When settlement began in Pass-a-Grille in the 1890s, all commerce came through the bayside dock located at the end of 8th Street, later renamed 8th Avenue. In 1902, Joseph E. Merry built a store on the end of the dock, where he rented boats and sold bait, groceries, and tools. Ferry services began operation from the pier by 1905. They brought visitors across Tampa Bay, as Pass-a-Grille was only accessible by water until 1919. Thousands of tourists walked the pier each year, and took advantage of Pass-a-Grille’s beaches and legendary fishing. As a result of the pier’s popularity, commercial development centered on 8th Street. Ripley’s Believe It or Not! dubbed it "America’s shortest and most beautiful Main Street.” When Pass-a-Grille incorporated in 1911, there were approximately twenty homes, five stores, three hotels, and a restaurant. Many of the original structures still exist, contributing to the overall character and atmosphere of Pass-a-Grille. Wilson Hubbard took over the pier’s lease in the 1950s, and he chartered boats from the pier for fishing parties. The pier was briefly known as Hubbard’s Pier, until it was rededicated in 1981 as the Merry Pier. It remains a popular fishing destination.
Slide toward Today to fade the historical sheet and see the modern map underneath.