow down a bit, and hit the Pinellas trail, the old rail line bulges west just north of Curlew and harkens back to a more simple time. The first home built here was in 1875, and as more folks settled in Florida during the golden citrus years, this village saw sleepy prosperity with its orange groves and fishing wharfs buzzing with activity. Tampa Road, which originated here, was the first paved road leading into Tampa, directly connecting the big city with Oldsmar, Dundein, Palm Harbor and Ozona. Things are obviously much different now. The village is quiet, laid back and the vibe is a kin to Cedar Key on a Monday night. They've got their own post office, a BBQ joint, pizzeria, pub and plenty of coastal property to catch a sunset. To me, this place is far removed from traffic, tourism, unexploited, raw and uncut--pure Florida. I absolutely love it. Oh, and all streets are golf cart friendly.

Mark sure got this one right. There are few places left that give you the original Florida vibe &…read moreis not overrun with tourists. First visit & every visit, I love this small town & that it's aspiration is to remain as it is, lovely & unspoiled. For a very small area, they have multiple small & unique eateries. Maybe not all 5 star dining, but damn good cracker food. When you visit make sure you check out the local shops, restaurants & bars, you won't be disappointed. What's a girl to do? Love, love quaint coastal towns, haven't met one yet, I didn't fall in love with!

Clearwater beach is beatiful and touristy. Clearwater suburbs are varied and multi ethnic. Drew…read moreStreet, for example, contains authentic latin businesses as well as twp amazing local bakeries. On the other hand, downtown Clearwater is unique. It's quiet, spooky, surreal and full of huge mostly empty buildings. Even some of the large multistory residential buildings appear to be empty. The Scientologists made downtown Clearwater their home base and bought a significant percentage of the real estate over the years. Some of the businesses on N Fort Harrison street are affiliated with Scientology and are not actual independent local businesses. When I go downtown for a public outdoor yoga class in a parlk or a pop up market or some other very rare reason, Scientology folks are walking busily from place to place but won't typically look at you. It feels like a freaky science fiction movie when you experience it. Life is different in Clearwater.

Gorgeous city, clean and well maintained. The beach area is spectacular and a must see. There is…read morelimited parking so be prepared. the beach is definitely a must see.

Came for a kids library event with "Shana Banana" it was so fun! They had it in a room that was big…read moreand spacious. The children's part of the library is enclosed in the library and has plenty of toys and areas for kids to play at. The staff was extremely nice and helpful.

The cool new library in Clearwater is up and running! The older building on Drew is abandoned in…read morefavor of this new building on Drew a few blocks down from the original location. The libary occupies only rhe 1st floor of the building so it is small but it has a LOT to offer - dozens of computer stations - a long table for a community work station with outlets - vending machines and water fountain - new digital fancy book Check out - drive through book drop off