History & Architecture
Mediterranean bones, every era since.
Davis's company built a first wave of Mediterranean Revival homes, hotels, and apartment buildings before the boom collapsed and Davis himself was lost at sea in 1926. Development slowed in the 1930s, which is why the island today is an eclectic mix — 1920s originals beside mid-century ranches and recent custom builds.
Several original buildings, including the Palace of Florence and the Mirasol, carry historic designation. The Bay Isle Building at 238 East Davis Boulevard, designed by Tampa architect M. Leo Elliott and finished in 1925, still anchors the island's business district.
Daily Life
A village you can walk to.
The East Davis Boulevard village is the island's main street: restaurants, coffee, and everyday shops within a walk or bike ride of most homes. The Davis Islands Civic Association, a neighborhood nonprofit, runs community events and represents residents with the city.
- Davis Island Yacht Club — a private, member-owned club at the south end with sailboat racing, cruising, and youth sailing
- Marjorie Park Marina at 115 Columbia Drive, a city yacht basin named for Davis's wife
- A fenced dog park and dog beach near the south end of the island
- Waterfront paths popular with runners, walkers, and cyclists
- Tampa General Hospital on the island's north end
- Downtown Tampa, the Riverwalk, and Water Street just over the bridge
Homes
What's for sale on the island.
Inventory ranges from restored 1920s Mediterranean homes and mid-century houses on interior streets to newer custom construction and waterfront homes on canals or open bay. Condominiums and townhomes add options for buyers who want the island lifestyle with less upkeep.
Because the housing stock spans a full century, two homes a block apart can differ sharply in elevation, construction standards, insurance cost, and renovation history. The right comparables are rarely just the closest sales — that's where a careful pricing read matters most.
Good to Know
The airport and the water.
Peter O. Knight Airport, a general-aviation field run by the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority, sits on the south end of the island, alongside a seaplane basin. Proximity to the runway is worth considering when you compare homes on that end.
Davis Islands is low-lying land surrounded by water. During Hurricane Helene in 2024, storm surge covered the entire airfield. Flood zone, elevation, seawall condition, and insurance history belong at the top of every buyer's checklist here.
