Blog Content Sample – Ft. DeSoto Park

Spread over five small islands and covering 1,136 acres, Fort De Soto Park is a natural treasure that reflects the unspoiled Florida that existed when the fort for which it is named was built during the Spanish-American War.

Nestled at the mouth of Tampa Bay, Fort De Soto features seven miles of waterfront, much of which is sandy beaches. The park is an outdoor paradise where visitors can ride, skate or jog on a seven-mile paved trail, canoe and kayak through lush mangroves, and take the dog to the Paw Playground and the Dog Beach.

An 800-foot-long boat launching facility provides easy access to this park’s waterfront and beaches. There are two fishing piers, picnic areas and camping grounds. Kayaks and beach cruisers are available for rent.

Visitors can explore the fort, which was constructed on the southern end of Mullet Key to protect sea lanes in the gulf during the Spanish-American War. Fort De Soto is listed on the National Register of Historic Places

Named America’s top beach in recent years by outlets like Trip Advisor and Dr. Beach, Fort De Soto boasts soft sand, emerald water and shady pines. It was voted the country’s best family beach in 2011 by Parents magazine.

The largest park within the Pinellas County Park System, Fort De Soto is home to beach plants, mangroves, wetlands, palm hammocks, hardwoods and scores of native plants. Each of these species plays a vital role in the preservation and protection of the natural environment.

More than 328 species of birds have been documented at the park over the last 60 years. The beach area provides refuge to the loggerhead sea turtle, which nests between April and September. Pelicans, herons, egrets and plovers are commonly found at Fort De Soto, as are dolphins swimming near the gulf fishing pier.

Estelia Mesimer and her team offers listings of high-end homes situated in prestigious neighborhoods across the St. Petersburg region, and these neighborhoods are located amid Florida’s natural splendor.

For more information on Estelia Mesimer and her team, and to learn more about the high-end homes she represents, visit www.estelia.com.

You can reach Estelia at (727) 686-2859 and at estelia@estelia.com. Her office is located in downtown St. Petersburg at 111 2nd Ave. NE.