Blueways Paddling Guide

Home , East River (Florida), John Ringling Causeway, Lido Key, Myakkahatchee Creek, Oscar Scherer State Park, Paddling

RESOURCE DIRECTORY ASSISTANCE SARASOTA COUNTY Sarasota County Contact Center...... 941-861-5000 ...... scgov.net Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Sheriff’s Office Emergency...... 911 Non-emergency. Report crime or incident...... 941-316-1201 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Wildlife Alert Hotline...... 1-888-404-3922 (FWCC) Blueways Text option for reporting a violation...... [email protected] Manatee and marine turtle collision; rescue and recovery. Also for reporting fishing violations, boating accidents, and Paddling Guide marine mammal injuries or strandings. U.S. Coast Guard Rescue...... 941-794-1261 or 941-794-1607 For search and rescue assistance ...... VHF Channel 16; Emergency Cell *CG. PROGRAMS (marine resource info) Florida Department of Environmental Protection Office of Greenways & Trails...... 850-245-2052 (FL Circumnavigational Paddling Trail)...... dep.state.fl.us Florida Sea Grant...... 352-392-5870 flseagrant.org Get into Florida Sportswater Fishing...... 1-888-347-4356 Fishing License...... myfwc.com/license the flow Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium...... 941-388-4441 For assistance with injured marine mammals or sea turtles...... mote.org NOAA Weather Service Broadcast...... 813-645-2506 24 hour weather and marine forecast...... 162.55Kz/VH Sarasota Bay Estuary Program...... 941-955-8085 sarasotabay.org West Coast Inland Navigation District...... 941-485-9402 For information on the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway OUTFITTERS & ECOTOUR OPERATORS Please search online for “Canoes” and “Kayaks” for local canoe and kayak outfitters and eco-tour operators. PADDLING CLUBS Please search online for local paddling clubs.

Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources ••

Tamiami Trail

i University Parkway MANATEE COUNTY Reference Map 213 SARASOTA COUNTY LONGBOAT KEY Sarasota 301 Bay 1 Fruitville Road 210 New Pass 75 SARASOTA 2 Lido Key 41 k e re Bee Ridge Road

Verna Verna Road C 207 i

p i Roberts l 3 l Bay i Proctor Road h Upper Big Sarasota P Pass Myakka

Beneva Road Lake Clark Road 4 205 72 Siesta Key Tamiami Trail The numbered triangles Palmer Ranch identify the paddle trail areas Parkway Sarasota Bay in this guide. The Legacy Trail Gulf of Little

TABLE OF CONTENTS Mexico Central Sarasota Lower Parkway Myakka About This Guide ...... 2 10 Lake 1u Sarasota Bay Trail ...... 5 Bay Street 2u Lido Trail ...... 8 200 3u South Lido Trail ...... 12 OSPREY 681 4u Phillippi Creek Trail...... 14

Casey Key 5u Neville Marine Preserve Trail ...... 18 41 6u South Creek Trail ...... 22 6 Myakka River 7u Dona Bay/Roberts Bay Trails ...... 26 NOKOMIS Laurel Road 8u Caspersen Trail ...... 30 195

9u Lemon Bay Trail ...... 34 Border Road

10u Myakka River/Carlton Trail...... 38 VENICE 193 191 11u Myakka River/Myakkahatchee Creek Trails .... 42 7 Venice Avenue 182 Venice Inlet 75 Resource Directory ...... inside back cover Venice Bypass

41 k e re N. River Road C e

Harbor Drive Tamiami Trail e Jacaranda Boulevard h tc a h a Please help to protect k k a y

our coastal habitats, M waterways and wildlife. 8 NORTH 41

PORT Pack out trash and Manasota 11 recyclables and place in Beach Road

Manasota Key appropriate containers. Englewood Road Myakka River

Lemon Bay

SARASOTA S. River Rd. ENGLEWOOD COUNTY 9 776 To view this publication online: scgov.net (Keyword Parks/Blueways Paddle Guide) SARASOTA COUNTY CHARLOTTE COUNTY About this Guide

THE BLUEWAYS PADDLING GUIDE IS A GUIDE TO SARASOTA’S KAYAK AND CANOE TRAILS iscover Sarasota County’s Carlton Trail and the Myakka River/ HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE Dnatural beauty, its unique Myakkahatchee Creek Trails. This guide can be used to navigate Each trail includes some wildlife and habitat as you designated paddling routes Points of Interest that can be explore the beautiful waterways Sarasota County has a uniquely through open water as well as enjoyed while on your journey. of this county. diverse blend of natural areas mangrove trails. Each paddling Site descriptions list related to explore while paddling the trail has detailed directions activities and amenities such as There are 11 area waterways to blueways. Paddle through a to Launch Points. Each trail picnicking, birding, nature trails, explore with suggested blueways mangrove forest and view the includes suggested Short Trips, fishing piers and camping, as (paddling trails) highlighted wildlife of the estuaries. Paddle Navigational Notes and Paddle well as sightseeing, historic and in this guide. The trail systems along the bays, bayous, lagoons and Tips to help ensure a safe and cultural sites. from the northern area of Sarasota creeks and explore the natural areas enjoyable outing. County going south are as follows: of Florida’s designated “Wild and Throughout this guide there are the Sarasota Bay Trail, the Lido Scenic” Myakka River. Nature Notes about the Gulf and South Lido Trails, the Phillippi Key to icons Coast area’s habitat and wildlife Creek Trail, the Neville Marine It has been said that in life, the used throughout that can be observed while on a

Preserve Trail, the South Creek journey is more important than this guide: paddling adventure. Trail, the Dona Bay/Roberts Bay the destination. This is a guide q Trails the Caspersen Trail and for your journey . . . to explore Launch Points Please keep this guide for the Lemon Bay Trail. The last two beyond the Florida you know. So Boat Ramps future visits or share with take a journey and enjoy Sarasota a friend or family member. trails in this guide are systems that Parks are located in the eastern part of County and all it has to offer. We hope you will enjoy the the county: the Myakka River/ Points of Interest beautiful Blueways of Sarasota County for years to come. Dick Pfaff

2 For park hours of operation call the Sarasota County Contact Center: 941-861-5000 33 1 Sarasota Bay Trail POINTS OF INTEREST 1 Powel Crosley Estate 1 Seagate Drive, N. Tamiami Trail, Bradenton. This was the home of Powel Crosley, the entrepreneur (especially known for soap operas). This 1929 historic home has towering walls of cast stone, hand carved wooden doors, a stone portico, and fireplaces that feature the graceful style and architecture of a bygone era. 941-722-3244 powelcrosleymuseum.com ROUTE LAUNCH POINTS/ This trail is located in the northwestern BOAT RAMPS 1 Indian Beach Park

portion of Sarasota County and See map for additional launch points. Located at the south end of Bayshore extends from the Sarasota/Manatee q Road, Sarasota. A one-acre coastal County line to downtown Sarasota. 1 Overlook Park park that is a landing site only. No Ringling Mansion — Ca d´Zan (top image) 101 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat motor vehicle parking available. and the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall NAVIGATIONAL NOTES Key. Take the Ringling Causeway sarasotagov.com (bottom image) are two structures you can see A majority of the Sarasota Bay Trail is onto Lido Key. Go north on John as you paddle along the Sarasota Bay Trail. on open water. The technical difficulty Ringling Parkway onto Longboat 3 John and Mable Ringling of the Sarasota Bay Trail varies Key. Immediately after crossing the Museum of Art & depending on the weather, particularly New Pass Bridge take the first left. Ca d´Zan Mansion GENERAL EXPERIENCE The launch is a sandy patch located

on the open bay. If paddling on the 5401 Bayshore Road, Sarasota. View the cultural, historic and

bay, a slight breeze (even 2-3 mph) on the Gulf side. Limited parking. Ca d’Zan was the home of John and q landmark buildings from the water. As can make paddling very difficult. This Mable Ringling, the “crown jewel” of 2 Island Park/ you paddle north along the Sarasota portion of the trail should be avoided the Ringling complex with stained Bay Trail you will see structures that by first-time paddlers and those with Bayfront Park glass windows, whimsical carvings, Bayfront Drive is a section of U.S. 41, were homes to residents of Sarasota little experience with waves. marble terraces, gardens, and from times past, as well as buildings located in downtown Sarasota on historical furnishings. The museum the bayfront. There is a small beach that are internationally recognized as SHORT TRIPS has a large collection of internationally landmarks for their unique designs. Whitaker Bayou to launch from located at the south recognized works of art by Italian The paddle north from Centennial end of the park. Parking is limited to and Northern European Renaissance Park Boat Ramp is approximately 3 hours Monday-Friday. artists, in addition to French, Dutch, Flemish, and Spanish works from the PADDLE TIP 1/2 mile following the shoreline into 1 Whitaker Bayou. This bayou provides a Centennial Park past five centuries. 1059 N. Tamiami Trail at 10th CHECK THE mile or so of gentle paddling. You will 941-351-1660 ringling.org Street, Sarasota. There is a small MARINE FORECAST pass the Ringling College of Art and section of sandy beach to the north Whether your trip is on Design and homes, and eventually 2 Whitaker-Gateway Park of the boat basin, on Sarasota Bay, Sarasota Bay or any coastal the trail narrows into drainage canals. 1446 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. that provides a great launch point waters, be sure to heed any These canals are narrow and have high Fishing pier, pavilion, playground to avoid the motorized traffic in the small craft advisories. banks which limit the paddlers’ view. and restrooms. boat basin and channel. A portion of the winding trail on the sarasotagov.com Ample parking. KNOW CURRENT CONDITIONS actual bayou provides a great view of WIND, TIDES AND 4 Van Wezel Performing native vegetation. 2 Ken Thompson Park RIVER LEVELS 1700 Ken Thompson Parkway, Arts Hall Paddling against strong winds 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. This Island Park to Eloise Werlin Park Lido Key. From U.S. 41 take the and tides can make the trip This urban paddling trail is a two-mile landmark building was designed by John Ringling Causeway west. Go very difficult. Some trails may loop. Restaurants and public restrooms the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation. It north on John Ringling Parkway, not be navigable at low tide. are available. features world-class music, dance and onto Longboat Key. At the stoplight Check tide tables and plan your theater. 941-953-3366 trip accordingly so you don’t Ted Sperling Nature Park to Bird before the New Pass Bridge turn right on Ken Thompson Parkway. vanwezel.org get stranded at low tide. Key Park or Ken Thompson Park The boat ramp is located on This trail is approximately a four to the right beyond Mote Marine six-mile loop depending on the route Laboratory and Aquarium. you take.

