Area · Hillsborough County

Palm River-Clair Mel

Unincorporated residential area southeast of downtown Tampa between McKay Bay and Brandon

Palm River-Clair Mel is an unincorporated area of Hillsborough County about six miles southeast of downtown Tampa.

This is a working residential area rather than a visitor destination.

Hillsborough CountyUpdated October 2026

Known for

  • Palm River waterway
  • McKay Bay frontage
  • Port of Tampa nearby
  • Close to downtown Tampa
  • County community plan
  • Residential neighborhoods

Good for

  • Close-in commuters
  • Youth sports nearby
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Port-area businesses

Landmarks

  • McKay Bay
  • Palm River
  • McKay Bay Nature Park
  • Larry Sanders Progress Village Sports Complex
  • Clair Mel Elementary School
  • Spoto High School

Getting there

US 41, US 301, Causeway Boulevard (State Road 676) and Adamo Drive (State Road 60) serve the area, and the Selmon Expressway is close by for trips downtown or to Brandon. It is a car-based area with limited walkable amenities.

Upcoming events in Palm River-Clair Mel

No upcoming events here yet. Check back soon or browse all Tampa Bay events.

Nearby areas

East TampaHistoric Black community east of Ybor City, along the MLK Boulevard corridor, with new city parks investmentSouth TampaBayshore Boulevard, Hyde Park and the neighborhoods of Tampa's southern peninsulaChannel DistrictWaterfront district of cruise terminals, aquarium, arena and apartment towers east of downtownNorth TampaBroad north-of-downtown area anchored by USF, Busch Gardens, MOSI and the Fowler Avenue corridor

More from Real Tampa Bay

Listing mediaPhoto, video, drone and 3D tours for Tampa Bay listings.Local eventsWhat is happening around Tampa Bay this week.