About the Old Southeast Neighborhood
Nestled along the western shores of Tampa Bay, the Old Southeast (OSE) Neighborhood is one of more than 100 unique communities that make up the vibrant city of St. Petersburg, Florida. Rich in character, diversity, and natural beauty, OSE offers a rare blend of tranquil, coastal living just over a mile from the heart of downtown.
Our neighborhood enjoys a spectacular setting beside Lassing Park, a 12.5-acre waterfront gem stretching from 15th to 22nd Avenues SE. With unobstructed views of Tampa Bay, Lassing Park is a favorite spot for morning sunrises, casual strolls, fishing, games, and gathering with neighbors.
OSE spans from 4th Street S to Beach Drive SE, and from 15th Avenue SE to 25th Avenue S, where it borders the historic Driftwood community. A walk or bike ride from our quiet, oak-lined streets into downtown takes you across Salt Creek—past bustling marine repair shops, the Bayboro Harbor Marina, and the beautiful USF St. Petersburg campus—to a thriving district of restaurants, shops, and arts venues.
Our location also places us just 20 minutes from the Gulf beaches, making it easy to enjoy Florida’s best sunsets after a day in the city or on the water.
Whether you’re a long-time resident, new neighbor, or visitor, we welcome you to discover the charm, warmth, and connected spirit of the Old Southeast Neighborhood—where the sunrise greets the day, and community lives strong.
Neighborhood Character
Old Southeast is a welcoming residential enclave of about 500 homes, predominantly charming single-family residences built from the 1920s through the 1950s. Many of these historic gems have been thoughtfully renovated over the years, blending vintage character with modern comforts. Complementing these are accessory dwelling units tucked behind main homes or above garages, offering diverse living arrangements while preserving neighborhood integrity.
What truly sets OSE apart are our colored hexagonal sidewalks, lovingly maintained as part of our Hex-Block Preservation District. These vibrant walkways bring both beauty and context to our streetscape. Many avenues also feature brick roadways, not only adding visual interest but serving as gentle traffic-calming devices.
Our lush tree canopy includes majestic laurel oaks, a grand banyan tree on 19th Avenue SE, and a variety of palm species lining the streets. Vibrant yard displays and flowering landscapes are on proud display throughout the year. And don’t be surprised if you spot our resident flock of cheerful green parrots—they’ve become a neighborhood delight!
Cultural and culinary life is thriving here, thanks to two beloved local establishments: the Old Southeast Market at 3rd Street S & 17th Ave S, and The Chattaway restaurant & bar at 4th Street S & 22nd Ave S—both just a short walk from most homes.
OSE is also recognized as one of St. Petersburg’s two official Artist Enclaves, a testament to the creative spirit of its residents. From painters and sculptors to musicians, makers, and writers, our artistic community infuses the neighborhood with color, inspiration, and regular creative events.
All told, Old Southeast offers a harmonious blend of historic charm, lush natural beauty, cultural richness, and a vibrant, diverse community—making it one of the most distinctive and personal neighborhoods in St. Pete.
Lassing Park
In 1924, Judge Robert B. Lassing generously donated the waterfront land that became Lassing Park, stipulating it remain dedicated to public use. Over the next two decades, the City of St. Petersburg expanded the park to reach its current 14+ acres, officially dedicating it in 1942. Today, Lassing Park is meticulously maintained by the city—with mowed lawns, storm cleanup, and regular upkeep continuing its legacy of community enjoyment.
The park’s scenic promenade offers year-round views—from sunrise peeks over Tampa Bay to evening silhouettes of the downtown skyline and the distant “manatee” power station. From its shores, you’ll often see Coast Guard vessels navigating Salt Creek into Bayboro Harbor.
Lassing Park serves as a hub for water and land recreation. Launch paddleboards, kayaks, and dip toes for a serene paddle—while kiteboarders dance above the shallow waters on windy days. It’s a favorite route for dog walkers (dogs are required to remain on-leash, with waste stations maintained by OSNA volunteers). Early risers come for the unforgettable sunrises; anglers enjoy the calm fishing spots; and families picnic, play, and connect surrounded by lush birdlife—pelicans, herons, waders, and more.
The park is also home to a vibrant living shoreline restoration project, a collaboration of the City and Tampa Bay Watch. Starting in 2021, volunteers installed hundreds of oyster reef balls and shell bags to stabilize eroded shoreline, revitalizing nearly 700 feet of bayfront. The effort included planting coastal vegetation and was completed in spring 2023, heralding improved water quality and shoreline resilience.
Whether you seek peace by the water, outdoor recreation, or a chance to connect with neighbors and nature, Lassing Park remains a beloved and evolving community treasure.
