Old Southeast

Located within a few minutes’ drive of downtown St. Petersburg, is the neighborhood of Old Southeast. It is bordered by 15th Avenue S.E. and Salt Creek to 25th Avenue S., between Fourth Street S. and Tampa Bay. The neighborhood of Old Southeast was developed in earnest in the earliest part of the 20th century by developer C.A. Harvey and A.F. Freeman’s Bayboro Investment Co.

Hexagonal Sidewalks

Here you will find a neighborhood of predominantly bungalow style homes, but with a mixture of other architectural styles as well. Many blocks have retained their charm with red brick streets, lush tree canopies, tropical plantings, granite curbs, and colorful hexagon block sidewalks. The hexagon blocks, arranged in patterns and running throughout the neighborhood, are considered such a significant attribute of Old Southeast, that they are protected in a hex block preservation district.

The crown jewel of the neighborhood is Lassing Park, overlooking Tampa Bay, from 16th to 22nd Avenues Southeast.  The waterfront land was donated to the city in 1924 by an early resident of Old Southeast, Judge Robert B. Lassing. His donation was made with the covenant that the land be used for the creation of a public park and beach, and that only structures for public enjoyment were to be constructed.

Lassing Park

Lassing Park offers visitors and residents a quiet park and beach that are perfect for relaxing, fishing, walking your dog, having a picnic or playing sports on the field, and all with a spectacular view of Tampa Bay! The water here is popular with kayakers and paddle boarders, and the off-shore sand bar is terrific for searching for shells. Because Lassing Park is nestled in a mostly residential neighborhood, it is not as well-known as some of the waterfront parks of Downtown, and Historic Old Northeast, and therefore it tends to be quieter and less crowded.

Things To See & Do in Old Southeast

Lassing Park - 14.2 acres of waterfront park & beach with spectacular views of downtown and Tampa Bay!

Old Southeast Community Garden - landscaped with nature in mind. It survives on natural rainfall and soil nutrients.

Old Southeast Market - This market is a local favorite that offers fresh produce, groceries, coffee, made-to-order deli sandwiches, and much more.

Thrill Hill - If you’re from the burg, you know Thrill Hill! It is a small but steep creek overpass that is a local landmark.  Drive over it at the speed limit, and you get the sensation of a mini-roller coaster. Go any faster and expect to go airborne. Thrill Hill is on 3rd Street S., just as you enter the Old Southeast neighborhood.