The original master plan for David P. Davis' island development divided the project into distinct districts, each with its own purpose. There would be a hotel section, a commercial district, and, on the western side of the development, the exclusive Yacht Club Section.

During Florida's land boom of the mid-1920s, developers sold more than homes—they sold the promise of extraordinary wealth. The prevailing belief was that buying Florida real estate today meant watching its value soar tomorrow.

This promotional map captures that optimism perfectly. Davis touted the investment potential of his waterfront lots, proclaiming that "as time goes by, men of means will pay any price to satisfy their desire to live right here in the famous Yacht Club Section." The statement reflected both the speculative frenzy of the era and Davis' vision of creating one of Tampa's most prestigious waterfront neighborhoods.

The plan also called for a boat speedway just offshore, giving wealthy homeowners a front-row seat to races on Hillsborough Bay.

Like many of Davis' grand ambitions, the proposed yacht club was never built, as the Florida land bust took its toll. Years later, the Davis Islands Yacht Club was established at the southern tip of the peninsula adjacent to the Peter O. Knight Seaplane Basin, where it remains today as a member-owned club and active sailing center.

The waterfront lots originally reserved for the planned yacht club—49 and 50 Ladoga Avenue—are now occupied by two stately private homes, a reminder of what might have been had Davis' original vision been fully realized.  

© Chip Weiner. All rights reserved