His shop is on the edge of a tract where the Hispanic population grew by more than 1,000 people between 1990 and 2000, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The area is bounded by Lakeview Road on the south, Missouri Avenue on the west, Drew Street on the north, and Highland Avenue on the east. The Hispanic population increased from 207 to 1,387. Hispanic people made up about 4 percent of the population in 1990, compared with 24 in 2000. This area of about 3 square miles contains many neighborhoods of single-family homes, as well as apartment complexes and commercial streets such as Missouri Avenue and Cleveland Street.
Latin influence is subtle.
Spanish signs are here and there, but not many. It's easier to spot stores selling everything from natural foods and boating supplies to consignment items. You can find a McDonald's here, but also sit-down restaurants. One of the latter is the Viva Mexico restaurant on Cleveland Street. Inside, owner Onecimo Pioquinto and his family cater to many of the Mexican-Americans who have come to call Clearwater their home.