Author: Barbara-Jo Roberts Berberi, MA
Wall Springs Park – Palm Harbor Florida
Wall Springs Park is located right on the shore of the Gulf of Mexico in beautiful Palm Harbor Florida. Wall Springs Park is a natural spring that was once a bathing and spa area for wealthy northerners. Charles Wall purchased the property in 1884 and it was used as a spa retreat until the 1960’s. Pinellas County began purchasing the property with the goal of making a large park and today the park comprises 210 acres. 
Wall Springs Park, located between Crystal Beach and Tarpon Springs, is a favorite destination of locals. Accessible from the Pinellas Trail as well as by car, this great county park offers five picnic and grill shelters that can be reserved for parties. In addition to the shelters, there are restroom facilities, wonderful nature trails, boardwalks, an observation tower, fishing piers, playground, butterfly garden and a historical area explaining about the history of the park. If you are planning on fishing in the park, remember that here in Florida you must have a fishing license, even if fishing from shore.
The spring in the center of the park comes from the Upper Florida Aquifer. The average water flow from the spring is 2,917 gallons of water per minute and the spring’s temperature is a pretty constant 74 degrees. Swimming is no longer allowed in the spring and neither is fishing. Here you can see not only some of the largest mullet you will ever encounter, but also snook, redfish, sheephead, needlefish, white bait and of course otter and a wide variety of tropical birds. The fish seem to know that as long as they are in the main spring area, they are safe from fishermen. Naturally, since the spring and Boggy Bayou are connected you have a great chance of catching plenty of fish from the park’s fishing docks that are on Boggy Bayou.
We are indeed lucky to have Wall Springs Park here in Palm Harbor Florida. It is a popular family destination for all who live in the area.
Weedon Island Preserve – St Petersburg Florida
Weedon Island Preserve is a 3,190 acre natural area on the eastern shores of St Petersburg Florida. Located directly on Tampa Bay, Weedon Island Preserve is owned by the State of Florida and maintained by Pinellas County. The preserve itself is open to the public seven days a week from 7 am to dusk, with the exceptions of the day after Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Those are the only two days during the entire year that the preserve is closed.
Here you will find miles of hiking trails. Part of the trails have boardwalks which make those sections accessible to wheelchairs. There is also a great 45 foot high observation tower, perfect for great photos and bird watching. When you visit Weedon Island Preserve, you want to remember to bring bottled water and shoes with closed toes. The trails wonder through mangroves and some of them take you out to Tampa Bay.
If kayaking is your pleasure, there is a fantastic kayak launch in Weedon Island Preserve but plan on getting there early since the parking area by the kayak launch fills up early. There are also restrooms and water facilities by the kayak launch, as well as at the education center. The education center has a large parking area and offers workshops as well as educational programs for the community and local schools. Six thousand square feet of exhibits await you at the education center. Here you will be able to view artifacts left by those who inhabited Weedon Island Preserve as far back as 1800 years ago! The three story educational center was designed with the assistance of Native Americans, in following with their traditions. When planning a visit to the education center, remember that the center is only open Wednesday through Sunday, from 10 am to 4 pm.
Philippe Park – Safety Harbor Florida’s Historical Park
Philippe Park is indeed Safety Harbor Florida’s Historical Park! This 160 acre park is on the National Register of Historic Landmarks due to the fact that it was once home to both the Tocobaga Native American tribe and later the home of Count Odet Philippe. Remains of the Tocobaga’s time here can be found not only from the fact that they left a large mound in the park but that there were numerous other mounds that have been excavated. The archaeological remains of these mounds are now contained in the Safety Harbor Museum.
Count Odet Philippe, once chief surgeon to Napolean and born in Lyon France, made Safety Harbor Florida his home back in 1821. Here he settled with his family and introduced the citrus industry to Hillsborough County (today’s Pinellas County belonged Hillsborough County until 1921). It was also Odet Philippe that originally brought the cigar making industry to Florida. He passed on in 1869 at the age of 100 and was buried on his estate, in what is today Philippe Park.
