On March 9, 1994, locals voted to officially change the name to the shorter version of St. Pete Beach, to distinguish it from the city of St. Petersburg a few miles to the east.

St. Pete Beach occupies the entire space of Long Key, a barrier island at the east central edge of the Gulf of Mexico.

Three bridges lead into the city, connecting it to Treasure Island, South Pasadena and the Bayway Isles area of St. Petersburg.

[13] As of the 2020 United States census, there were 8,879 people, 4,933 households, and 2,938 families residing in the city.

[17] As of the 2010 United States census, there were 9,346 people, 4,844 households, and 2,512 families residing in the city.

In the 2000 census, St. Pete Beach had the largest proportion of residents who were Lithuanian-American in Florida (3.3 percent).

The Tampa Bay Times said that Gulf Beaches "quickly absorbed most of the kids from Sunshine".

The library was founded in 1951 by the St. Petersburg Beach Community Club inside their clubhouse with “450 books on two shelves”.

[30] On July 7, 1969 the St. Pete Beach Library opened an 8,200 square foot building by architect Glenn Q. Johnson at 365 73rd Avenue.

[31] On March 26, 2021 the St. Pete Beach Library reopened after a $2.6 million restoration and renovation.

[33][34] The Don CeSar is a renowned historical hotel, opened in 1928, located on the Gulf shore in St. Pete Beach.