Florida's Southwest State Parks

8/14/2019 Florida's Southwest State Parks

1/10


2/10

Alafia River 813-672-5320 F 55Anclote Key 727-469-5942

S

Beker 941-721-3028

Caladesi Island 727-469-5918 S

Cayo Costa 941-964-0375 S

Charlotte Harbor 941-575-5861 S

Cockroach Bay 941-723-4536 S

Collier-Seminole 239-394-3397 F/S 60Dade Battlefield 352-793-4781

Delnor-Wiggins Pass 239-597-6196 S

Don Pedro Island 941-964-0375 S

Egmont Key 727-469-5943 S

Estero Bay239-992-0311 S

Fakahatchee Strand 239-695-4593

Gamble Plantation 941-723-4536

Gasparilla Island 941-964-0375 S

Highlands Hammock 863-386-6094 50Hillsborough River 813-987-6771 F 50Honeymoon Island 727-469-5942 S

Koreshan 239-992-0311 F 40Lake June-in-Winter 863-386-6094 F

Lake Manatee 941-741-3028 F 65Little Manatee River 813-671-5005 F 68

Lovers Key239-463-4588 S

Madira Bickel Mound 941-723-4536

Mound Key 239-992-0311 S

Myakka River 941-361-6511 F 34Oscar Scherer 941-483-5956 F/S 30Paynes Creek 863-375-4717 F

Skyway Fishing Pier 727-865-0668 S

Stump Pass Beach 941-964-0375 S

Terra Ceia 941-723-4536 S

Werner-Boyce Salt Springs 727-816-1890 S

Ybor City Museum 813-247-6323

Southwest Region

National Historic Landmark National Register of Historic Places Primitive CabinsLimited or No Facilities/AccessBoat Camping Only

V i s i t

o r C

Pla

yground

RV

Legnth

s(ft)

Bic

yclin

g

Beach

Birdin

g

BoatT

our

BoatR

amp

Boat

ing

Cabin

s/L

od

gin

g

Camp

fire

Cir

cle

Camp

ing(F

ullF

acility)

Cam

pin

g(E

questria

n)

Cam

pin

g(G

roup

)

Cam

pin

g(Y

outh)

Camp

ing(P

rimitiv

e)

Canoe/

Kayak

Launc

h

Concessio

n/R

esta

urant

Can

oeing

/Kayakin

g

Fishin

g(F

resh/S

altW

ater

)

Histo

ricSit

e

Hikin

g/N

ature

Trail

Horse

Trail(E

questrian)

Inte

rpreti

veE

xhibit

Museum

Pic

nic

Are

a

Sh

ower

Scub

aDivin

g

Snork

elin

g

Tu

bin

g

Swim

min

g

Photo: Myakka Riv


3/10

Alafa River

This park offers some of the most challenging off-road bicycling trails in Florida. Once thesite of a phosphate mine, the reclaimed land has topography with radical elevation changesEquestrians and hikers can explore 20 miles of trails that travel through mixed hardwoodforests, pine atwoods and rolling hills. Bird-watchers and nature enthusiasts will delight inthe abundance of wildlife along the trails. Scattered lakes and the south prong of the AlaRiver provide opportunities for canoeing and shing. Picnic pavilions and a playground aravailable. For overnight stays, the park has a full-facility campground and equestrian-friencampsites. Located 10 miles southeast of Tampa on County Road 39.

14326 South County Road 39, Lithia, FL 33547 (813) 672-5320

Anclote Key

Blue-green Gulf waters lap gently along the preserves beautiful four-mile-long beach.Located three miles off the coast of Tarpon Springs, this park is accessible only byprivate boat. Visitors must bring water and supplies; there are no provisions on the islaThe park is home to at least 43 species of birds, including the American oystercatcherbald eagle and piping plover. A picturesque 1887 lighthouse stands as a sentinel on thsouthern end of the island. Visitors can swim and sunbathe at the beach, then re upgrill and enjoy a picnic at the pavilion on the north end of the island. There is no chfor overnight stays in the primitive campground, but campers must check in by callinthe park before arrival. Located three miles off the coast of Tarpon Springs.

