From Clearwater to Tampa...a Little History of The Courtney Campbell Causeway

In the late 1920s, Ben T. Davis, a direct descendent of President Jefferson Davis of the Confederacy, wanted to shorten the journey between Clearwater and Tampa. Although the Gandy Bridge had been built between St. Petersburg and Tampa, there was no direct connection between central Pinellas County and Tampa.

From 1927 to 1934, Captain Davis (formerly a Steamboat Captain) worked on the Causeway when his company had no other dredging work to do. The Causeway cost $900,000 to build (including the two bridges since one was demolished by a hurricane). It opened on June 28, 1934 with a 25-cent toll for a car and driver. The Davis Causeway was the longest over-water fill across an open body of water in the country. In 1944, as part of the war effort, the federal government seized control, paid $1,085,861 for the road and transferred ownership to the State of Florida. In 1948, it was renamed the Courtney W. Campbell Causeway after the Florida Road Board member and US Congressman (and Clearwater Beach resident). This recognition came because of his work effecting major repairs and beautification, including his much-copied wayside park system.

Renaming the road created the means for a converted parkway with extensive landscaping including the native vegetation that grows today. Now, more than 50,000 commuters traverse the Causeway daily.

Picnic shelters, tables and rest areas along the Causeway reflect the casual lifestyle of visitors to mid-1900's parkways. A public boat ramp on the north side of the Causeway affords opportunities for fishing, sightseeing or water skiing in Tampa Bay. The Ben T. Davis Municipal Beach rests on the eastern (Tampa) border of the Causeway and an unnamed beach owned by the FDOT borders the west end of the Causeway.

Access roads along the north and south side of the Causeway provide a linear pedestrian walkway and bike trail. Small bridges allow for fisherman to take advantage of the multitude of flounder, redfish, sheepshead, snook, and spotted seatrout in the bay.

Heading East on the Courtney Campbell. That's Tampa ahead.

Palm trees line the causeway.

Looking South into Tampa Bay.

Getting closer to Tampa.

Not a bad drive for a January afternoon.

Not too far from Ben T. Davis Beach and Rocky Point.

The start of Ben T. Davis beach on the right.