PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF GULFPORT HISTORICAL MUSEUM
The fate of what we now know as Gulfport
changed for the better, thanks to the extension
of St. Petersburg’s trolley line. The trolleys
traveled to Gulfport in order to transport people
to the end of the little town’s newly constructed
700-foot-long dock. The dock was even equipped
with electric lights, which in 1905, was quite
impressive. Passengers disembarked there in
order to board a boat; which, due to the lack of a
bridge across the Bay, was the public transportation that was
available to take them to Pass-A-Grille and its nearby beaches.
In 1906, a year after the completion of “the Electric Dock,”
as it became known, the first predecessor of today’s Gulfport
Casino was constructed near the end of the bridge, where it was
easily accessible to the customers disembarking at the trolley’s
“Dock and Spa” stop. The two-story way station, or resting
place, which extended over the water and was supported
by pilings, served as a welcome, resting and gathering place
for travelers and locals alike. It’s first floor housed a U.S.
Post Office, as well as places to purchase ferry tickets, post
cards, souvenirs, refreshments and tobacco. The second floor
contained an open pavilion, as well as a dance floor, a stage,
and even an apartment to house the couple who oversaw the
operation. The “Dock and Spa,” “Casino,” or “Gulf Casino,”
as it was called in its early history, became the area’s town
center. Gulfport’s First Methodist Church met there before its
permanent facility was built. Important meetings took place
there, including one in 1910, that resulted in the incorporation
of the agricultural, fishing and trolley stop supported area
into the official town of Gulfport. The trolley, dock and casino
had finally helped put Gulfport on the map.
By 1921, the Casino had become completely ingrained
in the lives of Gulfport’s residents and visitors. They were
devastated when the Casino, the town’s main center of
activity, was completely destroyed during the hurricane of
1921. I say, “the,” because it was by far the worst recorded
hurricane of the Tampa Bay area’s history.
The leaders of Gulfport wasted no time in rebuilding a
replacement for their beloved Casino. The town’s second
one, while not as well-built as the first, was closer to the land.
Within three years, the town’s new Casino was completed and
ready to host eager dancers, partygoers and town leaders.
By 1934, automobiles, which had taken over the trolley’s
popularity, brought visitors to the dock, its casino and to
board the ferry boats to the beaches. The town fathers felt
Gulfport’s original
1906 Casino served
as the trolly stop,
boat dock and way
station, as well as
social gathering
place.
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF GULFPORT HISTORICAL MUSEUM
The next 1924 Casino was a hastily-built substitute for the first, but was just
as popular and important to Gulfport’s economy and activities.
that the time had come to replace and upgrade their hurriedly
erected Casino of 1924.
The Casino you asked about is the result of their efforts. Today
it is called the Gulfport Casino Ballroom, and considered to be
the “Jewel of Gulfport.” It has been refurbished, improved, and
equipped with many amenities since its 1934 debut.
The 10,000 square-foot, smoke-free Gulfport Casino Ballroom
features the original 5,000 square-foot 1930s’ era solid Canadian
white maple hardwood dance floor, which is elegantly lit with
chandeliers. It has an adjacent band shell stage, a state-of-theart
sound system, plus a full-service bar and a well-equipped
catering kitchen. There is even a party-sized verandah, as well as
an alfresco deck that overlooks Boca Ciega Bay. The Casino also
is equipped with eight slips for boat dockage to accommodate
people arriving by water, plus ample complimentary parking for
those coming in cars.
The Gulfport Casino Ballroom is available for a great variety
of social and corporate events, including weddings, receptions,
private parties, dances, concerts, fundraisers, community
events, trade shows, seminars, auctions and almost anything
you can imagine, including dance lessons. It has the capacity to
accommodate 50 to 750 guests in its open, highly flexible space,
or 400 when tables are set up for dining.
Gulfport’s venerable Casino has been an important asset for
over a century and throughout each of its incarnations. It was
deservedly designated the first “Local Historic Landmark” by the
Gulfport’s Historic Preservation Committee and, more recently,
added to the National Register of Historic Places. The venerable
Casino continues to serve as the Gulfport community’s major
anchor. 9
EDITOR’S NOTE: If you have any questions about the people, places
or things in the Tampa Bay area, please send them to “Ask Margaret” at
Tampa Bay Magazine, 2531 Landmark Drive, Suite 101, Clearwater,
Florida 33761. We regret that not all questions can be answered.
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015 TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE 125