Ever wonder who Ben T. Davis was? I’m about to tell you a tale about the man behind this beach. Ben T. Davis Beach is more than just a pretty shoreline. It is located in west Tampa. This slender strip of sand has a story.
Ben T. Davis himself owned a local dredging company. Back in the day, he envisioned a better connection between Tampa and Clearwater. The existing route was a lengthy 30-mile trek around Tampa Bay. Davis proposed a direct link. His company commissioned the causeway that now bridges Tampa and Clearwater.
Construction on the Courtney Campbell Causeway began in 1927. Davis’s dredging company worked on it when they had spare time. The Great Depression slowed progress. Davis secured funds from friends and a federal loan. This allowed him to keep his workforce employed. That was a big deal for the Tampa and Clearwater communities.
The Davis Causeway finally opened in 1934. It cost less than $1 million. Davis’s daughter, Corita, had the honor of opening the gate. A motorcade then proceeded to Clearwater Beach for a celebration. At that time it was the longest over-water fill across an open body of water in the United States.
Initially, a 25-cent toll was charged per car. But during World War II, the U.S. government seized the causeway. They paid Davis $1.085 million. The toll was removed as part of the war effort. The causeway was transferred to the state of Florida.
In 1948, the causeway was renamed the Courtney Campbell Causeway. It honored Courtney W. Campbell. He was a U.S. Representative. He supported causeway repairs. Understandably, some Davis family members were not happy with the renaming. As a compromise, the beach at the causeway’s east end was named Ben T. Davis Beach.
Today, Ben T. Davis Beach offers much more than a history lesson. Visitors can stroll along the shore. Fishing and photography are popular activities. Dogs are welcome if they are kept on a leash. There are some who complain about the noise from the road.
You can also enjoy views of Tampa Bay, hunt for shells, and spot sea life. The water is calm and shallow. Swimming is sometimes discouraged. This is due to bacteria levels. Always check for advisories before entering the water. There are lifeguards on duty from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Ben T. Davis Beach provides convenient amenities. Restrooms and showers are available. A concession stand offers refreshments. You will also find picnic shelters and built-in grills. Volleyball is a common sight here. You can rent kayaks, paddleboards, and bicycles. This gives you options for exploring the water and the nearby Courtney Campbell Trail.
The trail runs along the causeway. It connects Tampa to Clearwater. The entire trail is 9.5 miles long. Parking is metered and can be difficult during busy hours. So arrive early to secure your spot. The beach is open from sunrise to sunset.
So, as you enjoy the sun and sand at Ben T. Davis Beach, remember the man who made it possible. His vision created this connection between Tampa and Clearwater. He also left us with a beautiful place to relax.