There’s a passel of great cruising advice in Captain Jone’s note below. Note that this messages was copied from the AGLCA mail list.

Heading south from Tarpon, here are some options we have enjoyed:
1. Approx 10 miles south of Tarpon on the ‘inside’, just south of the Dunedin Bridge-turn west in the channel – Caladesi State Park, (727-469-5918); 90 floating docks, but no more than 4′ draft for most winter tides. Great spot, staffed by 2 Rangers, secluded, nice beach area with superior sunset viewing. Refer to tide info.
2. Clearwater Municipal Marina – 727-462-6954
3. 1 mile south, a protected anchorage just west of the Clearwater Yacht Club. Skipper Bob’ ‘Gulf Coast Crusing Guide’ will get you into the anchorage. As I remember, hug the south side of the entrance going in.
4. Tampa Bay area – go on up the Bay to St Pete Beach area and enjoy the St Pete Municipal Marina (727-893-7329), and all of the activity within walking distance, or the Vinoy Hotel docks (727-824-8022). As of 2 months ago they were both the same overight dockage price. The St Pete Yacht Club (727-822-3873) also may still take reciprocals. If you have the time, go on north on Tampa Bay and Seddon Channel toward Tampa to Davis Island and stay at the quite Marjorie Park Marina (813-259-1604) on Davis Island.
5. South of Tampa Bay on the east shore is the Manatee River. You will find a terrific Boat yard, Snead Island Boat Works (941-722-2400) if you need any work done on any kind. 2 miles up the river in Bradenton is Twin Dolphins Marina…a cruiser friendly marina, floating docks, pool, fuel, restaurant, and friendly. Across the river from Twin Dolphins is Regatta Pointe Marina (941-729-6021), with “Loopers” usually found at both locations.
6. South near Longboat Key is a good anchorage at mile 84.9, just south of the Longboat Pass inlet.
7. On Longboat Key is Longboat Key Moorings (941-383-8383), pricey, protected, tons of amenities, and located in a developed gated community.
8. Sarasota you will find Marina Jacks (941-955-9488) with protected floating docks and very nice, with restaurant, etc. There is a mooring field/and-or anchorage just outside the marina but can be dicey in strong west and NW winds.
9. South at Venice is the Crow’s Nest Marina just inside the inlet. Popular spot because it is just off the Gulf.
10. In Lemon bay on the ICW at approx mile 38 is the Palm Island Marina (941-697-4356)….another good stopover. 11. When you get south into Gasparilla Sound and Charlotte Harbor you have many options. Check your cruising guides for all that is available. To mention a few…..Burnt Store Marina, Boca Grande Marina, Punta Gorda Yacht Club, Laishley Park Marina in downtown Punta Gorda, as well as Fisherman’s Village.
12. Heading south of Charlotte Harbor on the GIWW is a terrific anchorage to the west at Cayo Costa State Park.
13. Following south is Useppa Island with a good anchorage at marker G61, which can be bumpy in the day time.
14. At mile 13 is Captiva Island and the Tween Waters Resort Marina (239-472-5161)…pricey, private, laid back, and great beach on the Gulf. .
15. I forgot…at mile 13.7, if you feel really flush, just north is the South Seas Island Resort (888-777-3625).
16. Anchorge- just above the south tip of Sanibel Island on the inside, just off the shore, south of the bridge and south of the entrance to Sanibel Marina is good holding. Do not anchor if winds out of the N or NE, but good for SW, W, and NW winds.
The above are just some that come to mind. There are a number of other good anchorages and marinas I have not included (some I have been to and some I have not), but can be covered by cruising guides you may have. On south is Cape Coral and the Ft Myers Beach area which opens up another whole chapter of good facilities; and then on south to Big Carlos anchorage in Estero Bay, Wiggin Pass Marina, Naples, Marco Island, Goodland, Everglade City, Shark River and then the Keys. Once you have chewed on the 16 locations I have mentioned, let me know if you are still interested in hearing of additional facilities from Cape Coral south.
Regards,
Tom Jones
m/v Marbles