Circles Waterfront Restaurant in Apollo Beach is an excellent choice for seafood as well as having a nice, outdoor experience. We ate there a few days ago and also went down to the beach afterwards and didn't notice any red tide issues.

Fresco's is right around the corner from Universal off Turkey Lake Rd....small family owned Italian place, doesn't look like much, but the food is fantastic and priced very reasonable.....make reservations or you won't be able to get in....good for entire family

Touristy: Go down I-drive (International) for all sorts of chain stuff, and there is a Melting Pot on Sand Lake.....wouldn't recommend any of it personally, but if you have family in tow, it may be ideal.

If you're looking for high end, there's a ton of places up and down Sand Lake (about 5 mins from Universal).....Eddie V's, Ocean Prime, Christinie's, personal favorite is "H".....ran by a couple of Turks, and they run a really tight ship....it is costly, but the presentation and food is amazing.....they do a table side service, which is a lot of fun.....again, very costly. But all of this is 5-10 mins from Universal.

I would concur with all of this as well!

We prefer Siesta Key as well. Clearwater Beach is crowded all the time and parking/traffic can be a nightmare there.

Was just at Universal 3 weeks ago. Yes, definitely make a reservation at any city walk restaurant. It will make your life better.

Oh and Velocicoaster is amazing.

No chance. But, it may be a lot less of an offensive smell on the western side of the peninsula. I'm guessing you'll notice it but wont ruin your beach day.

During red tides the rip currents are a lot worse, but still rare. Just remind your kids on how to behave if they get caught in one.

Went out to my dock this am and still tons of dead fish all around my dock but I'm on the eastern bay side.

Daiquiri Deck is fantastic. Went there in March.

Clearwater is a way way over rated beach. I've only been once in 11 years. No parking, You have to walk a 1/2 mile out to get in water above your waist.

Siesta Key has the quartz sand. Doesn't get hot and feels like walking on baby powder. Best beach in the USA and in some lists the world.

Ft. Desoto is a national park. It has the best beaches in the TB area. Plenty of parking. $5 a car load. Camping. 2 major beaches. Dog beach. You want to go where the locals go...... this is the place. Don't tell em I sent ya.

I haven’t been to the H, but I’ve been to the other Turkish place in that shopping center before and it was pretty good. If it weren’t too far away, I’d recommend the places downtown that are within walking distance from Lake Eola.

I am a big Disney fan but there is no way I would go in June, July or August. Between the sweltering heat and the crowds I will pass no matter what the price.

You are a braver man than I.

I have lived here in. Florida about 5 years now....and I have to say it's been a great place to live. My goal from now until the time I am "toes up" is to explore all the little things that I overlooked in all my travel thus far.

Most of what my wife and I have done is northeast Florida/SE Georgia, stopping at places most people overlook when planning a trip....a diner few know about...unique and eclectic shopping venues...pristine beaches where commercially driven construction hasn't invaded.

I find myself just as interested in the out of the way lake....or restaurant....or trinket/second hand shop as I do the normally advertised places.

Don't get me wrong....I do Disney and Kennedy Space Center....Daytona Beach and St Augustine...but nothing is better than heading out with a general purpose in mind and accidentally discovering something totally different.

I'm use to it now. I'll regularly go out in the middle of the day/heat and walk 4-5 miles. If I can survive that Jacksonville game heat in 2019, I can survive any heat.

gotta put H on the list, but be prepared to drop some dime on it

wear sunscreen

That was a test of loyalty....it was telling that by the middle of the 2nd quarter that stadium was mostly red.

I am used to the heat here...it's the crowds and all that hot cement that exacerbates the heat. Plus as I have gotten older my tolerance and patience for waiting has waned.