For more information or to visit this park, contact: Honeymoon Island StatePark, #1 Causeway Boulevard, Dunedin, FL 34698 (727) 469-5942

Beker

The Beker property has not yet been developed for recreation, but consists of twparcels that are accessible to the public. The Wingate Creek property is available the public for hiking, birding and nature study. Access to the South Fork propertdifcult and requires extensive walking. Plans are underway to improve future ac

For more information or to visit this park, contact: Lake Manatee State P20007 State Road 64, Bradenton, FL 34212 (941) 741-3028

Caladesi Island

One of the few completely natural islands along Floridas gulf coast, Caladesiwhite sand shores have been rated one of the nations best beaches. The parkis accessible only by private boat or ferry from Honeymoon Island State ParkBeach lovers can enjoy swimming, sunbathing and beachcombing. Saltwateranglers can sh from their boats or throw a line out into the surf. Natureenthusiasts watch wildlife while hiking the three-mile nature trail through thislands interior or paddling a three-mile kayak trail through the mangroves bay. Picnic tables and shelters are located near the beach; picnic pavilions cabe reserved for a fee. The park has a marina with electric and water hookupfor boaters. The park also has a snack bar and gift shop. For ferry informacall (727) 734-5263. Located one mile west of Dunedin off the Gulf Coas

For more information or to visit this park, contact: Honeymoon IslaState Park, #1 Causeway Boulevard, Dunedin, FL 34698 (727) 469-5

Cayo Costa

With nine miles of beautiful beaches and acres of pine forests, oak-palmhammocks and mangrove swamps, this barrier island park is a Gulf Coparadise. The park is accessible only by private boat or ferry. Visitorsmay see West Indian manatees and dolphins in the waters around thepark, as well as a spectacular assortment of birds. On the island, visitocan swim or snorkel in the surf, enjoy the sun and picnic in the shadeShelling is especially good during the winter months. Nature trails proopportunities for hiking and off-road bicycling. Saltwater anglers can

Alafa River

Anclote Key

Caladesi Island

For reservations (800) 326-3521 ReserveAmerica.com3


4/10

Southwest Regionsh from their boats or from shore. Park rangers use an amphitheater toprovide educational programs about the islands ecology and history. Forovernight stays, the park offers primitive cabins and tent camping. Forferry and rental information, call (239) 283-0015. Located directly southof Boca Grande.

For more information or to visit this park, contact: Gasparilla IslandState Park, 880 Belcher Road, Boca Grande, FL 33921 (941) 964-0375

Charlotte Harbor

Cayo Costa

The preserve stretches along 70 miles of the Charlotte Harbor shoreline inCharlotte and Lee counties. This protected wilderness covers thousands ofacres of mangrove forests, marshes, scrub habitats, pine atwoods and othernatural communities. Visitors come here to hike, sh and observe wildlife. Atthe present time there are no recreational facilities in the preserve and accessis limited. For access information, contact the preserve.

12301 Burnt Store Road, Punta Gorda, FL 33955-9204 (941) 575-5861

Cockroach Bay

Horseshoe crabs were once so abundant along the shores of Floridas westcoast that early Spanish explorers called them cockroaches, believing them to

be seagoing cousins of the insects. Many people believe that is how CockroachBay received its unlikely name. The preserve is made up of islands scatteredfrom Little Manatee River, along the shore of southeast Tampa Bay, and intoCockroach Bay. A haven for bird-watching and shing, the preserve is accessibleby kayak or canoe. Located west of U.S. 41 about four miles north of the ManateeCounty line.

