Indian Shores

Indian Shores is a town in Pinellas County, Florida. The town of Indian Shores is a beach-front community situated on a barrier island west of Seminole, Florida. The population of Indian Shores was 1,705 at the 2000 census. Indian Shores has recently undergone multiple construction and renovation projects, including utility under grounding, road re-surfacing, and the placement of pedestrian safety measures. The town of Indian Shores is also in the process of constructing a new municipal center to replace the decades old, antiquated facility.

Indian Shores is a quieter, less crowded alternative to its larger and better-known neighbors such as Clearwater Beach and St. Pete Beach. It’s a great place for vacationers seeking a quiet or family vacation.

Originally called “Indian Rocks Beach, South Shore” as a way to distinguish itself from Indian Rocks Beach, the Town of Indian Shores was incorporated in 1949 and changed its name in 1973. Despite its small population (1,400) and limited extent (19 city blocks long and 1 city block wide), Indian Shores provides plenty of entertainment for its visitors.

The largest non-profit wild bird hospital in the United States, the Sun Coast Seabird Sanctuary, is located in Indian Shores. The sanctuary houses and treats injured pelicans, herons, egrets, owls, hawks and other birds. Many other activities such as adventure golf and boat rentals are within an easy drive.

Indian Shores is also home to some fantastic restaurants. No trip to the area would be complete without a visit to the famous Salt Rock Grill. Weather permitting, sit outside on the waterfront deck and enjoy the view.

Other restaurants and bars in Indian Shores include The Hungry Fisherman, Chateau Madrid and The Pub Waterfront Grill. If you want to experience what a Key West style bar was like in the days of Ernest Hemingway, visit Mahuffer’s (a.k.a Sloppy John’s) on Gulf Blvd, just north of the Park Blvd bridge. Self-described as the “wurst” place on the beach, with lousy food and warm beer, Mahuffer’s has received numerous accolades from HGTV, the Travel Channel, Travelocity, and has been named Best of Tampa Bay two years in a row. Worth a visit, even if you decide you don’t like it.

Families and couples seeking a relaxing place to enjoy the beach and good food should consider Indian Shores as their next vacation spot.