Philippe Park has miles of trails, picnic shelters, restrooms, boat ramps and of course the Tocobaga mound. It is a popular destination for children’s birthday parties, family picnics, morning jogs and a favorite with everyone interested in local history. Here locals love to put their kayaks into Old Tampa Bay for a day out on the water and you will often find people fishing from shore.
Philippe Park is a wonderful addition to Safety Harbor Florida and one park you need to check out!
Eagle Lake Park – Largo Florida
Eagle Lake Park located on Keene Road in Largo Florida is a beautiful 163-acre park that once belonged to the Taylor family. This pioneering family raised cattle and had orange groves. Many of these trees are still growing in the park.
Pinellas County purchased two sections which now comprise the park back in 1998 and 2006. Now county park-goes can enjoy the picnic shelters, playground, fishing piers and miles of hiking trails. The fishing is catch and release only.
Here you can also bring man’s best friend and let your pet romp in the enclosed dog park with other visitor’s pets. Outside of the enclosed dog park, dogs must be on a leash at all times.
This natural habitat includes over 2,000 feet of well maintained boardwalks over beautifully restored wetlands. Convenient to both north and central Pinellas County, Eagle Lake Park is a popular destination for locals to hold birthday parties, family outings and even morning yoga classes. One of the things I love about Eagle Lake Park is how the turtles come swimming up to the piers, obviously awaiting handouts. That makes photographing these marvelous creatures ever so easy!
Eagle Lake Park runs from Belleair Road to the north all the way to Rosery Road to the south and is a real treasure for the neighboring communities!
Upper Tampa Bay Park – Just East Of Oldsmar & Near Westchase
Upper Tampa Bay Park is a gem of a park located just east of Oldsmar Florida, off Hillsborough Avenue in Tampa. The park offers kayak rentals, picnic and grilling facilities, fishing piers, miles of hiking trails, playgrounds, restrooms, meeting facilities, summer camp and an educational center.
This 596 acre natural park is bordered by Old Tampa Bay to the south and west and Double Branch Creek to the east. You kayak the creek or the bay, enjoying Mother Nature at it’s best among the mangroves and natural habitat of salt water marshes.
There are wonderful picnic facilities for parties right next to the playground and there is even a volleyball court.
Wander the trails and keep an eye out for osprey, bald eagle, red shouldered hawk, spoonbills and other native birds, as well as bobcat, tortoises and a variety of snakes. Remember, we do have coral snakes, rattlesnakes and cottonmouth down here, so be careful where you walk! 
If you are out in the water, you can enjoy the dolphin and manatee, also be sure to watch for otter! Naturally, fishing is great since there are snook, red fish and drum in these waters.
Convenient to residents of northern Pinellas County, including Oldsmar, Safety Harbor and Palm Harbor, this great park is also close to Tampa’s Westchase area!
John Chesnut Park On The Eastern Shores Of Lake Tarpon – Palm Harbor Florida
John Chesnut Park is located on the eastern shore of Lake Tarpon in beautiful Palm Harbor Florida.
This 255 acre waterfront park was built in cooperation with the US Army Corps of Engineers. Home to three fantastic nature trails, playgrounds, picnic areas, picnic shelters, restroom facilities, a horse shoe pit, fenced in doggie park and a public boat ramp with access to Lake Tarpon, this is one park you don’t want to miss!
Lake Tarpon is five miles long and over a mile wide. It is home to large bass as well as our Florida gator. Fishermen love fishing this lake but remember that you do need a Florida fishing license to fish from shore or boat.
The park is also home to deer, raccoon, hawks, osprey and many other creatures. With miles of boardwalk along the shores of the lake and through the swamp areas that connect to other hiking trails, this park offers enjoyment for the entire family. Just remember to bring your camera so you can capture memories you will never forget!
