Real Estate by Jimmy Brylinke
Boaters looking to live in south Pinellas have several great options.
Most of those options lie in the beach communities, or off the Pinellas Bayway on the way to Fort Desoto. If quick access to the airport is important, one of the top-rated neighborhoods on the water in northeast St. Petersburg is Venetian Isles on Tampa Bay’s west shore.
George R. Davis, a major developer on the ‘Suncoast’ in the 1950s “sparked” the development of Venetian Isles in 1959 by obtaining the deed to the submerged waters of Tampa Bay that would become Venetian Isles for $34,412.50.
Venetian Isles was developed as a submerged water landfill project. Designed and built at an elevation 5-7 feet above the natural shoreline, Venetian Isles has been spared from flooding during the storms and hurricanes that have hit Tampa Bay over the past 50 years. Actual development of homes started in 1968. Sibley Homes completed development of the remaining lots in the early 1970’s. The authority & responsibility of maintaining and enforcing the deed restrictions was turned over to the Venetian Isles Homeowners Association, Inc. in 1970.
A tranquil deed-restricted community with approximately 533 waterfront homes built on man-made islands connected by a series of bridges, Venetian Isles is coveted for its beautifully manicured landscaping, water views, friendly community and close proximity to downtown St. Petersburg, Tampa and both the area’s airports. This highly sought-after neighborhood is a favorite for boaters due to deep-water canals designed for both sailboat and power boat access.
The Venetian Isles Homeowners’ Association hosts many social opportunities for the community, including a garden club, a bunco “card” club, an annual Oktoberfest and the Dolphin Cruising Sailing Club. If you are looking for a great place to plant some roots in style, you’d be hard-pressed to outdo the luxurious lifestyle found in Venetian Isles. Voluntary membership dues are currently $150 per year.