The visitor center at Myakka River State Park offers a long list of things to do at the park. Activities include air boat rides to ranger programs. Water related activities center around the park's freshwater river and lakes. Number 15 on the park's list describes the seven mile scenic drive that progresses through the park, weaving alongside the Myakka River, several campsites and the Upper Myakka Lake.
     The park is located on Florida's west coast just east of Sarasota and is one of the state's oldest parks, setup in 1934. The lazy river flows through dry prairie land, wetlands, shady oak-palm hammocks and pineland. In this Myakka River scene, unusual calm water mirrors Florida's ever-present cottony clouds. Off in a westerly direction, the warm, moist Gulf waters team up with August's strong sunshine and begin daily cloud building. Extra warm water temperatures signal severe weather potential in the form of water spouts, thunderstorms and sometimes hurricane formation.