Old Tampa Bay
There is a one-mile shoreline pathway where you can take in the view of Old Tampa Bay.
2525 Philippe Parkway in Safety Harbor, Florida. The park was acquired in 1948 making it the oldest park in Pinellas County.
- Indian Mound
- Odet Philippe’s Gravesite
- Restrooms
- Picnic Shelters (reservable)
- Fishing
- Boat Ramp (fee charged)
- Playgrounds (2)
- Softball Field
Count Odet Philippe
Count Odet Philippe introduced citrus as well as cigar making to Tampa Bay. The park was part of the original Philippe plantation (1842 – 160 acres) and several citrus trees still remain. His descendents include the McMullen and Booth families (for whom McMullen-Booth Road is named) who are among the county’s most well known pioneers. Count Philippe died in 1869 and was buried on his plantation, which is now within the park grounds. However, the exact location of the grave site is not known.
His Grave Marker Inscription states:
Odet Philippe
Born Lyon, France 1787
Died at this Site 1869
As the first European
settler in Pinellas County
he established St. Helena
Plantation, now Philippe Park
Philippe was the first
to cultivate grapefruit
in Florida and introduced
cigar making to Tampa
His descendants populated
this frontier. He was
said to be a doctor
and of noble birth
One BEAUTIFUL Park
(Photos by RSheridan)
CRAVESAdventure 