Discover the history of Pinellas County through some choice spots for going down memory lane – John’s Pass and Pueblo Village.
The Accidental Discovery of John’s Pass
It all began in 1848 when John LeVique, a French pirate turned settler, went to New Orleans to deliver a shipment of green turtles. On his way home to the Upper Boca Ciega Bay, a storm hit and stranded his boat along the coast.
Together with fellow settler Joseph Silva, LeVique went on to search for an entrance to Boca Ciega Bay. He discovered a northerly opening that had not been there previously – an inlet between Madeira Beach and Treasure Island that was eventually named after LeVique in honor of their maiden passage.
With wind and waves constantly shifting sand, eroding shorelines and building new ones, barrier islands undergo many changes over time. Since its formation during the Great Gale of 1848, John’s Pass has shifted south by as much as 5,000 feet. There has been much development in the south end of Madeira Beach, while the north section of Treasure Island has been continuously eroding.
Today, the area is a popular outdoor attraction. Wilson Hubbard led efforts to build a public boardwalk in 1980 and was instrumental in the development of the surrounding community. The result of this undertaking is John’s Pass Village and Boardwalk in Madeira Beach.
The Village is filled with over 100 shops and restaurants – get the day’s catch at Wild Seafood, grab a cup of coffee at Addicted to the Bean, and feast on tacos at Gia’s Blue Water Taqueria.
Drop by DD Collectibles for some Beatles memorabilia, buy goat’s milk soap at Lori’s Soap & Sponge Market, and check out the collection of chimes and windsocks at Windworks.
Charter a private boat to explore the waters of John’s Pass – you’ll find rentals along the Boardwalk. You’ll also find several waterfront condos offering plush accommodations for tired guests.
The Village honors LeVique’s memory each year with the celebration of the John LeVique Pirate Days Festival. Typical activities include a boat parade, walk parade, treasure hunt, costume contests, pub crawl, and more.
A Shopping Center to Remember: Pueblo Village on Indian Rocks Beach
Pueblo Village was a popular tourist shop and country store located in 15th and Gulf Boulevards in Indian Rocks Beach. It opened in 1956 and was well-loved for its BBQ sandwiches, ribs, maple sugar candy, and pies.
Visitors were greeted at the front door by the sitting statue of a Native American man. Upon entering, they would step on gleaming pine floors and marvel at the abundance of candy barrels.
Usual store treats included sticks of horehound candy, as well as thirst-quenching sarsaparilla taken straight from an oak keg against the wall. This self-service option, uncommon back in the day, allowed guests to fill their cups to the brim.
Those who’ve been to Pueblo Village will also remember store merchandise like Cracker Barrel, women’s apparel from Guatemala and Hawaii, as well as jewelry and surfing accessories.
A landmark for those who grew up in IRB in the 60s and 70s, the Village was torn down in the 90s to make way for a condo development. It has since been commemorated in a postcard showing the old building’s white façade.
Today, the Frank Ambrosio Real Estate Team office is located right across the street from where the Village was located. If you think IRB should be your next home, let us assist you. Call us at 1-727-433-0372 or send an email to Info(at)WaterfrontTampaBay(dotted)com.