4 For park hours of operation call the Sarasota County Contact Center: 941-861-5000 5 Refer to Manatee County Blueways Sarasota Bay Trail Guide for more paddling trails north LEGEND Most sites listed of Sarasota County. 1 oer some amenities Seagate Drive to 75 BLUEWAY TRAIL PARKS MANATEE COUNTY University Parkway 213 Mangroves 1 Indian Beach Park 2 SARASOTA COUNTY CAUTION AREAS 2 Whitaker-Gateway Park High Boat Tra c Sarasota International ! or Strong Currents 3 Centennial Park Airport 4 Quick Point Nature Preserve 58th St. 301 Exit Numbers 75 3 5 Ken Thompson Park University Parkway LAUNCH POINTS (bait shop in area) 1 Overlook Park Drive Shore 6 Eloise Werlin Park orth 2 Island Park/Bayfront Park and Tony Saprito Fishing Pier N (bait shop in area) 3 Bird Key Park Island Park/Bayfront Park 4 Ted Sperling Nature Park SARASOTA BOAT RAMPS 8 Bird Key Park

All boat ramps accommodate 9 North Lido Beach Trail Tamiami North canoe and kayak launching Otter Key 1 Centennial Park Lido Beach 2 Ken Thompson Park 41 LANDING POINTS Ted Sperling Park at South Lido Beach Water access (See detailed inset on page 13) 1 Indian Beach Park

POINTS OF INTEREST Boulevard Washington 2 Quick Point Nature Preserve

1 Powel Crosley Estate/University of South Florida BayshoreRoad 2 New College of Florida 1 3 Ca d’Zan and Ringling Museum u o 4 Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall y a B New Pass Fishing Pier er 5 ak Whit 17th St. 6 Sarasota BayWalk 7 Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium 2 Gulf of Mexico Drive 8 Marie Selby Botanical Gardens 1 3 Sarasota Intracoastal Waterway 10th St. Bay 4

Fruitville Road 2 to 75 210 4 Longboat 5 5 Ba yf 1 6 ro Key n Golden t 2 D r ! Gate Point i 7 7 v ! e 6 2 Mound Street Gulf of Mexico John Ringling Parkway 3 New Pass 8 udson Ba H yo Lido 8 u Key Bahia Vista Street

41 9 John Ringling Causeway St. Armands Bird Key Key 10 Otter 0 1/2 1 mile Key Sarasota Approx. scale Miles Eective date: 2017 Bay 11 12 Trail Tamiami South 4 6 7 2 Lido Trail POINTS OF INTEREST 5 Island Park/Bayfront Park PADDLE TIP Bayfront Drive, Sarasota. Enjoy spectacular bay views, fountains, NAVIGATION indoor/outdoor restaurants and A handheld GPS unit unforgettable sunsets on Sarasota Bay. is recommended for trips on open water. 3 Ken Thompson Park Pack a trail map, 1700 Ken Thompson Parkway, marine map and/ Sarasota. An 84-acre park offering a or nautical chart of nature trail/boardwalk, picnic area, the Sarasota area playground, and restrooms. There are and compass at indoor/outdoor restaurants in the area minimum. to enjoy refreshments and the view, as well as a bait shop. 941-861-5000 scgov.net 2 Quick Point Nature Preserve 4 Mote Marine Laboratory 100 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat and Aquarium Key. A 34-acre nature park offering ROUTE 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, trails, boardwalks, tidal pools, scenic

LAUNCH POINTS vistas and wildlife viewing.

This trail is located in the downtown area See map for additional launch points. Sarasota. Get a close-up look at the of the Sarasota bayfront and includes q creatures that inhabit nearby coastal 941-316-1988 longboatkey.org Lido Key and the southern portion of 3 Bird Key Park waters. Come face-to-face with sharks, Longboat Key. 200 John Ringling Causeway, touch a horseshoe crab or enjoy watching manatees gliding through ENVIRONMENT Bird Key. After crossing the Otter Key is primarily a mangrove the water. Mote Marine also offers a NAVIGATIONAL NOTES Ringling Bridge going west, this island and is an excellent spot for guided tour of the bays.

The technical difficulty of this trail park and launch point are located bird viewing. Observe manatees and

941-388-4441mote.org varies, depending on the location. q immediately on the right. dolphins in their natural surroundings Motorized vessels are a hazard when 4 8 throughout the Sarasota Bay area. paddling the Intracoastal Waterway. Ted Sperling Nature Park Otter Key As with all wildlife and marine life, A 30-acre island east of Lido Key, Be careful — tides and currents can 190 Taft Drive, Lido Key. please keep your distance while Otter Key is an undeveloped county be powerful as well. Paddlers should The launch is located to the east observing them.

also be aware of boat traffic and of the restroom facilities at the park. It is a great place for viewing

wildlife. 941-861-5000 scgov.net strong currents when crossing Big q end of Taft Drive. Sarasota Pass. 5 Ted Sperling Park 3 Sarasota BayWalk at South Lido Beach 1700 Ken Thompson Parkway, Dolphins communicate SHORT TRIPS 2201 Ben Franklin Drive, Lido Key. Sarasota. This 4.5-acre wetland mainly by means of sounds. Ted Sperling Nature Park This launch area can be accessed restoration site with boardwalks offers These sounds include whistles,

Kayak/canoe one of Sarasota’s by driving to the end of Ben wildlife viewing and nature trails. and also so-called pulsed sounds. They

most popular paddling trails. q Franklin Drive. also use breaching (jumping and falling Approximately 1-mile of a peaceful 10 Ted Sperling Park at South back into the water with a loud splash) paddle through the mangrove 6 Siesta Key Beach Lido Beach tunnels that wind through Big Access #1 190 Taft Drive & 2201 Ben Franklin and pectoral fin (or flipper) and tail (or fluke) slaps (hitting the flipper or fluke on Grassy Lagoon and Brushy Bayou. 3940 N. Shell Road, Siesta Key. Drive, Lido Key, Sarasota. This There is a detailed description of this From U.S. 41 take Siesta Drive onto 100-acre park interacts with four the water’s surface) for communication. outstanding trail on Pages 12-13. Siesta Key; continue west to Higel significant bodies of water: the Gulf Drive. In approximately one quarter of Mexico, Big Sarasota Pass, Sarasota Quick Point Nature Preserve of a mile, turn right on North Shell Bay, and Brushy Bayou. There are to Ken Thompson Park Road. At the end of North Shell beaches, nature trails, picnic areas, This trail is a 2-mile loop. There are Road there is a small beach access and restrooms. 941-861-5000 nature trails to enjoy at Quick Point with limited parking. scgov.net Nature Preserve and the Sarasota Baywalk by Ken Thompson Park. 4 Tony Saprito Pier Also located here are waterfront Located at Eloise Werlin Park, restaurants, picnic areas and Sarasota. Concession and bait shop fishing piers. (Hart’s Landing). This is a popular spot to fish, with a beautiful view of the Sarasota skyline.

8 For park hours of operation call the Sarasota County Contact Center: 941-861-5000 9 Lido Trail Sarasota 1 1 Bay 1 G ul f o f M SARASOTA e xic o 41 Dr ive 2 to 75 Fruitville Road 210 INT

2 RACOASTAL WATERW 3 Longboat Key 4 Ba yf ro LEGEND 2 n Most sites listed 1 t D oer some amenities 4 r iv BLUEWAY TRAIL 3 Island 5 e ! AY Park Mangroves ! 2

s CAUTION AREAS s a ! High Boat Tra c P w 41 or Strong Currents e North Boulevard of the Presidents N # Exit Numbers 75 3 6 LAUNCH POINTS you Lido Ba n 1 Overlook Park 5 so Key d u 2 Island Park/Bayfront Park H 3 Bird Key Park Pansy ! 4 Ted Sperling Nature Park Bayou 5 Ted Sperling Park at South Lido Beach 7 St. 6 Siesta Key Beach Access #1 Armands Key John Ringling Causeway LANDING POINTS Water access 8 South Boulevard of the Presidents Bird Key 1 Otter Key 1 Otter BOAT RAMPS Key All boat ramps accommodate canoe and kayak launching 1 Centennial Park 9 Lido Beach B 2 Ken Thompson Park en j ami PARKS n Fra n 1 Centennial Park k lin Drive INT Quick Point Nature Preserve 2 4 RACOASTAL WATERW 3 Ken Thompson Park (bait shop in area) 4 Eloise Werlin Park and Tony Saprito Fishing Pier (bait shop in the area) Taft Drive 5 Island Park 10 6 Bird Key Park AY 7 North Lido Beach Gulf of Mexico ! 8 Otter Key Siesta 9 Lido Beach ! Key Siesta Drive 10 Ted Sperling Park at South Lido Beach (See detailed inset on page 13) 11 Edwards Islands 5 H

POINTS OF INTEREST a n

1 Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall o

s n s North Shell Road B 2 New Pass Fishing Pier a P a y

a o t 3 Sarasota BayWalk 6 u so Roberts 11 a ar Bay 4 Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium S 0 1/4 1/2 mile ig 5 Marie Selby Botanical Gardens B Approx. scale Miles 10 Eective date: 2017 Higel Avenue 11 3 South Lido Trail S. Blvd. of the Presidents

