InUSA Recreation
GOLF
Bloomingdale Golfers Club
1802 Natures Way Blvd, Valrico, FL 33594 813-685-4105
Playing here can be like playing in an open-air aviary, because there
are reportedly more than 60 bird species, including a bald eagle, in
residence on the course. For golfers, however, birdies and eagles are
hard to come by on this water- and tree-lined course.
Buffalo Creek
8100 Ernie Rd, Palmetto, FL 34221 813-776-2611
This Manatee County-owned course designed by Ron Garl is in as good a
condition as most private clubs. The Scottish links-type course is
challenging but playable, with no water-lined fairways and no traps in
front of any green.
Plantation Golf and Country Club
500 Rockley Blvd, Venice, FL 34293 941-493-2000
Local knowledge can be helpful on the Bobcat course. With water on 16
holes and greens not visible from the tee on 12 holes, shot placement
and club selection are critical.
The Resort at Longboat Key
301 Golf of Mexico Dr, Longboat Key, FL 34228 813-383-8821
Water, water everywhere! Amid canals and lagoons, the Islandside course
brings water into play on all but one hole, and play can be especially
tough when the wind comes off Sarasota Bay or the Gulf of Mexico.
Saddlebrook Golf and Tennis Resort
5700 Saddlebrook Way, Wesley Chapel, FL 33543 813-973-1111 or
800-729-8383
The course, designed by Arnold Palmer, is relatively short, but the
premium is on accuracy, with lots of water to avoid. Large undulating
greens make 4-putting a constant concern.
FISHING
Gulfwater Marine
215 Tamiami Trail S, Venice, FL 941-484-9044
Full- or half-day outings to catch tarpon, kingfish, speckled trout,
snapper, grouper, sea trout, snook, sheepshead and shark in coastal
waters.
BOATING
Canoe Outpost
18001 US 301 S, Wimauma, FL 813-634-2228
Half-day, full-day and overnight canoe-camping trips from a number of
southwest FL locations, including Little Manatee River.
Don and Mike's Boat and Jet Ski Rental
482 Blackburn Point Rd, Sarasota, FL 34229 941-966-4000
Water skis, jet skis, pontoon boats and instruction.
O'Leary's Sarasota Sailing School
1 Island Circle, Sarasota, FL 34242 941-953-7505
Sailing lessons and rentals.