A Brief History of Corey Avenue St. Pete Beach
"Originally just a thoroughfare connecting St. Petersburg with Pass-a-Grille, the area on St. Petersburg Beach immediately south of the Corey Causeway would, in time, become a destination of its own... Over the years, many businesses would come and go, but several of the earliest continue into the 21st century."
Corey Avenue wasn’t always the lively hub of St. Pete Beach that it is today. In 1936, this stretch of land between the present-day Beach Theatre and the Corey Causeway was nothing more than a mangrove swamp. It was wild, untamed, and seemingly impassable. But where others saw an obstacle, The Upham Company saw an opportunity.
As sales agents for International Realty Associates and the First National Bank of Tampa, The Upham Company believed Corey Avenue could be more than a roadway—it could be the heart of a thriving beachside community. They envisioned a vibrant corridor leading visitors and residents to the shores of St. Pete Beach, lined with bustling businesses and inviting storefronts.
When property owners declined to take on the project, Upham took matters into their own hands. They purchased the land, filled the swamp, and paved the street, creating a foundation for what would become one of the most cherished areas in the region.
On February 13, 1937, Corey Avenue officially opened with great fanfare. A motorcade made its way down the brand-new street as local leaders and dignitaries gathered for the dedication. Among those present were Mayor Smith of St. Petersburg, Mayor Deacon of Pass-a-Grille, and Mrs. Jack Corey, whose husband gave his name to the causeway. Even Mrs. William L. Edison, daughter-in-law of the famous inventor, stood among the crowd to witness the moment.
With the road complete, the next step was building a commercial center that would define the character of Corey Avenue for generations to come. The first building was constructed at the northeast corner of Corey Avenue and Blind Pass Road in May 1937, and from there, the avenue quickly took shape. Shops and services filled the storefronts—clothing stores, shoe and accessory boutiques, a hardware store, a pharmacy, a fruit market, restaurants, bars, and even a theater. The vision of a thriving beachside district had become a reality.
Over the decades, Corey Avenue has evolved, but its spirit remains unchanged. While businesses have come and gone, the street has always been a gathering place for locals and a discovery point for visitors. Today, it continues to be the heart of downtown St. Pete Beach, offering a charming mix of boutiques, galleries, restaurants, and entertainment. Whether you’re searching for a unique souvenir, enjoying a leisurely meal, or simply strolling past its historic storefronts, Corey Avenue invites you to experience the perfect blend of past and present.
As this region continues to grow, Corey Avenue remains deeply connected to its rich history. The Corey Area Business Association was formed to promote the interest of businesses and nearby residents alike. Landmarks like the historic Beach Theatre, along with the avenue’s timeless shops and eateries, keep the spirit of old Florida alive while embracing new energy. Whether you’ve been coming here for years or are visiting for the first time, Corey Avenue makes you part of its story—a story built on vision, community, and the enduring charm of St. Pete Beach.
Throughout its history, Corey Avenue has remained the heart of downtown St. Pete Beach, continually evolving while preserving its unique charm and serving as a vibrant center for commerce and community life.
A Timeline of Corey Avenue Development
1936: The Upham Company, serving as sales agents for International Realty Associates and the First National Bank of Tampa, envisioned transforming the mangrove swamp between the present site of the Beach Theatre and the end of the Corey Causeway into a thriving business district. After property owners declined their proposal, the company independently purchased the lots, filled the swamp, and paved the street.
February 13th, 1937: Corey Avenue was officially opened with a grand celebration, including a motorcade and speeches by local dignitaries such as Mayor Smith of St. Petersburg and Mayor Deacon of Pass-a-Grille.
May 1937: The first building on Corey Avenue, constructed by The Upham Company at the northeast corner of Corey Avenue and Blind Pass Road, was completed and immediately occupied. This marked the beginning of Corey Avenue’s transformation into a bustling commercial hub, featuring clothing stores, shoe and accessory shops, a drug store, hardware store, theater, restaurants, bars, and even a fruit company.
1957: The city was incorporated with the consolidation of the towns of Pass-a-Grille, Don CeSar, Belle Vista, St. Petersburg Beach, and unincorporated Pinellas County to become the “City of St. Petersburg Beach.”
1984: Corey Avenue became part of local film history when scenes from Summer Rental, starring John Candy, were filmed in St. Pete Beach. The historic Beach Theatre was used for an interior scene during production.
1994: The citizens voted to shorten the city’s name to “St. Pete Beach” to lessen confusion with the City of St. Petersburg, located on the mainland to the east.
2024: Delray Beach-based real estate developer Kolter Urban acquired 4.5 acres of waterfront property on St. Pete Beach, with plans to develop a mixed-use residential project on the site dubbed “Corey Landing.”
2025: After more than a decade of dormancy and surviving two devastating Hurricanes, the historic Beach Theatre on Corey Avenue reopens, bringing renewed energy to the district.
Also, the Corey Landing mixed-use development receives unanimous approval by St Pete Beach City Council, to begin construction in 2026. The 133-unit luxury condominium project will include over 11,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space, a public park, kayak launch, and water-taxi dock — marking a new era of investment and community connection for the Corey Avenue District.
2026: The Corey Area Business Association releases This is Corey Avenue: A Mini Documentary—15-minute short film featuring local business owners and showcasing the resilient community spirit that helped bring the street back to life after the 2024 hurricane season. The film reveals the resilience, character, and community that makes Corey Avenue unique.
Learn More About St. Pete Beach
Corey Avenue has been a cornerstone of St. Pete Beach’s history, evolving from a mangrove swamp into a thriving business district. As the community continues to grow, its past remains an essential part of its identity. Dive deeper into the rich history of Corey Avenue and explore historic photos, stories, and more by visiting Pinellas Memory Online Archive.
