A brisk, readable look at the early days of Pinellas County
This nonfiction traces the first settlers, Civil War upheaval, and the growth of towns like Disston City and Wardville. It brings new life to a formative chapter of Florida’s west coast.
From the arrival of the first families to the arrival of rail and commerce, the book weaves together personal stories, place names, and the changing landscape of the Pinellas Peninsula. It highlights key figures, local businesses, and how communities formed around water, roads, and early post offices.
- First settlers and the timeline of neighborhoods around Big Bayou, Boca Ceiga Bay, and John’s Pass
- Events of the Civil War era, including attacks and exoduses that shaped the community
- The rise of Disston City, its townsite boom, and the post office’s evolving history
Ideal for readers of local history and Florida’s west coast development, this edition offers a concise window into a pivotal era of the area.