Txgoose,
Hit me up when you're ready to dive here. I'm between Clearwater and St. Pete, and always ready to go out.
This area offers a lot of types of diving. There is an extensive artificial reef system off Pinellas County that is pretty good habitat and includes everything from bridge rubble to old army tanks. The Circle of Heroes underwater memorial, ten miles off Hurricane Pass in about 45 feet of water, is worth a visit. While you're there, a second dive at the airplane barge 200 yards away will put you on some Goliath Grouper. Further south and a little further offshore (and a little deeper) are the wrecks of the Coast Guard Cutter Blackthorn and the tug Sheridan. If you want to spearfish, you need to go farther offshore into deeper water, but there are operators who will take you there. Crystal River doesn't offer as much diving, and manatee season closes of much of that, but there is a cavern there with a room stuffed with snook. If you're cavern certified and want to go deep, Hospital Hole on the Weeki Wachee River is about 135-140 feet. Rainbow River offers a relaxing (but shallow) dive with some interesting geological features and lots of freshwater life.
A little bit south of the area you described, in Venice, there is good shark tooth hunting.
As far as dive operators, I like 2Shea Charters, which runs out of Clearwater. Narcosis out of Tarpon Springs is good, too.
Are you here now or planning a visit after the virus passes?
