Beaches

Let's hit the beach!  Hmm, but which one?  Well, it depends on your mood.  Do you want a family oriented beach where the kids can collect seashells and sharks' teeth?  How about a happening place where bronzed volleyball players look buff enough to be on TV's "Baywatch"?  Or is seclusion more your style?

Dubbed "the Suncoast," our region boasts some of the most enchanting beaches to be found.  We'll work our way down, hitting some hot spots, beginning north in Manatee—and then on to Sarasota and Charlotte counties.

Anna Maria Island
It is slightly funky and perennially charming.  It has long been filled with artsy types and young families.

Anna Maria Bayfront Park
It is a city park situated on the calm, shallow waters of Anna Maria Sound.  The beach is a good place for shelling and picnics.

Manatee Public Beach
This is where the younger set comes when the surf's up.  To gain access, take Gulf Drive at 40^th Street in Holmes Beach.

Palma Sola Causeway
A popular boating spot, the shoreline is a bit rough for sunbathing, but—unlike most of the area's beaches—pets are welcome here.

Cortez Beach
This beach is distinguished by its wide, sandy expanse.  Erosion-control groins make for good fishing.

Coquina Beach
Looking for a mile-long beach with parking, trees, shelters, barbecue pits, picnic tables and countless coquina shells?  This is the place in Manatee County.  Across the street, find a playground and walkway.  Discover scenic views of the water and neighboring islands.

Longboat Key
Not known for its public beaches: access can be found, but you have to seek them out.  Tip: Look for Whitney Beach signs on the north end.

DON'T GET BURNED

The Sunshine State earns its nickname honestly.  But don't fall victim to its intense solar rays.  Here's a checklist from the Skin Cancer Foundation to help keep you and yours safe in the sun:

• Limit time in the sun no matter what the hour or the season.  Avoid, in particular, the hours between 10am and 3pm, when the sun's rays are the strongest.
• Use a sunscreen with a sun-protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher that blocks both UVB and UVA rays.  Use approximately one once.  Reapply at least every two hours.  Don't skimp.
• Cover up with clothing, hats and sunglasses.  A broad-brimmed hat blocks the ears and neck; a baseball cap doesn't.  Sunglasses with UV protection and big frames protect eyelids and the skin around the eyes.
• Seek the shade, though be aware that sunlight bouncing off reflective surfaces can find you under a tree or umbrella.
• Don't seek a tan.  There is no such thing as a healthy one.
• Avoid tanning parlors and artificial tanning devices.  The ultraviolet radiation emitted by indoor tanning lights is many times more intense than natural sunlight.
• Protect your children, and teach them sun safety at an early age.  Even one burn in childhood increases lifetime risk of malignant melanoma, a lethal skin cancer.

• Use cold compresses four or five time's daily, 20 minutes at a time, to reduce redness and swelling.
• Coat the burned area lightly with hydrocortisone cream, aloe vera or baby lotion to relieve burning, dryness and itching.
• Do not use butter or heavy ointments.
• Take aspirin or acetaminophen for pain as needed.
• Drink plenty of fluids, especially water.
• Avoid sun exposure until the skin heals completely, from several days to one week.