Anclote Gulf Park
occupies 23 acres of land owned by Duke Energy of Florida, and operated as a
natural resource park by Pasco County. The park has about a quarter of a mile of
mangrove lined frontage to the Gulf of Mexico, and another quarter mile
bordering a manmade canal leading to the neighboring power plant to the south.
To the north of Anclote Gulf Park is Pasco County's
Key Vista Nature Park. The
two parks are connected by a coastal boardwalk. There is no beach access from this
park.
Popular with fishermen, one of the park's notable features is a fishing pier
that extends 500 feet out into the Gulf, and open to the public 24 hours a day.
Pasco county regularly holds kid's fishing clinics and fishing contests at the
park.
Anclote Gulf Park has three large picnic pavilions, full restroom facilities,
and a children's playground - making it an ideal location for family
get-togethers and birthday parties. Shelters must be reserved in advance for
events.
Another amenity at the park is a fenced dog park area with separate areas for
small and large dogs. The dog park has additional picnic tables, dog water
fountains, and a canine agility playset.
In winter months, the relatively warm water of the power station canal bordering
the south side of the park attracts manatees that can be viewed from two small
piers connected to the parking lot.
Access is also available for launching kayaks and canoes from a dock located on
the path leading to the fishing pier.
Bikers will be interesting in noting that a spur multi-use trail extends to
Anclote Gulf Park from the Coastal Anclote Trail, which runs from
Key Vista Nature Park
south to Anclote Boulevard.