St. Petersburg High Celebrates 100 Years as Community Pillar

Florida's first million-dollar school marks a century of history and legacy.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 11:19pm

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An impressionistic, out-of-focus photograph in soft, warm tones depicting a crowd of people gathered on the steps of a historic school building, the details blurred into abstract shapes and colors that capture the celebratory mood of the event.The vibrant celebration of St. Petersburg High School's 100th anniversary will bring the community together to honor a century of history and legacy.St. Petersburg Today

St. Petersburg High School, Florida's first million-dollar school, is celebrating its 100th anniversary this weekend. The school has remained a multi-generational pillar of the community, with local families like the Ulrichs, whose connection spans four generations of alumni. The school's current campus opened in 1926 on the outskirts of the city, and has weathered periods of disrepair before undergoing a $44 million renovation in 2021 to restore its historic elegance.

Why it matters

As one of the oldest high schools in Florida, St. Petersburg High has served as a cornerstone of the local community for a century, providing a sense of identity and continuity for generations of families. The school's survival despite periods of decline highlights the resilience and enduring spirit of the St. Petersburg community.

The details

Designed to match the Great Gatsby-era elegance of the nearby Vinoy Hotel, the original St. Petersburg High School building cost a then-staggering $1 million when it opened in 1926. By the late 1970s, the aging structure had fallen into disrepair, and the county debated whether it was worth saving. But a grassroots 'Give the Devil Its Due' campaign led by alumni like Bob Pfeiffer, class of 1933, raised the necessary funds to preserve the building and secure its spot on the National Register of Historic Places. More recently, Pinellas County Schools invested $44 million in renovations in 2021 to restore the school's historic appearance.

  • St. Petersburg High School first opened its current campus in 1926.
  • By the late 1970s, the school building had fallen into disrepair.
  • In the early 2000s, a 'Give the Devil Its Due' campaign saved the historic structure.
  • Pinellas County Schools invested $44 million in renovations in 2021.
  • The school's 100th anniversary celebration is happening this Saturday, April 12, 2026.

The players

Robert Ulrich

A former mayor of St. Petersburg who graduated from the high school in 1951.

Tricia Ulrich

A 1986 alumna of St. Petersburg High School and member of a multi-generational family with deep ties to the institution.

Bob Pfeiffer

A 1933 graduate of St. Petersburg High School who led the 'Give the Devil Its Due' campaign to preserve the historic school building.

Rui Farias

The executive director of the St. Petersburg Museum of History and a former teacher at the high school.

Pinellas County Schools

The school district that invested $44 million in renovations to restore St. Petersburg High School in 2021.

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What they’re saying

“There are 11 of us that graduated in four generations from St. Pete High.”

— Tricia Ulrich, Class of 1986 alumna

“Where this school was built was nothing but cow pastures and groves. Legend has it that in the first year, kids used to ride their horses to the school.”

— Rui Farias, Executive director, St. Petersburg Museum of History

“The renovation was magnificent to tie in with the historical aspect of the school.”

— Rui Farias, Executive director, St. Petersburg Museum of History

“The renovation was magnificent to tie in with the historical aspect of the school.”

— Robert Ulrich, Class of 1951 alumnus and former mayor

What’s next

The St. Petersburg High School Centennial Celebration is open to the public this Saturday, April 12, 2026 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The takeaway

As one of Florida's oldest high schools, St. Petersburg High has endured for a century as a beloved community institution, weathering periods of decline before being restored to its former glory. The school's multi-generational legacy and the passion of its alumni highlight the deep roots it has planted in the local community.