| Indian Shores is one of the barrier island beach communities located in Western Pinellas County. It is bordered by Indian Rocks Beach to the North, Redington Shores to the South. Indian Shores is not only one of the Tampa Bay area's oldest beach settlement communities, but also one of the smallest. The beach community is but a block wide situated between the Gulf of Mexico and a portion of the Intracoastal Waterway known as the Narrows. The town's entire length measures but a mere 18 blocks. The town is named after an Indian tribe made the beach area its home. Legend has it a warrior chief from the Ocala area was on his deathbed when the tribe's Medicine Man described a place with mystical healing powers. Elder Braves of the tribe made the trek to what is now Pinellas County, carrying the old chief more than 90 miles to a narrow waterline along the Gulf of Mexico where the shores were lined with travertine rocks and boulders, some large as small houses. The Medicine Man directed the ailing chief to a healing spring where he allegedly drank from the waters and miraculously recovered. The tribe made an annual pilgrimage to the spring and eventually relocated there, hence the name Indian Shores. In 1883 a couple of sailors anchored at the island and purchased it for the sum of $25 from the land's only inhabitants, two brothers. The sailors quickly became developers. A bridge was built connecting the area to the mainland and development soon followed. The city incorporated in 1949 and quickly gained favor as a winter retreat for wealthy northerners. It is quite easy to indulge oneself in the resort-style lifestyle Indian Shores has to offer. The town may be one of the most sought after vacation destinations on the West coast of Florida. This waterfront community brims with personality as each winter the population doubles as seasonal residents return en masse to escape the frigid cold. The annual influx results in plenty of social interaction providing an active and vibrant lifestyle for residents and visitors alike. Centrally located, Indian Shores is away from the crowds yet close to everything and offers the rare combination of both convenience and tranquility. A variety of shops and restaurants located amid a number of seasonal and vacation rentals and condominiums contribute to this beach community's enriched lifestyle. Favored Suncoast activities, such as golf, can be found on a number of Pinellas County courses located within mere minutes of Indian Shores Lodgings include a wide selection and style of condominiums, motels, vacation rentals and time shares mixed with private homes and bungalows offering an idyllic Gulfcoast lifestyle. Indian Shores vacation rentals and condos are available to accommodate all lifestyles and budgets. A spectacular, lush shoreline with sparkling blue waters provides visitors and residents alike an extraordinary seaside experience. White Egrets and other exotic Florida species can often be spotted meandering across the well-manicured lawns found throughout Indian Shores. Indian Shores is home to the Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary. The nonprofit organization is dedicated to the "rescue, repair, recuperation and potential release" of rehabilitated, sick and injured wild birds native to the area. Species found along the Gulf coast can include cormorants, brown pelicans, egrets and more. The Sanctuary is open daily to the public and admission is free. An incomparable selection of luxury condos and vacation rentals make this seaside community the perfect locale in which to retire or reside in style. Look to CondoCompany.com for condominium or vacation rental needs. CondoCompany.com is the Web's definitive vacation rental, condo, investment property and real estate guide for Indian Shores. CondoCompany.com will help navigate your search for the perfect Suncoast vacation rental or condominium by providing the most up-to-date and complete information available. Start planning your Indian Shores vacation, dream home or condo rental with CondoCompany.com today. |
