Kelly Park is near Apopka adjacent to Wikiwa Springs State Park which is also very popular. Turn off the I4 at exit 60 for the 429 to Apopka take exit 33 for US-441 turn left at s. Park Ave and continue on Rock springs Road. Turn right at E. kelly Park Road and follow the signs.

Just before turning right into the approach road to the park, there is a grocery store on the left and a bar on the right. The bar also hires large balck rings for floaitng on the water for a few dollars. Entry to the park is also very cheap.

It was early January when we visited but the weather was very warm. We found ourselves almost alone in the park but I’m told that it is very popular in the summer. There is plenty of car parking amongst the trees and we made for the children’s play area at first where the boys had a wonderful time. There are plenty of picnic tables amongst the trees and there is also a kiosk where they sell snacks and drinks but not in the “off” season when we were there. The shop was in the centre of the park near the water where there are also changing rooms, showers and toilets, all beatifully clean.

We entered the water where there is a sort of pool near the changing rooms. This proved to be a mistake as parts of that area are deeper and my young grandson’ns arms weren’t long enough to reach over the side of the large ring to paddle. The best thing is to enter the water further upstream when the very slow current will take you along through the area where the pool is and further downstream. The stream itself is very shallow. After the initial mishap, I walked with my graqndson in his ring and the water was mainly around waistlevel and never got above my armpits and I am only 5 foot tall. It is a bit disconcerting at first to find oneself wading through the weeds but once I realized what they were I was fine.

We ended the day in the children’s part of the pool where there is a paddling area and also a sandpit. The water was beatifully clear and the children were able to see all the little fish swimming around. It was a lovely day that cost very little but just as much of an adventure for my grandsons and going on the rides in the theme parks.

• The Trail is only open during daylight hours, and alcoholic drinks are prohibited.
• Pedestrians and handicapped have the right of way, wheelchairs should use the pedestrian lanes and electric handicap wheelchairs are always permitted
• Bicyclists are required to obey all traffic controls and signals
• Cyclists are not permitted to wear headphones at any time and under age 16, they must wear a helmet
• Electric bicycles and motorised vehicles (except wheelchairs, maintenance, law enforcement and emergency vehicles) are not allowed on the Pinellas Trail, nor are horses
• Bicyclists and skaters should obey the posted speed limits. No racing or race training
• Skaters should use the bicycle lanes, and both skaters and cyclists should give an audible warning when passing
• Pets must be kept on a max. 6 foot leash and under control

Go left at the roundabout and follow the road to Stump Pass State Park Beach. Park and pay $2 (in honesty box) – spaces are limited to 40 cars. This is the bottom end of Manasota Key where  Lemon Bay meets the Gulf. On this narrow strip you can choose to look out on to the Inter-coastal waterway or walk on the fine sandy beach. Here the beach is quieter and you will find fishermen casting lines into the Gulf. They are often closely watched by local herons that sneak up and pinch the odd fish or two from the bucket – if the fisherman is not looking!

There is a short nature trail at the Pass, signposted with information of what you might see there. Restroom facilities are available. Pets are not allowed on this beach. There is no lifeguard on duty and swimmers will have to beware of the strong currents if they venture out. At the roundabout, if you go right you will be immediately at  Chadwick Park or Englewood Beach (as the locals call it). This is a popular beach with excellent facilities: restrooms with changing areas and showers, covered sitting area, grills, 4 small free picnic shelters, a larger picnic shelter which can be hired for functions, children’s play area, basketball and volleyball courts. Parking is 50 cents an hour (sheriff’s deputies do patrol and have been known to ticket offenders)

There is a long boardwalk across the beach front. The beach is quite large and wide and usually buzzing with activity. There are shops, bars scooter and boat rentals nearby. Pets are not allowed at this beach. Sunset is a very popular time down here as people come to watch the sunset. Its’ not unusual to hear them clap as the sun finally slips from view!

Further up Manasota Key you will come to Blind Pass or  Middle Beach. This is ideal for those who like peace and quiet. You will find a large free car park and playground but you do have to cross the road. Restroom facilities are also available. There is a launch for canoes and kayaks.  The beach is long and quiet. There are shallows ideal for playing. Be aware that there are no lifeguards at this location.

Drive up to the north end of the barrier island and you will find yourself at Manasota Beach. This is a large beach with almost no sandbar. This beach is perfect for a quiet picnic and shelters can be reserved. Amenities include: boardwalk, restrooms, free parking, fishing, boat launch and a lifeguard is on duty all the year round. Pets are not allowed on the beach.