Photos courtesy of Hayden Randolph
A year after two hurricanes affected the Bay Area, Fort De Soto Park still draws visitors with its beaches and wildlife. The largest park in Pinellas County encompasses 1,136 acres within its five interconnected islands. Fort De Soto is known for its birds, marine species, wildlife, and plants. The park is named after the military fort once used in the Spanish-American War. The group of islands is neighbored by Egmont Key, an island known as an integral part of Tampa Bay history. Fort De Soto Park is open seven days a week from 7 a.m. to sunset.
