Snook are known for their spectacular fighting ability.
Seagrasses provide a sheltering canopy for a variety of wildlife.
As we arrive at Lemon Bay, we discover that we are within the boundaries of the Charlotte Harbor estuary. This estuary has been recognized as a National Estuary Program estuary, an aquatic preserve by the Florida Legislature and as an Outstanding Florida Water (OFW) by the Florida Department of Natural Resources. OFWs have special protection that maintains the existing water quality conditions of the water body. This means that serious measures are put into place and kept to maintain high water quality conditions.
Lemon Bay extends from South Venice to the Gasparilla Island Causeway and still retains an old fishing village flavor. Fresh water from Fork, Rock and Oyster Buck creeks flow into the bay. Runoff from coastal regions and barrier islands also flows into the bay. The Lemon Bay area is bustling with live creatures, such as eagles, pinfish, pelicans, snook, shrimp, dolphins and manatees. Near shore, the seagrasses swaying with the tidal currents are key elements of this ecosystem. They make the bay water cleaner and help stabilize the sandy sea bottom. They also provide nursery grounds for bay-area creatures.
Onshore, a stop at Cedar Point Park and Lemon Bay Park Environmental Center will provide visitors access to hiking trails through pine flatwoods, oak scrub, salt flats and mangroves. Those who are interested in Florida history won’t want to miss the Indian Mound Park, which features native flora and fauna, and includes a prehistoric Indian mound site from 1000 B.C.
Next stop: Gasparilla Sound