Palmetto Beach Neighbors

Palmetto Beach

Since its beginnings in 1867, historic Palmetto Beach has established itself as a neighborhood rich in history, culture and diversity.

It's one of Tampa's true jewels. Its location offers a central position on the outskirts of Tampa’s urban core.

It is flanked by Ybor City to the North, Brandon to the Southeast, Downtown & Channelside to the West and sparkling McKay Bay to the East.

For families and young professionals seeking homes shoulder to shoulder with Tampa's central business district, Palmetto Beach offers a special attraction.

"The Beach" is home to one of the best public parks Tampa has to offer, Desoto Park. Desoto Park allows its residents to enjoy the bay front along with a full sports complex, swimming pool, as well as a skate park and community pavilion. This landmark has been Palmetto Beach’s main gathering point for most community functions throughout its existence. In fact it dates back to President Teddy Roosevelt camping out with his Rough Riders on the site where the park sits now prior to heading off to battle in Cuba during the Spanish-American War.

Across from Desoto Park is Desoto Elementary School one of Tampa’s first public schools. Desoto has just recently been restored and improved both physically & academically. It's the result of a multi-year effort by the mayor's office, the county school board and the local community. Fortunately for the residents of Palmetto Beach it is a school that has a smaller capacity than most public schools. That ensures parents that their children have smaller class sizes to allow more attention from their teachers.

Palmetto Beach residents enjoy more than one beautiful vista. Tampa's downtown skyline rises to the west. Colorful McKay Bay stretches off to the east. All it takes is a single stroll down Bermuda Boulevard -- you'll fall in love with this hidden gem.

When you visit, or meet someone that is from here, you will notice a great sense of neighborhood pride. With all this community has to offer, it is easy to see why.

Meet the PBCA Board

Jennifer Willman - President
Jennifer is a Project Manager for Jacobs in Tampa. She has a a Bachelors degree in Geography from the University of South Florida, and a Masters degree in Community & Regional Planning from the University of Maryland. She is a certified planner and member of the American Planning Association.  Previously, she worked for the City of Tampa and the Planning Commission, and is knowledgeable about government, land development, and transportation issues. She has been serving on the Board of Directors for the Palmetto Beach Community Association since mid-2008. Jennifer has owned her 1926 bungalow on Stuart Street since May 2007, and is proud to call Palmetto Beach her home.

Cary Hopkins Eyles - Vice President
Cary is a Director for substance abuse and mental health treatment facilities in East Tampa. She has a Bachelors degree in Psychology and a Masters in Criminology. She serves on several committees locally including being the Chairperson for the Hillsborough County Domestic Violence Task Force and Co-Chairing the Hillsborough County Co-Occurring Steering Committee. She is excited to be part of the Palmetto Beach Community Association to continue her tradition of volunteering and giving back to try to make positive changes in the world. Cary is originally from Massachusetts. She is very active and can be seen most days running or walking along McKay Bay. She lives with her husband, eric, and son, Jefferson. She has lived in Palmetto Beach since 2005, and has served on the Board since late-2008.

Valerie Snyder - Secretary

John Glass - Treasurer

Anita Ellababidy - Director At Large