Alfred McKethan Pine Island Park
3-acre park on the Gulf of Mexico located at 10800 Pine Island Drive (off County Road 495 west of Weeki Wachee). Includes beach and swimming area, picnic tables, canopies, grills, observation deck, volleyball court, playground and office. Alfred A McKethan – Pine Island Park is a beautiful park on the water at the end of the island. The water is calm and shallow and could be considered closer to the bay. There are also kayaks for rent and nearby kayaks to take you out into the bay. It’s a great compact area with a playground and shallow, calm waters that make it ideal for small children. With a nice concession stand and playground, it’s a favorite with locals and tourists alike.
Pine Island Park is a great stop for those people having little kids because there is so much to do between the sand, the playground, and the park. It is suitable for people with reduced mobility, but the toilets leave something to be desired for guests in wheelchairs. It doesn’t usually come to mind when you think of “Florida beaches” with miles of endless sand and great surf, but it can be a great place for those who don’t want to deal with big crowds and long walks. Pets are not allowed on the beach, except for service animals, but dogs are allowed in the park on a leash. Don’t forget to check out this place in Spring Hill too.
Pine Island Alfred A. McKethan Park is just a boat ride or short drive from Bayport and is home to Hernando County’s only public Gulf Beach. Mr. McKethan was instrumental in improvements to what is now Cortez Boulevard and Pine Island Drive, the only road to the island. In 1950, the only residents of Pine Island were Mr. and Mrs. Plummer, who ran a commercial fishing business. In the 1960s, their business closed, probably because a Tampa company bought all the land there. Housing construction began mostly in the early 1960s, and the 2010 census had a population of 64. The number did not change from the previous census, so it is speculated that it will not increase much in the 2020 census. The park is located on three hectares and is surrounded by water on three sides, where seaweed, fish, and crabs enjoy the salt marsh and estuary. It is so nice to feel the white sand between your toes, build a castle, run through or sit. The tide is changing, so it’s a good time to check before you go too far. Pine Island Beach Park is currently open from 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m., and its parking fee is $5 per vehicle, payable by cash or credit card at the very colorful entrance. The parking lot can accommodate about 100 cars, depending on the size and the accuracy of the driver. The park was a special place to watch the sunset while enjoying a drum circle. But the group, known for playing hand drums and percussion instruments, was stopped amid social distancing. Pine Island Beach is a great place to picnic, relax and watch the sunset alone or with family and friends. If you are ever in need of home and foundation repair, click here.