For more information or to visit this park, contact: Gamble PlantationHistoric State Park, 3708 Patten Avenue, Ellenton, FL 34222 (941) 721-2068 or(941) 723-4536

Collier-Seminole

Collier-Seminole

This park features a wealth of vegetation and wildlife typical of the Everglades, plusa forest made up of tropical trees. Although rare elsewhere, the Florida royal palmis a common tree here. The park is also the site of a National Historic MechanicalEngineering Landmark, the Bay City Walking Dredge. Built in 1924, it was used tobuild the Tamiami Trail highway (U.S. 41) through the Everglades, linking Tampa toMiami. Hiking, bicycling and canoeing trails offer opportunities for visitors to explorethe parks remarkable wilderness. The park offers canoe rentals along with a boat rampthat provides access to the Blackwater River, where anglers can enjoy both freshwaterand saltwater shing. Campers can spend the night in a full-facility campground; youth/group and primitive campsites are also available. The picnic areas have pavilions andgrills for use on a rst-come-rst-served basis. Located on U.S. 41, eight miles south ofCounty Road 951 (Collier Boulevard).

20200 E. Tamiami Trail, Naples, FL 34114 (239) 394-3397

Dade Battlefeld

Dade Battlefeld

The battle that started the Second Seminole War is commemorated in January each yearunder the oaks of Dade Battleeld. On December 28, 1835, Seminole Indian warriorsambushed 108 soldiers at this siteonly three soldiers survived. The park protects not onlya historic battleeld, but also the natural communities as they existed when the soldiers andSeminoles battled long ago. Strolling a half-mile nature trail through pine atwoods, visitorsmight see gopher tortoises, woodpeckers, songbirds, hawks and indigo snakes. The park hasa playground, picnic area with covered shelters and a recreation hall. The visitor center hasinformation and displays about the battle and visitors can watch a twelve-minute video history,This Land, These Men. The center is open 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. daily. Located off I-75exit314west of U.S. 301.

7200 County Road 603, Bushnell, FL 33513 (352) 793-4781

For more information (850) 245-2157 FloridaStateParks.org


5/10

Delnor-Wiggins Pass

One of the most popular seashore destinations in Naples, this parks mile-long stretch ofwhite sugar sand has been rated as one of the best beaches in the nation. The beach ispopular for sunbathing, swimming, beachcombing, snorkeling and picnicking. Fishing atthe beach along Wiggins Pass, where swimming is not allowed, is another popular activitFor saltwater or freshwater shing, boaters can launch their vessels into Water Turkey Band travel to the Gulf or up the Cocohatchee River. Kayakers can enjoy paddling throuestuaries; scuba divers can explore the hard bottom reef in the Gulf. At the north end othe island, a tower gives visitors a birds-eye view of Wiggins Pass and the surrounding

coastal habitat. NOTE: To avoid overcrowding during the busy winter season, the parcloses its gates when it reaches maximum capacity. Located in North Naples ve mileswest of I-75exit 111.

11135 Gulfshore Drive North, Naples, FL 34108 (239) 597-6196

Don Pedro Island

This beautiful little island is part of an extensive chain of barrier islands extendingalong the Gulf Coast. Between Knight Island and Little Gasparilla Island, Don Pedis accessible only by private boat. Boaters can tie up at the dock on the bay side ofthe island, which is lined with mangroves. Access to the dock is through a 2.5-footdeep channel south of the Cape Haze power line crossing. Visitors might seeendangered animals such as West Indian manatees, gopher tortoises, bald eagles a

American oystercatchers. With a mile of white sand beach, popular activities on tislands Gulf side include sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling and shelling. Boat ansurf shing are also favorite pastimes. For hiking and nature study, trails meandethrough the land base portion of this park on the Cape Haze Peninsula. Locatedoff the coast of Cape Haze about nine miles south of Englewood. Boatinglocation is Nautical Waterproof Chart #25. Intracoastal Waterway directionalsigns guide visitors to the park.

For more information or to visit this park, contact: Gasparilla Island StaPark, 880 Belcher Road, Boca Grande, FL 33921 (941) 964-0375

Egmont Key

Although this park is primarily a wildlife refuge, it can be a personal refuge

place to relax and collect shells along secluded beaches. Accessible onlyby private boat, Egmont Key has a natural and cultural history, includinga lighthouse that has stood since 1858. During the 19th century, the islandserved as a camp for captured Seminoles at the end of the Third SeminoleWar and was later occupied by the Union Navy during the Civil War. In1898, as the Spanish-American War threatened, Fort Dade was built on thisland and remained active until 1923. After touring the historic sites andtrails, visitors can enjoy swimming, shing, wildlife viewing and picnickingLocated at the mouth of Tampa Bay, southwest of Fort DeSoto Beach.

