Prehistoric people living on Tampa Bay's shoreline began using ceramics and transitioned from nomadic hunters and gatherers to settled subsistence societies.

They capitalized on the abundant resources provided by the Gulf of Mexico, marsh, woodland, and bay ecosystems; and used growing specialized tool technology to further establish the permanent and seasonal settlements.

John Webb and his family planted citrus, sugar cane, and vegetables; and built a packing house to prepare their goods for market.

Her family maintained Osprey Point and in 1959, her grandson Gordon Palmer sponsored the three-year excavation of the archaeological site by Ripley P. Bullen.

Gordon's widow, Janis, along with Potter Palmer IV and other family members, encouraged the nomination of Spanish Point to the National Register of Historic Places.