Resort & Club History
In the early 1900's, the area was home to the Dickman Family. As time went on, Mr. Dickman began dredging the canals and protected harbors and thus creating the secluded beach, which would eventually become known as Bahia Beach.
In January 1960 Paul B. Dickman and his son, Lyle, officially opened Bahia Beach as a public beach and recreational complex to a crowd of 5,000. Bahia Beach was home to the Bahia Vista Restaurant, Tampa Bay's area for great Florida seafood, a snack bar, miniature golf, Coral Corral dance hall, 200-foot fishing pier and boat dock, charter boat for manatee and dolphin site seeing and the area's finest waterski show with The Ski-Bees. Area companies and corporations held their annual employee picnics, holiday functions and events at The Bahia Vista Restaurant.
By August 1962, the first of three two-story motel buildings, known as The Bahia Beach Motel, was constructed and opened as a year-round waterfront resort destination. Motel rooms were available that summer with rates beginning at a mere $8.00 per night!
In addition to the Bahia Vista restaurant and the Bahia Vista Motel, there was the Dickman's Ruskin Marina, which handles boats up to 40 feet long and offers a complete repair and dry docking service.
In 2003 the property was purchased by EarthMark Communities and developed and upgraded into a residential village with a harmonious blend of accommodations and residences in concert with nature's lush tropical environment to provide the utmost in Florida's natural experience.
Today, the property is managed by SouthShore Hospitality Management, a full service hospitality, resort and community association management company with over 25 years of management experience.
So, whether you are looking for a weekend getaway, a seasonal retreat, a meeting or conference destination, the staff and management of The Resort and Club at Little Harbor look forward to providing you with the utmost in service, professionalism and hospitality to ensure a most memorable experience.
