During the first half of the 20th century, the island known as Cunningham Key was just another small spot of land in the pristine waters of southern Tampa Bay. In the 1960s, however, the Department of Transportation began to dredge bay bottom areas and create nearby roads and causeways. Cunningham Key became part of a causeway system connecting Tierra Verde to Fort De Soto. The site was originally filled as a work site for equipment and manpower used in the construction of the Bunce’s Pass Bridge to Ft. De Soto Park.
As time went on, Cunningham Key held a single family residence and their business, Rita’s Bait Shop. The area became a popular enclave for commercial fisherman and their vessels, as well as recreational boaters who would stop in to the bait shop for supplies. Over time however, the buildings, seawalls and land fell into disrepair, and eventually the business was abandoned. In 1997, the property was put up for sale.
Pinellas County and the State of Florida Greenways Program worked together to secure the Cunningham Key property with the goal of establishing it as the base for Tampa Bay Watch’s environmental protection and restoration programs. The property was purchased in 2000; and Tampa Bay Watch maintains a management agreement to implement its programs from Cunningham Key.
Temporary offices for Tampa Bay Watch staff members were built in 2002. The permanent facility, which includes staff offices, a large community center, a marine education center and USCG permitted lighthouse, was completed in 2005. Today, the facility stands as a testament to the power of vision combined with hard work, and represents a promise to preserve and enhance the beauty of our natural surroundings.
