Fred Howard Park

Fred Howard Park
1700 Sunset Dr.,
Tarpon Springs, Florida

                                        

   During our class visit to Fred Howard Park today there was 100 % cloud cover the air temperature was 86 it was windy with the water temperature of 84. The tide was rising and near its high for the day. 

     Fred Howard Park is one of Pinellas County most northern parks. The total area of the park is 155 acres with some oak hammock, some pine and mostly wetlands. The causeway from the wooded area to the beaches is one mile long.      The park was named in honor of Fred H. Howard  mayor of The City of Tarpon Springs in 1945.  The park features 9 picnic shelters on a reservation basis, 6 restrooms, 2 play grounds and one ball field. Most visitors come for the white sandy beach. Life guards are on duty from March to September. 

The park is highly maintained

One of the picnic area's

Beach sunflower (Helianthus debilis) 

sea grapes (Coccoloba uvifera)

painted-leaf (left) and  Beach sunflower

Beach toward the east full of turtle grass.

I think all of my class mates were concerned that we would get rained out today, however I think this trip turned out pretty good. The group used the seine net and gathered a few small fish which looked to be juvenile pin fish and a small fiddler crab. The exciting part of the day was when a ray swam by Dr. G and she made everyone aware of its presence. Some of those who went snorkeling found some interesting items including a rod and reel, shoe and a few scallops. All and all another great outing.