From the category archives:

Area Destinations

How Pass-a-Grille Got It’s Name

by RumHead on December 2, 2009

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The only thing stranger than the name “Pass-a-Grille” is what that name means. Plus, the story of man who built the world’s longest toll bridge: “Dad” Gandy.

Why do they call it Pass-a-Grille?

Back when “beachwear” covered most of bathers’ bodies, tourists flocked to Pass-a-Grille to stay at the Don CeSar resort.

They were apparently not chased away by Pass-a-Grille’s strange name.

Old maps had the end of a southern Pinellas County island and a nearby passage out to the Gulf labeled “Pass-aux-Grilleurs” — which is French for, of course, “passageway of the grillers?”

READ THE FULL STORY ON WTSP

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Tampa Bay Sailing Bid To Be First

A few youngsters have been setting sailing records lately. First Zac Sunderland - one of  “less than a handful of people” to solo circumnavigate the globe. How many people fit in a handful? Whatever it is, add another. Mike Perham just completed his world voyage – now the official youngest. Currently there’s more toddlers gearing up to outdo him, but PyratSail is one-upping [click to read more…]

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Beer Can Island Meltdown

June 23, 2009
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I lay there in the dark, praying that a small wisp of fresh air will find it’s way down to my sweat-soaked face, into my lungs.  It’s hot, the air is still and I feel like I’m trapped in some  peculiar, v-shaped sauna with an assortment of sailing gear. Sweet Joe – anything, a single flap [...]

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PyratSail Invades Beer Can Island 6/20

June 17, 2009
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This weekend the crew is planning an invasion of beer can island in Tampa Bay. An early morning departure from Gulfport City Marina should allow for an early afternoon arrival at the island. Crew will be CannonBall, Jack-Knife and yours truly. Looking forward to the getaway. Grillin’, drinking and maybe a little treasure hunting. If you [...]

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Shell Key at Pass-A-Grille

June 1, 2009
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This weekend brought great temps, light wind and clear water at poplular Shell Key – a great little refuge that forms the south side of Pass-A-Grille.  This is the pass that  takes us out into the Gulf of Mexico, but this weekend was all about spending a little bit of time by the island. Our original plan [...]

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Eight Days of Bliss

April 17, 2009
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Friends and fellow sailors, Antony and Kathryn setout last week for an 8 day voyage down the West Coast of Florida on their 30′ Catalina, Bliss. From Tampa Bay to Port Charlotte, they experienced strong winds, sunny days, pleasant marinas and quiet anchorages. Here’s their story with

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WhaleWhisperer Sails Boca Ciega Bay

April 9, 2009
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One of the benefits of being shackled to my computer day after day is that every so often I get to make friends via the internet. Thanks to a few referrals through SailMonster.com, WhaleWhisperer, a sailor from Monterey California, contacted me…

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