Everett

Our family is thinking about traveling to one of the beaches in the Tampa Bay-Sarasota area. We are trying to determine how accessible the beach areas there are for someone who uses a manual wheelchair. When I call real estate companies, often the staff do not understand that steps to the beach or ramps that drop off a foot or two pose a problem.

Many thanks for any ideas.

OliveOyl

The beaches around St Pete/Pass-A-Grille have ramps over the dunes, with no large drop off, or any at all that I can remember. Once off the ramp however, the sand is loose and pretty deep. I would think it would be next to impossible to navigate a normal wheelchair through it, unfortunately.

There are wheelchairs with large tires that will get you through loose sand--I've seen one or two around the Clearwater area, and search of websites brought up this one which you may find helpful: http://www.funandsun.com/1tocf/trvl/...d/enabled.html. They mention the Radisson Lido Beach, (Sarasota area)that has one such wheelchair available for guests. You might give them a call, (and that's a pretty beach as well). Best of luck with your planning.

joan

I live on Treasure Island, and the beach pavillion (brand new) a few blocks from my house has a beach wheelchair available for use. Although as Olive said, can't imagine it plying through the very soft sand. However, TI (and especially Sunset Beach at the south end) have those over-the-dune ramps, with a narrow beach. You could carry your relative the short distance to setup your spot. Definitely call the Chamber of Commerce, rather than a realtor. They've definitely had your question before!

Here's the URL for Tampa Bay Chamber:

http://tampabaybeaches.com/index.html

GoTravel

Contact the Chamber of Commerce. Most beach cities should/do have wheelchairs made specifically for the beach that are available free of charge. As OliveOly pointed out, they have oversized tires that will not sink in the sand.