Harrison Drive P Sarasota Bay

McKinley Drive 1

Roosevelt Drive Little Grassy Taft Drive Lagoon

Big Grassy • Lagoon

B enj

ami

MANGROVE TUNNELS n Franklin D South This trail is located at Ted Sperling Nature Park at the southernmost Lido Big Beach Sarasota tip of Lido Key. rive Brushy Pass Take a self-guided tour of this northern bank of Big Grassy Lagoon. Bayou outstanding trail, considered one of Along the mangrove-fringed shore the most diverse in Southwest Florida. are a series of oyster beds. • LEGEND Gulf of Mexico BLUEWAY TRAIL Following the trail you will enter Passing the observation deck of the Sarasota Bay before turning into Little MANGROVE northern nature trail, you will enter CAUTION AREAS Grassy Lagoon, a shallow water body another tunnel connector which will ! High Boat Trac distinguished by its rich seagrass beds. 2 or Strong Currents take you into the focal point of the LAUNCH POINTS Two main varieties of seagrass carpet P park’s natural system—Brushy Bayou. POINTS OF INTEREST the bottom of the lagoon: turtle grass 0 1/8 1/4 As you drift quietly in the bayou you 1 North Nature Trail (flat and wide blades) and widgeon Approx. scale Miles 2 South Nature Trail may have the opportunity to view E ective date: 2017 grass (spaghetti-shaped). Both provide a broad range of wildlife that travel Observation Towers food and protection for a wide range of between land and water. ! marine animals, including channeled whelk, hermit crab, and mullet. To exit Brushy Bayou, paddle down the tunnel immediately to the north ENVIRONMENT At the far southern end of the lagoon, of the bayou inlet. Buttonwood and Habitat the trail continues east down a tunnel white mangroves grow along this Mangroves and wetland areas are Red mangrove (Rhizophora mangle), that was originally constructed as a tunnel in greater density than other an important natural resource to all which is the dominant plant of South mosquito ditch. Mosquito ditches areas of the Brushy Bayou system. of Florida. As beautiful as they are Lido Park’s shoreline, has distinctive are a remnant of efforts made during After leaving the final tunnel, you biologically essential, they are an arching prop roots and green bean- the 1950s to control mosquitoes integral component of the estuarine like seed pods or propagules. by introducing tidal flow to the can return to the canoe launch by crossing Big Grassy Lagoon, passing ecosystem. These habitats provide a Black mangroves (Avicennia germinans) mosquito breeding pools. Because of number of essential benefits to bay its detrimental environmental impact the mangrove islands, to emerge in the are found growing among red small clearing on the other side that life — food and shelter for marine mangroves. Black mangroves “sweat” and limited effectiveness, this method life and wildlife, protection for the of mosquito control was discontinued. faces Sarasota Bay. salt from their leaves and send up shorelines from erosion, and as a filter twiggy projections from their roots By paddling down the narrow passage, for the pollutants. kayakers can better view the complex called pneumatophores, which provide root system of the red mangrove and PADDLE TIP Green buttonwood (Conocarpus oxygen to the tree’s roots. the dynamics of mangrove ecosystems. erectus), which is not a true mangrove, White mangroves (Laguncularia NECESSARY EQUIPMENT grows along the South Lido Trail in As one emerges from the tunnel into Bow and stern lines (about racemosa) usually grow above the the Brushy Bayou tunnel area. Green high tide line. The white mangroves Sarasota Bay, two mangrove islands 15 feet long is best). buttonwood generally has small, appear directly ahead. These islands have thick, leathery leaves at the base Anchoring device with rope elongated leaves and bears round of which lie two small nodes which provide habitat for large nesting water (length of rope should be five “buttons” or fruits that turn brown. birds (especially during the winter). excrete excess salt. to seven times depth There are three types of mangroves Brown pelicans, great blue herons, and of water). great egrets rest in the dense foliage found along Florida’s coast, all of of the mangrove islands. From the Extra paddle per boat. which can be found on the South mangrove islands, paddle along the Lido Trail — red mangrove, black mangrove, and white mangrove.

12 For park hours of operation call the Sarasota County Contact Center: 941-861-5000 13 4 Phillippi Creek Trail POINTS OF INTEREST 4 Pinecraft Park 1 Marie Selby Botanical Gardens 1420 Gilbert Ave., Sarasota. 811 S. Palm Ave., Sarasota. A 15-acre park with a beautiful view of Selby Gardens has multiple distinct Phillippi Creek winding north. It offers garden areas that showcase plant picnic areas, playground, pavilion, species from all over the world. There nature trail, shuffle board courts, is a butterfly garden, the bamboo basketball courts, volleyball court, pavilion, koi pond, banyan grove, palm and restrooms. 941-861-5000 grove, shoreline restoration, and the scgov.net baywalk. Selby Gardens also offers a collection of more than 6,000 orchids 9 Siesta Beach and a museum showing more than 948 Beach Road, Siesta Key. 20,000 plants. 941-366-5731 This beach is world-renowned and selby.org recognized as one of the most beautiful beaches found anywhere

ROUTE LAUNCH POINTS 8 Phillippi Estate Park with the whitest and finest sand in the

The Phillippi Creek Trail extends from 5500 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. world (99 percent pure quartz) Siesta Seeq map for additional launch points. Roberts Bay to north of A 60-acre park located on Phillippi Beach has concessions, picnic areas, Bahia Vista Street. 3 Pinecraft Park Creek. The Edson Keith Mansion is playground, tennis courts, beach 1420 Gilbert Ave., Sarasota. the center piece of the park, it was volleyball, pavilion, and restrooms. NAVIGATIONAL NOTES From U.S. 41 (Tamiami Trail) take built in 1916 in the classic Italian 941-861-5000 scgov.net

This is a great trail for novice Bahia Vista Street going east; then renaissance style, and is listed on the

National Register of Historic Places. paddlers. The technical difficulty can q turn south on Gilbert Avenue. Enjoy a stroll on the nature trail that be intermediate depending on the 6 weather conditions and presence of Phillippi Estate Park winds along the shoreline. This park motorized vessels on the open bay 5500 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. has picnic areas, playground, gazebo, and near the Intracoastal Waterway. Travel approximately four miles fishing piers, and restrooms. There is light boat traffic on the creek. south on U.S. 41 from downtown 941-861-5000 scgov.net From the mouth of the creek to U.S. 41 Sarasota. Phillippi Estate Park is is a slow speed zone; after that it is an located on the west side of U.S. 41 idle speed zone/no wake. (Tamiami Trail). Follow the road ENVIRONMENT to the back parking area, by the Estuaries

restrooms. The launch is located

SHORT TRIPS Estuaries are where fresh water from q by the west fishing pier. Phillippi Estate Park rivers and creeks mixes with salt water to Pinecraft Park 7 Christopher Wheeler Park from the sea. 1300 Old Stickney Point Road, Approximately three miles upstream Estuaries are considered “cradles of the Siesta Key. From U.S. 41 take from the launch at Phillippi Estate sea” because they provide important Stickney Point Road onto Siesta Key. Park, this urban paddle trail takes you spawning grounds and nurseries for at Turn left on Midnight Pass Road. through residential neighborhoods. least two-thirds of the nation’s fisheries The most widespread Take the first left on Old Stickney This route can also be taken by and are among the most biologically and familiar heron across Point Road. The park is at the end of launching from Pinecraft Park and productive areas in the world. While paddling much of the country, the the road. Limited parking. paddling downstream to the bay. you have a chance to view a wide variety of Great Blue is also the largest heron wildlife up close. Remember that many species in North America. It is a solitary Phillippi Estate Park PADDLE TIP are incubating or rearing young and are bird, and single birds are often seen to Roberts Bay vulnerable to disturbance. Some may be very flying slowly overhead – although Approximately a four-mile loop rare or even endangered so please keep your they tend to nest in colonies that heading north from the mouth of distance. The Phillippi Creek Trail offers unlimited can contain hundreds of birds. The Phillippi Creek. Paddle this trail to opportunities to view estuarine habitats. nest is an untidy-looking platform explore the Big Edwards and Little of sticks, either in trees or brush. The Edwards Islands. Two locally important bay habitats are eggs are incubated for about 28 seagrasses and mangroves. The seagrass beds days, by both adult birds. The chicks Christopher Wheeler Park are important to estuarine productivity in leave the nest about 8 eight weeks DON’T FORGET many ways. The grass beds provide a protective to Phillippi Estate Park after they hatch. Approximately a one-mile paddle to Hat and sunglasses, sunscreen, nursery area for juvenile fish, shrimp, and crabs. the mouth of the Phillippi Creek. insect repellent, and a waterproof Mangrove trees serve as a home to birds, and storage bag. A first aid kit is the prop roots of the red mangrove offer shelter always recommended. to small fish and shellfish.

14 For park hours of operation call the Sarasota County Contact Center: 941-861-5000 15 1 1 d

2 ulevar o Phillippi Creek Trail 2 ! Bay 3 dson ou 1 Hu Bahia Vista Street John Ringling B Sarasota Bay 3

INT 4 RACOASTAL WATERW SARASOTA Bird Key 41 enue

Av LEGEND AY Most sites listed oer some amenities

Osprey BLUEWAY TRAIL Webber Street Mangroves CAUTION AREAS ! High Boat Tra c or Strong Currents Exit Numbers 75 e.

ood Ridge Road LAUNCH POINTS w 5 ! Siesta Drive 1 Island Park

ock ttle Av Beneva Road 6 Tu 2 Bird Key Park to Bee Ridge Road 75 ! outh L 3 Pinecraft Park 207 S 4 Ted Sperling Park at South Lido Beach North 1 5 Siesta Key Beach Access #1 7 4 Shell 6 Phillippi Estate Park Road 5 Higel Avenue 7 Christopher Wheeler Park

a LANDING POINTS

P Water access only

Roberts t Road a t 1 o Big Edwards Island (N.) and Little Edwards Island (S.) s Bay Swif a r a Proctor Road 2 Skier’s Island ail S

2 Tr g i 2 B PARKS 1 Island Park

Tamiami Tamiami 2 Bird Key Park 3 Phillippi Creek Levee Trail

Midnight Pass Road k e 4 Pinecraft Park e r C

i 5 Ted Sperling Park at South Lido Beach p p li 6 Nora Patterson Bay Island Park il h P 7 Big Edwards Island (N.) and Little Edwards Island (S.) 8 Phillippi Estate Park Siesta 9 Siesta Beach Key 10 Christopher Wheeler Park vard Beach Road ule POINTS OF INTEREST 6 tion Bo onstitu to 75 3 8 C 1 Marie Selby Botanical Gardens 205 2 Riverview High School ! 3 Phillippi Estate Park Nature Trail 41 9 3 Clark Road

