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WILDLIFE AT LAKE MAGGIORE
In an earlier post on St. Pete’s Lassing Park, I mentioned that I’d be covering more of my favorite city parks. Today’s post has some pictures and information about one of the largest of these parks, Lake Maggiore Park.
This hiking site has some details about Lake Maggiore I haven’t found elsewhere, such as this:
“This lake, comprising 375 acres, was a salt bayou until the city dammed it during the 1940s. In the early days it was called Salt Lake. The road now known as 9th St. began as an old Tampa cattlemen’s trail. It was extended into a roadway by John Hayes. Later, this section was renamed to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.”
The side of Lake Maggiore opposite the Lake Maggiore Park is occupied by the Boyd Hill Nature Park and Lake Maggiore Environmental Education Center. Those will be covered in detail in a coming post. Boyd Hill Nature Park is definitely an important area, but the Lake Maggiore Park side has its own advantages.
One of those is fishing. Fishing regulations are enforced, so please read them at the city’s Fishing/Boating page which also gives the fishing season for individual lakes. (Lake Maggiore is year round; cast netting is permitted, but not crabbing.) Regulations include types of poles for which licenses, etc., so please do check the above link. Lake Maggiore also has a city boat ramp.
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FISHERMAN AT LAKE MAGGIORE
Lake Maggiore Park has a very nice, rustic picnic pavilion. Please see the city’s Application for Park Permit – Outdoor Public Assembly page for more information about hosting events in the parks. This quote explains why:
“With 137 city parks, St. Petersburg offers ideal outdoor venues for family picnics, special events and gatherings. Some uses of city parks require a permit. The lead time for applying for a park permit is 15 business days prior to the event. Park permits are free; however, a fee is charged for the use of shelters with electricity and for maintenance services. Some events may require liability insurance, which is determined by the city’s Risk Management Department.”
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PICNIC PAVILION
Some of the larger parks, such as Lake Maggiore, have some pretty remote areas. St. Petersburg has crime like anywhere else, so it’s prudent to not expose yourself to risk by being alone in isolated areas. Two or more people and you’re much safer. Just be aware of your surroundings and play it safe.
Even more important, do not feed the alligators! This makes them think of “food” when they see a human…not an equation you wish to foster. Never approach an alligator for any reason. Almost all Florida lakes have alligators. Most at risk are children and small pets, but there are some very big Florida ‘gators (over 14 feet isn’t uncommon), so just don’t tempt fate. Florida’s waterways are their home. (Hint: they really do look like part of a submerged log floating in the water.) For more information on alligators, read the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Alligator Management pages. They have lots of facts and even have some fun alligator stuff for kids.
You don’t need to be afraid of Florida’s wilder wildlife, just be watchful.
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LAKE MAGGIORE PARK
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{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
I really enjoyed your “park” post! I agree with your description of the allegators! When I was on Palau, one of the Trust Territories islands, we were shown an 18 foot gator they had brought up who had just eaten a man! These were not fresh-water lake critters, but very fast ocean-going allegators. They would rest on the ledge under some of the small islands that dotted the edge of the main island. We were told to be careful in swimming because if you see one, it’s too late! LOL LOL