Ben T Davis Beach on causeway?

[tamparican]

Having moved to Tampa last year, i just recently like 2 months ago visited the beach here by causeway BLVD. it seems like a nice spot but pretty run down not used to the full potential it has. Considering all the recent construction explosion in the area with all the condos and hotels beginnign to take place, as well as the HWY improvements currently U/C has there been any plans on upgrading or at least improvements to this beach, its usually empty when ive gone, and theres so much potential in that piece of property , even though there really isnt much space? just wondering

[jonknee]

I always thought it looked like a terrible spot, just feet away from cars zooming by at 70mph. But I've never actually gone (just zoomed by on the way to "real" beaches), so it may seem different when you're there.

[HARTride 2012]

Ben Davis Beach is also frequently closed due to health hazzards. Bacteria in the water mainly. I rarely ever go to that beach, not just because of that, but also becuase its not all that much. I think the city should improve this beach.

[FloridaFuture]

Really, any beach on the bay isn't as good as the ones on the gulf. They bay just doesn't have clear water and its not clean.

[tamparican]

well yea thats what i was kind of getting at. The "Beach" itself is pretty nasty i mean i dont get in the water and for that I'd drive to De Soto or something, I have taken my daughter like twice so she can play on the shore. It is pretty close to the HWY and it does cause concerns for safety, but at least it does have the light there at the entrance. I would like to see more of an improvement to the atmosphere of it in a sense, make it more attractive to the area residents and clean it up a bit, update it, it def has some potential to be more of a spot than just a passers-by-view. For instance many of us have just driven by not even stopped at it, this should signal something. They could perhaps create a small pier with/ attractions?

[HARTride 2012]

Yeah, the beach is not all that appealing either.

[Robert.Maddrey]

Ben T. Davis has a long long long, sordid history in Tampa. Suffusive to say its never been a very desirable destination for those falling into most societal norms, more a haven of various fringe groups.

[TampaIAm]

It's a Tampa City beach, kinda reminds me of the beaches you see off Lakeshore Drive in Chicago, just doesnt have the sprawling skyline in the background. Picnic Island I believe is Tampa's finest Bay beach/park, after you get past the industrial sections of Commerce Blvd.

[smiley]

I would suggest driving the extra 1/2 hour to go to Clearwater or Sand Key. Most people don't even think of Ben T Davis as a beach. It is like "Dirty Beach" off Gandy in Pinellas

[I-275westcoastfl]

^^Its called "redneck beach" or at least it was when i lived in st.pete either way i think the only reason to go to either of them is to go jetskiing otherwise nastaay!!!

[TampaIAm]

^^Its called "redneck beach" or at least it was when i lived in st.pete either way i think the only reason to go to either of them is to go jetskiing otherwise nastaay!!!

I always knew of the Gandy beach as "Redneck Riviera"..with the big Confederate Flags waving.

[HARTride 2012]

It's a Tampa City beach, kinda reminds me of the beaches you see off Lakeshore Drive in Chicago, just doesnt have the sprawling skyline in the background. Picnic Island I believe is Tampa's finest Bay beach/park, after you get past the industrial sections of Commerce Blvd.

Picnic Island isn't that bad. Just the entryway appeal. That section of Port Tampa really looks drab and rundown, except for the oil facilities that are still functioning. I wish this area can get a nice facelift like the rest of Port Tampa.

I would suggest driving the extra 1/2 hour to go to Clearwater or Sand Key. Most people don't even think of Ben T Davis as a beach. It is like "Dirty Beach" off Gandy in Pinellas

I always knew of the Gandy beach as "Redneck Riviera"..with the big Confederate Flags waving.

Yeah, Gandy Beach - on the other hand - isn't really good at all either. Too much rowdiness...

[Robert.Maddrey]

I always knew of the Gandy beach as "Redneck Riviera"..with the big Confederate Flags waving.

Yep, growing up Gandy was always referenced as exactly that.