43. ALLEN’S CREEK Coordinates
The launching site for Allen’s Creek is located on the south side of the parking lot at 17900 US-19 N. The site is a sandy beach area, but is accessed by walking down a grassy slope that is steep in some places. Upstream near Belcher Road, Allen’s Creek is surrounded by a Pinellas County Management Area, encompassing 35 acres of uplands and wetlands along the banks of the creek. This area is currently the target of a major restoration effort to improve wildlife habitat. Even so, the creek is currently home to a variety of shorebirds and fish. Alligators also roam the creek. The launch site also offers access to Upper Tampa Bay to the east, where paddlers can view both wildlife and urban landscapes from the water.
44. COOPER’S BAYOU Coordinates
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The City of Clearwater developed this park for passive recreation along the waterfront, with few amenities but many scenic views. Launching is available on the hard mud surfaces along the waterfront where there are breaks in the mangroves, in the north and south portions of the park. The sides of the bank are steep towards the north. Launching from the park puts you right in the middle of Cooper’s Bayou. This area is a tidally influenced body of water that is lined with mangroves and rich in biodiversity. A number of fish inhabit the waters here and shorebirds thrive along the water’s edge. Egrets, hawks and stingrays have all been known to frequent the area. From here, paddle north along the coastline for easy access to downtown Safety Harbor and Upper Tampa Bay. Along the waterfront are vast expanses of seagrasses, so keep an eye out for manatees and dolphins in this area. South of this bayou is the Courtney Campbell Causeway. Paddle under the causeway and follow the shoreline to the west and south to access Allen’s Creek. Parking is available during daylight hours only. City of Clearwater Parks Department Telephone: (727) 562-4800.
45. SAFETY HARBOR MUNICIPAL MARINACoordinates
Owned and operated by the City of Safety Harbor, this marina offers both boat ramp and a sand/rock launch access to Upper Tampa Bay and Safety Harbor. Located at the east end of Main Street in downtown Safety Harbor, this launching site is within a close distance to a number of restaurants, stores and the historic Safety Harbor Resort and Spa. In Upper Tampa Bay and Safety Harbor, keep an eye out for manatees and dolphins. Also, a wide variety of fish and shore birds inhabit this area as it is rich in seagrasses that sustain the wildlife population. Paddle north of the launch site and follow the coast to reach Philippe Park. From here, you can circumnavigate the harbor or cross the water to the Mobbly Bayou Wilderness Preserve. Overnight parking is available with a free pass from the Community Center. A post office is located within walking distance at 303 Main Street. Marina Telephone: (727) 724-1572.
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Boat launch at Phillipe Park
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46. PHILIPPE PARK Coordinates
Pinellas County owns and operates this 122-acre park, shaded by large oaks and other hardwood trees. Offering direct access to Old Tampa Bay, Philippe Park has both sandy beach and boat ramp access to the water. An ancient Indian mound is located in the south of the park near the beach launching area. Across the water is the Mobbly Bayou Wilderness Preserve. This preserve is home to a number of species of animals and plants and provides excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. In the Bay you can often find manatees and dolphins, and pelicans are almost always perched on the electricity towers crossing the Bay just south of the Park. Near the shore, keep an eye out for stingrays and jellyfish. Parking is available during daylight hours only within the park. The City of Oldsmar operates two parks on the other side of the Bay, one is passive, and the other (R.E. Olds) has restroom and water facilities and is available as a resting place. Look for the blue roof of the gazebo. Park Telephone: (727) 669-1947.
47. MOBBLY BAYOU WILDERNESS PRESERVE Coordinates
Maintained by the City of Oldsmar, this Preserve offers two floating docks for launching and access to Mobbly Bayou and Safety Harbor. This preserve is home to a variety of animals, including fish, shorebirds, raccoons and rabbits. Manatees and dolphins are a common sight in the Bayou, with mangroves lining the waterfront of this Preserve. The park is still under development and future improvements are planned. Paddle along the canal and enter the Bay on the eastern-most part of Pinellas County. Follow the coastline to the south to skirt the Preserve, entering Safety Harbor after rounding the point. Here, you can circumnavigate the Harbor, or cross the water to reach Philippe Park or downtown Safety Harbor just a little to the south. Parking at the Preserve is available during daylight hours only. The surrounding waterways are very tidally influenced. Park Telephone: (813) 749-1263.
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