John Chesnut Park is one of several magnificent local parks here in Pinellas County Florida.
Local Golf Courses – North Pinellas County – Palm Harbor & Beyond – Florida
Local Golf Courses – North Pinellas County – Palm Harbor & Beyond – Florida
North Pinellas County Florida has many beautiful golf courses. Here is a list of what is available and contact information to make a tee time:
Chi Chi Rodriquez Golf Club 727-726-4673
This 18 hole public golf course, pro shop and putting green are home to the Chi Chi Rodriquez Academy. Located on McMullen Booth Road this par 69 golf course passes all proceeds on to support the Chi Chi Kids’ Programs.
Clearwater Country Club 727-443-5078
A semi-private 18 hole par 72 course is located only minutes from the crystal sands of Clearwater Beach. The course has varying elevations and well manicured greens. Naturally, there is a clubhouse and pro shop as well.
Countryside Country Club Golf Course 727-796-1135
Designed by Gary Player, this 27 hole par 72 champion golf course is divided into three nine hole sections: Bayhead, Lake and Pine. There is also a practice range, pitching green and practice bunker available on this private facility located in Clearwater Countryside.
Cove Cay Golf Club 727-535-1406
Located on the shores of Old Tampa Bay in Clearwater, this semi-private 18 hole par 70 course offers amazing views of Tampa Bay. Here you will also find a pro shop, driving range and clubhouse.
Cypress Run Golf Club 727-938-3774
Designed by Larry Packard, this private 18 hole golf course located in Tarpon Springs on St Andrew’s Blvd. offers clinics, private lessons, computer swing analysis and so much more.
Dunedin Golf Club 727-733-7836
Opened in 1927 and designed by Donald Ross, this 18 hole par 72 semi-private course has a long, proud history. This was the original home course and headquarters of the PGA of America from 1945 to 1962.
East Lake Woodlands Country Club 727-226-3382
This private country club located in Oldsmar has two 18 hole golf courses, the North Course and the South Course. Both courses are surrounded by the lushness of the Florida outdoors.
Feather Sound Country Club 727-573-5666
The 6,900 yard par-72 golf course of this private country club has lush fairways and greens. There is also a seven acre practice facility and practice putting green.
Highland Lakes Golf Course 727-784-1402
Three nine hole executive golf courses await you in this private, 55+ community that overlooks Lake Tarpon in Palm Harbor.
Innisbrook Resort & Golf Club 727-942-2000
A world famous resort and private golf club, Innisbrook offers special golfing packages for guests. This resort is home to the annual Transitions Championship, a 72 hole event, which takes place on the Copperhead Course. There is also the par 72 Island Course, the par 70 North Course, the par 71 South Course and the new 9 hole par 36 Fox Squirrel Course designed specifically for the entire family to enjoy.
Lansbrook Golf Club 727-784-7333
An 18 hole par 72 semi-private golf course awaits you at Lansbrook in Palm Harbor. Located on the east side of Lake Tarpon, there are water hazards on 16 of the holes in this picturesque setting.
St. Andrew’s Links 727-733-6728
This 18 hole par 3 public golf course in Dunedin is located just off Alternate 19 right next to St Andrew’s Links Driving Range. 27 acres of beautiful landscaping, osprey nests and water hazards await you here in Dunedin.
Tarpon Springs Golf Course 727-934-5191
This 18 hole par 72 golf course was built in 1908 and was originally only 9 holes. Today it is owned by the City of Tarpon Springs and open to the public. Located on Alternate 19, north of Klosterman Rd.
Wentworth Golf Club of Tarpon Springs 727-942-4760
As of 2011 this once private golf club has become semi-private. Surrounded by million dollar homes, this par-71 course with 83 bunkers and rolling terrain is always in excellent condition.
North Anclote River Nature Park In Tarpon Springs Florida
The North Anclote River Nature Park is located in Tarpon Springs Florida, off of Old Dixie Highway and north of the Anclote River.