Community Life in Old Southeast
As St. Petersburg has evolved, its unique neighborhoods have thrived—each boasting its own character, architectural charm, and strong connection to the city's beautiful parks and waterfront. Old Southeast is no exception.
Developed in the mid-1950s by C. A. Harvey, OSE is anchored to the east by Lassing Park, a scenic 14-acre waterfront haven on Tampa Bay. Stretching between 16th and 22nd Avenues SE, the park offers fishing, leisurely strolls, outdoor games, waterfront views, and close community gatherings—all enhanced by parkland rooted in Judge Lassing’s 1924 gift, which ensures its uses remain forever public.
What truly unites our neighborhood is its vibrant community spirit:
- Hexagon-block sidewalks define our streetscape and heritage—each homeowner maintains their segment as part of our historic Hex Block Preservation District, building both pride and architectural distinction.
- OSE is one of just two City of St. Petersburg Artist Enclaves, fostering creative vibrancy throughout the neighborhood with art walks, public installations, and local creative engagement.
- We organize popular Neighborhood Events year-round—like the Summer Social, cleanups, Easter Egg Hunt, plant swap, VFW Day of Service, and the Artist Raffle—that bring families and neighbors together.
- Our committees—ranging from Environmental & Resilience, Events, Communications, City Matters, Leadership, to the Artist Enclave—support vital neighborhood priorities and welcome volunteer participation from all residents.
- We maintain strong City partnerships, collaborating on grant-supported projects like the Tree Canopy Initiative, marina enhancements, and youth art events, enriching both life and infrastructure in OSE.
Old Southeast is not just a collection of homes, it’s a connected, inclusive, and evolving community. Whether you’re wandering our vibrant sidewalks, painting at dawn, building tree canopy, or simply chatting over a park bench, you’ll feel the warmth that defines our neighborhood. Join us—there’s always a place to contribute and belong.
History of Old Southeast
The story of Old Southeast begins in earnest in the mid-1950s, when visionaries C.A. Harvey and A.F. Freeman, operating under Bayboro Investment Co., acquired land east of 4th Street between 7th and 19th Avenues South—bordered by Salt Creek, Booker Creek, and Bayboro Harbor. Development took off with the construction of charming single-family homes, and early neighborhood fixtures such as Mr. Henry’s residence, now known as the Bayboro Bed & Breakfast—which still reflects the community’s residential roots.
The neighborhood’s connection to green space was set in motion even earlier, in 1924, when Judge Robert B. Lassing donated the first parcel of what would become Lassing Park, stipulating it remain for public park use only. The parkland was expanded in the following decades and officially dedicated in 1942, anchoring Old Southeast with unmatched waterfront access and views of Tampa Bay.
As the neighborhood matured through the 20th century, it became known for its mid-century architecture, hexagon-block sidewalks, and brick-paved streets, many of which remain today. These distinctive features, along with the neighborhood’s lush canopy and coastal location, contribute to its vintage charm.
A Community in Transition
As time has passed, some homes have outlived their useful life and have been demolished, making way for new construction. Today, you’ll see a blend of restored historic homes, fully renovated properties, and new custom-built residences offering modern design, updated amenities, and increased square footage. While gentrification has changed parts of the landscape, it has also introduced new energy and architectural diversity to the neighborhood.
The mix of old and new is now part of the character of Old Southeast—where 1950s cottages with original terrazzo floors sit alongside sleek, modern homes. Many residents have embraced restoration efforts, breathing new life into older structures while preserving their historic charm.
Throughout its evolution, Old Southeast has maintained its identity as a warm, eclectic, and artistically vibrant community—rich in heritage yet open to thoughtful progress.
OSNA – Old Southeast Neighborhood Association
The Old Southeast Neighborhood Association (OSNA) is a volunteer organization in St. Petersburg, FL which aims to connect neighbors, promote community pride, foster communication, and encourage cooperation between the city and its residents. It is registered with the Florida government as a non-profit corporation entity which status includes federal tax exemption and eligibility to receive charitable contributions.
Mission
The mission of OSNA, as embodied in the Association’s Bylaws, is to:
- Unite neighbors in an association dedicated to improving the area known as The Old Southeast.
- Promote community pride, communication and cooperation between neighbors and other neighborhood associations.
- Act as a representative voice for neighbors before local municipalities and their departments.
- Provide a forum for addressing issues that affect the neighborhood or are raised by members.
All adult residents and property owners of the Old Southeast are eligible for membership. Residents include both owners and renters living within the neighborhood.
The Old Southeast Neighborhood Association is committed to being an inclusive organization that reflects the diversity of this community. All residents are welcome to join the Association and contribute toward its vision, strategies, organization, and events. OSNA is stronger and better able to fulfil its purposes when well informed of the community’s interests and concerns, and is more representative when it requests, receives, and respects input from all neighbors irrespective of identity.