History of Indian Shores
There is an old legend hereabouts, whose origin has long been lost, that an old Indian Chief, whose tribe made the Ocala area its home, became very ill. The Medicine Man finally decided old Chief Clica-Si was surely headed for the Happy Hunting Grounds and as a last resort sent for the Chief’s blood brother, Chief Nu-Wa. Chief Nu-Wa knew of a wonderful healing spring several moons away, toward the setting sun, and soon the Chief’s braves were carrying their old Chief in a litter toward the western water.
They came to a place, along a narrow stretch of water, whose banks were lined with huge travertine rocks. Nu-Wa told the tribe that the spring was located on the sandy island that stretched in front of them. The teepees were pitched on the rocky shore and canoes took them across to an island where the spring was soon found. The Chief regained his health quickly after drinking the mineral waters and each year from then on, the tribe traveled to the rocks and the spring.
This is supposedly how Indian Rocks got its name, with the spring, capped years ago, now also lost.This is the legend, but a geodetic survey of 1828 shows a record of the old pass in the vicinity of the southern municipal limits of Indian Rocks Beach, South Shore. This stretch was also filled with travertine rocks where it is said Indians were often found fishing.The government filled the pass in 1927, joining the upper “Sand Key” to the lower beaches.
Indian Rocks Beach South Shore is one of the oldest and smallest beach communities and had the longest name. It was originally an Indian campsite and got its name from the large red rocks found along its shoreline.Its first “settlers” were a pair of Robinson Crusoe-Type brothers named Cochran.In 1883 four Cedar Key speculators sailing to St. Petersburg, stopped to explore the Island. They were fascinated by the Island’s possibilities for future development and bought it from the Cochran Brothers for a nominal sum. It is said the brothers bartered their Island “for little more than a string of beads and $25.00, figuratively speaking, like the Indians of Manhattan”.
The region soon became a popular residential and vacation area. Many prominent Tampans built summer cottages on the Island, among them the D. B. McKays. Members of the McKay family served intermittently as Mayor of Tampa and publishers of the Tampa Tribune.Until a wooden turn bridge was built in 1916, a ferryboat transported pedestrians to the Island, and a barge carried horses, buggies and a few automobiles to the summer resort.In 1905 the Railroad ran a spur line from the mainland to the beach and a hotel was built, adding to the Island’s popularity.
The railroad spur was abandoned later, but the community continued to grow especially during the Post World War II building boom.Indian Rocks Beach, South Shore was incorporated September 16, 1949 by general statute. It extends from 183rd Avenue to 202nd Avenue along Gulf Boulevard, the Community’s north and south boundary.The Town of Indian Rocks Beach averages only a block in width between the Gulf of Mexico and by an area known as The Narrows. It was named Indian Rocks Beach, South Shore because the tiny community wanted a separate identity from the City of Indian Rocks Beach.
On September 16, 1949, a group of 42 registered voters and freeholders, met for the first time in the Beach Park Restaurant upstair’s hall, to incorporate a Town under the Laws of the Florida Statute of 1941. After the approval of the majority that there should be no Ad Valorem Taxes or Assessments in the Town Charter, the name of the Town was to be Indian Rocks Beach, South Shore.
On July 24, 1973, a special referendum was held by the Town as to the citizens desires to change the name of the town from Town of Indian Rocks Beach, South Shore to Indian Shores. The special referendum results were in favor of changing the name. On August 14, 1973 the name of the Town was officially changed by Ordinance No. 82 and the name Indian Shores created. Members of Council at this historic occasion were Mayor Lambertus Seynders, Vice Mayor Howard E. Mann, James A. Roesler, William J. Coppenhaver, Ruth E. Paulson, Gordon E. Hall, Rollin R. Savage, Samuel L. Clark and Robert M. Quin, Council Members.

Lodging Around Indian Shores

3 Palms Property Management

Specializing in beach rentals from Clearwater Beach to St Pete Beach

Phone: 727-596-0109 Reservations: 1-877-8-3palms

Your Perfect Florida Vacation Begins Here!

Book your perfect vacation with THREE PALMS PROPERTY MANAGEMENT! We offer 1,2, and 3 bedroom condo vacation rentals and homes along the pristine white sand beaches of the Gulf of Mexico. Enjoy our obtainable luxury!

810 Gulfside Resorts 810 Gulf Blvd Indian Rocks Beach, FL 33785 Phone: (727) 596-8063 Fax: (727) 593-9343 Reservations: 800-597-8063

Where relaxation comes naturally!

A premier enclave of Indian Rocks beachfront suites and cottages recapturing the “Spirit of Old Florida” in the quaint coastal village of Indian Rocks Beach. Island charm and sophisticated interiors combine with cheerful gardens, heated pool, sea kayaks, umbrellas, beach cabanas, shuffleboard, and bicycles. Family owned and operated for over 20 years.

Arbors Seaside Cottages 218 Gulf Blvd Indian Rocks Beach, FL 33785 Phone: (800) 873-0224 Reservations: (800) 873-0224

Quaint Cottages on wide Gulf of Mexico Beach

Get pampered at this magnificent beachfront micro-resort composed of four private, Key West Style Cottages. Full kitchens, Cable/VCR, etc. A nature lover´s paradise on this deep, white sandy Indian Rocks Beach. This year, once again they were certified as a “Superior Small Lodging”.

Florida Lifestyle Vacation Rentals 19713 Gulf Boulevard Indian Shores, FL 33785 Phone: (727) 593-2000 Fax: (727) 595-7409 Reservations: 800-487-8953

Vacation rentals to suit all budgets – very large selection of condos

In Indian Rocks Beach, we offer gorgeous condos at Reef Club, Casablanca, Sunset Paradise, West Coast Vista and more. Of course, we also offer vacation rentals at other great resorts along the entire Gulf Coast. The good life starts here at Florida Lifestyle Vacation Rentals!

