of water-related recreational demands. In 1984, the retail sales 
reported for pleasure boats in the Tampa Bay region was approximately 
$184 million (TBRPC 1986). Table 3 illustrates the number of pleasure 
boats registered in FY 1984-85. The four counties accounted for 
approximately 17 percent of the total number of pleasure boats registered 
in Florida. 
Table 3. Pleasure boats registered FY 1984-85 (BEBR 1986). 
Hillsborough 
33,447 
Manatee 
11,657 
Pinel1 as 
34,541 
Sarasota 
14.702 
TOTAL: 
94.347 
Florida: 
554,675 
The Tampa Bay and Sarasota Bay estuarine systems are both directly 
and indirectly vitally important economic assets to the Florida Suncoast. 
When taking into consideration the myriad of uses and attributes of both 
bay systems including commercial fishing, shipping, and port-related 
activities, benefits to the sanitary and electric service industries, 
waterfront property values, and tourism and recreation, their total 
annual value can be placed at approximately $3 billion (Table 4). Strong 
evidence supports both Tampa and Sarasota Bays’ significant contribution 
to the Florida Suncoast’s rapid growth and development over the past 100 
years. With active protection and management, both bays will continue to 
serve as a valuable, natural --as well as economic-- resource. 
14 
