Crystal Beach in Pinellas County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
Site of the Blue Heron Hotel and Faith Mission
Photographed By Tim Fillmon, November 10, 2017
1. Site of the Blue Heron Hotel and Faith Mission Marker
Inscription.
Site of the Blue Heron Hotel and Faith Mission. . The Blue Heron Hotel was built in 1917. Reverend Fred C. and Cora Markerts established Faith Mission in Tampa as a children's home in 1923. In 1928, it moved to Crystal Beach and occupied the Blue Heron. Faith Mission grew to peak occupancy of 87 children. During World War II servicemen on coastal patrol duty were invited to sleep in the building at night. Faith Mission was a Christian organization supported entirely by voluntary contributions. In 1951 the Blue Heron was razed and by 1952, a 10-room, one-story, masonry building had been completed for use as a retirement home. Pinellas County purchased the site from Faith Mission in 2000, and it became part of Live Oak Park.
The Blue Heron Hotel was built in 1917. Reverend Fred C. and Cora Markerts established Faith Mission in Tampa as a children's home in 1923. In 1928, it moved to Crystal Beach and occupied the Blue Heron. Faith Mission grew to peak occupancy of 87 children. During World War II servicemen on coastal patrol duty were invited to sleep in the building at night. Faith Mission was a Christian organization supported entirely by voluntary contributions. In 1951 the Blue Heron was razed and by 1952, a 10-room, one-story, masonry building had been completed for use as a retirement home. Pinellas County purchased the site from Faith Mission in 2000, and it became part of Live Oak Park.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Churches & Religion. A significant historical year for this entry is 1917.
Location. 28° 5.533′ N, 82° 46.82′ W. Marker is in Crystal Beach, Florida, in Pinellas County. Marker is on North Gulf Drive just south of Avery Avenue, on the right when traveling north. Marker is mounted on a rock in the middle of Live Oak Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Crystal Beach FL 34681, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Gulf Shore Park (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Gulf Shore Park (approx.
2. Site of the Blue Heron Hotel and Faith Mission Marker on rock
Original Post card from the Blue Heron hotel, August 27, 2023
3. Photo the Blue Heron Hotel
Credits. This page was last revised on August 28, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 22, 2017, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida. This page has been viewed 567 times since then and 45 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on November 22, 2017, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida. 3. submitted on August 27, 2023. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
