Incorporated in 1892 with a population of almost 300 people, today's St. Petersburg has grown into a huge metropolitan area of 2.7 million residents. Centered around Bayboro Harbor on St Petersburg's waterfront is a bustling corner of Tampa Bay. Here you'll find the University of South Florida, the Albert Whitted Airport, the Harborage Marina, a large complex of marine science and research institutes, and the Guardians of the Gulf, St. Petersburg's U.S. Coast Guard.
   The Harborwalk Promenade opened in 2009, transforming the Bayboro Harbor area into a wonderful seaside boulevard. Coupled together with the college campus, an upscale marina, the Dali Museum and Mahaffey Theater, this project has turned Bayshore Drive into one of the most appealing sites of the city. Referred simply as St. Pete, this area is one of the most important ports in the nation. The Coast Guard Station dates back to 1928 and has grown into one of the country's largest commands. Coast Guard duties continue to grow, aiding in search and rescue, homeland security, waterways management, law enforcement, and boating safety.
   Once an isolated peninsula in its early days, the Saint Petersburg-Tampa Bay area has grown into the largest metro area on Florida's west coast. Nicknamed the Sunshine City, St. Pete has grown beyond its image as a retirement community. With easy access to Tampa Bay and the beautiful waters of the Gulf, this has become a vacationer's paradise. With its string of coastal beaches and parks, the Beach Doctor lists this area on top of the must see list.

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