| POINTS OF
INTEREST
Historic Spanish Point
337 U.S. 41 (N. Tamiami Trail), Osprey.
A 30-acre National Register site featuring
archaeological shell middens, a pioneer era
homestead, formal gardens, and nature trails. In “A
Window To The Past,” walk inside a 15-foot high
shell midden, dating back to 1250 BC. (No launching
or landing at this location.)
941-966-5214
www.historicspanishpoint.org
Neville Marine
Preserve
This 35-acre preserve is essentially two main
islands. The islands have a fringe of mangroves.
This trail has a maze of waterways to explore while
observing a large variety of birds and other
wildlife.
Turtle Beach
8919 Midnight Pass Road, Sarasota.
Beach park with a tidal lagoon connecting to Little
Sarasota Bay. This 17-acre Gulf-to-Bay park offers a
large picnic shelter, playground, restrooms, boat
ramp, and also has a campground. 941-861-5000. |
MAP
 Neville
Marine Preserve Trail
ROUTE
The Neville Marine Preserve Trail is located in Little Sarasota
Bay. The route meanders around the 35-acre Jim Neville Marine
Preserve, which is located between Siesta and Casey Keys.
NAVIGATIONAL NOTES
Novice paddlers will enjoy this trail. It is important to watch
for motor boats when crossing the Intracoastal Waterway,
especially when approaching the Blackburn Point historic bridge.
Also, use caution when emerging from Catfish and North Creeks.
SHORT TRIPS
Turtle Beach around Neville Marine Preserve
From the Turtle Beach launch, paddle out to Little Sarasota Bay.
The preserve can be seen as soon as you en ter the bay. It is
approximately a 1-mile loop around the preserve.
Wharf Road or Vamo Road to Blackburn Point Park
This blueway is a good inner bay paddle. You can journey south
without crossing much open water or motorized boating channels.
Follow the shoreline of Casey Key to Blackburn Point Park. This
trail provides opportunities for a picnic lunch or checking out
the local waterfront restaurants.
Turtle Beach to Osprey Fishing Pier
This blueway trail is an easy paddle and you can also fish at
the pier or take a break for lunch.
LAUNCH POINTS
Turtle Beach
8918 Midnight Pass Road, Siesta Key.
From U.S. 41 (Tamiami Trail) take Stickney Point Road onto
Siesta Key. Turn left at Midnight Pass Road and travel south
approximately 2.5 miles to the entrance of Turtle Beach Park.
Wharf Road
Going south on U.S. 41 (Tamiami Trail) at the Westfield Sarasota
Square Mall, turn right onto Vamo Road Then turn right at Wharf
Road and go to the end. Limited parking.
Vamo Road
Going south on U.S. 41 (Tamiami Trail) at the Westfield Sarasota
Square Mall turn right onto Vamo Road Before the curve in the
road, turn right on Vamo Drive to the end. Limited parking.
Blackburn Point Park
800 Blackburn Point Road, Casey Key.
At the intersection of U.S. 41 (Tamiami Trail) and Blackburn
Point Road, turn west onto Blackburn Point Road toward Casey
Key. Immediately after crossing the Blackburn Point Historic
Bridge the park and launch area is located to the right. |
