CNJ+ May 2024

Florida Bound Places Worth Visiting HONEYMOON ISLAND AND TARPON SPRINGS By Pam Teel

A beloved beach and state park, Honey moon Island has been a staple in the Dune din Community since 1940. Its rich histo ry and its range of amenities and wildlife continue to attract locals and tourists all year. Honeymoon Island is a picturesque barrier island. It’s approximately 45 min utes away from Downtown Tampa and about 20 minutes from Downtown Clear water. This pristine island boasts over four miles of pristine white sand beach es and features a three-mile trail winding through one of the last remaining vir gin slash pine forests. As you walk, keep an eye out for eagles, osprey, and great horned owls. On the ground, you might encounter gopher tortoises, raccoons, and armadillos. Activities at Honeymoon Is land State Park include swimming, fish ing, shelling, hiking, and bicycling. Plus, it serves as the ferry terminal for accessing another unspoiled gem, Caladesi Island. The two islands were once one large island called Hogg Island. In 1921, a hurricane split the barrier island in two. You can take the twenty-minute ferry from Hon eymoon Island over to Caladesi. Both is lands are a natural paradise. Take an early morning stroll along the beaches and look for all kinds of seashells and ocean life. (There is also access to a dog beach.)

Tocobago Tribe who survived off of the abundance of seafood and coast al resources. For those curious about its name, there’s an enjoyable story behind it! Many years ago, a developer planned to turn this island into a honeymoon resort. Although the resort was short-lived, the name stuck, and today, Honeymoon Island remains a natural paradise. Towards the end of the 1930s, a businessman by the name of Clinton Washburn bought the land and noted during a lunch date in New York with a friend, that the island would be an excellent location for a Honeymoon. Washburn’s friend, Joseph Bryce, was the Life Magazine editor at the time and he ran the story, and Honeymoon Island was born. It was open to select ed honeymoon guests on March 10, 1940. Honeymoon Village, on the island, consisted of fifty thatched cottages, a king’s palace, a recreational hall with a dance pavilion, a chapel, a water tower, and a community house with toilets, showers, and lavatories. Honeymoon (Isle) was approximately three miles in length and had an area of 335 acres. The Village welcomed 164 couples, but the honeymoons ceased during World War II because the government was worried Japanese spies might enter through the island and use it as spying grounds. Part of the island was leased to an Ohio defense contractor and

Beautiful and tranquil Caladesi Island has been recognized as one of the best beaches in the United States due to its soft sand, pleasant water tem perature, and beach facilities. To get there, you can: Take the ferry- The most popular way to reach Caladesi Island is by taking the Caladesi Island Ferry. The ferry ride takes approximately 20 minutes and departs from Honeymoon Island. The first boat usually leaves at 10 am. Go by Private Boat - If you have access to a private boat, you can sail di rectly to Caladesi Island. Kayak- For adventure enthusiasts, consider renting a kayak. Paddle your way to Caladesi Island and experience the natural beauty of the surround ings. Walk from Clearwater Beach- If you’re up for a longer journey, you can walk to Caladesi Island from North Clearwater Beach. Keep in mind that it’s a 4-mile one-way walk. Honeymoon Island history: It was once home to the Native American

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CNJ+ | FORMERLY THE MILLSTONE TIMES

MAY 2024