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Explorers can bike, hike or canoe
By HOLLY ATKINS
© St. Petersburg Times,
published December 3, 2001
Wonders of Florida:
Friendship Trail
 Last week we learned about the many layers of Weedon Island Preserve's history. We also discovered that the Weedon Island story is the Florida story -- a tale that dates back to the prehistoric era.
This tale of American Indians, early aviators, land booms (and busts) and endangered lands preservation is repeated in various ways in cities throughout our state.
Today we'll show you some of the ways you can paddle, pedal and prance in and around this pristine preserve.
Paddle a kayak? Sure I can, canoe?
According to Keith Thompson, preserve supervisor since 1989, the boating rule at Weedon Island is simple: "If you can pick it up and tote it, you can launch it."
Trailer-launched boats are out.
The Web site for Central Florida Kayak Trips (www.clubkayak.com/cfkt/index.shtml) recommends that you paddle Weedon Island at high tide. "During low tide you'll encounter what seems like miles of water less than two feet deep."
Canoe trail markers act as your guide during your trip, but the kayaking experts warn that you need to be on the lookout for these markers. "The labyrinth-like maze of mangrove tunnels can easily confuse the unsuspecting paddler." This Web site contains detailed directions to help you wind your way through the preserve.
Before setting out for your day of exploring the island's waterways, be sure to bring personal floatation devices, take-apart or canoe paddles and insect repellent (the mangrove tunnels are havens for mosquitoes and other biting insects).
No more than 282 people are allowed inside at a time, and no more than 1,128 people can use the park during any given day.
"The way to protect the environment is to regulate the people and what they're doing," Thompson said. "We also want to control where they're doing it and how much they're doing."
Connecting two islands
When construction on the new Gandy Bridge was completed in early 1997, the fate of the 2.6-mile "Old" Gandy Bridge seemed sealed. Florida Department of Transportation would demolish the middle two miles, and turn the remaining 1,500 feet at either end into fishing piers.
A handful of citizens from Pinellas and Hillsborough counties had other ideas. What followed was a two-year battle to save the old bridge for recreational use by cyclists, skaters and walkers as well as fishing enthusiasts.
A national study revealing that the Tampa Bay area was the deadliest place in the nation to ride a bicycle brought increased support to the cause. Success came in the nick of time -- 17 hours before the Florida Department of Transportation was to order demolition, Hillsborough commissioners voted to team with Pinellas to transform the bridge into a bike and pedestrian path.
 During grand opening ceremonies on Dec. 11, 1999, the old Gandy Bridge was reborn as the 2.6-mile "Friendship Trail Bridge," linking Pinellas and Hillsborough counties, in a ceremony called "Hands Across the Bay."
These days, the bridge is still a high-traffic area -- of a different kind. Local officials estimate that 25,000 people cycle, skate, jog or fish along the bridge each month.
If 2.6 miles seems like a walk to the mailbox, then look to the future. Plans are already under way so that bicyclists and walkers will be able to travel from Pinellas County's Weedon Island to Hillsborough's Picnic Island by way of a 12-mile "Friendship Trail" running parallel to Gandy Beach.
Still not enough of a challenge for you, Iron Men and Women? How does 78.25 miles sound? Well, over the next three to four years the Pinellas Trail will continue to grow. Eventually the current 34-mile linear trail will become a 78 plus-mile loop circling the county and incorporating the Friendship Trail.
It really is a picnic
 You've explored every inch of Weedon Island and biked over the Friendship Trail and your stomach (not to mention your aching legs) is screaming at you, "Take a break!"
You've packed your lunch, so steer your way to Picnic Island Park for a -- well, you get the idea.
The park, located 15 minutes from downtown Tampa, has bathrooms, picnic shelters (reservations preferred on busy weekends, (813) 931-2121), a fishing pier and boat launch. Ahh. I bet your feet feel better already!
When you visit Weedon Island (and we know you will!), stand on the observation deck; let your eyes search beyond the preserve to the international airport and Tampa skyline and then to the dome and tall office buildings of downtown St. Petersburg. Did you forget you were so close to the urban jungle? Good. That's the wonder of Florida.
Links to explore
www.stpete.org/weedon.htm -- Link from the city of St. Petersburg's homepage
www.co.pinellas.fl.us/BCC/Environ/weedon.htm -- Pinellas County Department of Environmental Management
www.friendshiptrail.org/index.html -- The Gandy Bridge and Friendship Trail Corp.'s homepage
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Holly Atkins, a National Board Certified Teacher, is the language arts department head at Bay Point Middle School in St. Petersburg. Atkins, who has been a resident of St. Pete Beach nearly all her life, has been an instructor at the Poynter Institute's Writers' Camp and is the proud teacher of local and national award-winning student writers.
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