A Florida city known for its history and coastal beauty
One of Florida’s oldest inhabited areas, Seminole is a city rich in history and known for its outdoor recreation and proximity to Gulf Coast beaches. The coastal suburb is surrounded by water, including Pinellas County’s second-largest lake and Boca Ciega Bay. The city is named after the Seminole Native American tribe, which inhabited the area as early as the 1700s. The Seminole people experienced a chaotic time throughout the 19th century, with the U.S. military waging three wars against them. Most were forced to move into what is now Oklahoma. Despite these challenges, many resisted and kept their land in Florida. Much of the tribe still lives on reservations in the Greater Seminole Area, which stretches to the southeast. Primarily an agricultural hub, significant development in Seminole didn’t start until the 1940s and ‘50s. The city was incorporated in 1970 and is now home to over 19,000 people. Seminole’s affordability, coastal attractions and quiet, laid-back lifestyle continue to lure newcomers. Sandwiched between St. Pete and Clearwater and less than 25 miles from Tampa, the city also offers access to cultural amenities and major employers. “Here, you’re 5 miles from the beach, you have Intracoastal waterways and ocean views anywhere you go, so if you like sports, have a boat or like living on the water, you have that everywhere,” says Dan Tumarkin, Realtor for Keller Williams Realty. “It’s also a hop, skip and jump to the airport and Tampa. “You don’t have to go very far for anything.” The area’s major employers include Pinellas County Public Schools, HCA Florida Largo, HCA Florida Saint Pete and the VA Bay Pines Hospital.
Seminole neighborhood is a peaceful neighborhood to enjoy living by the water.
Bungalow homes are another common style home you will see around Seminole neighborhood.
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Waterfront parks and Gulf Coast beaches less than 4 miles away
Outdoor recreation is Seminole’s biggest draw, as the city is surrounded by Lake Seminole, two bayous and Boca Ciega Bay, feeding into the Gulf waters. The 700-acre lake nearly splits the city in half and is a popular spot for boating and fishing. Seminole Lake Park sits on the lake’s eastern shores and offers hiking, boating and many picnic areas. The waterfront Boca Ciega Millennium Park is its biggest outdoor attraction, with an observation tower overlooking the bay, boardwalks and boat launches. It’s also a stop on the Great Florida Birding Trail. The 75-mile Pinellas Trail cuts through Seminole and is a favorite for joggers and cyclists, stretching from Tarpon Spring to St. Pete and connecting multiple communities. Proximity to beaches is also part of the city’s appeal. Redington Beach and Redington Shores are about 4 miles west. St. Pete Beach is approximately 9 miles away.
With many parks around Seminole you can have plenty of playground time with your kids.
Living in Seminole by the water offers you to be able to kayak or boat whenever.
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Diverse locally owned dining and Treasure Island Fun center
Shopping and dining options are clustered along Park and Seminole boulevards. Seminole is heavily focused on shopping locally, and most restaurants and stores are family-owned. Its cuisine spans Thai, Alabama-style barbecue to Mexican and fresh seafood joints. Seminole City Center is its biggest shopping plaza, with big box stores and a movie theater. “For date nights or fancier dinners out, most residents will head to Seminole City Center,” says Tumarkin. Most nightlife is along Highway 19, but those looking for more variety can reach Downtown St. Pete in about 12 miles. Treasure Island Fun Center has been a staple since 1967, with arcade games and children’s rides.
Oakhurst Plaza has restaurants & a grocery store for your shopping needs.
You can live where people vacation if you make Treasure Island, FL your new home near Seminole.
