Gibsonton began in the late 1800s as a small fisherman’s town along the east coast of Tampa Bay, but by the 1920s, the warm-weathered community had become a haven for off-season circus entertainers. During this time, locals could walk down the street and buy fresh produce from a fruit stand run by Siamese twins or sit down at the local bar to share a drink with the world’s tallest man. These days, the former "freakshow" town is transitioning towards a more modern, suburban future. “There have been a lot of new developments over the last three years,” Lorynn Gavin says. The Tampa native and Florida Realtor explains new subdivisions with contemporary craftsman homes continue to expand across Gibsonton, but unlike neighboring communities, “the price points here are a lot more affordable.” “I like the area because it’s super easy to get into Tampa – plus, you’re by some really cool waterways with a lot of little fisherman’s marinas.”
The Showmen's Museum in Gibsonton is a unique attraction in the neighborhood.
The Gibsonton neighborhood is located in along many waterways.
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Ranch-style homes and new subdivisions along Bullfrog Creek
Sturdy oak trees draped with Spanish moss hang over Bullfrog Creek, winding through north Gibsonton. The creek is a natural barrier between the community's original homes and modern subdivisions. North of the brook, ranch-style homes from the 1960s sit along wide, paved backroads with yards backing up to dense woodlands. Neatly organized subdivisions with contemporary craftsman homes and Spanish-style bungalows were built south of Bullfrog Creek during the early 2000s. Some new construction townhomes with built-in garages are still being developed along Highway 41. Most properties list between $300,000 and $400,000 throughout the area, but some of the older ranch-style homes can be found under $200,000.
Ranch style homes are very prevalent in the Gibsonton area.
Custom-built homes, in a self-contained community, are becoming more popular in Gibsonton.
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Earn high school credits at Eisenhower Middle
Students can attend Hillsborough County public schools. Preschoolers begin at Corr Elementary, which receives a five out of 10 from GreatSchools. Eisenhower Middle scores a two and offers students the chance to earn high school credits in subjects like Computer Science and Spanish. Ninth graders move on to East Bay High, which GreatSchools rates a three out of 10.
Eisenhower Middle School serves students in the Gibsonton neighborhood.
Teenagers can attend the public East Bay High School in the Gibsonton neighborhood.
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Take a day trip to Clearwater
US Highway 41 runs north-south straight through the middle of Gibtown. Residents can follow this road about 10 miles north and hop on the Selmon Expressway to arrive at Tampa International Airport. From here, drivers can get on State Road 60 and enjoy a weekend on Clearwater’s white-sand beaches. Interstate 75 runs along the western border, connecting locals to the nearby St. Joseph’s Hospital and Sarasota further south.
GIbsonton has close proximity to main roads to travel to other areas quickly.
Gibsonton has quick access to US 41 and US 301 to get to and from Tampa and other areas.
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Dock up at The River's Edge Bar & Grill
Gibtown’s waterside restaurants and hole-in-the-wall bars are just a short drive or boat ride away. After a long day out on the bay, fishermen dock at The River’s Edge Bar & Grill to enjoy a platter of fresh oysters and play pool with friends. Residents can head down Highway 41 and stop by the outdoor patio at Showtown Bar & Grill for an ice-cold beer accompanied by live music. Just down the road, Rack City Ribz food truck makes it easy for locals to take a box of smoked brisket and homemade cornbread casserole home for dinner. Locals can head across the community to find everyday groceries and household essentials at the Walmart Supercenter.
River's Edge Bar and Grill offers a casual burgers and seafood menu and low-key outpost vibe.
The Showtown Bar and Grill is a cozy locals bar with pool tables and wall to wall murals.
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Visit the manatees near Big Bend Power Station
“Most of the activities in Gibtown are water-related because it’s on that perfect little protected coastline,” Gavin reveals. Residents head to Inter-Bay Moorings to launch their fishing boats into the bay. After a day of catching flounder and mangrove snapper, fishermen can take a relaxing stroll underneath a canopy of Spanish moss at the Jeanie and Pete Johnson Nature Preserve. Locals hike through the wetland nature trails at the Fred and Idah Schultz Nature Preserve to access a small beach where they can launch paddle boards straight into the bay. Parents bring little ones to climb the monkey bars and play on the basketball courts at J.B. Gibson Park. Gavin says the Manatee Viewing Center is one of the area’s must-see destinations, next to the Big Bend Power Station. She says, “A lot of people like to visit in the winter because when it gets chilly, the manatees crowd the viewing area because the energy coming from the plant makes the water warmer.” She adds, “But don’t worry, it’s safe and regulated for the animals!”
Inter Bay Moorings near Gibsonton is a perfect spot to launch the boat.
A visit to Apollo Beach, near Gibsonton, almost isn't complete without a stop at the Manatee Viewing Center.
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