About Pinellas Co.

Pinellas County, on Florida’s West Coast, is a 280-square mile peninsula bordered by the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay. The County from tip to tip is 38 miles long and 15 miles wide at its broadest point.

The name Pinellas is derived from the Spanish words Punta Pinal meaning "point of pines." That was an accurate description for this area when it was discovered by Panfilo de Narvaez in 1528; 36 years after Columbus arrived in the Caribbean and 37 years before the founding of St. Augustine. Narvaez and 400 soldiers, probably were the first Europeans in this area, primarily came looking for gold and silver. Earliest inhabitants of Pinellas were Native Americans and many large Indian shell mounds have been found throughout the County. One of these is located at Pinellas County’s Philippe Park in Safety Harbor.

Pinellas’ location provides the area with an ideal year-round climate. Cold winds are tempered in winter and warm breezes are cooled in summer as they blow over the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay. 

Pinellas enjoys a year-round reputation as a tourist destination with attractions appealing to singles, couples, retirees and families. Retirement living is also important to Pinellas County’s economic health. Pinellas County’s top key business sectors are health services, tourism services, manufacturing and financial services. Over 38,000 businesses call Pinellas County home.

 Most Densely Populated County in Florida

There are 3,347 people per square mile in Pinellas County. The next closest county with a highly concentrated population is Broward with 1,445 people per square mile.

280 Square Miles, 24 Municipalities
Clearwater is the County Seat, St. Petersburg is the largest city with a population of 244,769, and Tarpon Springs was the first incorporated city in 1887. Pinellas is Florida's second smallest county in land mass, larger only than Union County. 

Pinellas County is 38 miles long, and 15 miles at it's broadest point, for a total of 280 square miles. 588 miles of coastline. It is the 2nd smallest county in the State of Florida.

Visit a Park
The Pinellas County Park Department maintains 4,242 acres of the county's most beautiful examples of pristine Florida landscapes. Sun-drenched beaches, tranquil lakes, and lush emerald green expanses of native habitat along with playgrounds, learning centers, and convenience facilities provide park visitors immeasurable opportunities for relaxation and recreation! In addition, Pinellas County has 15,525 acres of preserves.

Getting Around
There are 4,521 miles of paved roads in the county, which cross 142 bridges. The first bridge to span Tampa Bay was the Gandy Causeway in 1924, and shortened the traveling distance between St. Petersburg and Tampa from 43 to 19 miles. Pinellas connected with Manatee County when the Sunshine Skyway bridge opened in 1954.

Hit the Beach
For swimming, boating and fishing, you can't beat Pinellas County's 35 miles of powdery white beaches and nearly 588 miles of coastline. And, with an average of 361 days of sunny weather each year, you can enjoy the surf, sun and sand just about whenever you would like. Three of the top ten beaches in the nation are located in Pinellas County (Fort De Soto Park which has won many awards, Clearwater Beach and Caladesi Island State Park)