More Pictures/Video

Click here for video of tropical suroundings of the cottage including the ten person hot tub.

Find below more pictures and information about the cottage property and activities in our local area.

On the Property

The Ponds

If you like tropical fish and aquatic plants, the cottage features three ponds stocked with various fishes and other water dwelling creatures. Several types of Mollys, Neons, Comet goldfish, and Coy live among the sword plants, water lilies, hyacinth, bamboo, papyrus, and iris. The ponds are generally very clear due to the natural environment of the ponds which rely on the natural balance between organic material, bacteria, blue green algae, plants, and animals.

You may see various snails, pollywog, and dragon fly nymphs. Each fulfills a role in keeping the ponds healthy. The snails and "wogs" devour almost any organic material that befalls the water and the dragon fly nymphs devour mosquito larvae.

The flowering water plants attract butterflies, dragon flies, and bees, which in turn attract birds of various ilk. Several generations of tree frogs, birthed in these ponds, inhabit the area, in particular the banana palms, Ficus, and large tropical plants. On a rainy, thunder storm evening they may choose to serenade you with their multi-species arias.

The Gardens

When not at the beach, bars, bistros, and other area attractions, should you have an interest in flora, this property contains literally dozens of varieties of plants. From the exotic night blooming cirrus to chile plants from Panama, succulents to cacti, coffee trees to avocado, rubber trees to canopied Jatropha, orchids, and tropical flowering plants abound.

Stroll around the yard in the morning and see the gold tipped red blooms of the puff plant or the early morning opening of African irises. Mid day the water lilies open, as well as other blossoms that respond to direct sunlight. In the afternoon the "4 o’clocks" dispense their fragrance onto the afternoon breezes from yellow and crimson flowers. Should the cirrus be budding, you may get a rare treat if willing to stay up past dark when the oft called, "moon cirrus" blossoms open. The large, white, goose-neck blooms fragrance is intense and may be detected well away from the property as its sweet scent travels the evening wind currents.

If you are adventuresome you’ll find chile varieties in the gardens including Hy Chumbo, Habanero, Pequin, Tabasco, Serrano, Rooster, and others. Should you choose to try any of the peppers please remember to do so in moderation as many are extremely hot and to wash your hands after handling any of the peppers or you may find certain parts of your anatomy burning later. There is usually Basil, Oregano, and other herbs you may choose to use for cooking as well. In the summer through fall, fresh bananas are usually on the trees.

Enjoy!

The Cats

Frady and Bear, the two black ex-feral cats, that have adopted this yard a few years ago inhabit the property and attempt to keep it free from rodents, large bugs, and if given the chance lizards, (actually anoles), birds, or fish. (Fresh, plated, or in the ponds). They are house trained and tend to come and go if you let them in. They are a little stand-offish with strangers, unless food is present. Most of the time you’ll find them sacked out on one of the porches or under a deck chair. They are fairly harmless unless provoked, or harassed. They still have all claws, teeth, and equipment to both defend themselves and rid the yard of unwanted rodents, etc. If you’re allergic to cats or just don’t like them this cottage is not for you, ‘cause the cats, in true "Heminway-esque" manner, rule the compound they have selected for their home. Cat lovers understand. In addition to the resident cats several others visit the ponds and decks during the day and evening hours as the area, similar to Key West, has traditionally had a preponderance of feral and domestic cats that have helped our little fishing island stay somewhat rodent free, squirrels notwithstanding.

The Birds

Depending on season many species of bird visit or nest on this property. Monk parrots, humming birds, martins, red headed woodpeckers, dove, egrets, herons, osprey, blue jay, mocking birds, and many others are frequent visitors. We are just blocks from the mangroves, which litter the intercostal waterway, the Boca Ciega Bay, and that serve as rookeries for sea birds. Should you wish to see some of the local sea birds, the Sea Bird Sanctuary is just up Gulf Blvd., toward Reddington Beach.

(Pix coming soon!)

Area Activities

Fishing

Off shore or flats fishing, you've come to the right area. Snook, trout, redfish, flounder, grouper, snapper, all abound in the waters of Boca Ciega, Tampa Bay, and the Gulf. Fishing charters available through FishDawgs. We'll be glad to handle charter reservations for you if you reserve the Cottage. You may then pay with one convenient method. (For more info- click on "FishDawgs" button on the left side of this page)

You can walk to several local fishing holes, one just two streets over on the bayside where we've hooked red fish, snook, flounder, cobia and others.

Walk to John's Pass or the beach for surf fishing.

Live bait/tackle within two or three blocks depending on time and who's open.

Landing a snook can be one of the most exhilarating experiences a serious fisherman can have.

Dining, Dancing, Groceries, Shopping

You are three blocks from John’s Pass, (see link home page), which sports retail, dining, bars, t-shirts shops, jet skiing, boat rental, dolphin cruises, and more.

Shopping at local groceries include Publix, Winn-Dixie and SweetBay.

You are no more than twenty minutes by vehicle from St. Petersburg waterfront luxury dining, St. Pete Beach, Clearwater, etc. Restaurants abound in our area. We have listed some below.

By Foot

Dockside Daves - Best Grouper Sandwich and Onion Rings. Cold beer! - Johns Pass

Walt’z - Island Fare, Seafood, Seafood - Johns Pass

By Car

Salt Rock Grill - Finer dining, seafood, steaks - Indian Rocks Beach

The Pearl - Fine dining, Mediterranean, eclectic, tapas. - Treasure Island

VIP - Mexican - Treasure Island

Middle Grounds - Treasure Isla

Pacific Wave - Pacific Rim- St. Petersburg

Z-Grille - Fusion Mexican/Californian - St. Petersburg

Ceviche - Tapas - St. Petersburg

Tangelos - Cuban - St. Petersburg