For more information or to visit this park, contact: HoneymoonIsland State Park, #1 Causeway Boulevard, Dunedin, FL 34698(727) 469-5942

Estero Bay

The rst aquatic preserve established in Florida protects the water, inland islands along 10 miles of Estero Bay. The preserve is home to awide variety of wildlife including the bald eagle. Visitors can canoe okayak in the bay or on the Estero River. Miles of trails offer visitorsthe opportunities to hike, bicycle or study the wildlife and nativevegetation protected here. There are gopher tortoises, ddler crabs,slash pines and live oaks. Located near Estero, between Fort Myersand Naples.

For more information or to visit this park, contact: KoreshanState Historic Site, U.S. 41 at Corkscrew Road, Estero, FL 3392(239) 992-0311

Delnor-Wiggins Pass

Don Pedro Island

Egmont Key



6/10

Southwest RegionFakahatchee Strand

Winding through the Florida Everglades is a narrow thread of forestedswamp called the Fakahatchee Strand. This vast wilderness is a mosaicof royal palm stands, cypress domes and grassy prairies dotted with wildbromeliads, native ferns and orchids. The parks wildlife includes a number ofthreatened and endangered species. The Florida panther, wood stork, Floridablack bear, mangrove fox squirrel and Everglades mink have all been seen

within the preserve. Although there is limited access to the preserve, visitorscan see some areas by driving through a portion of the park on Janes Scenic

Drive, an 11-mile-long unpaved, gravel road. At the Big Cypress Bend, on thenorth side of U.S. 41, about seven miles west of Route 29, visitors can walkalong a 2,000-foot-long boardwalk to experience the beauty of a magnicentold growth cypress forest. For the truly adventurous, the park offers guidedswamp walks once a month from November through February. Located west ofCopeland, on State Road 29.

137 Coastline Drive, Copeland, FL 34137 (239) 695-4593

Gamble Plantation Gamble Plantatio

This antebellum mansion was home to Major Robert Gamble and headquartersof an extensive sugar plantation. It is the only surviving plantation house in SouthFlorida. It is believed that Confederate Secretary of State, Judah P. Benjamin, took

refuge here after the fall of the Confederacy, until his safe passage to England couldbe secured. In 1925, the house and 16 acres were saved by the United Daughters ofthe Confederacy and donated to the state. Today, the mansion is furnished in the styleof a successful mid-19th century plantation. Guided tours of the house are given sixtimes a day, Thursday through Monday and there are picnic tables on the grounds.

The visitor center is open from 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Thursday through Monday; it isclosed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years. Located in Ellenton on U.S. 301East.

3708 Patten Avenue, Ellenton, FL 34222 (941) 723-4536

Gasparilla IslandGasparilla Islan

Separated from the mainland by Charlotte Harbor and Pine Island Sound, this islandis part of a chain of Gulf Coast barrier islands. The centerpiece of Gasparilla is therestored Boca Grande Lighthouse built in 1890. Swimming, snorkeling, shing and naturestudy are popular activities. Shelling is particularly good in the winter months. Two picnicareas offer pavilions for shade and scenic views of the surrounding water. The lighthouseis open to the public 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. daily from November through May. From Junethrough October it is open Wednesday through Sunday. It is closed on these holidays: New

Years, Martin Luther Kings Birthday, Easter, Memorial Day, Independence Day, LaborDay, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Located on the south end of Gasparilla Island on theBoca Grande Causeway (private toll) at County Road 775 and Placida.

