Pinellas National Wildlife Refuge

Pinellas National Wildlife Refuge comprises a series of pristine mangrove islands that rise from the waters of Tampa Bay like emerald jewels. These protected islands serve as essential breeding grounds for brown pelicans, herons, and egrets, while their shallow waters support a diverse array of marine life. Though closed to public access to protect sensitive wildlife, the islands create a stunning backdrop visible from surrounding waters, where thousands of birds can be observed soaring, nesting, and feeding among the mangroves. The refuge's location amid one of Florida's most developed counties makes it an invaluable sanctuary for wildlife seeking refuge from urban pressures.