Fred Howard Park
Fred Howard Park 1700 Sunset DriveTarpon Springs, Florida 34689 United States
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Fred Howard Park Now Open
Jan. 3 Update: Fred Howard Park is open and ready to welcome visitors! The causeway and beach areas are also open, though restrooms that were damaged during the storms remain under repair. Thank you for your understanding as we continue to restore and improve our facilities for the safety and enjoyment of all our visitors.
New Parking Fee at Sand Key Park
Beginning Jan. 1, 2025, parking fees at Sand Key Park will increase to $6 per vehicle. This is the first adjustment in over 14 years and creates a simple, flat rate across these locations. The boat ramp passenger vehicle fee has also been updated to ensure consistency and fairness. The fee remains lower than many neighboring beach access areas that charge by the hour. Annual and six-month pass rates will remain unchanged, making them a great value for frequent visitors. Thank you for supporting our parks and preserves!
Fred Howard Park is 155 acres of park and beach located off the Gulf of Mexico in Tarpon Springs. There is a 1-mile causeway from the park to the white sandy beach for swimming and sunsets. This park provides homes to wildlife including eagles, gopher tortoises and fox squirrels.
Photos
Amenities
- Nine Picnic Shelters
- Six Restrooms
- Two Playgrounds
- Ball Field
- Beach Parking– Automated Pay Stations with Daily Parking Fees of $5 – Annual beach parking passes are available in addition to Mobile Parking Technology.
- The pay-by-plate system replaces the need to display parking receipts. Accurate license plate data must be entered to avoid enforcement action.
- White Sandy Beach
- Beach Wheelchair – Fred Howard Park offers two beach wheelchairs on a first-come, first-serve basis. To request a wheelchair, please call (727) 582-2100, Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. For weekend use, ensure to place your request by 5 pm. Friday.
- Swimming Area
- Wind Surfing Area
- Launching Area for Canoeing and Kayaking
- Fishing
- Beach Showers
Hours
Open 7 days a week, 7 a.m. to sunset
County Parks are closed two days throughout the year, the day after Thanksgiving and December 25.
Road Closures:
- Roads will be open by 9 a.m., unless otherwise noted.
| Date | Event Name | Event Organizer |
History
Who was Fred H. Howard?
The park was named in honor of Fred H. Howard, former mayor of Tarpon Springs who was first elected to the office in 1945. Mr. Howard also served as a city commissioner and vice-chair of the Pinellas County Park Board for more than 30 years. Mr. Howard was a successful real estate businessman who was civic minded and served the area in many political and organizational capacities.
Mr. Howard worked to acquire the property for development as a north county park for the enjoyment of residents. A bronze plaque at the base of the park’s flagpole commemorates Mr. Howard’s “untiring efforts (to make) this park a reality.”