History

Formerly known as Port Charlotte Beach State Recreation Area (prior to 1971), Stump Pass Beach State Park was acquired by the state of Florida on May 10, 1970, from Charlotte County. The property was transferred to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection on May 4, 1971.

In addition to the peninsula at the southern end of Manasota Key, the state also acquired the two smaller islands just east of the park property (Whidden Key and Peterson Key).

When opened in 1971 to the public, the park offered no amenities and had four parking spaces for vehicles. After years of the park offering no other services, it was reopened in August of 2000 offering a parking lot for 40 vehicles, restroom facilities, outdoor showers, picnic pavilions and a boardwalk.