Trip title: Anna Maria Island (Bayfront Park) to Egmont Key - Level 3
Trip leader / co-leader: Co-Leaders
Cheryl Bollman Taskey (cheryl.taskey@gmail.com - 724-713-0207
Libby Wolf (LibbyWolf2@gmail.com - 216-337-8400)
NOTE: The original event announcement alluded to Egmont Key's "dark history." It was brought to our attention that the way it was worded could have been interpreted to suggest Egmont Key had a dark history simply because of the presence of military or it's use as a military facility. It was not our intent to suggest that military facilities are inherently negative. Quite the contrary, we are proud of our club members who have served in the military and the sacrifices they and their families have made, and we are proud of the rich history of military service in the Tampa Bay region. The reference to dark history in the original post is to the use of Egmont Key as a concentration camp for Seminole people awaiting relocation to Oklahoma in the mid-1800s and they describe Egmont as "Our Alcatraz." The history of Egmont is complex and we acknowledge that greater context to the post may have prevented the appearance of disdain for military, which certainly was not intended.
Description: Let's work off that candy....Join Cheryl and Libby as we launch from Anna Maria Bayfront Park and paddle to Egmont Key Egmont Key is a small island located in Tampa Bay. Today, it is known as Egmont Key State Park and Wildlife Refuge. But, these sandy beaches have a long and interesting history. Although it is primarily a wildlife refuge, the island houses remnants of decades of former military installations dating back to the mid-19th Century. These include an 1848 lighthouse and six miles of brick path trails that wind through the island, remnants of Fort Dade. There will be time to explore the island.
We will also pass what used to be Passage Key. At high tide, it might just be a small sand mound. But Passage Key is notorious for being "clothing optional" and many people who still boat / paddleboard / kayak in the area still participate in the ritual.
NOTE: conditions change rapidly with this route, so we will assess at Anna Maria Bayfront Park at 9 am.
Location: Anna Maria Bayfront Park, 316 N Bay Blvd, Anna Maria, FL 34216. Click link for Google Maps. There is pull-in parking and restrooms. No official trailer parking. No rentals.
Schedule: Day- Saturday, Nov. 1, 2026, Meet at 9 am, Launch at 9:30, Return approx 1:30-2pm (depending on time on Egmont Key)
Difficulty: Level 3 (8-10 miles, Pace 3 mph) This is a fun and challenging paddle given the open water, currents, distance (8-10 miles) and potentially changing conditions.The wind conditions will be unusually reasonable at 4-6 knts out of the E /ENE. High tide is at 10 am. Air temp 63F / water temp 77F. DRESS ACCORDINGLY
Review TBSK's Skills Self Assessment Chart and contact trip leaders with any questions.
Required / suggested / restricted: Required: min 15’ sea kayak with flotation as well as deck lines and/or bow and stern grab loops; paddle; PDF is a MUST; whistle or other sound-producing device; water.
Suggested: neoprene or dry top, sunscreen, sunhat, closed-toe shoes, extra safety equipment like bilge pump, paddle float, radio, tow belt, snack/lunch, etc..
Water, sunscreen, closed-water shoes, a snack/lunch and a smile.
Limiting registration to 10 plus two co-leaders.
If you have any medical issues that might impact your paddling, please notify leaders before the trip so that they can be best equipped to assist you as needed.
If your plans to participate change, please cancel on the website or app so that people on the waitlist can join us.