Anclote River

The Anclote River, running for 29 miles (47 km)^[1] near Tarpon Springs, Florida flows westward towards the Gulf of Mexico from its source of creeks and springs inland. The river is home to a variety of fish and wildlife. Anclote River is home to the sponging and fishing industries of Tarpon Springs (including a large shrimp industry). It is a major site for tourists of the area as it flows through the spongedocks of Tarpon Springs.

Anclote River
Anclote River looking east from the Pinellas Avenue bridge.
Location
Country	United States
State	Florida
Counties	Pasco, Pinellas
District	SWFWMD
Physical characteristics
Source	Starkey Wilderness Park
• location	Land o' Lakes, Florida
• coordinates	28°16′44″N 82°30′48″W
Mouth	St. Joseph Sound
• location	Tarpon Springs, Florida
• coordinates	28°10′38″N 82°47′45″W
Length	29 mi (47 km)
Basin size	98 sq mi (250 km2)
Basin features
Tributaries
• left	Tarpon Bayous

An extension of the Pinellas Trail which crosses the Anclote River was dedicated on June 15, 2004.^[2] The new extension is built along abandoned Atlantic Coast Line railroad grade, which once serviced industry on the north side of the river.

List of crossings

Crossing	Carries	Image	Location	Coordinates
Headwaters				28°16′44″N 82°30′48″W
140076 140077	SR 589 Suncoast Parkway			28°14′14″N 82°33′02″W
Confluence with South Branch Anclote River			Starkey Wilderness Park	28°13′20″N 82°36′34″W
144059	Starkey Boulevard		New Port Richey	28°13′29″N 82°38′33″W
144051	CR 1 Little Road		Trinity	28°12′52″N 82°39′58″W
Father Felix Ullrich Bridge 140067	SR 54		Seven Springs	28°12′53″N 82°40′56″W
144024	CR 77 Seven Springs Boulevard		Elfers	28°12′56″N 82°41′32″W
144017	Celtic Drive		Elfers	28°12′57″N 82°41′56″W
140034	Perrine Ranch Road		Holiday	28°11′39″N 82°43′07″W
Outflow of Salt Lake				28°10′08″N 82°43′52″W
150235	US 19		Tarpon Springs	28°09′49″N 82°44′26″W
Old ACL Bridge	Pinellas Trail Elfers Spur		Tarpon Springs	28°09′34″N 82°44′51″W
150006	Alternate US 19 Pinellas Avenue		Tarpon Springs	28°09′27″N 82°45′25″W
Confluence with Tarpon Bayous			Tarpon Springs	28°09′36″N 82°46′09″W
Anclote Power Plant Inflow Canal			Tarpon Springs	28°10′33″N 82°47′25″W
Mouth				28°10′38″N 82°47′45″W

Anclote River Park

The Anclote River Park has of a 300-foot sandy beach (91 m) facing the sandbars of the Anclote River. The back of the beach zone is dotted with big oak trees. The park includes an Indian Burial Mound with structures built over other burial grounds in the park.^[3] The park has designated areas for swimming, boating and fishing. It is operational dawn to dusk 7 days a week. There are also changing rooms, bathrooms and outdoor showers nearby. Alcohol is not allowed and parking charges apply.^[4]

Things To Do

Boating

The park boasts of a six-lane boat ramp that's ideal for boaters. For boat storage and rentals, Anclote Village Marina is right next doors.

Fishing

Except for boat ramp and beach area, fishing can be done anywhere around the park. Mullets and crabs are easily found in the channels that are shallow.

Picnics and Parties

The place is great for hosting small birthday parties or small barbeques. There are giant covered pavilions, picnic benches, children's playground, charcoal barbeque grills, horseshoe field, and a volleyball court to keep everyone busy.^[5]