880 Belcher Road, Boca Grande, FL 33921 (941) 964-0375

Highlands Hammock

Highlands Hammoc

M

One of Floridas oldest parks, opening to the public in 1931, this park was established whenlocal citizens came together to promote the hammock as a candidate for national park status.During the Great Depression, just prior to World War II, the Civilian Conservation Corps(CCC) developed additional park facilities and the beginnings of a botanical garden. Many

visitors enjoy bicycling the scenic three-mile loop drive or hiking along the parks nine trails.An elevated boardwalk traverses an old-growth cypress swamp. For equestrians, there is an11-mile, day-use trail. Picnicking is another popular activity as are ranger-guided tours of thepark. Highlands Hammock offers a full-facility campground, as well as a youth/group tentcampground. A full-service restaurant is located on the park grounds. For schedule and cateringinformation, call (863) 385-7025. A recreation hall and several picnic pavilions are available forrental. A museum showcasing the history of the CCC is open 9:30 a.m.- 3:30 p.m. Located onCounty Road 634, four miles west of Sebring.

5931 Hammock Road, Sebring, FL 33872 (863) 386-6094



7/10

Hillsborough River

Opened in 1938 as one of Floridas rst state parks, this park is divided by the swiftly owingHillsborough River. Fort Foster, a replica of an 1837 fort from the Second Seminole War, islocated on the park grounds, adjacent to the river. Fort tours are offered on weekends or witha reservation. The river provides opportunities for shing, canoeing and kayaking; a canoe/kayak launch is available on the river. Canoes can be rented at the parks concession, which alprovides food, beverages, picnic supplies and souvenirs. Hikers can walk more than seven malong four nature trails. The Wetlands Restoration Trail accommodates bicyclists and hikers.When the weather calls for it, visitors can enjoy a refreshing swim in the parks swimming

pool. The park offers full-facility camping and a youth/group tent campground. A primitivcampsite is available via foot trail; reservations are recommended. Located 12 miles north oTampa and six miles south of Zephyrhills on U.S. 301.

15402 U.S. 301 North, Thonotosassa, FL 33592 (813) 987-6771

Honeymoon Island

The pioneers called it Hog Island, but it became Honeymoon Isle in 1939 when a NewYork developer built 50 palm-thatched bungalows for honeymooners. Today, visitorscan drive across Dunedin Causeway to enjoy the sun-drenched Gulf beaches, mangrovswamps and tidal ats. Nature lovers will nd osprey nests, a wide variety of shorebirdand one of the few remaining virgin slash pine forests in South Florida. The RotaryCentennial Nature Center provides information on park wildlife, its nature trails and b

observation areas. Visitors can swim, sh and snorkel in the warm waters of the Gulfor picnic while they enjoy the beautiful scenery. Shelling is particularly good here, asthe Gulf currents deposit an incredible variety of seashells on the shore. Showers areavailable and the parks concession has a gift shop and snack bar. Located at the extrewest end of State Road 586.

#1 Causeway Boulevard, Dunedin, FL 34698 (727) 469-5942

KoreshanM

Throughout its history, Florida has welcomed pioneers of all kinds. Cyrus Reed Twas probably the most unusual, bringing followers to Estero in 1894 to build NeJerusalem for his new faith, Koreshanity. The colony, known as the KoreshanUnity, believed that the entire universe existed within a giant, hollow sphere. Thecolony began fading after Teeds death in 1908. In 1961 the last four membersdeeded the land to the state. Today, visitors can sh, picnic, boat and hike whereTeeds visionaries once carried out survey experiments to prove the horizon othe beaches curves upward. A boat ramp and canoe rentals are available. Visitorcan take self-guided tours of the settlement or a ranger-guided tour. For overnistays, the park has a full-facility campground. Campers can enjoy campreprograms every Friday night from January through March. Located on U.S. 41 Corkscrew Road.