Great Heron Inn 68 Gulf Blvd Indian Rocks Beach, FL 33785 Phone: (727) 595-2589 Fax: (727) 517-2705

Directly on the Gulf of Mexico

Great Heron Inn of Indian Rocks Beach is a family-run motel with 16 motel suites, offering pool-side and Gulf-front units. Heated pool. Featuring full 1 bedroom apartment suites and a spacious 3 bedroom condo apartment. Monthly rates available.

Harbourside (Holiday Inn) 401 Second Street Indian Rocks Beach, FL 33785 Phone: BOOK ON-LINE!

A Key West style resort ! Newly remodeled rooms and suites. Private 50-slip waterfront marina. Two heated swimming pools, whirlpool spa and a full service pool bar. Jimmy Guana´s Key West style restaurant offers island fare, entertainment and much more. Come once to the Harbourside in Indian Rocks Beach , and you will return many times.

Jack Collins Rentals 20001 Gulf Boulevard Indian Shores, FL 33785 Phone: (727) 595-2001 Fax: (727) 595-3479 Reservations: 800-237-9831

Seasonal Rental Properties on Florida’s Gulf Coast

Jack Collins Rentals, with more than 30 years experience and the largest selection inthe area, is your best vacation rental choice on Florida’s Gulf Coast. We offer seasonal vacation rentals in Belleair Beach, Indian Shores, Indian Rocks Beach, Redington Shores and Madeira Beach, with properties such as the Reef Club, Reflections on the Gulf, and Hamilton House. Visit our website to start planning your Florida vacation today.

Nautical Watch 3420 Gulf Blvd. Belleair Beach, FL 34635 Phone: (727) 595-4747 Fax: (727) 596-7939 Reservations: 800-373-9959 Ext. 0333

Located Directly on the Gulf of Mexico – Surf Fishing On Site

Nautical Watch, a beachfront resort in beautiful Belleair Beach, features private Gulf-front sunbathing, heated pool, hot tub, surf fishing, night fishing, snorkeling and nearby marinas. The finest restaurants and shopping are only minutes away. Dinner cruises, Museums, Tennis Courts, Golf Courses, Jai-Alai, Greyhound/Dog Racing, and Major League Baseball Spring Training are all within a short drive of the Nautical Watch Beach Resort. So come and enjoy it all, or… do absolutely nothing at all! Pelican East 108 21st Avenue Indian Rocks Beach, FL 33785 Phone: (727) 595-9741

Smoke Free – Petless – Affordable

Pelican East is a “vintage Florida” vacation destination, a small family owned and operated motel in Indian Rocks Beachwith just 5 units. Our 1950′s studio apartments are totally modernized, with complete kitchens, including microwaves. All our units are air conditioned, heated and have cable TV. Our moderately priced units are just a one minute walk from the beach. Our guests enjoy the quiet side of the street, just off Gulf Boulevard, in Indian Rocks Beach yet are so close to the beach and the water.

Sarah’s Seaside 810 Gulf Blvd. Indian Rocks Beach, FL 33785 Phone: (727) 596-8063 Fax: (727) 593-9343 Reservations: 1-800-597-8063

Where relaxation comes naturally!

A premier enclave of private luxury beachfront homes, cottages and suites recapturing the “Spirit of Old Florida” in the quaint coastal village of Indian Rocks Beach. Island charm and sophisticated interiors combine with exotic gardens, heated pool, sea kayaks, umbrellas, beach cabanas, and bicycles. Family owned and operated for over 20 years.

