Madeira Beach

After shopping all day and having a good time with my family we decided to watch the sunset. We parked and paid enough for 3 hours and left before time was up. Sadly, we found a parking violation ticket for $40 and at that moment I thought it was probably a mistake. When back at home, I called Madeira Beach city Hall to dispute the ticket since I have proof of payment. They figured out I paid, but I made a mistake by misspelling my plate number. From the customer service to the city supervisor, they flatly stated they won't void the ticket, due to an incorrect license plate entered! It doesn't matter if I paid the space, submitted the appeal, or have ADHD or any other disability. They didn't care to listen and didn't care at all! Entering the wrong plate number by mistake is penalized. In fact, they indicated, that if no payment is received, the fine will be increased to $70 ! and so on. Oh additionally, not a chance to take it to court either. it will be a waste of time and money because they will not be voided or reduced. Instead, I will have to pay court costs. Period!
This is the most disgusting and horrible experience I ever had. I have been to Madeira beach before and I've never experienced such hostility. We, tourists, are a vital part of the city's economy and this city has a lot of work to do to improve its way to manage its growth and obviously financial issues. Ripping your tourists might increase your instant revenue, but in a long run will damage tremendously the city's economy. I hope Madeira beach will get back to being the welcoming city it used to be. I hope the city Mgr Robin Ignacio Gomez will pay more attention and understand where the city's priorities lie. In the meantime, sadly I will try to avoid this beach.

It was really nice to be able to sit on the beach and watch the bridge go up as boats were coming through at John's Pass. The water was very pretty, and the beach wasn't very crowded, especially on a weekday. John's Pass was great. The boardwalk around the bay is beautiful. We were able to go one morning and have breakfast and see the dolphins. They have many restaurants, shops, and other activities. It was a fun place to go. We had a delicious banana split at John's Pass in the middle of the shops (Not on the boardwalk). There was a magician outside the ice cream shop. He was really entertaining at night, and the shop owners are very friendly. As far as cons about this beach-waayyyy too much smoking, too many thongs on women who shouldn't be wearing a thong, and unflattering low cut bathing suits. The thongs and low cut bathing suits were on much older women. If I could give the area only one suggestion, it would be to do something about the smoking. There was even smoking at outdoor restaurants with seating outside. Yes, everyone is outside, but it's still a restaurant! We avoided one of those restaurants because of this. I think the area would be greatly improved if they made a few changes to clean up their act. I haven't seen so many smokers in years, and it makes the area so unappealing. The area has the potential to be a higher end place, especially with John's Pass, but it's just not that way. Nice? Yes. But, more than likely we will not return to Madeira.

My son and I are visiting my dad in Leesburg, Florida. My son had never been to the gulf side so we packed up for the day and headed over to the beach for the day. I had never been to Madeira Beach. Very clean and family friendly. We did visit on March 30,2021 during spring break. I will admit it was a bit crowded but we arrived around 10:30 am and was able to rent 2 chairs and an umbrella for $25 for the day.

Came with 2 buses for a day at the beach. Because of red tide and dead fish left after only a couple of hours. Before we left our homes, we checked with the city about the condition and they said red tide was low and never told us about the tons of dead fish on the beach. Even people with out lung problems were having problems. Bad experience.
No one could go into the water because of the dead fish.

Madeira beach is one of our favorites! When we can, we prefer getting to the beach early for sunrise and longer times to beat the heat. It was clean, relaxing, and offered something for the entire family!! There a few shells for the kids that like to take their nets and quickly swoop up a nice find. The up and coming young anglers have the option of fishing from the bank or the pier. With the youngest in puddle jumpers, being coached by the adults, the inner child of the parents could still be found relaxing in the water, gently moved by the refreshing, salty waves. It was fun, cozy, and just right for our crew. What a day!

One of the most beautiful experience of sunset. Nice long walks and swim friendly. One could even enjoy a run or cycling while the sun beautifully sets into the ocean.
Photographer's delight.

We happened to arrive during a red tide event in the gulf. Lots of dead fish on the beach every morning, but to their credit the beach team cleaned up the fish quickly. Also, the surf is a little rough for small kids. Lifejackets are a must!

DEAD fish , birds, dolphin, manatee. Water is brown with seaweed filled with rotten smelly dead things. Coughing, stinging eyes. Who wants to swim in that? Millions of toxic gallons of sludge dumped into Tampa Bay from Piney Point like it would do nothing to our waters!

Gorgeous beach! There are a couple of great spots to stop to watch the sunset with public parking and a spot with chairs and umbrellas for rent. Had to get out of the snow for a few days & found great airfare to fly into Tampa on a new airline called Breeze. Wasn't too bad getting from the airport to the beach. John's Pass was a fun place to walk around for a little bit to see the boats, eat & shop. It was a slower pace than Clearwater Beach, which we enjoyed. On the beach you can drive all the way North to Clearwater Beach and South to Pass-A-Grill Beach. As long as the snow keeps blowing we will be hopping flights down here and we will be back to Mad Beach.

Love this beach nestled along the St.Petersburg Beach area. The best part was the $5 lounge chairs to rent from a small business run two brothers and a friend. Great guys and so friendly. I told them they should charge more! Great May visit. Weather was wonderful too!