Midnight Pass Road

Gulf of Mexico 0 1/2 1 mile

Approx. scale Miles Stickney Point Road Eective date: 2017 17 16 10 7 3

2 5 Neville Marine Preserve Trail POINTS OF INTEREST 1 Turtle Beach 1 Historic Spanish Point 8918 Midnight Pass Road, Sarasota. 337 U.S. 41 (N. Tamiami Trail), Osprey. Beach park with a tidal lagoon A 30-acre National Register site connecting to Little Sarasota Bay. featuring archaeological shell This 17-acre Gulf-to-Bay park offers middens, a pioneer era homestead, a large picnic shelter, playground, formal gardens, and nature trails. In restrooms, boat ramp, and also has “A Window To The Past,” walk inside a the Turtle Beach Campground. 15-foot high shell midden, dating back 941-861-5000 scgov.net to 1250 BC. (No launching or landing at this location.) 941-966-5214

Dick Pfaff historicspanishpoint.org 2 Jim Neville Marine Preserve This 35-acre preserve is essentially ROUTE LAUNCH POINTS two main islands. The islands have a

The Neville Marine Preserve Trail is See map for additional launch points. fringe of mangroves. This trail has a located in Little Sarasota Bay. The route q maze of waterways to explore while meanders around the 35-acre Jim 1 Turtle Beach observing a large variety of birds and Neville Marine Preserve, which is located 8918 Midnight Pass Road, Siesta Key. other wildlife. Dept. of State Fl. between Siesta Key and Casey Key. From U.S. 41 (Tamiami Trail) Aerial of Jim Neville Marine Preserve. take Stickney Point Road onto NAVIGATIONAL NOTES Siesta Key. Turn left at Midnight Novice paddlers will enjoy this trail. It Pass Road and travel south ENVIRONMENT is important to watch for motor boats approximately 2.5 miles to the

when crossing the Intracoastal entrance of Turtle Beach Park. Bird Watcher’s Paradise Waterway, especially when q Some of the common birds in the Sarasota Bay approaching the Blackburn Point 2 Wharf Road area include: great blue heron, cattle egret, historic bridge. Also, use caution when Going south on U.S. 41 (Tamiami great egret, white ibis, brown emerging from Catfish Creek and Trail) at the Westfield Sarasota pelican, roseate spoonbill, North Creek. Square Mall, turn right onto Vamo kingfisher, osprey, wood stork, Road. Then turn right at Wharf yellow-crowned night heron,

SHORT TRIPS Road and go to the end. bald eagle, anhinga,

and cormorant. Turtle Beach around q Limited parking. Jim Neville Marine Preserve 3 Enjoy viewing bird rookeries From the Turtle Beach launch, paddle Vamo Drive Going south on U.S. 41 (Tamiami from at least 100 yards away. out to Little Sarasota Bay. The preserve These rookeries, such as the can be seen as soon as you enter the Trail) at the Westfield Sarasota Square Mall turn right onto Vamo Jim Neville Marine Preserve, bay. It is approximately a 1-mile loop harbor nesting colonies and around the preserve. Road. Before the curve in the road, turn right on Vamo Drive to the flocks of feeding birds.

end. Limited parking. Wharf Road or Vamo Drive q Be a friend to nature and to Blackburn Point Park 4 Blackburn Point Park pick up trash and marine This blueway is a good inner bay debris such as fishing line 800 Blackburn Point Road, Osprey. paddle. You can journey south and plastic six-pack can At the intersection of U.S. 41 without crossing much open water holders, which can be (Tamiami Trail) and Blackburn Point or motorized boating channels. lethal to seabirds and other Road, turn west onto Blackburn Follow the shoreline along Osprey or marine life. Casey Key to Blackburn Point Park. Point Road toward Casey Key. The This trail provides opportunities for a park is located on both sides of the While viewing wildlife picnic lunch or checking out the local historic swing bridge. remember the best waterfront restaurants. opportunity to see them is by being quiet and Turtle Beach moving slowly. to Osprey Fishing Pier This blueway trail is an easy paddle Top to bottom: roseate spoonbill, great blue heron, brown pelican, and you can also fish at the pier or take and brown and white pelicans taking flight. a break for lunch.

18 For park hours of operation call the Sarasota County Contact Center: 941-861-5000 19 25 24 3

5 17 Siesta Midnight StickneyPass Road Point Road Neville Marine Preserve Trail 17 Key 41 4 5 LEGEND SARASOTA Palmer Ranch Parkway Most sites23 listed Little West eld oer some amenities Sarasota Beneva Road Sarasota BLUEWAY TRAIL Square Mall 8 Bay Mangroves 5 18 IN 3 TR South Tamiami Trail CAUTION AREAS A C High Boat Trac O or Strong Currents AST 18 AL WA 5 LAUNCH POINTS 4 T E 1 R  Turtle Beach W

A 5 Road Vamo 2 Wharf Road Y 3 Vamo Drive 17 Central Sarasota Parkway 3 4 Blackburn Point Park 2 Wharf Road 5 25  Oscar Scherer State Park 3 LANDING POINTS 25 5 Water access only 1 3 Vamo Drive 1  1  4 Vamo Way Palmer Point Park Turtle 1 2 Beach Osprey Fishing Pier (no parking) McIntosh Road 18 Ca t BOAT RAMPS sh C The Legacy Trail All boat ramps accommodate re canoe and kayak launch 3 2 ek 1 Turtle Beach 7 4 Navigation di cult — No rth Trails are not marked 2 Blackburn Point Park 19 Cr eek

PARKS 25 5 1 Turtle Beach and Turtle Beach Campground 1 3 2 Jim Neville Marine Preserve 23 3 8 41 3 Palmer Point Park North Casey Key Road 23 19 1 4 Blackburn Point Park (bait shop in area) 25 5 Shoreland Park 3 2 Main Street 6 Oscar Scherer State Park 4 2 24 POINTS OF INTEREST 4 East Bay Street 1 Historic Spanish Point 4 23 2 Osprey Fishing Pier Bayview Drive 23 3 Blackburn Point Historic Bridge 19 4 Oscar Scherer State Park Nature Trail 25 OSPREY 3 Camping (permit required) Casey 5 Key Little 24 The Legacy Trail Sarasota Trail Access to the Legacy Trail 5 Bay Gulf of Mexico 4 7

5 26 26 3

0 1/4 1/2 mile 4 4 Blackburn Point Road 3 Approx. scale Miles 2 Oscar Scherer State Park E ective date: 2017 23 21 Dryman 6 25 Bay

reek 5 th C  ou 21 20 5 S 4 6 South Creek Trail POINTS OF INTEREST 1 Palmer Point Park 2 Blackburn Point Park Located between Siesta Key and Casey 800 Blackburn Point Road, Osprey. Key. A secluded bay to beach park that This park has a launch point, boat is not accessible by car. Excellent for ramp, restrooms and offers fishing, fishing and observing nature. picnicking, and nearby restaurants. Bait shop in the area. 941-861-5000 scgov.net 4 Oscar Scherer State Park 1843 S. Tamiami Trail, Osprey. A 1,384-acre park that has a brackish water tidal creek running through it. The park offers bicycle trails, camping, nature trails, fishing, picnic areas, a swimming area, and an ADA-accessible

canoe/kayak launch in the South Creek ROUTE LAUNCHq POINTS picnic area. The park is pet friendly, and This trail follows the coast along the has phones, and restrooms. barrier island of Casey Key. Paddling 1 Blackburn Point Park Paddling on South Creek, Oscar Scherer State Park. up South Creek will take you into the At the intersection of U.S. 41 Canoe and kayak rentals lush vegetation of Oscar Scherer (Tamiami Trail) and Blackburn Point are available, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. State Park. Road, turn west toward Casey Key. There is a ranger-led paddle program

The park is located on both sides of (entrance fee and rental fee apply). NAVIGATIONAL NOTES q the historic swing bridge. Inquire at the ranger’s office at the entrance. There is an entry fee When launching at Blackburn Point 2 Park be aware that this area can have Shoreland Park per vehicle, per day. For camping Traveling south on U.S. 41 heavy boat traffic. As you paddle into reservations call: 1-800-326-3521. to Osprey, continue south the bay from South Creek also beware For more information call: 941-483- approximately two miles, turn of the boat traffic. 5956 or www.floridastateparks.org/ right onto Shoreland Drive. The park/oscar-scherer park is on the left as you take the

SHORT TRIPS curve in the road. Limited parking. Mangrove Snapper Blackburn Point Park q ENVIRONMENT to South Creek 3 Oscar Scherer State Park FISH AND CRUSTACEANS This is a 4-mile loop. As you leave From Osprey continue south on Sarasota Bay offers some of the finest the launch at Blackburn Point Park, U.S. 41 approximately two miles. shallow-water fishing in the world. paddle south under the swing bridge. The entrance to the park is on Approximately one mile into the the left. (Note: There is an entry Among the fish and crustaceans that can route you will see the opening to fee per vehicle per day.) Drive be found here are flounder, red drum, South Creek on the east side of the approximately 1/2 mile and take sheepshead, snook, spotted seatrout, Sheepshead bay. Take a trip down this quiet trail the first right after entering the mullet, pompano, shrimp, stone crabs, that winds its way into Oscar Scherer park to reach the launch point. and blue crabs. State Park. The paddle trails highlighted in this guide Blackburn Point Park will take you through tidal flats, along mangrove shorelines, large expanses of to Osprey Fishing Pier seagrasses, oyster bars, and sand bars, all This is a perfect route to include of which provide access to some of the a stop for refreshments. At both best fishing found in the region. Grouper (Red) ends of the loop you can enjoy a waterfront restaurant. It is a 2-mile A fishing license is required, except for loop within Little Sarasota Bay. Florida residents over 65 or those under Use caution when crossing the 16 years of age. To purchase a fishing Intracoastal Waterway. license go to the county tax collector’s

office or visit: myfwc.com/license & Wildlife Fish Diane Peebles-Florida Red Drum (Redfish)

Threatened Florida scrub-jay. Sarasota Bay Estuary Program

22 For park hours of operation call the Sarasota County Contact Center: 941-861-5000 23 3 LEGEND 2 Most sites listed South Creek Trail o er some amenities 1 BLUEWAY TRAIL 1 3 Mangroves ! 1 CAUTION AREAS 41 High Boat Tra c ! or Strong Currents 2 he eacy rail 25 # Exit Numbers 75 Little Main Street 2 LAUNCH POINTS 4 Sarasota Bay 2 1 Blackburn Point Park OSPREY 24 INT 2 Shoreland Park RACOASTAL WATERW 3 Oscar Scherer State Park 4 Bayview Drive East Bay Street LANDING POINTS 25 Water access only 4 1 Palmer Point Park 4

