Ruskin’s Pirate’s Pointe Resort

offers step back into Old Florida

By LOIS KINDLE

LOIS KINDLE PHOTOS
The Pirate’s Pointe Resort is located along the Little Manatee River, where guests can dock their boats, fish and simply enjoy the scenic view.

Tammie Saxon and her husband Tom live the good life along the Little Manatee River in Ruskin. As owners of Pirate’s Pointe Resort, they enjoy experiencing “Old Florida” at its finest and sharing it with others.

Until the red tide scare earlier this year, they said their quaint, 16-unit resort was always packed with visitors, but media reports have scared folks away from their and other local waterfront establishments.

“Pirate’s Pointe Resort is free of any red tide,” Saxon said. “It’s important for people to know it’s not here now and never has been.” 

That’s the message she wants to get out, so her vacation rentals can start booming again.

Pirate’s Pointe is a great place for couples to get away or family and friends to stay when they’re in town. It’s also perfect for parties, weddings, cookouts, reunions, anniversary celebrations, even corporate events, Saxon said. 

Set on two acres off the Little Manatee River, its newly renovated cottages range in size from studios, one or two bedrooms and a five-bedroom house that has its own private pool. All are completely furnished, with full kitchens and private patios, and each has its own personality.

Amenities include canoe and kayak and rentals; in shore and near-shore fishing charters through a number of local captains; a dock with boat slips; heated outdoor swimming pool; laundry room; flat-screen televisions; cable; wireless access; and fishing pole rental.

Its clubhouse is available for special occasions for a $250 rental fee, and catering is available for large or small parties.

The entire property is quiet, private and surrounded by lush tropical landscaping. It has a charm that must be seen to be fully appreciated. 

“We’re a small family business, providing lots of personal touches,” Saxon said. “Once people come here, they always want to come back.”

Saxon, the former CEO of a software company and publisher of Vintage Motorsport Magazine, said she grew weary of the hectic pace of corporate life.

This statuette of a pirate greets guests as they come to register at Pirate’s Pointe Resort office in Ruskin.

“I was tired of deadlines and of working and making money for other people,” she said. “I also wanted to spend more time with my husband, who was in the concrete business.”

Now both enjoy the slower pace of life they’ve found at Pirate’s Pointe Resort, which they purchased in 2015. Saxon works up front, handling customer relations, hospitality and finances; her husband’s role is more behind the scenes, where he takes care of property maintenance and helps in the office, when needed. 

Small pets are welcome for $50 per stay of up to seven days and $100 for longer stays.

First responders and military receive a 15-percent year-round discount. 

Pirate’s Pointe Resort is at 1800 Kofresi Ct., Ruskin, off 19th Avenue Northwest and Shell Point Road. For rental rates or more information, visit www.piratespointeresort.com or call 813-641-2052.

Pirate’s Pointe Resort guests can enjoy a large array of amenities, including a heated outdoor pool, canoe and kayak and rentals; in shore and near-shore fishing charters; dock with boat slips; flat-screen televisions; cable; wireless access; and more.

An interior shot of a Pirate’s Pointe cabin. All units are completely furnished with resort-style décor.

Set on two acres off the Little Manatee River, Pirate’s Pointe’s newly renovated cottages range in size from studios, one or two bedrooms and a five-bedroom house that has its own private pool. All are completely furnished, with full kitchens and private patios.

The Pirate’s Pointe property is lushly landscaped to give visitors the feeling of Old Florida.