U.S. 41 at Corkscrew Road, Estero, FL 33928 (239) 992-0311

Lake June-in-Winter

This park protects one of the states most endangered natural communitiessand scruboften called Floridas desert. Some of Floridas rarest plants aanimals, including the Florida scrub-jay, Florida scrub lizard, Florida mousedeer, gopher tortoise and bobcat are found in the scrub. Ospreys and baldeagles are frequently sighted along the three miles of lakefront. This relativnew park is still in development and best suited to those seeking a remotewilderness experience and nature study. Visitors can hike along the whitesand relanes, walk a half-mile nature trail, sh from the lakeshore or launa canoe or kayak onto the lake. A picnic area has tables and a shelter, but grills. Located about 12 miles south of Sebring off U.S. 27.

Daffodil Road, Lake Placid, FL 33852 (863) 386-6094

Hillsborough River

Koreshan

Lake June-In-Winter



8/10

Southwest RegionLake Manatee

This park extends along three miles of the south shore of LakeManatee, which serves as a water reservoir for Manatee and Sarasotaounties. The rest of the park is primarily pine atwoods and sand pinecrub with some depression marshes and hardwood forests. A boatamp provides easy access to the lake; boat motors must be less than 20

horsepower. Canoeing and kayaking are also popular activities. The lakeoffers excellent freshwater shing, and anglers can sh from their boatsor from the parks shing dock. Swimming is permitted in a designated

rea of Lake Manatee; a facility with showers is located nearby. A largepicnic area is nestled in a sand pine scrub area near the lake. A picnicpavilion may be reserved for a fee. Campers can enjoy full-facility camping,ust a short walk from the lake. Located 15 miles east of Bradenton ontate Road 64.

0007 State Road 64, Bradenton, FL 34212 (941) 741-3028

Little Manatee RiverLake Manate

The Little Manatee River begins in a swampy area near Fort Lonesome andows almost 40 miles before emptying into Tampa Bay. The river has beendesignated an Outstanding Florida Water and is part of the Cockroach BayAquatic Preserve. Visitors can sh along the banks of the river or rent canoes

t the ranger station. Wildlife enthusiasts can enjoy hiking a six-and-a-halfmile trail through the parks northern wilderness area. For those who preferheir hikes on horseback, the park has 12 miles of equestrian trails and fourquestrian campsites. Campers can spend the night in a full-facility campground

or hike out to a primitive campsite along the trail. A youth/group campgroundccommodates up to 20 people. The scenic picnic area along the river has tables,rills and pavilions. Pavilions can be reserved for a fee. Unreserved pavilions arevailable on a rst-come-rst-served basis. Located ve miles south of Sun City,

off U.S. 301 on Lightfoot Road.

15 Lightfoot Road, Wimauma, FL 33598 (813) 671-5005

Lovers Key

Lovers Ke

For years, Lovers Key was accessible only by boat and it was said that only loversraveled to the island to enjoy its remote and solitary beach. Today, it is one of four

barrier islands that make up this state park. A haven for wildlife, the islands and theirwaters are home to West Indian manatees, bottlenose dolphins, roseate spoonbills,marsh rabbits and bald eagles. The two-mile-long beach is accessible by boardwalkor tram and is popular for shelling, swimming, picnicking and sunbathing. Blacksland has more than ve miles of multi-use trails for hiking and bicycling. Anglersnd boaters can launch their vessels from the parks boat ramp. The parks concession

offers boat and shing tours, as well as bicycle, canoe and kayak rentals. For toureservations, call (239) 314-0110. Located on County Road 865 between Fort Myers

Beach and Bonita Beach in Lee County.

700 Estero Boulevard, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931 (239) 463-4588

Madira Bickel Mound

Madira Bickel Moun

This ancient Native American site was the rst in Florida to be designated a StateArchaeological Site. Karl and Madira Bickel donated the mound and surroundingproperty to the state in 1948. The at-topped ceremonial moundcomposed of sand,hell and village debrismeasures 100 by 170 feet at the base and 20 feet in height.

Archaeological excavations have disclosed at least three periods of Native Americanultures, the earliest dating back 2,000 years. Picnic tables and an informational kiosk with

historical information are available. Plans for the future include a nature trail. No additionalmenities are available at this time. Located on Bayshore Drive in Palmetto approximately.5 miles west of U.S. 19 and one mile south of I-275.

