Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park Ready To Reopen

NEW PORT RICHEY, FL — Tampa Bay area residents who have been missing the beauty of Pasco County’s Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park can start visiting again on Saturday. Park goers, however, are being warned that the 2,275-acre Anclote Branch wildfire has forced limited access in some areas.

According to Pasco County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources, the following park features will reopen starting Saturday, May 20:

• The pavilions, shelters and playground at the day-use area.
• The hiking trail will open, but in a modified way. A part of the hiking trail will double as a hiking and mountain bike trail for the time being.
• The equestrian trail was not damaged and all and will be open for use.

The following areas will remain partially closed:

• The Suncoast Trail will reopen, but the Starkey/Suncoast connector remains closed.
• The tent and cabin area will reopen for use, but the primitive camping area remains closed.

The seven-mile paved bike trail that runs through the park will remain fully closed, including the gate at the entrance to the park.

As wildfires remain a concern, the county still has a no open flame policy in effect at some of its parks. That means campfires, grills and barbecues are off limits. The places where the ban remains are: Crews Lake Wilderness Park, John S. Burks Memorial Park, J Ben Harrill Recreation Complex, Lake Lisa Park, Moon Lake Park, Odessa Park, Sam W. Pasco Recreation Complex, Starkey Wilderness Park, Upper Pithlachascotee River Preserve and Withlacoochee River Park.

For more information about the 10500 Wilderness Park Blvd. wilderness preserve, visit the county’s website.

Photo courtesy of Pasco County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources’ Facebook page