Pinellas is derived from the Spanish words Punta Pinal meaning point of pines. It was an accurate description for this area when it was discovered by Panfilo de Narvaez in 1528, 36 years after Columbus arrived in the Caribbean and 37 years before the founding of the city of St. Augustine.

Clearwater is the County Seat, St. Petersburg is the largest city with a population of 248,232, and Tarpon Springs was the first incorporated city in 1887. Pinellas is Florida's second smallest county in land mass, larger only than Union County.

Pinellas County is 38 miles long, and 15 miles at it's broadest point, for a total of 280 square miles. 587 miles of coastline. It is the 2nd smallest county in the State of Florida.

For swimming, boating and fishing, you can't beat Pinellas County's 35 miles of powdery white beaches and nearly 588 miles of coastline. And, with an average of 361 days of sunny weather each year, you can enjoy the surf, sun and sand just about whenever you would like. Two of the top ten beaches in the nation are located in Pinellas County (Fort De Soto Park who won best beach in 2006 and Caladesi Island State Park)

Pinellas County parks department maintains 4,242 acres of the county's most beautiful examples of pristine Florida landscapes. Sun-drenched beaches, tranquil lakes, and lush emerald green expanses of native habitat along with playgrounds, learning centers, and convenience facilities provide park visitors immeasurable opportunities for relaxation and recreation! In addition, Pinellas County has 15,525 acres of preserves. Over 467,000 people are currently employed in our county, and our median household income is $41,945.