Bayshore Drive, Palmetto, FL (941) 723-4536



9/10

Mound Key

Framed in forests of mangrove trees, the shell mounds and ridges of Mound Key rise more than30 feet above the waters of Estero Bay. Prehistoric Native Americans are credited with creating thisislands complex of mounds with an accumulation of seashells, sh bones and pottery. Mound Key isbelieved to have been the ceremonial center of the Calusa Indians when the Spaniards rst attemptedto colonize Southwest Florida. In 1566, the Spanish governor of Florida established a settlementon the island with a fort and the rst Jesuit mission in the Spanish New World. The settlement wasabandoned three years later after violent clashes with the Indians. The only access to the island is byboat; there are no facilities. Interpretive displays can be found along a trail that spans the width of

the island. Located in Estero Bay, several miles by boat from Koreshan State Historic Site or LoversKey State Park.

For more information or to visit this park, contact: Koreshan, U.S. 41 at Corkscrew Road,Estero, FL 33928 (239) 992-0311

Myakka River

One of the oldest and largest state parks, Myakka protects one of the states most diversenatural areas. The Myakka River, designated as a Florida Wild and Scenic River, ows through58 square miles of wetlands, prairies, hammocks and pinelands. Visitors can enjoy wildlifeviewing from a boardwalk that stretches over Upper Myakka Lake, then take to the treetopswith a stroll along the canopy walkway. The parks river and two lakes provide opportunitiesfor boating, freshwater shing, canoeing and kayaking; a boat ramp provides access to Upper

Myakka Lake. Hikers can explore trails that cross large expanses of rare Florida dry prairie.Scenic lake tours are offered daily on the worlds two largest airboats. Safari tram tours of theparks backcountry are offered from mid-December through May. Full-facility campgroundsand primitive campsites are available. Five palm log cabins, built in the 1930s by the CivilianConservation Corps, have been modernized for comfortable lodging. Located nine mileseast of Sarasota on State Road 72.

13208 State Road 72, Sarasota, FL 34241 (941) 361-6511

Oscar Scherer

A large acreage of scrubby atwoods makes this park one of the best places to see Floridascrub-jays, a threatened species found only in Florida. The park protects scrubby and

Myakka River

Oscar Scherer

pine atwoods that were once widespread throughout Sarasota County. Fifteen miles oftrails through these beautiful natural areas provide opportunities for hiking, bicycling andwildlife viewing. Canoeists and kayakers can paddle along South Creek, a blackwater streamthat ows to the Gulf of Mexico. Canoe and kayak rentals are available, but motorizedboats are not permitted in the park boundaries. Freshwater and saltwater shing areavailable along the creek. Anglers can sh along the shores of Lake Osprey, which is alsothe parks swimming destination. Picnic areas along South Creek are equipped with grills;pavilions can be reserved for a fee. The park has full-facility campsites and a youth/group campground. The parks nature center has exhibits and videos about the parksnatural communities. Located on U.S. 41, two miles south of Osprey.

1843 S. Tamiami Trail, Osprey, FL 34229 (941) 483-5956

Paynes Creek

Paynes Creek

During the 1840s, tensions between the settlers and Seminole Indians promptedauthorities to establish a trading post in Floridas interior, away from settlements.Built in early 1849, the post was attacked and destroyed by renegade Indians that summer. In late 1849 Fort Chokonikla was built nearby as the rst outpost in a chain of forts established to control the Seminoles. The Seminoles neverattacked the fort, but the Army was nearly defeated by mosquitoes. Today, natureenthusiasts and hikers can enjoy walking along trails through the parks naturalareas. Paynes Creek and the adjoining Peace River provide opportunities forcanoeing, kayaking and shing. A museum at the visitor center depicts the livesof Floridas Seminole Indians and pioneers during the 19th century. The visitorcenter is open 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. Located one-half mile southeast ofBowling Green on Lake Branch Road.

