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Seminole Boat Ramp and Park
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The Parks in Pinellas County Florida
Tarpon Springs to St. Petersburg 100 Parks in 100 Weeks! Seminole Boat Ramp and Park 201 Seminole St, Clearwater “Why,” you might ask, “are we at a boat launch? I don’t even own a boat!” Guess what? We do not have a boat either. |
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The truth is we have been coming here for years. It has always been a go-to place for bird watching, people watching and Clearwater Harbor watching. It also claims its place in local history as the Eastern end, anchoring the very first wooden bridge to Clearwater Beach from the mainland.
There is a small Park on the point with a historical marker telling the story of that first bridge. Being a wooden bridge and sitting in the blazing Florida sun, it didn’t take long for the boards to warp, and nails to loosen resulting in a click-clack sound as the automobile tires rolled across and it soon became known as the “Rickety Bridge.” This West end of Seminole Street has long been the home of the popular Francis Wilson Playhouse. This area has undergone a serious redevelopment project the last couple of years and the results are spectacular. The small parking area that was just West of the Playhouse is now a nice picnic area with tables and shady umbrella structures to protect the picnickers. The central parking area has been enlarged and repaved and an attractive new restroom building has been added. There is plenty of elbow room along the walkways around the perimeter of the Marina and the outskirts of the Park for fishing, birdwatching or just enjoying the views. Birds have always been plentiful here and the accompanying bird photos were taken at the Marina. Some were taken before and some after the work was completed. This beautiful new complex must be paid for so there is a fee for parking. You will need your credit card and your license plate number when you visit one of the pay-by-plate kiosks to pay. The rate is $2/hour for a regular vehicle and a different rate for a truck with a boat trailer. The lot is open 24/7 and is actively patrolled. I am told there is free parking to attend the Playhouse performances. We thank the Clearwater Historical Society for allowing us to include a photo from their collection of that early “Rickety Bridge.” https://www.clearwaterhistoricalsociety.org/ |
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| The “Rickety Bridge” Historical Marker The Francis Wilson Playhouse Seminole Boat Ramp parking fees Florida fishing licenses and permits Google Satellite Map (Enlarge (+) for a birds-eye view or decrease (-) to plot your route) |
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Comments or questions contact Niki & Jack at abcadventuretime@gmail.com Custom framable prints, mats and gallery wraps are available. |
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