AY 2 Osprey Fishing Pier 4 North Casey Key Road 5 PARKS 1 Palmer Point Park 2 23 2 Oscar Scherer State Park South Tamiami Trail Blackburn Point Park (bait shop in area) 3 Shoreland Park 3 4 4 Oscar Scherer State Park 8 4 POINTS OF INTEREST 24 2 1 Historic Spanish Point 2 Osprey Fishing Pier 3 Blackburn Point Historic Bridge 21 5 4 Oscar Scherer State Park Nature Trail 7 41 Campground (permit required)

The Legacy Trail 26 4 Trail Access to the Legacy Trail 4 ! 3 1 21 2 3 Blackburn Point Road 21 ! Dryman Casey Key Road 2 Bay 23 ad Ro 23 rk Pa ate r St 3 chere Gulf of Mexico Oscar S 200 23 3 2 2 26 17 44 North Lane 4 to 8 S h o ! r 75 20 e 2 la 26 3 3 nd outh Cree Dr Casey S k ive Key

26 22 3

681

0 1/8 1/4 1/2 mile 4 Approx. scale Miles 23 41 E ective date: 2017 7 23 24 25 2 25 23 7 Dona Bay / Roberts Bay Trails POINTS OF INTEREST 1 Nokomis Beach PADDLE TIP 901 Casey Key Road, Nokomis. BRIDGES Sarasota County’s oldest public Use extreme caution when beach. A 23-acre park with a boat traveling under bridges as ramp, historic pavilion, picnic areas, currents can be very swift. boardwalk, and restrooms. Also, watch for fishing lines. 941-861-5000 scgov.net MOTORBOATS AND 1 North Jetty Park PERSONAL WATERCRAFT 100 Casey Key Road, Nokomis. Watch for motorboats and It is popular for fishing; a bait shop is personal watercraft, stay in the area. Includes picnic shelters, to the right and turn the volleyball courts, a concession stand, motorized vessels. The presence of bow (front) into the wake. ROUTE and restrooms. A great location to Located between Nokomis and the mangrove islands offers the benefit of watch beautiful Florida sunsets! City of Venice these trails offer a a pleasant nature tour. 941-861-5000 scgov.net variety of opportunities to experience. 14 While winding your way through North Jetty Park Venice Beach The Legacy Trail 100 The Esplanade, Venice. creeks and bays you will see intertidal to Roberts Bay A multi-use recreational trail that This beach is best known for collecting habitat throughout. This trip’s technical difficulty is novice extends over 10 miles from Sarasota sharks’ teeth. Included in this 7.5-acre to intermediate, depending on to Venice via the former Seaboard park is a pavilion, concession, picnic weather conditions and tidal currents NAVIGATIONAL NOTES Air Line Railroad. Portions of the tables, volleyball court, and restrooms. in exposed areas. It is approximately a These trails are easy to maneuver. Dona Bay and Roberts Bay Trails pass 941-861-5000 scgov.net However, be aware of boat traffic at 2-mile loop. beneath the trestle bridges of The all times, especially at the western Legacy Trail. Nokomis Community

side of this trail system, where the LAUNCH POINTS Center, located along this blueway Venice Inlet and the Intracoastal See q map for additional launch points. trail, also offers access to The Legacy Waterway are located. 11 Nokomis Beach Trail. 941-861-5000 scgov.net In Dona Bay, be aware of currents 901 Casey Key Road, Casey Key, Zebra beneath the U.S. 41 bridge during Nokomis. From U.S. 41 take Albee longwing butterfly tidal changes. The currents also can Road onto Casey Key. The launch

be strong in the Venice Inlet and is located on the bayside at the

surrounding areas. In Roberts Bay, ENVIRONMENT q south end of the park. beware of the water sport area. When TIDAL MARSHES paddling into Curry Creek you may 2 North Jetty Park Tidal marshes are the boundary come upon shallow areas. 1000 Casey Key Road, Casey Key, or “interface” between the ocean Nokomis. Follow the same direction and the adjacent land. They SHORT TRIPS for getting to the Nokomis Beach receive fresh water, sediment,

Shakett Creek Route Park, and continue south to the end and nutrients from the land

and are also exposed to salty After passing under Laurel Road, q of Casey Key Road. marine waters that add additional the trail extends through residential 3 areas for approximately 1.5 miles. An Curry Creek Preserve nutrients. The abundance of food From U.S. 41 going south from exploration of the black tip needle rush and shelter along this marsh Sarasota take Laurel Road east, marshes on the north and the south edge results in a concentration of then take a right, going south, sides of Laurel Road is recommended. animals, from tiny invertebrates onto Albee Road. Go about 1.5 to game fish and shorebirds. The Lyons Bay miles, cross Curry Creek Bridge stems of individual grasses, bathed Lyons Bay is less than one mile long. and entrance is on the left. daily by salty water, are coated with a dense layer of microscopic animals. Much of the bay is too shallow for 3 motorized vessels, but there are Higel Marine Park 1330 Tarpon Center Drive, Venice. At all levels the interactions between established boating channels on either Take Venice Ave. west from U.S. land and water contribute to the high side of the bay. 41 until you come to Venice productivity and value of Dona Bay Beach. Take the road that follows salt marshes. The length of Dona Bay is the coastline going north (The Esplanade North turns into Tarpon Egrets nesting in approximately 1.5 miles. There is marsh area. an established boating channel for Center Drive). The park is located on the right. Limited parking.

26 For park hours of operation call the Sarasota County Contact Center: 941-861-5000 27 INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY5

5 25 Dona Bay / Roberts Bay Trails 24

3 F 5 o k x ee Casey C Salt Cr re ek 23 Key 41 LEGEND 25 Blackburn5 Most sites listed 4 oer some amenities Bay 4 Casey Key Road BLUEWAY TRAIL Laurel Road West Mangroves Laurel Road East 26 Tamiami Trail 195 CAUTION AREAS 3 The Legacy Trail High Boat Tr24a c ! or Strong Currents # Exit Numbers 75 75 8 LAUNCH POINTS NOKOMIS 26 1 Nokomis Beach Dona Way 2 North Jetty Park 3 Curry Creek Preserve oa R d Road Pinebrook 4 e W Lucille Ave. tia Street

Nokomis Riverview Park Bayshore Drive e lb e r A st 1 k 2 5 Legacy Park 7 e Po e Loreto r 22 C 4 Court LANDING POINTS 1 t Florence Street Edmondson Road Water access only et 41 k Nokomis a 1 Rattlesnake Island 26 ! Beach y Sh

26 3 a er Blvd. 2 Snake Island B

1 s Riv East Colonia Lane n 2 ! BOAT RAMPS o 7 y All boat ramps accommodate L 25 canoe and kayak launch 1 ek 9 21 rry Cre Connects with Cu 3 Lyons Bay Road Myakka River 1 Nokomis Island 3 ay 8 23 a B Loreto Court Bay Access n 2 4 5 Do 9 3 Higel Marine Park26 23 2 27 1 2 6 ! B al 4 Venice Marina Park ! lackburn Can let Strong currents ice In 2 11 Ven ay rm Road PARKS s B beneath bridges

t Fa ber 1 Nokomis Beach ! Ro 23 H The Esplanade 2 Bay Point Park - (no parking) a Albee 10 12 tc 23 17 3 h 3 Rattlesnake Island - Access by water only e tt C 4 North Jetty Park re 26 ek 5 Lyons Bay Park - (no parking) 20 Obstructions may 26 impede navigation. 6 Snake Island - Access by water only VENICE ! 8 13 7 Pocono Trail Preserve 4 5 Venice Venice Avenue Venice Avenue 8 Nokomis Community Park 14 18Beach 239 Curry Creek Preserve 3 10 Pinebrook and Welleld Parks 41 11 South Jetty Park 12 Higel Marine Park 13 Marina Park Boat Ramp, Venice Train Depot and Legacy Park INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY Harbor Drive 41 14 Venice Beach POINTS OF INTEREST 24 26 Gulf of Mexico U.S. 41 BYPASS 1 North Jetty Park Fishing Area 23 South Tamiami Trail 2 South Jetty Park Fishing Area The Legacy Trail 23 Trail Access to the Legacy Trail 7 (Business U.S. 41)

0 1/4 1/2 mile 23 Approx. scale Miles 26 E ective date: 2017 23 28 19 29 25 8 Caspersen Trail POINTS OF INTEREST 7 Blind Pass Beach 6725 Manasota Key Road, Manasota Key. Blind Pass Beach (also known as “Middle Beach”) is a bay to beach park offering a nature trail, a picnic shelter, playground, and restrooms. 941-861-5000 scgov.net

1 Caspersen Beach Park Common Pelican Myth: 4100 Harbor Drive S., Venice. This beautiful bay to beach park has Pelicans do not carry fish in their nature trails, wildlife viewing, and pouch. The pouch is used to catch restrooms. It is recognized as one of the fish, which is then swallowed the most enjoyable shelling beaches before the pelican takes off again. and a great place to view dolphins and shore birds. An excellent spot to find prehistoric shark teeth. 1 Venetian Waterway Park 941-861-5000 scgov.net 257 N. Tamiami Trail, Venice.