North Anclote River Nature Park was purchased in 1996 through the Florida Communities Trust. This 77 acre park has both a fishing pier and an observation deck located right on the Anclote River. Remember that if you are fishing, whether from shore or in a boat, you do need a Florida fishing license.
Here you will also find playground facilities, restrooms, nature trails, picnic tables and a trail that connects to the Pinellas Trail for both biking and hiking. The Pinellas Trail can take you all the way down to St Petersburg and is one more way you can make the trip up to North Anclote River Nature Park in Tarpon Springs.
Both kayaks and canoes can be launched from North Anclote River Nature Park into the Anclote River and there is a small beach area where you can cool your feet off or splash away at the shoreline. I probably wouldn’t go swimming here since it is a river and I wouldn’t want to be surprised by a gator.
Just one more great park here in northern Pinellas County. This is why I love living in the Tarpon Springs and Palm Harbor Florida area.
Fred Howard Park – Tarpon Springs Florida
Fred Howard Park in Tarpon Springs Florida is located along the shores of the Gulf of Mexico and the park’s beach is actually an island that is connected by a mile long causeway to mainland.
The park is 155 acres of tropical paradise that includes nine picnic shelters and six restroom facilities. If you are interested in reserving one of the shelters for a birthday party or other event, be sure to make your reservations early since our local parks are popular venues for such events. That is due to our year-round blue skies and sunshine. Everyone loves taking advantage of the excellent weather. Two playgrounds, a ball field and launch areas for your kayak are also available in this family orientated park.
The beach offers pure white sand and bathing in the sparkling waters of the gulf. There are shower and restroom facilities on the island as well as plenty of parking. Fishermen enjoy fishing off the south side of the island, where there are rocks. Please be sure not to disturb the sea oats as they are protected by law.
Back on the mainland, you can enjoy hiking through the park where you can observe many native animals and birds in their natural habitat. It is not unusual to see osprey, eagles, fox squirrels and tortoises in the park. Naturally, the shoreline is teaming with fish and many varieties can be found in the nurseries among the mangroves that are native to this section of Florida. Please remember that if you are going to be fishing from shore, you will need a Florida fishing license to be in compliance with the law. A license can be purchased at any driver’s license office or on-line. The Fred Howard Park is open from 7 am to dusk and you want to remember to bring your camera! You will be glad you did. This is indeed a fantastic park for the entire family to enjoy.
A.L. Anderson Park On Lake Tarpon – Tarpon Springs Florida
A.L. Anderson Park in Tarpon Springs Florida is located on Lake Tarpon’s western shore and offers excellent boating access to this magnificent 3.906 square mile lake. Opened in the mid-1960’s, this 135 acre waterfront park offers the perfect destination for the active family. Here you can enjoy nature trails and boardwalks through the natural fauna. Your camera is a must since the views of Lake Tarpon are breathtaking. What better place to bring the family to grill and enjoy a picnic. There are playgrounds 
for the very young and for the older children as well. The park does require reservations for the picnic shelters and you want to make those party reservations in advance since this is an extremely popular destination.
The public boat ramp opens at 5 am, so the early bird can launch and be out on the lake catching bass while others are still sipping their coffee. Naturally, the ramp stays open late as well, closing at 10 pm.
There is a great doggie park as well, so you can bring poochie to romp with friends in the enclosed area. 
Owners are required to supervise their pets and clean up after them as well. All dogs must be on a leash when outside of the enclosed doggie park area. The enclosed areas include water fountains and showers to cool your pets off during those hot summer months.
Anderson Park is accessible via US Hwy 19, just south of Tarpon Avenue, on the east side of the road. The park is open 7 am to dusk, year round. It is a wonderful destination whether you are spending a few hours or the entire day. This is one of the numerous beautiful parks available to residents of northern Pinellas County, which includes the areas of Tarpon Springs, Palm Harbor and Dunedin Florida.