St. Pete Beach is my home turf. I live about an hour east of there in Plant City. In St. Pete, the beaches are lined with Hotels. Obviously, the more expensive the Hotel, your better chance to fine "big dollar" jewelry. I like to hunt behind the Don Caesar, it's the big Pink hotel built in the 20's, and the Trade Winds which is about a mile north of the Don. There is a public beach across from the Publix shopping center that has been pretty good in the past as well. I got a 64 gram custom chain and charm in 4 ft of water there last year. Just South of the Don Caesar is Pass-a-grille Beach. This is an old beach for the locals. It is quite long and even though I have not hunted it really hard, I hear of some neat things being found there. On the South tip of St. Pete is Ft. Desoto park. It has an established fort from 1898 (I think). You have to stop by the Ranger station for a metal detector permit, and you can hunt the beaches from the high tide mark to the water. You cannot hunt in the general area of the fort itself but the beaches are loaded with tourist. I don't remember if there is a charge for the permit, but if there is, it shouldn't be very much and it's good for a year. That should keep you busy. Let us know how you do. I'll be on vacation myself next week and I'll be over there a couple of times. Good luck, therick