If you are a resident or property owner of the Old Southeast Neighborhood, please join the Old Southeast Neighborhood Association.
Board of Directors
OSNA is managed by Board of Directors which shall consist of no fewer than seven persons and no more than 13 persons who must be Active members of the Association. The Board of Directors collectively constitutes the internal policy-making body of the Association. The Board of Directors’ members are elected annually to fill any open positions for the upcoming year at the Annual Membership Meeting in November.
The Officers of OSNA shall be a President, a Vice President, a Secretary, and a Treasurer. They are selected annually from within the members of the Board of Directors at a meeting of the newly composed Board of Directors following the Annual Membership Meeting. Officers serve for a period of one year.
2025 OSNA Board:
- Haley Knight - President
- Sheila Monahan - Vice President
- Naomi Rutenberg - Secretary
- Fonda Sabin - Treasurer
- Mindy Brown
- Gilda Marchant
- Annie Johnson
- John Johnson
Interested in Joining the Board?
We welcome and encourage active OSNA members to consider joining the Board of Directors. If you’re interested, simply email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. expressing your interest, and a board member will follow up with you. The formal application window typically opens in August/September, at which point candidates are considered through our Nominating Committee. The proposed slate is presented by October 1st, with final certification of new board members taking place at our Annual Membership Meeting in November. It’s a simple and inclusive process — and a great way to get involved, give back, and shape the future of the Old Southeast Neighborhood Association. We welcome all active members to participate!
OSNA Neighborhood Committees
Old Southeast is a community built not only on charming homes and lush parks—but on active, passionate neighbors who care deeply about the place we call home. While the OSNA Board provides structure and oversight, the real magic happens through our neighborhood committees.
These resident-led groups focus on specific topics and interests, offering hands-on opportunities to shape the neighborhood—without requiring the time commitment of serving on the board. Each committee works alongside OSNA leadership, providing input, proposing ideas, and organizing activities that reflect what neighbors want to see in Old Southeast.
We are proud to say that it’s our committee volunteers—the boots on the ground—who turn ideas into action.
Whether you're new to the neighborhood or a long-time resident, there’s a place for you to contribute, collaborate, and connect. Check out our active committees below and consider getting involved:
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OSE Events Committee – Let’s Make Magic Happen!
Create unforgettable neighborhood moments with:
• Summer Social, Holiday Parties, FunRaiser
• Neighborhood Clean-ups, CareFest, and more!
“Bring your ideas, energy, and creativity—this team makes fun happen.”
Communications Committee – Help Us Share Our Story!
Craft the voice and visuals of OSE through:
• Newsletters, social media, and Photography
• Website content, Graphic Design, and Local Stories
“Your voice matters—let's stay connected and informed.”
Leadership Committee – Step Up, Make a Difference!
Help grow future leaders of OSNA:
• Recruit and mentor new board members
• Organize membership meetings and guide the election process
• Define and certify voting eligibility and procedures
• Seeking past OSNA Board Members to serve as mentors, guides, or advisors—your experience is invaluable to shaping our future leadership
“Build a strong future for our neighborhood through thoughtful leadership.”
City Matters Committee – Stay Informed, Stay Involved!
Be the link between OSE and city happenings:
• Monitor CONA, Salt Creek projects, and Innovation District
• Track City Council activity and development news
“Your attention and advocacy ensure OSE’s voice is heard in city decisions.”
Artist Enclave Committee – Showcase Your Creativity!
Support and celebrate our local artists:
• Coordinate the Artist Tour, Marketing, and community involvement
• Maintain artist autonomy and foster creative growth
“Whether you create or just appreciate—your help keeps the arts alive.”
Environmental & Resilience Committee – Protect What We Love!
Preserve OSE’s natural beauty and future resilience:
• Lead tree planting, shoreline projects, and stormwater management
• Champion sustainability at Lassing Park and throughout OSE
“ Your actions today nurture our neighborhood for generations to come.”
No experience required—just your interest and a little time. These committees are your chance to connect with neighbors, influence the future, and have fun while doing it.
Ready to join? Contact us or come to the next community meeting—we’d love to welcome you into one of these incredible teams.
On Saturday, October 26, 2024, 10am – 4pm OSNA will be sponsoring the Old Southeast Artist Enclave Tour! Come see why the City of St. Petersburg named our Old Southeast neighborhood an official Artist Enclave where artists can create and market their arts or crafts!
Join other Old Southeast neighbors - and art lovers from all across the bay - for this exciting event! The tour is self-guided, and there is no fee. Pick up your map on the day of the event at the information tent in The Chattaway parking lot. Maps will also be available at each studio participating in the tour.
Volunteers are also needed for this fabulous OSE event. Reach out to OSNA if you'd like to get involved handing out maps, placing signs, help out artists showcase their work, and more!