Harbordale St Petersburg
History
In the late 1800s and the early development years of the 1920s, this area of abundant and flourishing citrus and pineapple groves had only three main roadways: 22nd Avenue (also known as Lakeview Avenue), Tangerine Avenue (18th Avenue), and Maximo (now 31st Street South). Until paved streets came into being, the sandy, muddy paths and roads were covered with shells gathered from the many Indian shell mounds still in existence throughout the southside.
Until the railroad was developed, the economic and subsistence lifeline of the community was by boat from Big Bayou to the east of this settlement and Lake Maggiore (Salt Lake) on the west. Once a navigable body of water, Salt Creek (Harbordale's water ribbon) ties Lake Maggiore to Bayboro Harbor. On the flanks, Salt Creek eases up into the two picturesque streets known as Harbor Drive, East and West. This "water ribbon," home to many birds, egrets, heron, colorful butterflies, fish and the famous alligator, continues to wind its way through the neighborhood and slides into Bartlett Park. This lovely park, with a public access lake, lies to the north of Harbordale and was once the home of annual major world tennis tournaments. The tennis facilities underwent an extensive restoration and revitalization. Notable trees are the stars of this neighborhood, lending beauty, and plentiful shade.
Trinity United Methodist Church has been an integral part of Harbordale history for more than 65 years. It is the only remaining historical building within the confines of this neighborhood, part of this edifice being the original structure built in 1927 under the leadership of Pastor J. Hamilton. Trinity continues to be an "anchor" for our residents and offers many programs in the community under the current leadership of Pastor Joe Teague.
Because of "the boom" in Florida and the recession in many other parts of the country, population increased rapidly, that many houses had to be built quickly to accommodate them. Much of the housing in Harbordale still reflects this period of 20th century home: single family, bungalow style wooden structures. Newer homes of block and masonry were constructed in the 1950s and appear in the western half of the neighborhood.
Organization/programs
Harbordale benefits from many programs such as Crime Watch, Community Policing, Certificate of Inspection (mandatory before leasing rental units), Neighborhood Housing Services (NHS) and the Working to Improve Neighborhoods (WIN) Program. Much of the housing stock, because of long-term vacancy, has been, and will continue to be, rehabilitated through these programs. The residents of Harbordale have completed a neighborhood plan in a unique partnership with the City and the State of Florida. The program is known as the Urban Partnership Initiative. Harbordale is one of only two St. Petersburg neighborhoods involved in this initiative.
The Harbordale Neighborhood Association, under the leadership of Mrs. Theresa McEachern (823- 6390), keeps a "watchful eye" and plays an active role in the continuing efforts to revitalize and preserve the southside.
Boundaries
22nd to 30th Avenues South from 4th to 9th Streets South.
Information compliments of www.stpete.org
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