2022 Discover Neighborhoods - Spring/Summer
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Fine Furnishings For Your Home and Patio RATTAN WICKER & CANE Thank You Venice! Voted Best Patio Furniture 751 U.S. 41 Bypass S., Venice • 1/2 mile South of Venice Ave. 941-484-3313 • Open 9:30-5:30 Monday through Saturday www.rattanwickerandcane.com adno=3840336-1 2021 2021 PAGE 35 MANASOTA KEY Manasota Beach Park 8570 Manasota Key Road, Englewood Blind Pass Beach Park 6725 Manasota Key Road, Englewood Sarasota County operates two beaches on Manasota Key, Manasota Beach Park to the north, and Blind Pass Beach Park, which locals call "Middle Beach," near the middle of the key. Both are easily accessible by car and offer swimming, fishing, shelling and birding opportunities with ample parking and updated restrooms and showers. Manasota Beach has its own boat dock on the Intracoastal Waterway, while Blind Pass has a canoe and kayak launch on its bayside. Blind Pass also has a fun playground for the kids. BOCA GRANDE Gasparilla Island State Park 880 Belcher Road, Boca Grande Beaches, boating, canoe/kayak, hiking, picnicking, swimming, snorkeling/diving and fishing. Boca Grande public beaches Third Street and other locations There are 14 public Gulf of Mexico beaches, but they're not always easy to find. Not all have parking, and because of erosion, some offer only a beautiful view of the Gulf of Mexico. If you drive south on Gilchrist Boulevard, which turns into Gulf Boulevard, the Gulf beaches are on your right, at the end of each street. Farther south, there are 14 walking paths from Gulf Boulevard to the beach. There are also 11 bayside access points. On the southern end of the island, Gasparilla Island State Park is on the right, and has a public parking lot, with the larger portion of the park about a quarter mile south. Both parks have swimming and fishing opportunities, and each features its own unique lighthouse. ISLAND BEACHES Don Pedro Island State Park 8450 Placida Road, Placida Cayo Costa State Park 4 Nautical Miles West of Pine Island, Cayo Costa If you have access to a boat, there are lots of additional pub- lic beach parks you can enjoy. The Florida State Park service operates Don Pedro Island State Park, which is in Placida near Englewood, and Cayo Costa State Park, which is south of Boca Grande Pass. Both offer swimming, boating, canoe/ kayak, hiking, picnicking, snorkeling/diving, fishing, camping in small primitive cabins or tents. Visit www.floridastateparks.org or call 941-964-0375 to learn more about these parks, and how to find ferry services to these beaches.