Neighborhood Partnership	Modified: Oct 2, 2008 09:07 AM

Jungle Terrace

There are approximately 3,000 single family residences in the Jungle Terrace Neighborhood. Many of the residential homes were built in the 1950s, 60s and 70s, featuring single story masonry block style two and three bedroom houses. Fascinating homes from the 1920's and earlier are found throughout the area reflecting area's rich history. Mansions selling for well over one million dollars can be found on the western edge of the neighborhood along Boca Ciega Bay. The neighborhood includes Tyrone Square Mall and much of the Tyrone shopping district. This is one of the most convenient locations in the City. We have major department stores and numerous restaurants nearby.

We have easy access to the beaches and I-275 is ten minutes away. Walter Fuller Park features a pool, the Ray's spring training camp, day care and after school care, summer camp programs, tennis and basketball courts, a BMX bike track, the Azalea Youth Soccer League, the Azalea Little League, playground, a walking track and a beautiful lake to observe wildlife. Abercrombe Park features wildlife and nature preserves and the Jungle Prada boat ramp provides easy access to Boca Ciega Bay. The Pinellas Trail traverses the center of our entire neighborhood.

History

Some historians have placed this area as the site where the first European explorers visited North America starting in 1528. Indian mounds dating back more than 2,000 years have been identified and one archeological dig is currently underway. In the early 20th Century, the Jungle Terrace area became one of the finest vacation destinations in Pinellas County. The Jungle Country Club (now the Admiral Farragut Academy) was built by Walter Fuller in 1925. The Jungle Prada complex (now the Saffron's Restaurant building) was built in 1924 where The Gangplank became St. Petersburg's first nightclub. Count Bassie and Duke Ellington played at the Gangplank and Babe Ruth was married there. During the prohibition era, there was a secret underground tunnel leading from the bay to Jungle Prada which was used by bootleggers. In the 1920's, the land where Tyrone Square Mall is now located was an airport. Al Capone and other notorious characters used the airport for easy access to the Jungle resort area. According to legend, Al Capone was a part owner of the Jungle Prada nightclub. Saffron's Restaurant claims that there is still an un-opened safe in the building that dates back to the Al Capone days.

One structure, 8318 37th Avenue North, has a colorful history. Built before 1912 by David Watts, a mining engineer who had migrated from England. David Watts married the daughter of Dr. Abercrombie, who was the first doctor in South Pinellas. They had no children and after the death of his wife, Mr. Watts was known as being quite eccentric and a recluse. He would not ride in an automobile and he would push a wheelbarrow up to the trolley line starting at the Jungle Prada to do his shopping in town. On returning, he would put his goods in his wheelbarrow and walk home. Mr. Watts' house was the only good dwelling in this area, there being some fisherman shacks along the South shore of the bay. He owned all of the property between 36th Avenue and 42nd Avenue. The house at that time, faced the water and had a fireplace at the end of the living room.

Mr. Watts wanted to will his property to the City of St. Petersburg, but the City was not willing to assume his debts. Upon his death, the property went to relatives living in England. Mr. Walter Fuller convinced the relatives to waive their rights to a piece of the property which is now known as Abercrombie Park. The use of the park was restricted to its being kept in its natural state with no automobiles allowed. The rest of the property, 36 Avenue to 42 Avenue, was sold by the relatives and plotted by a Mr. Hunter, Walter Fuller and Alpine Lucas. A Mr. Davis was the developer who plotted the lots in this section and put in the street at which time Mr. Watts' home was picked up and moved around to face the street. The home has been owned in succession by a Mr. and Mrs. Lovejoy, Mr. and Mrs. James Bruce and Mr. and Mrs. George H. Brown, III (September, 1967 - )

Organization

The Jungle Terrace Civic Association was formed in the early 1950's when the conversion from septic tanks to a City sewer system drew neighbors together to discuss the issue. Over the years, the Association has addressed a myriad issues that affect the quality of life in the neighborhood.

Boundary

Jungle Terrace Civic Association includes the area west of 66th Street to Boca Ciega Bay. The southern boundary is 22nd Avenue North and the northern boundary is the city limits line (generally, 40th Avenue North).

The Jungle Terrace Civic Association Web site