Tierra Verde (St. Petersburg): Fort De Soto Ramp

ADDRESS: 3600 Pinellas Bayway South, Tierra Verde, FL (Official Address).   The following address was the most accurate when using Google Maps (3020 Pinellas Bayway S, St Petersburg, FL 33715).
PHONE: 727-582-2267
GPS: N 27° 38.720 W 082° 43.067
DIRECTIONS-LAND: Take I-4 West to I-275 South. Stay on I-275 for about 25 miles. Take exit towards “54th Ave S/FL-682/Pinellas Bayway” – Keep right and stay onto Pinellas Bayway (54th Ave) for about 3 miles. Turn left onto Pinellas Bayway South. Follow this South for about 5 miles into Fort DeSoto Park (pay tolls).  Enter park.   Ramp will be on unmarked road to right (look for large “Boat Ramp” sign)  Road has two large white anchors on each side of road to ramp.  Pay for parking prior to entering the parking lot (automatic machine is on right).
WEBSITE MAP OF PARK: http://www.pinellascounty.org/park/maps/color/amenities/FORTDESOTO.pdf
(Note – The boat ramp is located just inside the park entrance).
DIRECTIONS-WATER: Take the Intercoastal Channel to the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. Just to the West of the Bridge, turn North at flashing marker “1A”.   Look for the channel that runs North and parallel to the Skyway Bridge (about 300-400 yards west of the bridge).  Follow this channel until you pass G “11”, then turn to the West (left or Port), and follow this small channel to the Boat Ramp. After you go under the Tierre Verde Bridge, the ramp will be to the South (left) of you (by R “8”). Be very careful going in and out of this area.   Be sure to stay in the Channel as it is very skinny around Mullett Key/Fort De Soto Park.
NBR of RAMPS: 12 Ramps, 24 Lanes (800’ of Shore for Launching).
DOCK TYPE: Floating (11 Docks)
HOURS: 24/7
OVERNIGHT PARKING: Yes – Parking fee $5/Day (7 Day Maximum).
RESTROOMS: Yes (in small visitor’s center  (with running water).
WEBSITE:  http://www.pinellascounty.org/park/05_Ft_DeSoto.htm
WEBSITE: (Virtual Tour of Boat Ramp).   http://www.pinellascounty.org/virtual_tours/fort_desoto_boatramp.htm

OTHER INFORMATION: One of the largest ramps in Florida. The ramp is part of a large park with a campground, picnic area, beach (ranked one of the best in the country), and other amenities. The ramp is a short boat ride to historic Egmont Key. Two freshwater hose connections are available on the SW side of parking lot (near exit). Bring your own hose.

Effective Date: 6/01/2009