Yes Picnic Island is on the lower scale of the most Beautiful beaches in Tampa. But all the beaches in the bay are dirty. The fish you mentioned were from the cold spell. The city did put in a fence on the south end of the dog park which does help to confine the dogs inside the park. But there is alot of shade and does provide a large area to excercise your dog. Sorry theres not alot of rich folk here in SOG City {South of Gandy] that feel that our Dog beaches should be run by the Marriot. Be Thankful that the City still even helps fund the parks! Job Well done to the Park Crews that take care of our doggie parks. And remember to clean up after your pet!

The dog needs to be able to follow voice command because the other side of the dog beach is not fenced. But the whole dog beach area is big enough (maybe 3 times the size of davis island dog beach) for the dogs to play and enjoy the water. There are times though the water can be nasty especially after a hard pour from days prior. Its one of those days. Even with that experience I keep me coming back because often times the water is good.

There is a fence only on one side, and that fence has jagged holes big enough for an adult labrador to get through. The other side of the beach just has a sign that says "dogs must be leashed beyond this point."

There were dead fish washed up all over the beach. There were teenagers drinking beers and starting fires in the grass, so we never even let our dog off the beach.

we went there and it is great to see the dogs having fun in the water, especially that we got there on a high tide. it is well maintained and lots of benches and shade. there is water spigot and a water bowl for thirsty dogs. though it is partially fenced, the back part of the dog beach has tall bushy grass that acts a barrier that keep dogs from going further inland. then there's the boundary post letting you know where the dog beach ends and the main beach begins. it is fairly large area with green grassy area for dogs to play. it could get crowded on weekends.

I've been there 3 times and I am impressed with the park. Though I like davis island dog beach, I like picnic island dog beach better. A lot better. picnic island dog beach is just partially fenced so make sure your dog follow voice command and well behaved. The main beach park is just a walking distance which is good. Like other beach parks though, dogs are not allowed in the beach in that part of the beach park but you can walk with your dog leashed. Its 2 thumbs up for me.