A Dream Wedding: Your Own Fort Desoto Park Nuptials

Fort De Soto Park in Pinellas County, Florida, is a popular wedding destination. The park offers a natural setting with stunning views, peace, and tranquility. It is located in the southwest corner of Mullet Key at the entrance to Tampa Bay. The park spans 1,136 acres and consists of five interconnected islands, offering diverse ecosystems and an array of wildlife.

If you're considering hosting your wedding at Fort De Soto Park, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, the park is a public space, so you will need to obtain a special event permit. Applications must be submitted at least 90 days before your event, and there is a $200 permit fee. Additionally, there is a $5 per car entry fee for guests. Shelters can be rented in advance for a reception, and you can also opt for a mangrove backdrop instead of a traditional beach wedding arch.

Fort De Soto Park provides a picturesque and tranquil setting for your special day, with options for both intimate and large gatherings. The park's natural beauty, historic significance, and array of outdoor activities make it a unique and memorable wedding destination.

Fort De Soto Park wedding packages

Fort De Soto Park is a spectacular location for a wedding ceremony. The park is a natural setting, with stunning views, tranquility, and historic significance. It is the largest park within the Pinellas County Park System, consisting of 1,136 acres of five interconnected islands (keys) in the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay. These keys are home to an abundance of wildlife, flora, and the historic site itself.

To hold your wedding at Fort De Soto Park, you will need to submit a Special Event Permit Application a minimum of 90 days before your event. There is a flat-rate permit fee of $200, and a per-car entry fee of $5. The park is open from 7 am to sunset, and there is a parking fee of $5.

There are three preferred wedding sites within the park: North Beach, Snack Bar Location, and Pavilion #14. North Beach is the most remote and beautiful location, perfect for sunset ceremonies. The Snack Bar Location is just north of Fort De Soto, facing Egmont Key. Pavilion #14 faces southwest, offering views of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge and Anna Maria Island.

Fort De Soto Park offers a range of amenities to make your wedding day special. You can rent a canoe, kayak, or bike to explore the park's trails. There are also fishing piers, a historic fort, and a gift shop. The park has an 800-foot-long boat launching facility, campsites, and abundant hotels nearby for extended stays.

Suncoast Weddings offers beach wedding packages at Fort De Soto Park, bringing class and elegance to your special day. With large bamboo poles, aisle-way choices, bamboo wedding arches, and canopy colors, you can create a tropical and elegant atmosphere for your ceremony.

Fort De Soto Park permits

Fort De Soto Park is a popular destination for weddings, with its natural beauty and tranquility. The park offers a unique setting for a romantic beach ceremony or a large formal gathering. If you're thinking of hosting your own wedding at Fort De Soto Park, there are a few things you should know about permits and reservations.

First of all, Fort De Soto Park is currently closed for ongoing storm clean-up, and any reservations made for this period will be refunded. The park boasts over 7 miles of waterfront property, with almost 3 miles of white sandy beach, making it a breathtaking location for your wedding. There are three preferred wedding sites within the park: North Beach, Snack Bar Location, and Pavilion #14 (east beach).

To reserve a facility for a wedding at Fort De Soto Park, you will need to submit a Special Event Permit Application. These applications must be submitted at least 90 days before your event but no earlier than one year in advance. There is a non-refundable processing fee of $100 for the permit, and it is subject to approval by the Park's Business Manager and Superintendent. Once your application is approved, you will be notified of any additional requirements and applicable fees.

In addition to the permit fee, there is a $5/car entry fee and a $200 flat-rate permit fee for weddings at Fort De Soto Park. The park is open from 7 am to sunset, and it offers a range of amenities, including beach wheelchairs, a boat launching facility, camping areas, and nature trails.

Fort De Soto Park location

Fort De Soto Park is located in Pinellas County, Florida, in the southwest corner of Mullet Key at the entrance to Tampa Bay. The park is made up of five interconnected islands (keys) and is the largest park within the Pinellas County Park System. It consists of 1,136 acres of beach plants, mangroves, wetlands, palm hammocks, hardwoods, and native plants.

The address of the park is 3500 Pinellas Bayway South, Tierra Verde, Florida, 33715, United States. The phone number is (727) 582-2100.