Sea Star Motel 1805 Gulf Blvd. Indian Rocks Beach, FL 33785 Phone: (727) 596-2525

All rooms are smoke-free, pets welcome in some rooms

We offer efficiencies, 1 and 2-bedroom apartments in Indian Rocks Beach . Bicycles are available for guests at no charge, as is the hot tub. Each unit is clean, bright and completely furnished including bed and bath linens, fully equipped kitchens, air conditioning, heat and color cable television. In the courtyard there are picnic tables, gas barbecue grills and shuffleboard. All rooms are personally cleaned and maintained by the owners, and we have a beach wheelchair for use by our guests.

Suncoast Vacation Condos We have many properties along the Gulf Beaches…

Phone: (727) 786-2287 Fax: (727) 789-5482

Many properties along the Gulf Beaches

Suncoast Vacation Condos has several properties close to Indian Rocks Beach, such as Sutherland Crossing Resort in Crystal Beach. Located on St. Joseph Sound and with private tennis courts, Sutherland is a deal at $850 per week for a 3-bedroom unit.

There are many things to do in and around “Indian Shores“. You may be interested in several of these attractions

CLEARWATER MARINE AQUARIUM 249 Windward Passage Island Estates, Clearwater Beach, FL 33767 (727) 441-1790 & (888) 239-9414

SAND KEY PARK A Pinellas County Park Gulf Blvd. just South of Clearwater Pass at the North End of Sand Key Clearwater Beach, FL

BEACH ART CENTER 1515 Bay Palm Boulevard Indian Rocks Beach, FL 33785

727-596-4331 Fax: 727-596-4331

INDIAN ROCKS AREA HISTORICAL SOCIETY 203 Fourth Ave. Indian Rocks Beach, FL 727-593-3861

SUNCOAST SEABIRD SANCTUARY 18328 Gulf Blvd. Indian Shores, FL (727) 391-6211

JOHN’S PASS VILLAGE & BOARDWALK On the Waterfront at Johns Pass Gulf Blvd. North of John’s Pass Madeira Beach, FL

THE GULF BEACHES HISTORICAL MUSEUM 115-10th Avenue Pass-A-Grill, St. Pete Beach, FL (727) 552-1610

DINING OUT IN AND AROUND INDIAN SHORES

 

Flights are available from St. Petersburg–Clearwater International Airport.

Indian Shores Higher Education

Local colleges and universities include Hillsborough Community College, the University ofTampa, PascoHernando Community College, the University of South Florida, Manatee Community College and Saint Leo University.

Hospitals/medical centers near Indian Shores:

  • LARGO MEDICAL CENTER (Acute Care Hospitals, Proprietary, provides emergency services, about 4 miles away; LARGO, FL)
  • MORTON PLANT HOSPITAL (Acute Care Hospitals, Voluntary non-profit – Private, provides emergency services, about 5 miles away;CLEARWATER, FL)
  • BAY PINES VA MEDICAL CENTER (Acute Care – Veterans Administration, Government Federal, about 7 miles away; BAY PINES, FL)

Amtrak stations near Indian Shores:

  • 10 miles: CLEARWATER (20967 U.S. 19) – Bus Station
  • 11 miles: PINELLAS PARK (PARK BLVD. AT U.S. 19) – Bus Station .Services: ticket office, enclosed waiting area, public restrooms, public payphones, full-service food facilities, free short-term parking, call for car rental service, call for taxi service, public transit connection.
  • 18 miles: TARPON SPRINGS (2337 U.S. 19) – Bus Station

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Indian Shores:

  • St Petersburg College (about 9 miles; Clearwater, FL; Full-time enrollment: 9,555)
  • Eckerd College (about 16 miles; Saint Petersburg, FL; FT enrollment:2,132)
  • University of South Florida-St. PetersburgCampus (about 17 miles; St. Petersburg, FL; FT enrollment: 2,227)
  • The University of Tampa (about 24 miles; Tampa, FL; FT enrollment:5,429)
  • Hillsborough Community College (about 25 miles; Tampa, FL; FT enrollment: 11,277)
  • University of South Florida-Main Campus (about 29 miles; Tampa, FL; FT enrollment: 27,329)
  • Pasco-Hernando Community College (about 30 miles; New Port Richey, FL;FT enrollment: 4,159)

