About the Old Southeast Neighborhood
The Old Southeast Neighborhood (OSE) is one of more than 100 recognized neighborhoods within the City of St. Petersburg, Florida. Located just south of downtown and along the western edge of Tampa Bay, OSE is known for its mix of historic charm, natural beauty, and walkable access to city life.
OSE is less than a 20-minute walk from downtown St. Petersburg, with the route taking you over Salt Creek, past marine businesses and Bayboro Harbor Marina, and through the University of South Florida St. Petersburg campus. This proximity allows residents to enjoy a quiet, residential setting without giving up access to restaurants, shops, art venues, and waterfront events.
To the east, the neighborhood borders Lassing Park, a peaceful bayfront green space with open views of Tampa Bay and year-round sunrise views. To the west, OSE stretches to 4th Street South, making the entire neighborhood highly accessible yet tucked away.
A Neighborhood with Character
The Old Southeast is a tight-knit residential area made up of around 500 homes, most of which are single-family residences. Many date back to the early 20th century, with construction peaks in the 1920s through the 1950s. A large number have been renovated or restored, adding to the charm and historic value of the neighborhood. It’s also common to see guest houses or garage apartments in the alleys behind homes, offering additional living space.
One of OSE’s most recognizable features is its colored hexagon block sidewalks, which are part of a city-designated hex block preservation district. These unique walkways are maintained by homeowners and supported by neighborhood initiatives. Many of the streets also retain original brick paving, which adds visual character and serves as natural traffic calming.
The neighborhood is lined with laurel oaks and palm trees, and many residents take pride in their landscaping. Colorful gardens and unique yard designs are everywhere, making OSE one of the most walkable and visually appealing areas in St. Pete. It’s also home to a flock of wild green parrots that have become part of the local identity.
Local Food, Community, and Art
While mostly residential, the neighborhood has a few local favorites within walking distance. These include:
- Old Southeast Market (3rd Street S & 17th Ave S)
- The Chattaway, a beloved casual restaurant and bar (4th Street S & 22nd Ave S)
The Old Southeast is also designated as an Artist Enclave, one of only two in the city. Many residents are artists working in various mediums, contributing to the neighborhood’s creative energy and frequent open-studio events.
Lassing Park: The Bayfront Anchor
At the heart of the neighborhood’s waterfront is Lassing Park, a 12.5-acre park that offers direct access to Tampa Bay. The land was originally donated to the city in 1924 by Judge Robert B. Lassing, with the promise that it would always be used for public recreation.
Today, the park is a favorite spot for:
- Fishing and paddle sports like kayaking and paddleboarding
- Kiteboarding during breezy days
- Sunrise watching, dog walking, and casual strolls
- Birdwatching, with regular sightings of pelicans, herons, and seasonal migratory birds
The city maintains the park regularly, with lawn care and storm cleanup. The OSNA volunteer team helps manage amenities like waste bag dispensers, generously supported by local businesses like Pet Food Warehouse.
Environmental Resilience
Lassing Park has experienced over 20 feet of shoreline loss at its northern end due to storm damage and sea level rise. In response, the City of St. Petersburg and Tampa Bay Watch launched a joint project in late 2021 to address erosion and protect the park’s future. This effort reflects the community’s commitment to sustainability and shoreline preservation.
A Hidden Gem in St. Pete
With its blend of historic architecture, lush yards, friendly neighbors, and easy access to both nature and the city, the Old Southeast Neighborhood stands out as one of St. Petersburg’s most unique and welcoming communities. Whether you’re visiting Lassing Park, grabbing a meal at a local spot, or admiring the public art and historic homes, OSE feels like its own little pocket of peace and creativity along Tampa Bay.
A Connected and Historic Community
The growth of St. Petersburg has led to a city made up of unique, character-rich neighborhoods. The Old Southeast Neighborhood stands out among them for its combination of architectural charm, community spirit, and strong ties to the bayfront park system that defines the city’s identity.