Fort De Soto Park is known for its natural beauty and tranquility, offering stunning views, peaceful walks, and a range of outdoor activities. It is a popular destination for fishing, cycling, boating, kayaking, skating, and strolling. The park is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places, as it played a significant role in the evolution of modern weaponry.

Fort De Soto Park history

Fort De Soto Park is a park in Pinellas County, Florida, that offers a natural park setting for weddings. The park is located in the southwest corner of Mullet Key, the main island, along with four other offshore keys or islands: St. Jean Key, St. Christopher Key, Bonne Fortune Key, and Madelaine Key. The park is accessible by toll road from the mainland and offers stunning views, tranquility, and a variety of activities for visitors.

The history of Fort De Soto Park dates back to the Tocobaga Native Americans, who inhabited the area from around 1000 to 1500 AD. They lived on Mullet Key and other barrier islands, sustaining themselves on seafood from the Gulf of Mexico and supplementing their diet with plant foods and occasional game. In 1528, the peaceful paradise of the Tocobaga Indians was disrupted by the arrival of Spanish explorer Pánfilo de Narváez, who landed on the west coast of Florida somewhere between St. Pete Beach and Clearwater. A decade later, in 1539, another Spanish explorer, Hernando De Soto, arrived and began a historical conquest of the region, exploring over 4,000 miles.

In 1849, a group of US Army Engineers, including Brevet Colonel Robert E. Lee, surveyed the area and recommended that Egmont and Mullet Keys be used for military defense. Construction of the military fort on Mullet Key began in 1898 and was completed in 1900, with the fort being named Fort De Soto after Hernando De Soto. The fort officially became a sub-post of Fort Dade on Egmont Key in April 1900. From 1901 to 1909, the fort was used for joint maneuvers and training exercises by various troops. However, by 1914, the presence at the fort had dwindled significantly.

In 1922, the Secretary of War announced the closure of Fort De Soto and Fort Dade, and the Army offered the fort for private sale in 1928 after several rejections. Finally, in 1938, Pinellas County purchased a tract of land on Mullet Key, including the area that once housed a quarantine station for the Public Health Services. However, in 1940, the War Department re-militarized Mullet Key as a bombing range, and it became a sub-post for MacDill Field in 1941.

After World War II, Pinellas County repurchased Mullet Key and the adjacent islands, designating them as a county recreational area open to the public. In 1962, a toll road was completed to the mainland, providing easier access for visitors. Fort De Soto Park was officially dedicated on May 11, 1963, and has since been expanded with various amenities and recreational activities. The park offers a rich history, diverse ecosystems, and an abundance of natural beauty, making it a popular destination for weddings and other special events.

Fort De Soto Park wildlife

Fort De Soto Park is a nature lover's dream, with an abundance of wildlife and natural beauty. The park is made up of five interconnected islands (keys) that are home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. Here is a more detailed look at some of the wildlife you can find at Fort De Soto Park:

Birds: The park is a bird-watcher's paradise, with over 328 species of birds documented by ornithologists over a 60-year span. New species are added every year, making it one of the most diverse bird habitats in the region.

Sea Turtles: The beach provides a crucial refuge for the loggerhead sea turtle, which nests between April and September. This is a protected area for these endangered reptiles, ensuring the survival of the species.

Dolphins: Fort De Soto Park is known for its dolphin sightings. Visitors often spot these playful creatures feeding at the fishing dock or swimming alongside ferries.

Manatees: The calm waters of the park are a favourite haunt of the gentle Florida manatee. Renting a canoe or kayak is the best way to spot these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.

Ospreys: These majestic birds of prey are a common sight at Fort De Soto Park, soaring overhead or perched atop trees and hunting for their next meal.

In addition to the wildlife mentioned above, the park is also home to a variety of other animals, including wading birds, turtles, cormorants, leaping mullet, pelicans, and more. The complex ecology of the park, with its diverse range of habitats, ensures a thriving ecosystem that supports an array of wildlife.

Fort De Soto Park offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature and observe an abundance of wildlife in their natural habitat. Whether you're a bird-watcher, nature photographer, or simply looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, a visit to this park will leave you with unforgettable memories.

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