Garie Beach

Are the beaches and resorts around Tampa/StPete more "speedo friendly" than most places?

I know that being in the United States they will not be as "accepted" as they once were 25+ years ago but will they be more tolerated than they are in the Outer Banks, NC or panhandle Florida or the Redneck Riviera of Alabama and Mississippi and generally everywhere inland US. I've read that America's largest nudist resort is in that area (which I'm not into) and as an effect make my swimwear of choice more accepting.

Public Comments

1. Given that Tampa and St. Pete cater to a lot of tourism, many of whom come from Europe, it's not uncommon to see speedos/boy short type bathing suits. However, no matter where you go, you will always get "looks" from other people. Nobody will force you to change though. There is nothing wrong with wearing them. If you are not used to the hot Florida sun, be sure to use sun screen :)
2. Well you can wear a speedo on any beach on the suncoast. You will see a lot more of them on the gay beaches. Sunset Beach and the north end point of North Beach in Fort De Soto. The Fort De Soto beach is the best in the area. Generally though, you will see them everywhere because we tend to get a lot of Europeans and Canadians who like to wear them. I personally wear one and dont have any problem. People dont stare or anything. I think they just dont care
3. I have spent a lot of time in South America and speedo type suits are the norm for men and boys. I find them much more comfortable than the huge ridiculous pants that men wear in the US. It seem like they get bigger every year. Get a pair of those wet and they probably weigh like 10 lbs! I just feel too out of place to wear them in the US. Most places I would be the only one. They are not illegal but I just would feel to uncomfortable. Better, go to nudist resorts like my wife and I do and not worry about wearing anything.