2023 Newcomers Guide

46 | SOUTHWEST FLORIDA • NEWCOMERS GUIDE TO PARADISE Locally Owned & Operated Firearms, Training & Accessories 941-249-4613 119 Tamiami Trail Suite F North Port Charlotte, FL 33953 adno=3898513-1 www.k3tacticalservices.com restaurants, patio bars and a fun shopping area. STUMP PASS BEACH STATE PARK 900 Gulf Blvd., Englewood If you like nature and a little more seclu- sion, Stump Pass Beach State Park is for you. In addition to swimming, nature trails, birding, shelling and fi shing, this beach operated by the Florida State Park system offers winding coastal nature trails, a picnic pavilion, a canoe/kayak launch, showers and restrooms, and access to Stump Pass, the waterway that links the Gulf of Mexico with Lemon Bay. There is a small fee to use this park, and you should plan to bring your own amenities like snacks and drinks. 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, fi shing, shelling and birding opportunities with ample park- ing 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 bay- side. 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 fi shing. BOCA GRANDE PUBLIC BEACHES Third Street and other locations There are 14 public Gulf of Mexico beaches, but they're not always easy to fi nd. 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 fi sh- ing 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 public beach parks you can enjoy. The Florida State Park service oper- ates Don Pedro Island State Park, which is FILE PHOTO Boca Grande beach, part of Gasparilla Island State Park.

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