Davis Islands (Tampa, Florida) | neighbourhood

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Davis Islands: Tampa's island suburb, was the dream of Dave Davis the "Florida version of the Great Gatsby." The son of a steamboat captain, Davis tried many jobs before choosing real estate just prior to the Florida Land Boom. With ruthless detremination and reckless regard to money, Davis convinced the City Fathers to allow him to dredge up the swampy islands at the entrance to the Hillsborough River.
He got the City Hospital and the top radio station moved to his island. On opening day, October 4, 1924, all 300 prepared lots sold for a $1,683,582 profit. The 40-year old widower lived and played hard, marrying the Gasparilla Queen, divorced her, and rewed her. When the Land Bust hit just $30,000 came in on four million dollars of payments. Banks began to seize his island hotels and villas. On October 10, 1926, Davis sailed for Paris with his friend detective Ray Schindler and his mistress Mrs Lucille Zehring, a Mack Sennett bathing beauty. He vanished at sea with no explanation.


Davis Islands and Harbour Island together make one of Downtown Tampa's most opulent residential areas. Davis Island contains more older and historical homes than the condominium-ridden Harbour Island to the east.