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.

 

Today, the developer of Little Harbor, EarthMark Communities, continues its commitment to offering this resort and residential village as a harmonious blend of accommodations and residences in concert with nature's lush tropical environment to provide the utmost in Florida's natural experience.

 

EarthMark also offers resort residential communities in Key Largo with its Mariner's Club Key Largo village and soon to be announced location in Marathon in the Florida Keys.

 

Whether you are looking for a weekend getaway, a seasonal retreat, a meeting or conference destination, primary or secondary home or investment opportunity, the staff and management of Little Harbor and The Inn look forward to providing you with the utmost in service, professionalism and hospitality to ensure a most memorable experience.