Fred Howard Park 1700 Sunset Dr., Tarpon Springs, FL 34689 park diagram/amenities/restroom info gmap   Annual Beach Parking Permit

Automated pay stations are installed, with daily parking fees of $5. Annual parking passes are $75; $55 for those over 65 and are available at Parks and Conservation Resources, 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo. If you have a valid Disabled Parking Permit/Tag, you are not required to pay the daily or annual fee.

Fred Howard Park consists of 155 acres and is located on the Gulf of Mexico. Almost 2 million visitors enjoy the park annually.

 

Howard Park's location provides access to the Gulf of Mexico by a 1-mile long causeway. The white sandy beach is a very popular north county swim area and also provides a perfect location for visitors to enjoy many spectacular sunsets. Nesting ospreys and eagles may be viewed by park visitors as they fish for food in the surrounding waters. Dolphins, and occasionally manatees, are seen in the area. The causeway is used for sunbathing, fishing and exercising.

 

Fred Howard Park protects many important and disappearing Florida habitats such as sea grass beds, wetlands, mangrove estuaries, salterns, coastal scrub, long leaf and slash pine flatwoods and turkey oak - long leaf pine sandhill

 

Many unusual animals inhabit Fred Howard Park including some endangered and/or threatened species, such as eagles, gopher tortoises and fox squirrels. The park also has many different kinds of butterflies and birds.

Amenities:

• Restroom Update As an additional cost-saving measure, some restrooms in county parks are closed weekdays. However, facilities near most popular user areas remain open during all hours of park operation.All restrooms in county parks will be open on weekends. See park diagram for details Virtual Tour - 360° Views of Fred Howard Park Butterfly Garden Beach Causeway Walking Path

  9 picnic shelters - reserve shelters online
• 6 restrooms
• 2 playgrounds
• ball field
• white sandy beach
• swimming area
• a lifeguard is on duty 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily on a seasonal basis from March to September
• wind surfing area
• launching area for canoeing & kayaking
• fishing
• beach showers

 

In the News

$5 Parking fees for Fort De Soto and Fred Howard parks are slated for 2012. Annual parking passes are $75 or $55 for those over 65.

• Annual Beach Parking Permit - Permit includes vehicle parking at Fort De Soto Park, Sand Key Park, Howard Park Beach and Causeway. This permit is not valid at county boat ramp locations.

History:

Since the parks dedication on April 16, 1966 the parks popularity has continued to increase.

 

Who was Fred H. Howard?

The park was named in honor of Fred H. Howard, former Mayor of Tarpon Springs first elected to the office in 1945. Mr. Howard also served as a City Commissioner and Vice Chairman of the Pinellas County Park Board for more than 30 years. Mr. Howard was a successful real estate businessman who was very civic minded and served the area in many political and organizational capacities.

 

Mr. Howard worked to secure the property for development as a north county park for the enjoyment of residents. A bronze plaque at the base of the park’s flagpole commemorates Mr. Howard’s, “untiring efforts (to make) this park a reality.”

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