Source: National Cemetery Administration · cem.va.gov · scraped May 2026
History of Bay Pines National Cemetery
Bay Pines National Cemetery is located on the grounds of the Veterans Administration Center (VAC) in Pinellas County, about 9 miles west-northwest of St. Petersburg, Fla.
On March 15, 1933, the cemetery was dedicated and officially opened as a burial ground for those who died in the Bay Pines hospital and domiciliary. The 21-acre site was laid out in 42 symmetrical sections. The first interment was made on April 25, 1933, and by January 1964, all available gravesites had been used. In 1984, in order to gain more grave space, the hedges that divided the center of the cemetery were removed and the space between the sections was utilized.
The cemetery was transferred from the Veterans Administration to the National Cemetery System on May 28, 1984, and reopened for interments on July 2, 1984.
The cemetery was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on June 27, 2012, as part of the Bay Pines Veterans Administration Home and Hospital Historic District.
Monuments and Memorials A large monument constructed of pink Etowah marble in 1937 is dedicated to "the memory of those who served their country" and stands at the entrance to the cemetery grounds.
A polished granite bench, dedicated to the memory of World War I veterans, sits opposite the cemetery entrance, facing the new POW/MIA monument.
A maple tree planted in Section 53 in 1976 commemorates the country's bicentennial.
Notable interments
Veterans, public figures, and citizens of note buried at Bay Pines National Cemetery, listed by section and site as recorded by the National Cemetery Administration.
Under Development.
Eligibility for burial at Bay Pines National Cemetery
Planning ahead for a Veteran's or loved-one's final resting place can eliminate unnecessary delays and reduce stress on a family at a difficult time.
Request eligibility status for:
Veteran or servicemember Spouse Dependent family member Apply online »
Burial in a VA national cemetery is open to all members of the armed forces who have met a minimum active duty service requirement and were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.
Directions
From Tampa International Airport/St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport by taking Interstate 275 south approximately 20 miles to St. Petersburg. Take Exit 25 (38th Avenue North) and go west on 38th Avenue North about five miles to Tyrone Boulevard. Turn right onto Tyrone Boulevard and proceed approximately 2.5 miles. Turn left at 95th (this is the east entrance to the VA property). Follow that road about ¼ mile and the cemetery will be on the left.
Floral and grounds policy
Fresh cut flowers may be placed on graves at any time. Floral arrangements accompanying the casket or urn at the time of burial are limited to three for casket burials and one for cremation burials. Flowers will be removed when they become unsightly or it becomes necessary to facilitate cemetery operations such as mowing.
A limited number of floral containers are located in bins in front of the burial sections — they are available as a courtesy. These containers are recycled — please do not remove them from the cemetery.
Weapons policy
VA regulations 38 CFR 1.218 prohibit the carrying of firearms (either openly or concealed), explosives or other dangerous or deadly weapons while on VA property, except for official purposes, such as military funeral honors.
Possession of firearms on any property under the charge and control of VA is prohibited. Offenders may be subject to a fine, removal from the premises, or arrest.
Education and visiting programs
We are developing educational content for this national cemetery, and will post new materials as they become available. Visit the Veterans Legacy Program and NCA History Program for additional information. Thank you for your interest.
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Nearest cemeteries
The three closest veteran cemeteries to Bay Pines National Cemetery (by straight-line distance):
- Sarasota National Cemetery — Sarasota, FL (46 mi · open)
- Florida National Cemetery — Bushnell, FL (65 mi · open)
- Atlantic Garden Veteran Cemetery — Aguadilla, PR (66 mi · open)
Nearby veteran-friendly funeral homes
The following funeral homes within a 50-mile radius of Bay Pines National Cemetery have demonstrated a commitment to serving veterans through specialized services, VA benefits coordination, or dedicated honors details.
Beach Memorial Chapel is a premier funeral home located at 301 Corey Avenue in St Pete Beach, FL. The property features well-appointed spaces including flexible event space, large-capacity chapel, and celebration of life center. Professional offerings include funeral, cremation, and burial, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. Traditional burial arrangements are offered from $2,810. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Asian traditions, Buddhist, Catholic, Christian (Protestant traditions), Hindu, Hispanic traditions, Jewish, Muslim, and Black Funeral Traditions.
Baldwin Brothers Funeral & Cremation Society - Largo is a premier funeral home located at 7210 Ulmerton Road Suite East in Largo, FL. With deep roots in the community, they provide a peaceful and accommodating environment to honor the memory of loved ones. General services start at $1,575. Direct cremation services are provided starting at $1,575. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Christian denominations (e.g., Baptist, Catholic), Jewish, and Other traditions as requested. The firm's dedication to service is reflected in their 4.9-star Google rating across 220 reviews.
A Life Tribute Funeral Care - Largo Chapel is a premier funeral home located at 3405 East Bay Drive in Largo, FL. The property features well-appointed spaces including pet friendly and arrangement center. Professional offerings include cremation services, funeral preplanning, and prepaid cremation, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $1,595. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $6,090, while direct cremation is available from $1,595.
Serenity Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 13401 Indian Rocks Road in Largo, FL. The property features well-appointed spaces including chapel, event center, and botanical garden. Professional offerings include funerals, cremation, and burial, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,895. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $6,895, while direct cremation is available from $2,895. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Baptist, Latter-day Saints, Church of God, and Various Christian denominations.
Anderson-McQueen - N.E. St. Petersburg Family Tribute Center is a premier funeral home located at 2201 Dr. Martin Luther King St. N in Saint Petersburg, FL. The property features well-appointed spaces including chapel, reception room, and event space. Professional offerings include burial services, cremation services, and funeral services, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $3,630. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Hindu, Buddhist, Romani, Greek Orthodox, Other Orthodox Christian denominations, and Catholic.
Pinnacle Funeral Service is a premier funeral home located at 360 Central Avenue in St. Petersburg, FL. The property features well-appointed spaces including updated facilities and meticulously curated memorial environments. Professional offerings include preneed planning, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors.
Sylvan Abbey - Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 2853 Sunset Point Road in Clearwater, FL. The property features well-appointed spaces including flexible event space, large-capacity chapel, and celebration of life center. Professional offerings include cremation, traditional burial, and memorial services, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $1,045. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $2,895, while direct cremation is available from $1,045. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Catholic, Protestant, Greek Orthodox, Jewish, and Non-religious. The firm's dedication to service is reflected in their 4.6-star Google rating across 447 reviews.
Simple, Easy, Affordable Cremation Inc. is a premier funeral home located at 13940 West Hillsborough Avenue in Tampa, FL. With deep roots in the community, they provide a peaceful and accommodating environment to honor the memory of loved ones. Professional offerings include cremation, immediate cremation services, and pre-planning cremation, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. The firm's dedication to service is reflected in their 4.7-star Google rating across 70 reviews.