This image is the cover for the book Hidden History of St. Petersburg, Hidden History

Hidden History of St. Petersburg, Hidden History

City historian Will Michaels explores a wide swath of hidden history in one of Florida's largest cities.


Florida is one of the most visited places in the world, and one of its most visited cities is St. Petersburg. But there's a lot more to the "Sunshine City" than pristine beaches. During his travels to sunny St. Pete, James Brown discovered local jazz artist LeRoy Flemmings Jr. Doc Webb's World's Most Unusual Drug Store attracted customers and spectators from afar. Babe Ruth's longest home run ever was launched from the city. William Straub had a great vision for the area's treasured waterfront park system, and the historic Vinoy Hotel was instrumental in launching the downtown renaissance.

Will Michaels

Will Michaels has served as executive director and trustee of the St. Petersburg Museum of History, president of St. Petersburg Preservation, vice-president of the Carter G. Woodson Museum of African American History and a member of the City of St. Petersburg Community Planning and Preservation Commission. He is also the author of The Making of St. Petersburg and a regular contributor to the Northeast Journal.

The History Press