I voted Desoto but like the idea of Cayo Costa. We won't be camping but will be near by at either.

So much for forging ahead!
 

Oh great Snookerd - a tie.
We'll have to call Florida Secretary of State, Katherine Harris to get this straightened out again!

Ji-many Cricket, Floridians are so indecisive!
Gillie's going to start making fun of us once more.
T-Bucket "3"

Smart Moose?

CC is more adventurous. Would we get a decent crowd from both coasts?

Patti and I have officially retired the "tent"...:eek::D
There are some things in life where comfort out weighs ruggedness..:rolleyes:

If it is Cayo Costa, we will be at the Marriott on Punta Rassa!

If it is Ft. Desoto, I will be coming in a Motorhome!

Can you say NO MORE TENTING.....:cool:

I love the comradery, just not adverse elements!! ;)

After counting the hanging chads with Terry we, especially in Deb's opinion, agree with both Kens on the nicer accommodations. My call is to find a place with the option of "roughing it" or for us old farts a hotel room with dockage.

I'm sure we can find a decent place with dockage at either location. Camping is fun but so much goes into prepping for the boating aspect that I can't juggle both with the focus I am happy with and keep it a "vacation" and not a project.

Fort Desoto Hotel options
 

Attention: Camper Challenged,
I think the closest place to Ft. Desoto campground (that would put up with us scallawags) would be the Magnuson Hotel Marina Cove. It's at the north end of the Skyway on the east side of US -19 (www.marinacoveresort.com) It ain't quite "fabulous' but it's better than "OK". A good boat ramp (Maximo Park) is close by. Plenty of parking for boat trailers and tow rigs.
There are not many Mom and Pop places left on St. Pete Beach with dockage anymore. Tierra Verde and Isla del Sol are pretty much all townhouses and condos. You better be ready to "jump up off your wallet" if you stay on the Beaches.

"You better be ready to "jump up off your wallet""

Rest assured in my case it will NOT be a very far jump down to the ground. :)

We have stayed with our boat at the bayside inn and marina in Terra Verde and it was fine. Good dockage and kitchenette rooms. About $130 a night and no need for bilge pumps and bug spray.