pier improvements
tommy permalink | categories: 366, Florida, environment, retail, tampa, worth itby tommy @ 12:18 pm
I’m not a water-nut. I might would snorkel. But I don’t fish, I don’t swim, and I don’t lay down on the beach. I do like to explore. And I have already been to every patch of land in Hillsborough County. So I bought a cruisin’ boat. And I love boating.
It’s just a small craft - 18 ft. Perfect for Wifey, myself, and the two kids, or six grownups. Of course, wifey’s not into fishin’, either. But she likes the sunshine - she’ll lay in the sun for hours and hours and hours. But she’s not into “roughing it.” And there’s no head (that’s “bathroom” for you landlubbers) on the vessel.
We put in at Shell Point in Ruskin. From there we’ve been up the Hillsborough (Rick’s) and Alafia Rivers (ABT). We’ve gone to Harbor Island (Island Oasis) and Cotanchobee Park (facilities are inside the Marriott). We’ve gone to Ft. Desoto, Egmont Key, and Tiera Verde. And we’ve enjoyed lunch at the St. Pete Pier.
You see, when they built that upside-down pyramid, they thought folks would pull up in their boats and do some shopping or dining - as was our plan. Therefore, slips surround the main pier area so you can tie down the boat and go on about your business.
Of course, the Pier was built in 1973. And let’s just say they haven’t maintained things at water level too well. So after tying down to the rickety, dangerous-looking pilings, and convincing my wife everything would be just fine, we enjoyed a great lunch, and a great day. But because of the sad state of the slips, we haven’t been back (via water).
There are over one million boats registered in Florida. 10% of them, or over 100,000 boats are registered in Hillsborough and Pinellas counties. Why wouldn’t the Pier’s management want visitors from the water? Why wouldn’t you want more visitors from anywhere you can find them?
Plans to renovate the St. Pete Pier are in the discussion stage. I wonder if waterside access will be addressed.
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January 31st, 2006 at 6:57 pm
Hey now, I have roughed it before! The jon boat was roughing it…there is not a bathroom on the river in Brookesville! I also recall a few times in the bay when there was not a bathroom, just go swimming dear, is what I’m told!
February 1st, 2006 at 2:07 am
I think that would bring a lot of revenue to the Pier. I am on the bay frequently with my dad and it would be really nice to pull up to the pier and spend some time without worrying if the boat would be there when we were done.
February 1st, 2006 at 1:56 pm
We’ve had our boat for several years now. Hub fishes, but when I go with him, I just like to cruise and hit a few islands for the day.
One of our main problems has been the lack of parking places for boat trailers after the boat is launched. I can’t tell you how often we’ve had to drive from the Bellair Causeway to Park Blvd and beyond, looking for a ramp with available parking.
Worst of all are the people who park their cars in places reserved for trailers. Don’t Do That!!!
Congrats on the boat purchase, Tommy! Hope to see you and your family on the waterways sometime!
February 1st, 2006 at 1:57 pm
also got a kick out of your wife’s comment about the bathroom. Oh man, i’ve been there too! LOL