Treasure Island Florida

Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2005, Treasure Island, Florida is linked by a causeway to the mainland Tampa Bay area, as are the other beach cities in the Barrier Islands. The center Treasure Island Causeway has a drawbridge that the U.S. Coast Guard has agreed to open every 20 minutes to relieve traffic congestion. Since Treasure Island is a popular tourist destination, with its white sandy beaches, bright sun, and unbelievable sunsets, vehicular traffic is heavy. However, public transportation is clean, convenient, and reliable.

Permanent residents of Treasure Island are extremely protective of their city, and work hard to keep it a lush and beautiful tropical paradise with a small town atmosphere. Tourists find plenty to do when they visit. Along with fishing charters and parasailing adventures, visitors enjoy snorkeling excursions, golf, tennis, and a private yacht club. Cruise boats with floating casinos satisfy that itch for gaming, while dolphins play beside the ships. On the other hand, anyone can choose to just relax and enjoy the palm tree ambiance, while watching gliding pelicans and brilliantly colored parrots.

Nearby in St. Petersburg, you will find a greyhound racing track that also has a poker room. For those unfamiliar with wagering on the dogs, it is best to read up on kennel histories and statistics ahead of time. Programs can be confusing at first glance. Many of the terms, however, are similar to those you hear in horseracing, such as Win, Place, Show, and Daily Double. As with most Las Vegas casinos, responsible gaming is encouraged.

Sea Turtles Nest on Treasure Island

Of special pride to permanent residents is the fact that endangered loggerhead sea turtles nest on Treasure Island. Under the watchful care of the staff at Clearwater Marine Aquarium, nests are cordoned off. In fact, from April through October, it is Lights Out. (No lights are allowed on or near the beaches, since artificial lighting confuses nesting females, not to mention hatchlings.) Signs plainly state that violators interfering with nests are subject to fines and imprisonment. The aquarium has an Adopt-a-Nest Program for those wishing to help the conservation cause.