Linda Pedersen is the big sheltered park on the east side of Shoal Line Boulevard, 135 acres backing onto Jenkins Creek and the marsh. The kayak launch is a carry down to calm bayou water, which makes it one of the easier put-ins on this coast when the Gulf is churning. In winter this is one of the better places in the county to see manatees, which come up the creek out of the cold Gulf and hang in the warmer water along the bank, sometimes close enough to watch from the dock. There is a swimming area in the bayou and a sandy strip for sunbathing, plus rinse showers, which not many launches around here have. The creek goes shallow at dead low, so launch on higher water. Current launch or parking fees are not stated by the county.
Where do I park, and is it free?
- Cost
- Current fee unknown
- Parking
- Unknown
- Restrooms
- Listed in the checked source (checked 2026-08-20)
- Showers
- Current availability unverified
- Dogs
- Not allowed
Hernando County lists a canoe and kayak launch, restrooms, showers, and 8 a.m. to sunset hours. A current launch or parking fee is not stated; the county separately documents a park-and-ride option at this park.
Access sources: hernandocounty.us (checked August 20, 2026), hernandocounty.us (checked August 20, 2026).
How clear is the water?
Tidal creek, shallow at low water.
What will I see?
- Manatees come up Jenkins Creek out of the cold Gulf, often close to the bank and the dock
- Wading birds and ospreys over the marsh, mullet and the occasional dolphin in the creek
What's the fishing like?
Tidal creek: redfish and snook in the mangroves, trout on the flats at higher water.
How do I share the water here?
The manatees that winter in this creek are here because the water stays a few degrees warmer than the Gulf, and they will leave it if they are pushed. Keep your distance, never get between one and open water, and let it set the pace. Touching or chasing a manatee is a federal offense.
See how it scores before you drive out.
Check Linda Pedersen Park on the live map