Bookmark This Post

So Veterans Day came and went…how did you spend it?

My family and I took some time (in between writing an offer for a customer in Ohio in the morning and Marching Band Practice at Springstead High School in the evening) to go visit one of our favorite spots in Hernando County…Pine Island Beach. Far from the commercial beaches of Clearwater, Pine Island almost feels like a private beach…it takes no more than 4-5 minutes to walk from one side of the park to the other (at a leisurely pace) and it never feels crowded.

View Larger Map

Contrary to popular belief (at least to those who don’t already live here), Pine Island is the only real “beach” in Hernando County. Many think Hernando Beach is “the beach” but it’s actually just the name of a waterfront community (3, actually…Hernando Beach North, Hernando Beach Central, and Hernando Beach South) of houses with canals leading out to the Gulf of Mexico.

Walkway towards the pier

There are so many wonderful things about Pine Island Beach…The dolphins come swimming right up close, the water (even 100 yards out) is only waist deep (which makes it incredibly warm and relaxing), the sand is soft just like you’d hope, and perhaps the most surprising thing is Willy’s Tropical Breeze Cafe.

Willy’s is absolutely fantastic - a must-stop while you’re in Hernando County

Walk up to the window, place your order and take a seat either on the picnic tables in the sun or under the Tiki Hut for some shade. 5-10 minutes later your food is ready, freshly prepared and shockingly good.

Willy’s from across the parking lot.

Given the “beachside shack” feel of the place, you’d expect heavy greasy food from a fryer with not much flavor and overpriced as well….but not here. Natalie was amazed at the best coconut shrimp she’s “ever had” (and she’s had some pretty darned fancy coconut shrimp before…I’d even go so far as to say she’s a connoisseur of coconut shrimp). I had the crab cakes with french fries and cole slaw for $10.95 and they were fantastic as well…definitely a wonderful place to have lunch for both the food, price, and scenery.

The Park at Pine Island Beach

Have kids with you? No problem at all! For your (their) enjoyment, Pine Island has a beautiful grassy park.

Excellent entertainment for the kids!

Including a beach volleyball court and a fort/pirate ship/fire station/etc.

Beach-front cabanas shade picnic tables and each has its own BBQ pit

So the next time you’re thinking about Hernando County - think about Pine Island Beach - one of the best reasons to live on Florida’s Gulf Coast.

Bookmark This Post

Take a look at the article written by Barbara Behrendt and let us know what you think. Here’s another article by Michael D. Bates in Hernando Today.

Here’s a map showing approximately where the development will be located.

View Larger Map

Bookmark This Post