Fire-safe hotels and motels in Indian Shores, Florida:

Strongest AM radio stations in Indian Shores:

  • WMGG (820 AM; 50 kW; LARGO, FL; Owner: MEGA COMMUNICATIONS OF ST. PETERSBURG LICENSEE
  • WWBA (1040 AM; 4 kW; PINELLAS PARK, FL; Owner: GENESIS COMMUNICATIONS OF TAMPA BAY, INC.
  • WFLA 970 AM; 25 kW; TAMPA, FL; Owner: CITICASTERS LICENSES, L.P.
  • WHNZ 1250 AM; 25 kW; TAMPA, FL; Owner: CITICASTERS LICENSES, L.P.
  • WTIS 1110 AM; daytime; 10 kW; TAMPA, FL; Owner: WTIS-AM, INC.
  • WGUL 860 AM; 5 kW; DUNEDIN, FL; Owner: WGUL-FM, INC.
  • WQYK 1010 AM; 50 kW; SEFFNER, FL; Owner: INFINITY BROADCASTING CORPORATION OF TAMPA
  • WDAE (620 AM; 5 kW; ST. PETERSBURG, FL; Owner: CLEAR CHANNEL BROADCASTING LICENSES, INC.
  • WTAN 1340 AM; 1 kW; CLEARWATER, FL; Owner: WAGENVOORD ADVERTISTING GROUP, INC.
  • WLVU 1470 AM; 5 kW; DUNEDIN, FL; Owner: GENESIS COMMUNICATIONS OF TAMPA BAY, INC.
  • WXYB 1520 AM; daytime; 1 kW; INDIAN ROCKS BEACH, FL; Owner: ASA BROADCASTING, INC
  • WWMI 1380 AM; 5 kW; ST. PETERSBURG, FL; Owner: ABC, INC.
  • WTMP 1150 AM; 10 kW; EGYPT LAKE, FL; Owner: TAMPA BROADCASTING, LTD.

Strongest FM radio stations inIndian Shores:

  • WYUU (92.5 FM; SAFETY HARBOR, FL; Owner: INFINITY RADIO OPERATIONS INC.
  • WXTB 97.9 FM; CLEARWATER, FL; Owner: CITICASTERS LICENSES, L.P.
  • WBBY 107.3 FM; ST. PETERSBURG, FL; Owner: COX RADIO, INC.
  • WRBQ-FM (104.7 FM; TAMPA, FL; Owner: INFINITY RADIO OPERATIONS INC.
  • WSSR (95.7 FM; CLEARWATER, FL; Owner: CLEAR CHANNEL BROADCASTING LICENSES, INC.
  • WDUV 105.5 FM; NEW PORT RICHEY, FL; Owner: CXR HOLDINGS, INC.
  • WSUN-FM 97.1 FM;HOLIDAY, FL; Owner: COX RADIO, INC
  • WPOI 101.5 FM; ST. PETERSBURG, FL; Owner: CXR HOLDINGS, INC.
  • WWRM 94.9 FM; TAMPA, FL; Owner: COX RADIO, INC.)
  • WLLD 98.7 FM; HOLMES BEACH, FL; Owner: INFINITY RADIO OPERATIONS INC.
  • WFLZ-FM 93.3 FM; TAMPA, FL; Owner: CITICASTERS LICENSES, L.P.
  • WMTX 100.7 FM; TAMPA, FL; Owner: CITICASTERS LICENSES, L.P.
  • WQYK-FM99.5 FM; ST. PETERSBURG, FL; Owner: INFINITY BROADCASTING CORPORATION OF FLORIDA
  • WTBT 103.5 FM; BRADENTON, FL; Owner: CITICASTERS LICENSES, L.P.
  • WHPT 102.5 FM; SARASOTA, FL; Owner: CXR HOLDINGS, INC.
  • WUSF 89.7 FM; TAMPA, FL; Owner: UNIVERSITY OF S. FLORIDA
  • WSJT 94.1 FM; LAKELAND, FL; Owner: INFINITY RADIO OPERATIONS INC.
  • WBVM 90.5 FM; TAMPA, FL; Owner: BISHOP OF THE DIOCESE/ST. PETERSBURG
  • WFTI-FM 91.7 FM; ST. PETERSBURG, FL; Owner: FAMILY STATIONS, INC.
  • WYFE 88.9 FM; TARPON SPRINGS, FL; Owner: BIBLE BROADCASTING NETWORK, INC.

TV broadcast stations around Indian Shores:

  • W33CC Channel 33; ST. PETERSBURG, FL; Owner: VENTANA TELEVISION, INC.
  • WMOR-LP Channel 63; ST. PETERSBURG, FL; Owner: WMOR-TV COMPANY)
  • WTSP Channel 10; ST. PETERSBURG, FL; Owner: PACIFIC AND SOUTHERN COMPANY, INC.
  • W36CO Channel 36; ST. PETERSBURG, FL; Owner: TRINITY BROADCASTING NETWORK
  • W61AI Channel 61; ROCK HARBOR, FL; Owner: MAKO COMMUNICATIONS, LLC
  • WEDU Channel 3; TAMPA, FL; Owner: FLORIDA WEST COAST PUBLIC BROADCASTING, INC.
  • WARP-CA Channel 20; TAMPA–ST. PETERSBURG, FL; Owner: SUNSHINE BROADCASTING COMPANY, INC.
  • WXAX-LP (Channel 26; CLEARWATER, FL; Owner: TIGER EYE BROADCASTING CORP.
  • WTOG Channel 44; ST. PETERSBURG, FL; Owner: VIACOM INTERNATIONAL INC.
  • WFLA-TV Channel 8; TAMPA, FL; Owner: MEDIA GENERAL COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
  • WFTS-TV Channel 28; TAMPA, FL; Owner:TAMPA BAY TELEVISION, INC.
  • WXPXChannel 66; BRADENTON, FL; Owner: PAXSON COMMUNICATION LICENSE COMPANY, LLC)
  • WUSF-TV Channel 16;TAMPA, FL; Owner: UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA
  • WTTA Channel 38; ST. PETERSBURG, FL; Owner: BAY TELEVISION, INC.
  • WFTT Channel 50; TAMPA, FL; Owner: TELEFUTURA TAMPA LLC
  • W48AY Channel 48; OLDSMAR, FL; Owner: AMKA BROADCAST NETWORK, INC.
  • WTVT Channel 13; TAMPA, FL; Owner: TVT LICENSE, INC.
  • WCLF Channel 22; CLEARWATER, FL; Owner: CHRISTIAN TELEVISION CORPORATION, INC.
  • WTAM-LP Channel 6; TAMPA, FL; Owner: U.S. INTERACTIVE, L.L.C.
  • WPDS-LP Channel 14; LARGO, ETC., FL; Owner: PINELLAS COUNTY SCHOOLS
  • WRMD-LP Channel 57; TAMPA, FL; Owner: ZGS TELEVISION OF TAMPA, INC.
  • WSPF-CA (Channel 35; ST. PETERSBURG, FL; Owner: CITY OF
  • ST. PETERSBURG)
  • WSVT-LP (Channel 18; BRADENTON, FL; Owner: WORD OF GOD FELLOWSHIP, INC.)
  • WVEA-LP (Channel 61; TAMPA, FL; Owner: ENTRAVISION HOLDINGS, LLC)
  • WWSB (Channel 40; SARASOTA, FL; Owner: SOUTHERN BROADCAST CORPORATION OF SARASOTA)
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