ROUTE LAUNCH POINTS 2 Shamrock Park and Nature Center A 10-mile long, 8-foot wide linear park The launch point is located at q See map for additional launch points. 3900 Shamrock Drive, Venice. with a paved trail that weaves its way Caspersen Beach Park. This trail loops Explore nature trails and have a picnic through Venice along the Intracoastal through the park traveling south along 1 Caspersen Beach Park at this 82-acre park. Visit the popular Waterway (ICW) to Caspersen Beach the Intracoastal Waterway. There are 4100 Harbor Drive S., Venice. environmental center. This park also on the west side of the ICW and to two creeks to explore along this trail — From downtown Venice, take has picnic areas, a playground, and Shamrock Park on the east side of the Alligator Creek and Forked Creek. Harbor Drive south to the park. ICW. There are picnic areas along the At the end of Harbor Drive turn restrooms. 941-861-5000 scgov.net trail and opportunities to view wildlife. NAVIGATIONAL NOTES left to the bayside of the park. The 941-861-5000 scgov.net

There are some areas along the trail launch is located on the east side that are very shallow at low tide. q of the park. ENVIRONMENT Use caution when paddling along 3 the Intracoastal Waterway. Blind Pass Beach Park SEA TURTLES 6725 Manasota Key Road, Florida’s Gulf beaches support Manasota Key. Go south on U.S. nesting activities for sea turtles SHORT TRIPS 41 to Route 776 going south. Turn from the months of May through Mangrove Loop on the Bay Side right on Manasota Beach Road October. Female turtles come of Caspersen Beach Park toward Manasota Key. Once on the ashore during the summer This mangrove trail can be paddled key, go approximately four miles months to dig a nest in the in one hour or less. In this protected south until you come to the park. sand and lay their eggs. The mangrove habitat area you’ll The launch is on the bayside of the turtle eggs will hatch in about find excellent birding and park at the south end. 60 days. Hatchlings dig their fishing opportunities. way out of the nest and crawl 1 Manasota Beach Park to the Gulf. Sea turtles, both 8570 Manasota Key Road, adult and hatchlings move away Manasota Key. from shadows and toward the Loggerhead sea turtle PADDLE TIP Go south on U.S. 41 to Route brighter horizon of the Gulf of Mexico. Lights on 776 going south. Turn right on shore can disorient turtles, preventing them from USE CAUTION IN Manasota Beach Road toward reaching the Gulf. Shorefront property owners Coastal OPEN WATER Manasota Key. Once on the key, should turn off or shield lights that can be seen areas in and around the take the first left into the parking from the beach during the nesting season. bays can be subject to fast area on the bay side. Loggerhead sea turtle hatchling approaching thunderstorms Help protect Florida’s sea turtles and their coastal and lightning in summer habitats. Never approach a sea turtle coming ashore or disturb a nesting sea turtle or months, and high winds and hatchlings. Do not climb over the dunes or disturb vegetation, use designated walkways. waves in winter months. Stay close to shore. If you see an injured or dead sea turtle call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) at 1-888-404-3922 or contact the Mote Marine Laboratory Stranding Program pager at 941-988-0212.

30 For park hours of operation call the Sarasota County Contact Center: 941-861-5000 31 CITY OF

VENICE d r d a Caspersen Trail r 1 v

a e l

1 e l Harbor Drive South 41 o

1 B

E B

a e c 1 i

d 3 n n

SOUTH a e NTRACOASTAL WATERWAY r V I a

VENICE a e J South Tamiami Trail 2 v ! ri 41 41 D r

Caspersen g

l Beach A

k e re C or Alligat LEGEND 776 Most sites listed o er some amenities BLUEWAY TRAIL Mangroves 4 CAUTION AREAS 1 ! High Boat Trac or Strong Currents INT RACOASTAL WATERW LAUNCH POINTS Manasota 1 Beach Road Caspersen Beach Park 2 Lemon Bay Park 3 Blind Pass Beach Park

AY LANDING POINTS Water access only Manasota 1 South Venice Lemon Bay Preserve Beach 5 1 2 Lemon Bay Park Englewood Road BOAT RAMPS All boat ramps accommodate canoe and kayak launch 1 Manasota Beach

PARKS 1 Caspersen Beach Park Manasota Key Road 2 Shamrock Park and Nature Center Gulf of Mexico k e re 3 Woodmere Park C ed 776 rk South Venice Lemon Bay Preserve Fo 4 5 Manasota Beach Park 6 Lemon Bay Park and Environmental Center 7 Blind Pass Beach Park Manasota POINTS OF INTEREST Key 1 Venetian Waterway Park 2 Blind Pass Beach Nature Trail 6 2 Old Englewood Road Brengle ! Avenue Curtis 2 Boulevard Stewart Street

0 1/2 1 mile 2 Approx. scale Miles Blind Pass River Road E ective date: 2017 Lemon Bay Beach 7 Dearborn Street 3 32 ENGLEWOOD 33 9 Lemon Bay Trail POINTS OF INTEREST 6 Lemon Bay Park and Environmental Center 570 Bay Park Blvd., Englewood. West Indian Manatees are A great destination when planning gentle, slow-moving mammals a paddle route. While exploring this and are a federally protected species. 212-acre park you can enjoy nature They mate and give birth to a single trails, pavilion, environmental classes, calf every two to three years. a butterfly garden, environmental center, and restrooms. 941-861-5000 Manatees must come up to the surface scgov.net to breathe air. Collisions with watercraft cause most human-related 2 Cedar Point Environmental Park manatee fatalities. 2300 Placida Road, Englewood, Charlotte County. A 115-acre park that features an ROUTE LAUNCH POINTS environmental center, a picnic

This trail begins at Manasota Beach See map for additional launch points. pavilion, fishing pier, playground, and and goes south into Charlotte q marked nature trails. Environmental County offering over 20 miles of 1 Lemon Bay Park and classes and wading trips are offered. paddling opportunities. Environmental Center Inquire at the visitor’s center. 570 Bay Park Blvd., Englewood. 941-475-0769 checflorida.org NAVIGATIONAL NOTES Going south on U.S. 41 take Route 7 Stump Pass Beach State Park This trail is suited for novice to 776 (Englewood Road) to Old This 245-acre park in Charlotte County intermediate paddlers depending Englewood Road. Take a right, consists of three islands and the on weather conditions and tidal going west, at Stewart Street, protected channels between them. A

currents. Use caution when paddling turn right on Curtis Boulevard great landing point! The park is located in the Intracoastal Waterway. q and left on Brengle Avenue. at the southern end of Manasota Key 3 and is accessible by land via the Tom SHORT TRIPS Indian Mound Park Adams Bridge. 210 Winson Ave., Englewood. floridastateparks.org Indian Mound Park to Going south on U.S. 41 take Tom Adams Bridge Route 776 (Englewood Road) This three-mile loop offers a perfect and continue south on Old ENVIRONMENT opportunity to bring a fishing pole Englewood Road until you DOLPHINS AND MANATEES along as there is a bait shop at the come to West Dearborn Street Dolphins can be spotted year-round. Mothers and their calves can be found in the pier located on the east side of Tom and turn left, then turn right on shallow waters of the bays where they enjoy a plentiful meal of pinfish, ladyfish, Adams Bridge. North Green Street and then an and mullet. In the fall and winter, dolphins are more frequently found in the passes Indian Mound Park to immediate right onto Winson and along the Gulf shorelines.

Avenue. The park is at the end of Dolphins are marine mammals and can be susceptible to the effects of red

Stump Pass State Park the road. An approximately five-mile loop. q tide. They are also endangered by marine debris such as fishing line which can Paddling south along the mangrove 4 Cedar Point entangle them and cause injury or death. coast you will have an easy paddle Environmental Park Manatees, sometimes called sea cows, are also marine mammals that periodically through mangrove islands that offer 2300 Placida Road, Englewood, surface to breathe. They are gray in color with a seal-like body that tapers to a flat, wonderful bird viewing. Charlotte County. Going south paddle-shaped tail. Manatees can reach weights on U.S. 41 take Route 776 to of up to 3,000 pounds and lengths of more than Placida Road. Take a right, going 10 feet. Although generally slow moving, they can PADDLE TIP south, and turn left onto South move with bursts of speed up to 35 mph. Pine Street to the end of the road. Please observe dolphins and manatees from NECESSARY EQUIPMENT - The launch point is located on a distance. Hand bilge pump and large Oyster Creek. sponge to remove water If a manatee or dolphin appears from boat. injured or threatened in any Inflatable bladders in open way, contact the Florida Fish and spaces of kayak or canoe Wildlife Conservation Commission for flotation of craft if taking (FWC) at: 1-888-404-3922 on water.

34 For park hours of operation call the Sarasota County Contact Center: 941-861-5000 35 25

Manasota Beach Road Lemon Bay Trail Englewood Road ! Manasota 1 Beach 1

k ee Cr d ke 776 For LEGEND ! Most sites listed oer some amenities 4 IN T BLUEWAY TRAIL 8 RACOASTAL WATERWAY Manasota Beach Road

Mangroves 3 d a North Indiana Avenue

CAUTION AREAS Ro ! High Boat Tra c or Strong Currents 5 2 wood LAUNCH POINTS Brengle 7 6 Engle

Ave. d

l 1 Lemon Bay Park O 2 Blind Pass Beach Curtis5 Boulevard 3 Indian Mound Park 2 Stewart Street 1 4 Cedar Point Environmental Park South River Road BOAT RAMPS 3 3 All boat ramps accommodate Blind Pass 2 4 canoe and kayak launch Beach 3 1 Manasota Beach ! West Dearborn Street 2 Indian Mound Park West Green Street 4 2 LANDING POINTS 6 Lemon k Water access only 4 e e Bay r 3 C 1 Stump Pass Beach State Park (Charlotte County) d e ENGLEWOOD i

5 Street Pine r

Winson Avenue f PARKS t t

o 1 Manasota Beach G SARASOTA COUNTY 17 North Beach Road M CHARLOTTE COUNTY 2 Lemon Bay Park and Environmental Center 4 c ek 2 C re 8 a C 3 Blind Pass Beach ll r R ge o n a i

4 Indian Mound Park d A 5 5 Cedar Point Environmental Park 3 6 Stump Pass Beach State Park ! 1 POINTS OF INTEREST 776 2 1 Tom Adams Bridge 5 (bait shop in area)

t Tom Adams Bridge e e r Englewood 4 t S Beach Road ek Beach 4 e yste Cre d 2 in O r a P o h R IN 5 t a 5 ou s TRACOASTAL WATERWAYS Placida Road Ca n Sa 2 GROVE CITY 2

4 Manasota Gulf of Mexico Refer to Charlotte County Key 1 3 Blueways Guide for more 7 775 paddling trails south of 6 2 Sarasota County. 0 1/2 1 mile

