Anclote River

Summary

The Anclote River, running for 29 miles (47 km)[1] near Tarpon Springs, Florida flows westward towards the Gulf of Mexico from its source of creeks and springs inland. The river is home to a variety of fish and wildlife. Anclote River is home to the sponging and fishing industries of Tarpon Springs (including a large shrimp industry). It is a major site for tourists of the area as it flows through the spongedocks of Tarpon Springs.

Anclote River
Anclote River looking east from the Pinellas Avenue bridge.
Location
CountryUnited States
StateFlorida
CountiesPasco, Pinellas
DistrictSWFWMD
Physical characteristics
SourceStarkey Wilderness Park
 • locationLand o' Lakes, Florida
 • coordinates28°16′44″N 82°30′48″W / 28.27889°N 82.51333°W / 28.27889; -82.51333
MouthSt. Joseph Sound
 • location
Tarpon Springs, Florida
 • coordinates
28°10′38″N 82°47′45″W / 28.17722°N 82.79583°W / 28.17722; -82.79583
Length29 mi (47 km)
Basin size98 sq mi (250 km2)
Basin features
Tributaries 
 • leftTarpon Bayous

An extension of the Pinellas Trail which crosses the Anclote River was dedicated on June 15, 2004.[2] The new extension is built along abandoned Atlantic Coast Line railroad grade, which once serviced industry on the north side of the river.

List of crossings edit

Crossing Carries Image Location Coordinates
Headwaters 28°16′44″N 82°30′48″W / 28.27889°N 82.51333°W / 28.27889; -82.51333
140076
140077
  SR 589
Suncoast Parkway
28°14′14″N 82°33′02″W / 28.23722°N 82.55056°W / 28.23722; -82.55056
Confluence with South Branch Anclote River Starkey Wilderness Park 28°13′20″N 82°36′34″W / 28.22222°N 82.60944°W / 28.22222; -82.60944
144059 Starkey Boulevard New Port Richey 28°13′29″N 82°38′33″W / 28.22472°N 82.64250°W / 28.22472; -82.64250
144051   CR 1
Little Road
  Trinity 28°12′52″N 82°39′58″W / 28.21444°N 82.66611°W / 28.21444; -82.66611
Father Felix Ullrich Bridge
140067
  SR 54   Seven Springs 28°12′53″N 82°40′56″W / 28.21472°N 82.68222°W / 28.21472; -82.68222
144024   CR 77
Seven Springs Boulevard
  Elfers 28°12′56″N 82°41′32″W / 28.21556°N 82.69222°W / 28.21556; -82.69222
144017 Celtic Drive Elfers 28°12′57″N 82°41′56″W / 28.21583°N 82.69889°W / 28.21583; -82.69889
140034 Perrine Ranch Road Holiday 28°11′39″N 82°43′07″W / 28.19417°N 82.71861°W / 28.19417; -82.71861
Outflow of Salt Lake 28°10′08″N 82°43′52″W / 28.16889°N 82.73111°W / 28.16889; -82.73111
150235   US 19 Tarpon Springs 28°09′49″N 82°44′26″W / 28.16361°N 82.74056°W / 28.16361; -82.74056
Old ACL Bridge Pinellas Trail Elfers Spur Tarpon Springs 28°09′34″N 82°44′51″W / 28.15944°N 82.74750°W / 28.15944; -82.74750
150006   Alternate US 19
  Pinellas Avenue
Tarpon Springs 28°09′27″N 82°45′25″W / 28.15750°N 82.75694°W / 28.15750; -82.75694
Confluence with Tarpon Bayous Tarpon Springs 28°09′36″N 82°46′09″W / 28.16000°N 82.76917°W / 28.16000; -82.76917
Anclote Power Plant Inflow Canal Tarpon Springs 28°10′33″N 82°47′25″W / 28.17583°N 82.79028°W / 28.17583; -82.79028
Mouth 28°10′38″N 82°47′45″W / 28.17722°N 82.79583°W / 28.17722; -82.79583

Anclote River Park edit

The Anclote River Park has of a 300-foot sandy beach (91 m) facing the sandbars of the Anclote River. The back of the beach zone is dotted with big oak trees. The park includes an Indian Burial Mound with structures built over other burial grounds in the park.[3] The park has designated areas for swimming, boating and fishing. It is operational dawn to dusk 7 days a week. There are also changing rooms, bathrooms and outdoor showers nearby. Alcohol is not allowed and parking charges apply.[4]

Things To Do edit

Boating

The park boasts of a six-lane boat ramp that's ideal for boaters. For boat storage and rentals, Anclote Village Marina is right next doors.

Fishing

Except for boat ramp and beach area, fishing can be done anywhere around the park. Mullets and crabs are easily found in the channels that are shallow.

Picnics and Parties

The place is great for hosting small birthday parties or small barbeques. There are giant covered pavilions, picnic benches, children's playground, charcoal barbeque grills, horseshoe field, and a volleyball court to keep everyone busy.[5]

References edit

  1. ^ U.S. Geological Survey. National Hydrography Dataset high-resolution flowline data. The National Map Archived 2012-03-29 at the Wayback Machine, accessed April 18, 2011
  2. ^ Rondeaux, Candace (June 5, 2004). "Pinellas Trail extension work complete". St. Petersburg Times. Retrieved January 15, 2008.
  3. ^ Waxler, Erik (October 30, 2023). "Native American group doesn't want more mounds disturbed at Pasco park". ABC Action News Tampa Bay (WFTS). Retrieved November 1, 2023.
  4. ^ "Anclote River Park". October 7, 2021.
  5. ^ "Anclote River Park". October 7, 2021.

External links edit

  • FDOT Florida Bridge Data 01-05-2010