Surroundings

Pinellas Suncoast is the name given to a 28 mi long stretch of coast on the Gulf of Mexico. Mile-long beaches of almost snow-white sand and the warm, crystal-clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico with its gentle surf, combined with excellent tourist facilities, create ideal conditions for all kinds of water sports. The season here lasts all year round. A great variety of water sports can be practised here: sailing, windsurfing, deep-sea angling, diving, water-skiing The gently sloping beaches are ideal for families. Among favourite bathing resorts and port towns on the coast are Tarpon Springs, originally founded by Greek fishermen; Indian Rocks Beach; the Victorian-style Hamlin's Landing, with wooden quays and pleasant fish restaurants; Madeira Beach; John's Pass Village, a fishing and boating port in turn of the 19th c. style; and Treasure Island with its broad sandy beach, once a favourite pirate anchorage.

Located 10 miles west of St Petersburg, this resort town of 9,200 people offers a wide beach of white sand extending along the Gulf Coast. Its most notable landmark is the luxury Don Cesar Hotel, built in 1928, which combines Moorish and Mediterranean features in its architecture.

Zoologist Ralph Heath Jr founded Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary in 1971. On average, 23-30 wild birds are admitted every day and over 80% of the birds that survive during the first 24 hours are rehabilitated and released back into the wild.