Location: 27.26.221N/82.40.798W Longboat Key
We had originally planned to stop in Sarasota but decided to run further to make up some lost time. The photo is taken in the anchorage. For our Florida boating friends this would be a great spot to spend a weekend or more. There are two waterfront restaurants right at the anchorage.

We ran outside today going out at the Venice Inlet ( 27.06.770N/82.28.067W ) and the ride in the Gulf was comfortable. The entrance to Longboat Pass has shoaled in and the channel entrance is now 200 yds south of the charted outer channel marker. Look for the floating green #1 marker and run a line to the original channel green #3. On the chart it should be about 9 feet in the channel. The Longboat Bridge will open on request and then follow the channel to the Northeast and turn south at the GIWW maker LP. Turn South and then turn west behind Jewfish Key.

We wish we could stay another day or two to sample the restaurants but we have to move on tomorrow to Clearwater City Marina where we will meet our old friend Pasquale Vitali from Gloucester, MA