A Few Questions About Beaches/Water Recreation (Miami, Tampa: to rent, chapel)

[theurbanfiles]

So, I think a while back, I asked what, if any beach in the Tampa Bay vicinity had the most vibrance, nightlife activity, etc to it, in a way similar to Hollywood Beach. There was no exact straight answer, but I think Venice, Sarasota/St. Armands/Lido, Treasure Island, John's Pass, and Pier 60 area of Clearwater all to some degree displaying some qualities of that. Gulfport and Dunedin and Tarpon Springs, though they aren't on a beach per se, obviously give off coastal beach town ambiance, also, on differing levels/different ways.

Anyways-I had a few other questions about the beaches, of course, once there is ultimately a vaccine in hand:

Parking I don't have a problem paying the 2.50 for one hour or so of beach lounging in Pinellas, generally speaking. And, I know there are certain free spots in Indian Rocks, Redington, etc. But, where do you guys find to economically park if you are going to be hanging out on one of the Pinellas beaches instead for upwards of 3-5 hrs. or more (beach, then dinner, drinks, etc.)? It would kind of suck to have to keep just paying that each hour, it could really add up. Are there places where you can reliably pay less than $10 and then be parked indefinitely, at least for that day?

Events There is an event in Cleveland during the summers at Edgewater Beach, on the lake. It is Thursday nights mostly between May and September, and there are the following (games/activities for kids and adults, live music/bands, food trucks, etc. It's a very vibrant and jovial thing. Which is why I'm so surprised I haven't seen anything similar to it in Florida-are there stricter laws against that? Or have I just not been going to the right places? I'd be okay with seeing live music of any kind on the beach really... from pop to rock to a symphony orchestra even. Which events are best for that? The ones I've heard about are-Saturdays at Pier 60 (though I don't know if things really ramp up a bunch then or not), and the Siesta Key Drum Circle.

Equipment Rental I guess this one goes to where it is easiest to rent equipment from kayaks to umbrellas, chairs, etc. and for the best price point.

Pools I know this one sounds kind of funny-but sometimes, you don't necessarily want to go in the gulf water, whether due to summer heat, water quality, white caps, etc. but you still want to be near it. Are there any particularly noteworthy/good public pools next to or near the water? I think Lido Beach in Sarasota has one, though I'm not sure. This is a particularly epic example of what I am talking about:


I'm obviously not expecting that of course.. but the idea of having the option would be nice, I think. I don't usually go out into the water that much and would probably do so longer in a pool, regardless of season.

Also, away from the beach, any particularly cool/nice public pools in the area? I've heard that there's a lagoon type pool in Wesley Chapel that is super cool and like 20$ for a day pass. That is something I may check out at some point. But I'm thinking perhaps closer to the city than that. Something like this, maybe? (Barton Springs, Austin)

Shockingly cold and refreshing, as if from a spring aquifer (I think it is)-The Venetian Pool in Miami I believe is also aquifer fed and has a similar appeal. Does Sulphur Springs Pool in Tampa have kind of a similar feel? I'm not sure, it's just the one I hear most about.

Anyways, thanks everyone in advance-it goes without saying, sadly it might be at least 6 months to a year more before I can even begin to enjoy the results of some of these questions.

[GrasserGreen]

Bumping this post as I have similar question.