cat launch in several places,,,,best is behind the flag pole at the welcome station.....give a heads up to the ranger there.can take that road(trail) to the east beach but cannot leave trailor or vehicle (must park,else where, possibly behind the welcome center[flag pole])...........................can also launch to the left(east)of the cause way entrance[right after the bridge and scout camp],a little muddy and shallow but well sheltered and only minutes from bay,,.................desoto is the best!!! it used to have a dedicated fenced cat freindly area(now a dog park) but from lack of use slowly was abandoned,,,,,,,bob baker was a head ranger and cat sailor in the old days,,,,the sailing in tampa bay (West of the skyway) is great,there are a couple of beach friendly resturants on anna maria island(5,6 miles south),bay and gulf side,,,,to lunch at,,,,,,the gulf is right there or sail in protected areas,.........there is egmont key a historic isle to picnic on lots to explore(old forts cannon etc),,,,,,,BUT!!!!!!!,keep an eye out for ships,they haul ash,,they do only stay in the channel though ...,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Its a shame this venue is so under used by the cat community,,,,,,,,,,this is slightly dated info [2 yrs],,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,be polite,respectful and get invited back,,,,,enjoy