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Older cottages, 55-plus communities and waterfront mansions
Seminole offers many housing options, including ramblers and cottages in established subdivisions,55-plus condo communities and million-dollar waterfront mansions like those in Oakhurst Shores. Most homes were built in the 1960s and ‘70s, but a townhouse development, Seminole Isle, is being constructed on Lake Seminole. Seminole’s median single-family home price is $469,000. Prices are 2% lower than Tampa’s median. That said, newcomers can find a three-bedroom rambler or Key West-style bungalow starting in the mid-$300,000s, like those in Catalina Estates. This neighborhood is popular with families as it’s close to schools, shopping and parks. Mediterranean-style million-dollar mansions can be found in the gated community, The Bayou Club and near the waterfront in neighborhoods like Seminole Lakes Country Club.
Ranch-Style homes are one of the most common style homes in Seminole neighborhood.
New Modern-Style mansion are being built on the waters edge in Seminole Neighborhood.
Seminole has 55+ communities with personal villas.
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Top marks for Seminole's schools
Pinellas County Schools serves the area, which has an A-minus on Niche. With over 93,000 students, it’s the 7th-largest district in Florida and provides 260 STEM academies.
Bauder Elementary School has a covered waiting area near the bus line.
Seminole High School is home to the Warhawks & teaches grades 9-12th.
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The Pow Wow Festival & Parade is the city's largest and oldest event
Celebrated since 1967, Seminole’s Pow Wow Festival & Parade is its largest and oldest event. Attracting thousands every March, the event features a carnival, a large parade, live entertainment and traditional dances. Seminole Stampede has been a tradition for over 30 years. Held every April, the 5K winds through the Seminole Lake Park trail.
A subtropical climate that's vulnerable to hurricanes and flooding
Seminole has a humid subtropical climate with mild winters. Its coastal location makes it susceptible to hurricanes and flooding. In 2024, two major hurricanes struck the area within two weeks of each other, causing the most damage the city has ever sustained. Helene caused an estimated $15.6 million in home damage, and Milton resulted in nearly $9.3 million in damaged properties.
According to the Seminole Sheriff's Office’s 2023 report, total crime was up 7% from the year prior. Violent crimes were up 25%, and property crimes were up 3%.
About 24 miles from Tampa
Alternate U.S. Highway 19 cuts through Seminole’s lower half and center. State Road 694 runs through its northern half. “Residents have easy access to all the rest of Pinellas County by way of Park Boulevard and Park Street,” says Tumarkin. Tampa is about 24 miles east, Tampa International Airport is approximately a 21-mile drive, and St. Petersburg is about 13 miles away. Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority provides public transit to the area, with most routes along State Road 694.
Mashonda Smith is the consummate professional, an agent whose dedication to her clients has been winning over buyers, sellers and investors for more than seven years. From relocation consultations and first time buyers to those seeking the perfect vacation or dream home, each person she works with is treated with care and the highest level of personalized service.
The secret to Mashond’s lengthy track record of success lies in the firm belief that every client has a story and each opportunity to partner with a client is a privilege. “Buying a home is usually the largest investment a person makes,” says Mashonda. “It is life changing. I appreciate the trust of each client and I truly the cherish the opportunity to be a part of their life’s journey. I also want my clients to know that my services do not end with the closing. In the months and years between transactions, I remain dedicated to helping them enjoy where they live and understand future real estate options.”
Today, Mashonda specializes in homes, waterfront, downtown St. Petersburg and the surrounding communities. Working across all price ranges and property types, she is committed to working relentlessly on her clients’ behalf to help them achieve their goals while always doing right by them.
Originally from North Carolina, Mashonda graduated from the University of North Carolina with a bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies. After college, she was recruited by GTE and made the move to St. Petersburg to begin her career. After meeting her husband in 1999, they were married in July of 2001 and today are the proud parents of two children with another on the way. Mashonda enjoys giving back to her community through various efforts that benefit local non-profits and her church. She has been a board member for Clothes to Kids, advocate for The Next Stepp Center and was active member of the PTA board for 10 years where she was voted Pinellas County PTA President of the Year. When she is not working, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, baking, wine tasting and sharing good food, which of course includes Carolina BBQ. Mashonda is a member of Second Time Arounders Marching Band. She and her husband are currently building a new home in St, Pete, their third purchase in the area.
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