888 Lake Branch Road, Bowling Green, FL 33834 (863) 375-4717



10/10

Southwest RegionSkyway Fishing Pier

Skyway Fishing Pi

When the new Sunshine Skyway bridge was built over Tampa Bay, connectingSt. Petersburg with Bradenton, the old bridge was turned into the worlds longestshing pier. Anglers love being able to park their cars or campers within a few feetof their favorite shing spot. The bridge is lighted at night, so anglers can see to riga line, bait the hook and get a good look at their catch. The light also attracts manyspecies of sh after sundown. Common catches include snook, tarpon, grouper, blacksea bass, Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, cobia, sheepshead, red snapper, pompanoand many more. Snacks, drinks, bait and shing supplies are available. The pier is open

24 hours a day year-round. Located north and south of the Skyway Bridge on I-275(U.S. 19).

4905 34th Street South, #5000, St. Petersburg, FL 33711 (727) 865-0668

Stump Pass Beach

At the southwest corner of Sarasota County there is a mile of beach where seashellsand shark teeth wash up, and anglers sh the surf for prize catches. Visitors can enjoy anexcellent view of the Gulf of Mexico, as well as a stretch of undeveloped Florida coastline.

Visitors come to this secluded beach to enjoy the year-round swimming and sunbathing;shelling is best during the winter months. A hiking trail passes through ve distinct naturalcommunities that provide homes for many species of wildlife; covered picnic tables arelocated along the trail. While at the park, visitors might see West Indian manatees, gopher

tortoises, snowy egrets, least terns and magnicent frigatebirds. Ranger-led turtle walks andbeach nature walks are available in the summer. Located at the south end of Manasota Keyoff I-75, exit 191.

Manasota Key, Englewood, FL (941) 964-0375

Terra Ceia

Stump Pass Beac

This parks 2,000 acres encompass mangrove forests, freshwater and saltwater wetlands andupland communities. Much of the preserve is in various stages of habitat restoration whichis intended to return agricultural land to its natural and ecologically diverse condition. Asrestoration efforts continue, recreational facilities such as hiking trails, canoe/kayak launches, aboat ramp and interpretive kiosks are planned. Currently, kayaking is the primary activity withinthe preserve. Located south of I-275 on Terra Ceia Road.

130 Terra Ceia Road, Terra Ceia, FL 34250 (941) 721-2068 or (941) 723-4536

Werner-Boyce Salt Springs

This park protects four miles of coastline along the Gulf of Mexico in western Pasco County. The saltspring looks small, but it is an amazing 320 feet deep. Gray fox, gopher tortoises, alligators and WestIndian manatees call this park and its waters home. Birdwatchers can enjoy sighting raptors, wadingbirds, shore birds and migratory songbirds. A recent addition to the state park system, Werner-Boyce hasa picnic pavilion, tables, informational kiosk and a short hiking trail. Plans for the future include moreaccess and recreational opportunities for visitors. Located off Scenic Drive in Port Richey. Turn west offU.S. 19 at Regency Park Boulevard, go .25 mile to the intersection of Scenic Drive and Cinema Drive.

Intersection of Scenic Drive and Cinema Drive, Port Richey, FL (727) 816-1890

Ybor City Museum

Ybor City Museu

M

Don Vicente Martinez Ybor came to the frontier near Tampa and built a city that became the CigarCapital of the World. From the opening of the rst cigar factory in 1886 until the 1930s, Ybor Cityourished. This urban park is dedicated to the preservation of Ybor Citys cultural heritage. Themuseum, housed in the historic Ferlita Bakery, traces the rich cultural history of Ybor City and the cigarmaking industry. The museum has self-guided exhibits, with written and audio information, and a videopresentation. La Casita, a restored cigar workers house, is open for viewing 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Guidedtours are available Monday through Saturday. The ornamental garden can be rented for events after regularpark hours. Located at the corner of 9th Avenue and 19th Street in Tampa.

1818 Ninth Avenue, Tampa, FL 33605 (813) 247-6323

For more information (850) 245 2157 FloridaStateParks org

Documents

Florida's Southwest State Parks