Any recommendations for the gulf/west coast of Florida??

[tikirawker]

In the Tampa Bay Area there are a few places. Check out Anclote key and river there are plenty of boat friendly spots. The sponge docks are right there and worth checking out if you have never been. The locals are friendly and it isn't too spendy like Clearwater.
Once you are in the inter-coastal there are even more things to do - John's pass is generally a good time and Treasure Island is near by.

[sailm8]

Punta Gorda on Charlotte Harbor. Free pump out boat, anchor right off Gilcrist Park with two marinas and the whole downtown area with a West MArine, hardware store restaurants etc all walking distance and a free dinghy dock. Also the best Irish pub in Florida.

[BobLocal60]

If you want to come really north west, try Pensacola... Patti's Shipyard, Pensacola Shipyard, numerous marina's etc.

[Scout 30]

Sign up with Active Captain & Salty Southeast Cruiser's Net. Free services with all kinds of info.

https://activecaptain.com/

Cruisers' Net | Cruisers Helping Cruisers

[Scout 30]

Since you'll be heading north I'd start with Fort Meyers.
Here's another free anchoring info site:
Florida Sea Grant - Boating & Waterways - Anchorage Inventory
Here's a thread on Fort Meyers:
http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...ch-142369.html

[Make_My_Day]

Clearwater and Clearwater Beach are great. Since you don't have a deep draught you can also get up to Dunedin Beach and Ozona. These are nice and not so tourist busy.

Tampa Bay around St.Petersburg and the Vinoy are cool for a few days.

I lived in this area for 12 years. There are many little places anchor in ICW which should keep you out of the weather and save on mooring fees.

Have fun.