Fred Howard Park 1700 Sunset Dr., Tarpon Springs, FL 34689 gmap park diagram/amenities/restroom info - road closures   Beach Parking Permit

Audio tour of park

Fred Howard Park consists of 155 acres and is located on the Gulf of Mexico. Almost 2 million visitors enjoy the park annually.

 

Howard Park's location provides access to the Gulf of Mexico by a 1-mile long causeway. The white sandy beach is a very popular north county swim area and also provides a perfect location for visitors to enjoy many spectacular sunsets. Nesting ospreys and eagles may be viewed by park visitors as they fish for food in the surrounding waters. Dolphins, and occasionally manatees, are seen in the area. The causeway is used for sunbathing, fishing and exercising.

 

Fred Howard Park protects many important and disappearing Florida habitats such as sea grass beds, wetlands, mangrove estuaries, salterns, coastal scrub, long leaf and slash pine flatwoods and turkey oak - long leaf pine sandhill

 

Many unusual animals inhabit Fred Howard Park including some endangered and/or threatened species, such as eagles, gopher tortoises and fox squirrels. The park also has many different kinds of butterflies and birds.

Amenities:

• 9 picnic shelters - reserve shelters online

• Restroom Update As an additional cost-saving measure, some restrooms in county parks are closed weekdays. However, facilities near most popular user areas remain open during all hours of park operation. All restrooms in county parks will be open on weekends. See park diagram for details

  6 restrooms
• 2 playgrounds
• ball field
• parking (fee charged)
  Beach Parking Permit - Automated pay stations with daily parking fees of $5. Annual beach parking passes are available.
• white sandy beach
• swimming area
• Pinellas County provides lifeguards at designated swim areas from March to September (Labor Day). Hours of operation may vary due to staff availability and weather conditions. Check lifeguard towers for conditions and coverage. Be aware of conditions - swim at your own risk.
• wind surfing area
• launching area for canoeing & kayaking
• fishing
• beach showers

Road Closures: Roads will be open by 9 a.m.

• 09/09/17 - Tarpon Springs Rotary Triathlon
• 10/07/17 - Beach to Bayou 5K

History:

Since the parks dedication on April 16, 1966 the parks popularity has continued to increase.

Who was Fred H. Howard?

The park was named in honor of Fred H. Howard, former Mayor of Tarpon Springs first elected to the office in 1945. Mr. Howard also served as a City Commissioner and Vice Chairman of the Pinellas County Park Board for more than 30 years. Mr. Howard was a successful real estate businessman who was very civic minded and served the area in many political and organizational capacities.

 

Mr. Howard worked to secure the property for development as a north county park for the enjoyment of residents. A bronze plaque at the base of the park’s flagpole commemorates Mr. Howard’s, “untiring efforts (to make) this park a reality.”

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