Approx. scale Miles ! Effective date: 2017

36 37

3 10 Myakka River/ Carlton Trail POINTS OF INTEREST 1 Myakka River State Park Bass is a name shared 13207 State Road 72, Sarasota. by many different species You’ll find many opportunities to of popular game fish. The term discover the beauty of Myakka River encompasses both freshwater and State Park. Brochures and information marine species, many of which about what the park has to offer are native to North America and are available at the park entrance. surrounding waters. Stop by the Visitor’s Center to view videos and exhibits of wildlife and their habitats. Explore the treetops on Myakka’s Canopy Walkway and Tower. At the Ranger’s Station, ask

about wildlife boat or tram tour

schedules, park programs, camping, q ROUTE LAUNCHq POINTS canoe/kayak rentals, and bicycle On this trail you will travel through 1 2 the Myakka River State park which Myakka River State Park rentals. The park has a concession and is one of Florida’s largest and most 13207 State Road 72, Sarasota. gift shop, restrooms, picnic areas and diverse natural areas. The Sarasota From I-75 take exit 205 (Route pavilions, and a fishing pier. Bait and County portion of the Myakka River 72) west approximately 10 miles tackle, photo and camping supplies was designated a “Florida Wild and until you reach the park’s main are available. There is an entrance fee entrance. There is a launch point collected at the park entrance. Scenic River” by the state legislature in 5 T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. 1985. The Myakka River flows through just past the first picnic area after Park office 941-361-6511 58 square miles of wetlands, prairies, you enter the park. Follow Park floridastateparks.org/park/Myakka-River Memorial Reserve hammocks, and pinelands. Drive to reach the second launch 1800 Mabry Carlton Parkway, Venice. point located on the Upper This reserve is approximately 25,000

Myakka Lake. There is a fee to 8 Snook Haven acres and offers picnic areas, a pavilion,

NAVIGATIONAL NOTES 5000 E. Venice Ave., Venice. nature trails, restrooms, and a historic q enter the park. The technical difficulty on this river This county park is a great place log cabin/visitor center. There are more is for intermediate to advanced 3 T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. to relax and enjoy a piece of “Old than 80 miles of primitive hiking trails canoeists and kayakers. Some areas Florida.” The Snook Haven concession that run through large expanses of are protected and easy to paddle but Memorial Reserve 1800 Mabry Carlton Parkway, includes a restaurant on the river, pine flatwoods, dry prairie, oak-palm other areas are open to the wind, Venice. From I-75 take exit 193 canoe and kayak rentals, and a river hammocks and wetlands. currents, flooding, and subject to (Jacaranda Boulevard) north to boat tour. Outdoor concerts held 941-861-5000 scgov.net weather changes. Border Road turn right, the launch every weekend, check website for During high water periods this river is located approximately three schedule. 941-861-5000

can be dangerous and difficult to miles east and is on the left when scgov.net

you cross the river. navigate. There is a minimum speed, q no-wake regulation for powerboats, 4 ENVIRONMENT and airboats are not permitted. Snook Haven 5000 E. Venice Ave., Venice. FLORIDA NATIVE TREES From I-75 take exit 191 onto Native trees have been part of SHORT TRIPS North River Road. You will see the Florida’s landscape for eons, Myakka River State Park Snook Haven sign in about one adapting to scorching sunlight, north entrance launch point mile on the left. Follow the dirt intermittent freezes, torrential road to the end. rains, long droughts, insects to Visitor Center and fire. Once established, the Paddle south from the park’s northern right tree in the right place will launch point to the main entrance of PADDLE TIP thrive on natural rainfall, without the park, just before reaching Route TRIP LENGTH fertilizers or pesticides. It will also 72. This is an approximately 5-mile Allow a minimum of two miles attract and provide shelter and loop. (Note: There is an entry fee per per hour paddling time under food for birds, butterflies, and vehicle, per day.) normal conditions. other indigenous wildlife. PLANNING Let someone know your plans, where you are going, who’s Pine flatwoods at Jelks Preserve. with you, and when you plan to be back.

38 For park hours of operation call the Sarasota County Contact Center: 941-861-5000 39 Bee Ridge Road 207 SARASOTA Myakka River / Carlton Trail Proctor Road Upper

Myakka Lake

Road Extention Road Bee Ridge Ridge Bee Clark Road 72 205 2 1 dam location (south entrance to park) 75 72 1 1 Lower Myakka Lake

LEGEND OSPREY Most sites listed 1 o er some amenities dam location BLUEWAY TRAIL 3 2 Mangroves 200 Exit Numbers 75 LAUNCH POINTS 1 2 Myakka River State Park er iv R T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. a 3 681 k Memorial Reserve k a 4 y Snook Haven M

BOAT RAMPS All boat ramps accommodate canoe and kayak launch Blackburn on Parkw PARKS Point Bay t ay l r

a 5

1 Myakka River State Park C Laurel Road East 2 4 y 195 r 2 Myakka Prairie - Myakka River State Park b a M

3 Pinelands Reserve . Lyons Bay T 4 Venice Myakka River Park 6 3 Dona Bay Border Road 5 T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. C ur 6 Memorial Reserve Roberts Bay ry Creek 6 Sleeping Turtles Preserve North 41 Albee RoadFarm 193 7 Sleeping Turtles Preserve South 191 75 7 4 8 8 Snook Haven VENICE East Venice Avenue 9 Deer Prairie Creek Preserve (commercial) 9 10 Jelks Preserve POINTS OF INTEREST 10 1 Myakka River State Park Concession Area Center Road

d r 2 T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial Reserve a (commercial) v Public Park Area e l North River Road u Campgrounds (permit required) o B a d

a Gulf of Mexico r a

c a J South Tamiami Trail 41 776 0 1/2 1mile En NORTH g k

le e Approx. scale Miles re woo PORT C e Effective date: 2017 e h d c Lemon Bay at R kah oa yak 40 d M 41 11 Myakka River / POINTS OF INTEREST Myakkahatchee Creek Trails 7 Butler Park 6205 West Price Blvd., North Port. Butler Park amenities include: a canoe launch, concession area, a large pavilion and picnic area. There are little league fields, a playground, restrooms, and two soccer fields. 941-861-5000 scgov.net 5 Jelks Preserve 2300 N. River Road, Venice. Jelks Preserve has a 3.3-mile loop nature trail that will take you through a mosaic of native habitats from scrubby flatwoods to oak hammocks

ROUTE LAUNCH POINTS and pine flatwoods and seasonal The river and creek are located See mapq for additional launch points. marshes. Look for gopher tortoise between Venice and North Port burrows, wildflowers, and pileated and flow into Charlotte Harbor. 2 Butler Park woodpeckers. The hiking trails are It is believed that the name 6205 West Price Blvd., North Port. limited to foot traffic only. “Myakkahatchee” is derived from the From U.S. 41, take Sumter 941-861-5000 scgov.net Seminole language meaning “big Boulevard north to Price water” or “big river.” Approximately Boulevard. Turn left on Price 1 Myakkahatchee Creek

10,000 years ago this creek, with its Boulevard until you come to the Environmental Park surrounding forest hammock, was a q park’s entrance on the left. 6968 Reistertown Road, North Port. prime hunting spot for Paleo Indians, 3 Myakka State Forest The Myakkahatchee Creek according to archaeological evidence. Environmental Park consists of 1 Warm Mineral Springs 2555 S. River Road, North Port. 206-acres of mostly shady oak 12200 San Servando Ave., Today it represents an important part From U.S. 41, take South River of the local water supply system. hammock on both sides of the creek. North Port. In 1977, Warm Mineral Road left to River Road. Turn left, This park offers a rare opportunity to Springs was placed on the National and the entrance is on the right. enjoy an “Old Florida” experience of a Register of Historic Places. Visitors NAVIGATIONAL NOTES Follow Slash Pine Trail until you blackwater creek. It features birding, come from around the world to soak When paddling the Myakkahatchee reach the river. canoeing, hiking, picnicking, and in the mineral-rich waters which Creek be aware that north of Price bicycling. There is also a nature trail maintain a temperature of 85 degrees Boulevard the creek is constricted and restroom facilities. year-round. 941-426-1692 with varying water levels. There PADDLE TIP 941-861-5000 scgov.net cityofnorthport.com/visitors/visit- are also numerous portages that north-port/warm-mineral-springs may be required depending on the DRINKING WATER water levels. Under the I-75 over- Bring at least 1 gallon per pass you may encounter rocky areas. person/per day. Traveling south of Price Boulevard on American alligator habitat Myakkahatchee Creek is suitable for FOOD includes ponds, streams, novice paddlers. Bring food and gear in swamps, rivers, freshwater and watertight containers tied to brackish marshes, mangrove, SHORT TRIPS your boat. swamps, canals, and lakes. Butler Park to HYPOTHERMIA As rare as it may be, they also Myakka State Forest Warning signs include can be found in the Gulf. This trail provides a 6-mile loop to uncontrolled shivering, reach the section of the state forest slurred speech, lack of USE CAUTION - that is northeast of the Myakka coordination, and poor Always keep your distance when River. Approximately one mile into concentration. Get the victim a gator is encountered. the journey you will have a portage into a shelter and remove wet around a dam. clothes. Give fluids and food until warmed. Hypothermia can even occur in summer with wind and rain.

