Message From The Manager

As the regional manager for Florida’s Big Bend Region, it’s my pleasure to welcome you to the breathtaking Nature Coast. Designated as an aquatic preserve in 2020, this hidden gem just north of St. Petersburg is a sanctuary of life and adventure. From its vast seagrass meadows to the awe-inspiring tiger sharks, graceful osprey, playful river otters and everything in between, the Nature Coast is teeming with biodiversity.

Whether you're here to birdwatch, kayak, fish or simply soak in the natural beauty, this place offers something for everyone. The lush seagrass beds provide vital habitats for sportfish, scallops and manatees, while the estuary’s rich ecosystems invite exploration and discovery.

I invite you to enjoy and cherish this special place. Practice safe boating, leave only bubbles, and help protect this remarkable habitat so future generations can experience its wonders. Together, we can preserve the legacy of the iconic Nature Coast for years to come.

Tim Jones

Big Bend Regional AP Manager
Florida Department of Environmental Protection

AP Contact Information:
Tyler Ferguson
352-228-6031
Tyler.Ferguson@FloridaDEP.gov