Neighbors gather for a Thanksgiving in the park. Florida Poet Laureate Peter Meinke, standing, is a longtime Driftwood resident.
It’s easy to see why Driftwood is special while taking a stroll with
Laurie Macdonald, a resident for nearly 30 years. We don’t make it
far without stopping to chat with a familiar face. She explains that
sought to protect architectural style elements.
“Our residents are concerned about preserving the integrity of
the main threats is that developers tend to clear-cut properties
when building a new home. From what we’ve seen built here over
the years, lots in Driftwood can accommodate eclectic homes
compatible with the scale and character of the neighborhood.”
in owning property in a historic district. Owners can take advantage
of tax breaks and exceptions from modern rules that are impractical
to enforce when improving older properties. National data also
indicates that property values in historic districts outpace the
market and tend to be more stable in downturns.
Through boom and bust, Driftwood grew from unusual beginnings
into a place unlike anywhere else in the city. With continued care
and an eye toward its past, it will continue as a hidden jewel, nearby
To see a short video on Driftwood, go to
at http://www.stpete.org/neighborhoods/
NEIGHBORHOODS
Driftwood founder was renowned artist
In a city full of museums and resident artists, Mark Dixon Dodd was
he designed 19 homes in Driftwood, each with a painting to hang
remain and many owners still display their original Dodd paintings.
Dodd, too, remained in St. Pete. He opened an art school, was a
he died here in 1952. We can thank Dodd for his role in nurturing St.
Pete’s early art community.
a Driftwood home. Photo/Laurie Macdonald
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