42 For park hours of operation call the Sarasota County Contact Center: 941-861-5000 43 ••

Tamiami Trail

i University Parkway MANATEE COUNTY

213 SARASOTA COUNTY LONGBOAT KEY Sarasota 301 MYAKKA RIVER / MYAKKAHATCHEE CREEK TRAILS PADDLE TIP Bay Estate Drive REQUIRED BY LAW 1 Fruitville Road 210 • Flotation gear. Florida law requires 1 a United States Coast Guard (USCG) New Pass d Roa approved, readily accessible and wearable wn 75 to r personal flotation device (PFD) for each SARASOTA e Tropicaire Boulevard t Lido Key s 2 i occupant. PFD’s must be worn 41 k e e R by all occupants under six years of age. re Bee Ridge Road

2 Verna Road C 207 i p • Marine whistle, bell, or horn

p i Roberts l 3 l (USCG approved). 1 Bay i Proctor Road CAUTION AREAS 3 h Upper Big Sarasota P Very di cult navigation ! • Orange smoke signals, or red flares Venice Pass 75 Myakka

Avenue (commercial) Beneva Road Lake (only required at night). Flashlight and Clark Road 4 205 72 182 extra batteries are recommended. Siesta Key 4 Tamiami Trail 6 Palmer • A Florida fishing license is The numbered triangles Ranch required for persons 16 years d

r Parkway a of age and older. identify the paddle trail areas v

e Sarasota Bay The Legacy Trail Gulf of Little ul • All canoes with motors in this guide. 5 o

r must be registered. Enjoy Sarasota’s beautiful blueways, Mexico Central e Lower t TABLE OF CONTENTS Sarasota m play it safe and know the water. • All canoes longer than 16 feet LEGEND Myakka u

Parkway S Most sites listed 10 must be titled. Aboutoer some This amenities Guide...... 2 Price Boulevard Lake BLUEWAY TRAIL 5 1u Sarasota Bay Trail...... 4 Bay Street k Mangroves e e 2u Lido Trail...... (commercial) 8 r 200 Monofilament Recovery C CAUTION AREAS e OSPREY i and Recycling Program High Boat Tra c ...... r 3u South Lido Trail 12 i 681 2 ! a or Strong Currents r Price Boulevard The Monofilament Recovery and P 7 ...... 14 r 4u Phillippi Creek Trail Casey Key # Exit Numbers 75 M e Recycling Program (MRRP) is a statewide y e a D k 5u Neville Marine Preserve Trail...... kk 18 41 e a re effort to educate the public about the LAUNCH POINTS 6 C North River Road R ...... iv ee problems caused by monofilament 6u1 South Creek Trail e 22 Myakka River h Snook Haven r tc NOKOMIS Portage ha fishing line left in the environment 7 u2 ButlerDona Pa Bay/Roberrk ts Bay Trails...... 26 around dam ka Laurel Road ! ak as it can cause injuries to wildlife. 3 195 y Myakka State Forest ek M 8u Caspersen Trail...... 30 re 1 ( C This program encourages the use of gs ...... in Border Road 9u Lemon Bay Trail 34 pr Tamiami Trail recycling bins and drop-off locations, S l BOAT RAMPS a VENICE and conducts volunteer monofilament 10u ...... 38 r AllMyakka boat ramps accommodateRiver/Carlton Trail 41 e 193 canoe and kayak launch in 191 cleanup events. 11u Myakka River/Myakkahatchee Creek Trails..... 42 7 M Venice Avenue 75 182 1 Marina Park rm Venice aInlet Outdoor recycling bins are mounted Resource Directory...... inside back cover W Venice 41 PARKS Bypass at many piers, boat ramps and marinas 1 41 k Myakkahatchee Creek Environmental Park e throughout the state. Indoor recycling NORTH re Sleeping Turtles Preserve South N. River Road C bins are hosted by tackle shops and 2 e

Harbor Drive PORT

Tamiami Trail e Jacaranda 1 Boulevard Kenwood Drive Chancellor Boulevard SARASOTA COh UNTY department stores. To learn more 3 Snook Haven Northport Boulevard tc a CHARLOTh TE COUNTY about the program and the 4 Deer Prairie Creek Preserve 8 a Please help to protect k k a effects that monofilament line 5 Jelks Preserve y

our coastal habitats, M has on our wildlife, visit: 6 Oaks Park waterways and wildlife. NORTH 41 mrrp.myfwc.com 7 Butler Park 8 8 PORT 8 PackMyak kaout State trash Forest and East River Road recyclablesPOINTS OF INTERESTand place in Manasota 11 Beach Road

1 Warm Mineral Springs a Manasota Key appropriate containers. r

T Englewood Road Myakka River Campground (permit required) 8 e

n South River Road

a l Lemon Bay

Tamiami Trail

i University Parkway MANATEE COUNTY

2 Verna Road C 207 i p • Marine whistle, bell, or horn

p i Roberts l 3 l (USCG approved). 1 Bay i Proctor Road CAUTION AREAS 3 h Upper Big Sarasota P Very di cult navigation ! • Orange smoke signals, or red flares Venice Pass 75 Myakka

r Parkway a of age and older. identify the paddle trail areas v

e Sarasota Bay The Legacy Trail Gulf of Little ul • All canoes with motors in this guide. 5 o

r must be registered. Enjoy Sarasota’s beautiful blueways, Mexico Central e Lower t TABLE OF CONTENTS Sarasota m play it safe and know the water. • All canoes longer than 16 feet LEGEND Myakka u

Parkway S Most sites listed 10 must be titled. Aboutoer some This amenities Guide...... 2 Price Boulevard Lake BLUEWAY TRAIL 5 1u Sarasota Bay Trail ...... 4 Bay Street k Mangroves e e 2u Lido Trail...... (commercial) 8 r 200 Monofilament Recovery C CAUTION AREAS e OSPREY i and Recycling Program High Boat Tra c ...... r 3u South Lido Trail 12 i 681 2 ! a or Strong Currents r Price Boulevard The Monofilament Recovery and P 7 ...... 14 r 4u Phillippi Creek Trail Casey Key # Exit Numbers 75 M e Recycling Program (MRRP) is a statewide y e a D k 5u Neville Marine Preserve Trail...... kk 18 41 e a re effort to educate the public about the LAUNCH POINTS 6 C North River Road R ...... iv ee problems caused by monofilament 6u1 South Creek Trail e 22 Myakka River h Snook Haven r tc NOKOMIS Portage ha fishing line left in the environment 7 u2 ButlerDona Pa Bay/Roberrk ts Bay Trails...... 26 around dam ka Laurel Road ! ak as it can cause injuries to wildlife. 3 Myakka State Forest k 195 y 8 u Caspersen Trail ...... 30 ee 1 M Cr ( This program encourages the use of gs ...... in Border Road 9u Lemon Bay Trail 34 pr Tamiami Trail recycling bins and drop-off locations, S l BOAT RAMPS a VENICE and conducts volunteer monofilament 10u ...... 38 r AllMyakka boat ramps accommodateRiver/Carlton Trail 41 e 193 canoe and kayak launch in 191 cleanup events. 11u Myakka River/Myakkahatchee Creek Trails..... 42 7 M Venice Avenue 75 182 1 Marina Park rm Venice aInlet Outdoor recycling bins are mounted Resource Directory...... inside back cover W Venice 41 PARKS Bypass at many piers, boat ramps and marinas 1 41 k Myakkahatchee Creek Environmental Park e throughout the state. Indoor recycling NORTH re Sleeping Turtles Preserve South N. River Road C bins are hosted by tackle shops and 2 e

Harbor Drive PORT

1 Warm Mineral Springs a Manasota Key appropriate containers. r

T Englewood Road Myakka River Campground (permit required) 8 e

n South River Road

a l Lemon Bay

S Top to bottom: SARASOTA S. River Rd. ENGLEWOOD Monofilament fishing line 0 1/2 1 mile COUNTY C 776 Refer to Charlotte County recycling bin, 9 ha Approx. scale Miles (primitive) rl ot Blueways Guide for more Great blue herons te Eective date: 2017 3 H To view this publication online: a paddling trails south of building a nest, rb scgov.net (Keyword Parks/Blueways Paddle Guide) or Sarasota County. Bottlenose dolphins, SARASOTA COUNTY manatee. ! CHARLOTTE COUNTY RESOURCE DIRECTORY ASSISTANCE SARASOTA COUNTY Sarasota County Contact Center...... 941-861-5000 ...... scgov.net Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Sheriff’s Office Emergency...... 911 Non-emergency. Report crime or incident...... 941-316-1201 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Wildlife Alert Hotline...... 1-888-404-3922 (FWCC) Blueways Text option for reporting a violation...... [email protected] Manatee and marine turtle collision; rescue and recovery. Also for reporting fishing violations, boating accidents, and Paddling Guide marine mammal injuries or strandings. U.S. Coast Guard Rescue...... 941-794-1261 or 941-794-1607 For search and rescue assistance ...... VHF Channel 16; Emergency Cell *CG. PROGRAMS (marine resource info) Florida Department of Environmental Protection Office of Greenways & Trails...... 850-245-2052 (FL Circumnavigational Paddling Trail)...... dep.state.fl.us Florida Sea Grant...... 352-392-5870 flseagrant.org Get into Florida Sportswater Fishing...... 1-888-347-4356 Fishing License...... myfwc.com/license the flow Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium...... 941-388-4441 For assistance with injured marine mammals or sea turtles...... mote.org NOAA Weather Service Broadcast...... 813-645-2506 24 hour weather and marine forecast...... 162.55Kz/VH Sarasota Bay Estuary Program...... 941-955-8085 sarasotabay.org West Coast Inland Navigation District...... 941-485-9402 For information on the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway OUTFITTERS & ECOTOUR OPERATORS Please search online for “Canoes” and “Kayaks” for local canoe and kayak outfitters and eco-tour operators. PADDLING CLUBS Please search online for local paddling clubs.

Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources RESOURCE DIRECTORY ASSISTANCE SARASOTA COUNTY Sarasota County Contact Center...... 941-861-5000 ...... scgov.net Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Sheriff’s Office Emergency...... 911 Non-emergency. Report crime or incident...... 941-316-1201 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Wildlife Alert Hotline...... 1-888-404-3922 (FWCC) Blueways Text option for reporting a violation...... [email protected] Manatee and marine turtle collision; rescue and recovery. Also for reporting fishing violations, boating accidents, and Paddling Guide marine mammal injuries or strandings. U.S. Coast Guard Rescue...... 941-794-1261 or 941-794-1607 For search and rescue assistance ...... VHF Channel 16; Emergency Cell *CG. PROGRAMS (marine resource info) Florida Department of Environmental Protection Office of Greenways & Trails...... 850-245-2052 (FL Circumnavigational Paddling Trail)...... dep.state.fl.us Florida Sea Grant...... 352-392-5870 flseagrant.org Get into Florida Sportswater Fishing...... 1-888-347-4356 Fishing License...... myfwc.com/license the flow Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium...... 941-388-4441 For assistance with injured marine mammals or sea turtles...... mote.org NOAA Weather Service Broadcast...... 813-645-2506 24 hour weather and marine forecast...... 162.55Kz/VH Sarasota Bay Estuary Program...... 941-955-8085 sarasotabay.org West Coast Inland Navigation District...... 941-485-9402 For information on the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway OUTFITTERS & ECOTOUR OPERATORS Please search online for “Canoes” and “Kayaks” for local canoe and kayak outfitters and eco-tour operators. PADDLING CLUBS Please search online for local paddling clubs.

Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources