Milestones 1914: Aviation history was made in St. Pete as Tony Jannus made the world's first scheduled airline flight with the St. Petersburg–Tampa Airboat Line from St. Pete to Tampa. opening it up for development. 1916: Clearwater built the first wooden bridge to Clearwater Beach, 1916: Morton F. Plant, son of Henry B. Plant, gives $100,000 toward creating Clearwater's first hospital. 1921: A severe hurricane causes significant destruction throughout Pinellas County. It creates Hurricane Pass between what are now the Caladesi and Honeymoon islands. 1924 : The Gandy Bridge opens, halving the distance between St. Pete and Al Lang Stadium Originally named Waterfront Park, Al Lang Stadium in St. Pete boasts a rich history dating back to the early 20th century. The stadium, constructed in 1947, became a focal point for baseball training camps and served as the spring home for various Major League Baseball teams until the Tampa Bay Rowdies moved from Tampa to St. Pete in 2011. Over the years, Al Lang Stadium has undergone renovations, transforming into a versatile venue that hosts various sports events, including soccer and baseball. Beyond its role as a sporting facility, the stadium stands as a cultural landmark, playing an integral part in shaping St. Pete's identity. Tampa. 1926: The Palm Pavilion was the first bathhouse to open on Clearwater Beach, offering changing rooms, towels, and bathing suit rentals. training in Clearwater. 1940: The Philadelphia Phillies professional baseball team began spring 1951: The St. Petersburg Symphony Orchestra performs its first concert. 1954: Sunshine Skyway, the first span, opens, linking Pinellas County with Manatee County. 1961: The Doors frontman Jim Morrison began his college education at St. Petersburg Junior College (now St. Petersburg College) and recited poetry at the Beaux Arts Coffeehouse in Pinellas Park. 1965: Mick Jagger wrote the lyrics “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” by the 1972: Clearwater Marine Science Center (now Clearwater Marine pool of the Fort Harrison Hotel in Clearwater four days before going into the studio. Aquarium) is incorporated as a nonprofit organization by a group of dedicated volunteers who want to establish a permanent marine biology learning center in the area. 1980: Weedon Island and its surrounding islands open for public use. 1981: Frenchy's Original Café opened its doors to the beach community. 1983: Ruth Eckerd Hall opens in Clearwater. 1992: The Vinoy reopens after sitting vacant for 18 years and undergoing a $93 million renovation. St. Petersburg Shuffleboard Club Established in 1924, the St. Petersburg Mirror Lake Shuffleboard Club was the first strictly shuffleboard club in the world. Initially founded by a group of six players as a response to the growing popularity of shuffleboard during the Roaring Twenties, the club quickly became a focal point for social gatherings and friendly competitions. Today, with over 2,600 members, the 100-year-old club thrives. Members and visitors can shuffle into the weekend every Friday night from 7-10 p.m. to experience the thrill of shuffleboard. You can also sign up for a comprehensive tour of St. Pete's historic highlights, including the Shuffleboard Club, with I Love the Burg. 1998: The Tampa Bay Rays (then the Devil Rays) play their first game at Tropicana Field. 2003: St. Pete Pride hosts the first Pride Promenade. 2010: "Dolphin Tale" was filmed at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. 2011: Tampa International Airport begins charter flights to Cuba. 2011: The Rowdies leave Tampa and move to Al Lang Stadium in St. Pete. 2014: The African American Heritage Trail opens in St. Pete. 2020: The reimagined and expanded St. Pete Pier opens. VISITSPC .COM 69
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