Established in the mid-1950s by developer C.A. Harvey, Old Southeast was built along the shores of Tampa Bay, with Lassing Park serving as its eastern border. This 12.5-acre park remains a major part of daily life in the neighborhood, offering scenic views, open green space, and a direct link to the water.
The neighborhood is also well known for its colored hexagon block sidewalks, arranged in patterns that run throughout the area. These historic walkways are preserved and maintained by homeowners and supported through the neighborhood’s hex block preservation district designation.
A Look at Old Southeast History
The Old Southeast Neighborhood began taking shape in the 1950s, when C.A. Harvey and A.F. Freeman of the Bayboro Investment Company purchased land east of 4th Street South. This land, bordered by Salt Creek, Booker Creek, and Bayboro Harbor, became the foundation for the neighborhood we know today.
One of the earliest homes in the area is now the Bayboro Bed & Breakfast, originally built by Mr. Henry, who lived on-site during the development phase.
Another major figure in OSE history was Judge Robert B. Lassing, who donated waterfront land to the city in 1924. His donation became what is now Lassing Park, with the stipulation that all future structures be used strictly for park-related purposes. The city expanded the park in 1926, 1944, and 1945, and officially dedicated it on January 8, 1942. Since then, the park has remained a treasured public space for both residents and visitors.
The Role of the Neighborhood Association
The Old Southeast Neighborhood Association (OSNA) is a volunteer-run nonprofit based in St. Petersburg, Florida. Its purpose is to connect neighbors, promote pride, and serve as a bridge between the neighborhood and city government.
OSNA is a registered 501(c)(3) organization, which allows it to receive tax-deductible contributions and apply for grant opportunities to support neighborhood improvements.
Our Mission
The mission of the Old Southeast Neighborhood Association is to:
- Unite residents in efforts to strengthen and improve the neighborhood
- Promote communication and cooperation among neighbors and nearby associations
- Represent the neighborhood in city matters and public discussions
- Create a forum to address issues raised by residents and property owners
All adult residents and property owners of the Old Southeast are welcome to become members of the association.
A Place for Everyone
OSNA is committed to being an inclusive and welcoming organization that reflects the diversity of the neighborhood. Residents of all backgrounds are encouraged to join, participate, and share their ideas.
The more voices the association hears, the better it can represent the true interests of the community. Events, decisions, and long-term plans are all shaped by feedback from neighbors who care about the future of Old Southeast.
If you live in or own property in the Old Southeast Neighborhood, we invite you to become a member of OSNA and take part in keeping this neighborhood connected, creative, and strong.
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 constitute the internal policy-making body of the Association. 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
- Lewis Evans
- Bryan Wholey
- Molly Wholey
Membership and Community Meetings
OSNA Membership Meetings
The purpose of the Membership Meeting is to inform the members of deliberations and actions by the Board of Directors and seek input from members on matters of interest. Meetings, open to active members, are determined at the discretion of the Board of Directors except for the Annual Membership Meeting (AMM) held in November of each year. Each Active member is entitled to one vote and a majority vote at a Membership Meeting where a quorum is present constitutes instruction, guidance, or action by the Board of Directors.
These meetings present an opportunity for members to directly question the Board and guide its work.
OSE Community Meetings
Held at least quarterly, with the date and time determined at the discretion of the Board of Directors, OSE Community meetings are open to active and associate members and residents of Old Southeast.
The purpose of the OSE Community Meeting is to inform the residents of Old Southeast of the activities of the Association, seek community input, and foster community spirit through social and neighborhood events open to members and Old Southeast residents.
Membership Benefits and Opportunities
- Participate in community social events organized by OSNA by attending or volunteering to help manage these fun and interesting experiences
- Have your voice heard on matters concerning the Old Southeast neighborhood
- Attend membership and community meetings organized by OSNA
- Vote on issues brought before OSNA membership meetings
- Become active in OSNA by joining the Board of Directors
- Take pride in being part of the organization that collaborates with the City Administration to improve the safety, environment, and livability of OSE