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.