For a man who just wants to ease through life without any complications, Lew Fonesca has a pretty full plate in his third outing. When people start showing up dead, he knows he's in way over his head.

There is a sandbar between two Florida islands that sinks beneath the warm Gulf waters, only to reappear decades later during tropical storms and hurricanes. To locals, this mysterious passage is a shortcut between the Bay and Gulf when open, and a beautiful private beach when the sands rise again. For the Calusa Indians, it is a spiritual passage between the worlds. Their 10,000 year reign over South Florida comes to an end, and the tribe sinks into the closing waters. It will be centuries with Midnight Pass opening and closing after Hurakan's storms, before the Calusa's return to help Kali and her followers prepare to win a battle after the gods rage storms of apocalyptic proportion. Kali and her twin brother Tommy, were raised on Siesta Key. When they were twelve, Tommy took their fishing skiff for a short excursion out of the inlet and into the Bay. He never returned. Over the years, Kali discovers that she shares unusual beliefs with her Aunt. Noreen guides Kali's visions of a strange Indian tribe that will help them survive the destructive apocalyptic war. Strange events surround the two women, as the Shaman and Jatung, the Calusa chief, share their wisdom. A panther god becomes a guardian for the women, as their determination and strong beliefs help Kali and her friends re-build life on Siesta Key after the storms and tidal waves leave them isolated. The strange coven from Estero become experts at fishing, Cinda and the healers from Manatee plant gardens, and Arnell and her group of warriors, build canoes and weapons. Meanwhile, Brad and Lucayo are busy on the mainland, organizing their forces in Myakka. They are equally as determined to defeat the women in the final battle on the shores of Midnight Pass.

A history of a very popular beach destination near Sarasota on the Gulf coast of Florida. Reviewing the past century of Siesta Key development in the context of Florida's ancient and recent emergence, this book explains how one small Gulf coast barrier island has become world famous as “#1 Beach in the USA." Beginning with Amerindian settlers, the “First Floridians," all of the seminal pioneers and a steady stream of pivotal leaders are described with emphasis on their families, motivations, and challenges. Both historical triumphs and tragedies are covered to provide a balanced perspective. Lastly, the current and future threats are analyzed in detail, including the environmental controversies with nearby keys, the menace of increasing red tide, and the risks of rising sea levels associated with global warming.

A fully updated and expanded edition of this ever-popular guidebook. Visit vibrant cities, charming hometowns, nature preserves, wilderness areas and the famous white-sand beaches of Florida's Gulf shore. The book covers all of Tampa Bay/St. Petersburg and north to Withlacoochee State Forest, and south to Sanibel Island, Naples and Everglades National Park. Canoeing the Everglades, fishing on Marco Island, biking in Boca Grande, diving with manatees in Crystal River, sailing along St. Pete Beach, theater-going in Sarasota, shopping the sponge markets of Greek-flavored Tarpon Springs, exploring.

Contains a list of lights, sound signals, buoys, daybeacons, and other aids to navigation.

Contains lists of lights and other aids to navigation that are maintained by or under the authority of the U.S. Coast Guard and located in the waters surrounding the United States and its Territories This publication and the data contained within it are maintained and published by the USCG.