Madeira Beach, often referred to by locals as Mad Beach, is situated on a barrier island between the Gulf of Mexico to the southwest and Boca Ciega Bay to the northeast, just each of St. Petersburg. One bridge, the Tom Stuart Causeway, connects Madeira Beach to the mainland, in the community of Bay Pines. To the northwest of Madeira Beach is the town of Redington Beach, and to the southeast, across the inlet of John's Pass, is the city of Treasure Island. As of the 2010 census, the population was 4,263.
Madeira Beach is best known for the sea-themed John's Pass Village and Boardwalk, which serves up shops and eateries and a 1,100-foot boardwalk along the Intracoastal. Madeira Beach's 2.5-mile beach attracts devotees of sun and sea, and fishing is the primary sport activity. More grouper is brought into John's Pass than any other place in the state. Each October, Madeira Beach hosts the Seafood Festival at John's Pass, which attracts as many as 130,000 visitors to its celebration of food, music, and arts and crafts.
Grouper Capital of the World, Mad Beach, or just Madeira Beach—whatever you call this beautiful getaway, the sun, white-sand beaches and emerald-turquoise waters invite swimming and sunning, deep-sea fishing, and dolphin-watching. John's Pass Village & Boardwalk keeps the night-life energy gooing with numerous bars, restaurants, and live entertainment.
Photo: Richard Mc Neil [CC BY 3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0)]
