Neighborhood Partnership	Modified: Aug 13, 2008 06:35 PM

Maximo Moorings

Amenities/character

Stately trees in a wide landscaped median watch over one of the three entrances to this unique and inviting neighborhood.  Civic pride is evident in the manicured yards and cleanliness of the community.  Egrets, ibises, gulls, and other sea birds tiptoe across front lawns while songbirds rest in trees or soar overhead.  Convenient shopping abounds close by.  Within the neighborhood is Bay Pointe Plaza, containing Publix Supermarket, Beall's Outlet, West Marine, Portofino Italian Restaurant, Diamonds Direct, and many other shops and services.  Also within walking distance are Maximo Marina, Bay Moorings Animal Hospital, Mercantile Bank, Blockbuster, Gold's Gym, Radio Shack, New York Bagels and Bread, Orvee's Pet Center, and Beef O'Brady's Sports Caf.  A city recycling drop-off center is located on 54th Avenue South, across from the 41st Street South neighborhood entrance.  Maximo Moorings offers quick, convenient access to I-275, the Sunshine Skyway, Fort DeSoto, Eckerd College, St. Pete Beach, and Downtown St. Petersburg.

History

The Signature of Maximo Moorings, our focal point, is Fuller Circle. At the foot of the flag pole there is a brass plaque which is dedicated to Walter P. Fuller and was presented to our community by Morty and Babe Wolosoff, the developers of Maximo Moorings.

We wondered who Walter Fuller was and about his connection with the Wolosoff brothers. So, a few weeks ago we called Morty Wolosoff and had a most interesting conversation. Hes well over 80 new and splits his time between New York City in the summer and Palm Beach in the winter. He was pleased to share some of his early memories of our area, some of which go back almost forty years. Walter P. Fuller, he said, was the real estate broker who sold him and his brother a several hundred acre parcel of land, part of which became Maximo Moorings and part of which is now Dolphin Cay. During the course of their business transactions they became good friends. Their association indirectly resulted in the creation of Maximo Moorings Marina, which in turn launched our residential area. Heres how that all came about:

Mr. Wolosoff said he was being driven around the south side of St. Petersburg in about 1956 with a friend of Walter Fullers. Just incidently Mr. Fullers friend had recently purchased a new boat and needed to rent a boat slip. During the course of this ride they stopped at the only two marinas at the southern tip of 34th Street. Both of them told Mr. Fullers friends there were no empty slips for rent and that every marina in town was full and had a waiting list. Mr. Wolosoff said when he heard those comments a light flashed in his head and he immediately decided to develop his newly acquired land with a marina as the center piece. By the last 1950's the Maximo Moorings Marina was a reality and was billed as The Worlds largest Covered Marina. Dirt dredged from the bottom of the channel and from the dock area was used to fill low spots in the subdivision. Thus, the marina and the residential development fed on each other. They both prospered and both viable and vigorous today.

The original structure in the middle of Fuller Circle was a tall multi-level fountain arising from a large round pool at the base. Water was pumped up 30 to 40 feet high and splashed downward on overflowing dishes or platforms. It was illuminated with flood lights at night and was a pretty spectacular centerpiece. As time passed however, the cost of maintenance of the pool pumps and lights, the cost of electricity and water and the problem of water spray on cars on windy days caused the structure to be removed and replaced by our impressive flag pole.

We are proud to fly our nations flag on a 24 hour a day basis at our entry. And we are again indebted to Janie and Karl Hokanson, Maximo residents and proprietors of the Eagles Nest for their generous contribution on a new star-spangled banner now aloft in Fuller Circle. What a find feel-good symbol we have.

Architecture

The neighborhood is a mix of single family homes, condominiums, and villas.  As of this writing in August of 2008, single family homes cost between $200K and $300K off the water, with canal waterfront homes between $450K and $600K.  Villas and condominiums range from $75K to $150K. No undeveloped lots remain in the community.  Masonry construction is the norm with a mix of tile and shingle roofs. Decorative concrete walls are found, especially on homes built in the 1950's and 1960's.  Two-car garages are prevalent while one-car garages and carports also exist.  Sidewalks are found along 37th Street South and a portion of 50th Avenue South.  Pastel shades of peach, green, blue, yellow and mauve are popular.  There is an abundance of mature oaks, pines, and many varieties of palms.  Driveways are front-loading off the streets; alleys are absent.  Although the neighborhood is located within city limits, the feel is suburban mid-20th century modern.

Maximo Moorings Civic Association

There is a very active voluntary Civic Association that directs maintenance of entrances and Fuller Circle,  welcomes new residents, publicly recognizes beautification of homes, coordinates crime watch, sponsors community social gatherings, and publishes its newsletter, The Beacon.


Boundary

49th Avenue South to 54th Avenue South between 34th and 44th Street South.