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EGMONT
KEY STATE PARK
    
The island of Egmont Key has unique natural and cultural histories which
have made it a valuable resource since the time settlers first arrived in
Florida. Named in honor of John Perceval, the second Earl of Egmont and
member of the Irish House of Commons in 1763, Egmont Key has had Spanish
conquistadors and nuclear submarines pass its shores as they entered Tampa
Bay.
4905 34th Street South, #5000
(813) 893-2627
FAKAHATCHEE
STRAND STATE PRESERVE
The Big Cypress Swamp of southwest Florida is basically a flat, gently
sloping limestone plain. During the rainy season (June through September),
water flows slowly southward over this plain into the mangrove swamps
bordering the Gulf of Mexico. Water also flows below ground through the
porous underlying limestone. In places, limestone has dissolved, forming
elongated sloughs or channels which have accumulated deep organic soils.
These channels or sloughs have been colonized by cypress and other trees,
creating swamp forests that stand out on the horizon in contrast to the
open prairies and pinelands that occupy the sterile veneer of marl soil
which is on top of the remaining limestone. The local term for these
linear swamps is "strand."
Copeland, FL 33926
695-4593
GASPARILLA
ISLAND STATE RECREATION AREA
Legend has it that Gasparilla Island was named for the infamous pirate,
Jose Gaspar, who reportedly settled on the island in the 1700's with his
band of men. According to legend, Gaspar and his men used the island as a
hiding place between forays until the United States carried out a campaign
to rid the waters of their presence. Whether true or not, the legend adds
to the colorful history of the island.
Boca Grande, FL
964-0375
INDIAN MOUND PARK
Orange St.
Englewood, FL
474-3065
LAKE
MANATEE STATE RECREATION AREA
Lake Manatee State Recreation Area is a perfect example of the quiet and
relaxed atmosphere that some of Florida's natural areas have to offer.
Extending along three miles of the south shore of Lake Manatee, these 556
acres were once used for farming, cattle grazing, making turpentine
and
timbering. Today, the 2,400 acre reservoir that makes up Lake Manatee
supplies drinking water to Manatee and Sarasota Counties.
20007 S.R. 64
Bradenton, FL
741-3028
LITTLE
MANATEE RIVER STATE PARK
Little Manatee
River State Recreation Area is located four miles south of Sun City, off
U.S. 301 on Lightfoot Road.
Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities at Little Manatee River State
Park including, camping, picnics, canoeing, freshwater fishing and hiking.
MYAKKA
STATE PARK & WILDERNESS PRESERVE
 
Over 45 square miles of woodlands, wetlands and prairie invite you to
explore by foot, bicycle, canoe or auto. The park is famous for its
abundant wildlife and quiet, scenic beauty. Be sure to stop by the visitor
center to watch the Myakka Movies and discover how the park is restoring
one of our country's rarest communities--Florida dry prairie. Spend a day
or camp overnight in the campgrounds or in one of the log cabins built by
the men of the Civilian Conservation Corps. The Myakka "Wild and
Scenic River" flows through the western portion of the park and its
two lakes and floodplain marshes are a haven for wading birds and
waterfowl. The scenic drive winds through shady hammocks, verdant marshes
and along the Upper Myakka Lakeshore. Airboat tours, tram rides, and
ranger-led walks provide insight into one of Florida's last remaining
wildernesses.
State Road 72
361-6511
OSCAR
SCHERER STATE RECREATION AREA
In 1955, Elsa Scherer Burrows bequeathed 462 acres of land to the state of
Florida for use as a park. The land was donated in memory of her father,
Oscar Scherer, an inventor who developed a process for dyeing leather for
shoes in 1872.
After a year of preparation, Oscar Scherer State Recreation Area was
opened to the public in 1956. In 1991, an additional 922 acres were
purchased as part of the P2000 initiative. This increased the parks total
acreage to 1384 acres.
U S 41 South
483-5956
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