Talk:Indian Rocks Beach, Florida

Copyright problem removed
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Indian Rocks Beach in fiction
The fiction book 'Hit List' by Lawrence Block. Page 88-89 has a very intense fictional murder happen on the beach -in- Indian Rocks Beach. The fictional victim was staying at the Gulf Water Towers. Lots42 (talk) 20:29, 8 March 2012 (UTC)

Merger complete
✅ Information from Indian Rocks Beach Historical Museum has been merged into this article. NorthAmerica1000 01:57, 12 December 2014 (UTC)

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History
Throughout its history, Indian Rocks Beach has been considered a special place by those fortunate to discover it. Pioneer settler Harvey K. Hendrick, who arrived in Indian Rocks Beach around 1890, would remark years later, “I liked the place, I thought it was the most beautiful place on God’s green footstool, and I think so yet,”

Tocobaga Indians visiting in the 1500s found healing springs along with an abundance of sustaining fish and wildlife. Pioneer families came to settle the Indian Rocks area on the mainland, beginning in the mid-1800s. They were attracted by an abundant supply of fresh water, which the natural springs provided, a soil and climate suitable to agriculture, and the bountiful fishing opportunities offered by the Gulf of Mexico and bay waters.

In 1883, four men sailed southward from Cedar Key, exploring the gulf coast in search of the ideal spot to settle. Arriving in the “Narrows” where the old bridge was eventually built, they proclaimed, “This is it.” Of the party, J. H. Hendrick and L. W. Hamlin would homestead their chosen place, now known as Indian Rocks Beach. The barrier island became “Tampa’s playground” when the Tampa & Gulf Coast Railroad built a spur from the big city to the beach in 1914. Tampans flocked to their newly discovered beach paradise, seeking relief from the summer heat and the pressures of boom era city life. The beachfront retreats they built, ranging from cottages to grand beach homes, offered a slice of heaven to the vacationers.

Following World War II, a new generation of ex-G.I.’s and their baby boom families discovered the wonders of Indian Rocks Beach. The 1950s and ’60s saw creation of the longest fishing pier in Florida, and the biggest attraction of all, The Tiki Gardens, a multi-acre Polynesian paradise drew 300,000 visitors a year during its prime years.

The dream of owning a waterfront home became possible when dredge and fill operations created fingers of suitable land from a mangrove swamp. A cooperative community spirit gave Indian Rocks Beach an enduring cohesiveness that is so attractive to residents even today.

Winter residents, the snowbirds, arrived in the 1970s, filling the condominiums along the spectacular beach. Their presence bolstered the local economy and brought an influx of new ideas and tastes from around the country and the world.

Unspoiled white sand beaches, abundant wildlife, multiple local attractions and wholesome family atmosphere coupled with a diverse, colorful blend of people from all age groups, and classic old school houses, retro resorts, cottages, and businesses and restaurants gives Indian Rocks Beach its unique, eclectic “cottage” character. It is a mix that residents prize and visitors seek out year after year.