Timeline for Suncoast Events
March 27, 2017, marks the 60th anniversary of the YMCA of the Suncoast, a charitable organization that began with a powerful idea and belief — to strengthen the foundations of community. Sixty years ago (March 27, 1957) that was our cause, and it’s our cause today. Here's a timeline of historic highlights for the YMCA of the Suncoast.
1957 YMCA in Clearwater chartered by the YMCA of the USA-programs operated without a facility.
1961 Suncoast YMCA incorporated in the state of Florida
1963 7.2 acres of land purchased on South Highland Ave.
1965 Clearwater YMCA opens programming
1966 Phase I - First permanent facility on South Highland Ave. opens for $450,000
1972 Phase II- Clearwater YMCA largest one floor facility in USA
1973 YMCA services expand to West Pasco County
1975 YMCA expands to Seminole area of Pinellas County
1981 Expansion into North Pinellas County
1983 Expansion into Hernando County
1987 Initiation of after school care in Pinellas County schools.
1988 Hernando YMCA opens
1989 Hernando YMCA School Age starts child care with two county schools
1992 Lansbrook Golf Club deeds property for North Pinellas YMCA
1993 North Pinellas YMCA opens
1995 Sun Trust YMCA in New Port Richey opens
1996 Expansion of North Pinellas and Clearwater YMCAs
1997 High Point YMCA opens
1998 James P. Gills Family YMCA of West Pasco opens
1998 Bardmoor YMCA opens in partnership with Morton Plant Mease
1999 Rick Pitino resource center renovation completed at High Point YMCA
1999 Greater Ridgecrest YMCA programming begins
2000 Before and afterschool care expands in Hernando County
2001 Greater Ridgecrest YMCA begins in partnership with Pinellas County
2004 Greater Palm Harbor YMCA opens
2005 YMCA of the Suncoast Administrative office opens on Enterprise Rd.
2007 Community Leaders in Citrus County begin effort to bring a Y to the county
March 27, 2007 50th Anniversary
2009 YMCA programming in Citrus County begins
2010 The Y revitalized its brand and began officially referring to itself by its most familiar name – the Y – for the first time.
2012 The YMCA of the Suncoast introduces the Diabetes Prevention program
2014 Before and afterschool care extended in Citrus County
2016 Citrus Memorial Health Foundation YMCA opens in Citrus County
March 27, 2017 60th Anniversary