St. Petersburg, Florida

Known for its pleasant climate and inviting gulf coast waters, St. Petersburg has always attracted sun lovers in search of their own piece of paradise.

As with many Florida cities nestled next to the Gulf of Mexico, St. Petersburg has experienced growth and change that has left few reminders of the once easy-going lifestyle that defined the city. As early as 1905, the city of St. Petersburg began creating postcards to attract not only tourists, but also business-minded individuals seeking an opportunity to take part in the area's growth. Depicting the area's beloved beaches and other sources of natural beauty, as well as a number of local businesses, these surviving postcards offer a glimpse of St. Petersburg in a golden age that is often forgotten. St. Petersburg, Florida: A Visual History by local author Wynelle Deese revisits a treasured time in St. Petersburg's past through the vintage postcards of this fascinating Florida destination. The images depicted in these postcards allow readers to travel back to the St. Petersburg of the early 20th century and relive the early innocence of the Sunshine City.