Lemon Bay extends about 13 miles long and is separated from the Gulf of Mexico by Little Gasparilla Island and Manasota Key. It is designated by the State of Florida as an aquatic preserve and an Outstanding Florida Waterway among other recognitions.
The Lemon Bay area is bustling with live creatures, such as eagles, pinfish, pelicans, snook, shrimp, dolphins and manatees. Near shore, the seagrasses swaying with the tidal currents are key elements of this ecosystem. They make the bay water cleaner and help stabilize the sandy sea bottom. They also provide nursery grounds and a shelter for a variety of wildlife.
Onshore, a stop at Cedar Point Environmental Park and Lemon Bay Park Environmental Center will provide visitors access to hiking trails through pine flatwoods, oak scrub, salt flats and mangroves. Those who are interested in Florida history won’t want to miss the Indian Mound Park, which features native flora and fauna, and includes a prehistoric Indian mound site from 1000 B.C.
Next up, Gasparilla Sound can be found at the southern end of the watershed