DETAILS: Scrubbing the Shore

GETTING THERE: Tampa is an easy 2 hour 15 minute flight from Washington. AirTran, Southwest, United and US Airways fly nonstop, with fares from about $200.

WHERE TO VOLUNTEER: Tampa Bay Watch (3000 Pinellas Bayway S., Tierra Verde, 727-867-8166, http://www.tampabaywatch.org) welcomes all to participate in its projects, which include salt marsh grass plantings, oyster dome construction and a scallop search. Times and dates vary; the next project is Aug. 16. If you want to volunteer on the beach and on your own time, stop by the office for a clean-up sheet and a garbage bag: All you have to do is check off the trash you pick up (cigarette butts, rubber, glass, etc.), toss it in the bag, and mail or drop off your sheet to the TBW. Florida's state parks also accept volunteers; for information, 850-245-2157, http://www.floridastateparks.org/volunteers/default.cfm.

At the Seacoast Seabird Sanctuary (18328 Gulf Blvd., Indian Shores, 727-391-6211), spend mornings or afternoons helping the staff care for hundreds of recuperating birds. Responsibilities include raking, feeding, releasing and consoling.

WHERE TO STAY: I stayed at the Sailport Resort (2506 N. Rocky Point Dr., Tampa, 800-255-9599, http://www.sailport.com), which has full-service suites (the decor was a bit tired, but the space was generous), tennis courts and a private beach on Tampa Bay. Rooms from $79 a night. For closer access to the Gulf of Mexico beaches, book a room at any of the hotels along Gulf Boulevard.

The Bilmar Beach Resort (10650 Gulf Blvd., 877-834-0441, http://www.bilmarbeachresort.com) on Treasure Island offers a range of room types (efficiencies, studios, penthouses, etc.), multiple pools, a fitness center and a restaurant. A studio facing the gulf, for example, starts at $129.

WHERE TO EAT: In Pass-a-Grille, a hamlet on the gulf, take a dip before or after dinner at Mozaic (118 Eighth Ave., 727-363-7555). Entrees include glazed scallops ($19), Thai kabobs ($16), veggie stir fry ($14) and salmon won tons ($7). For just-off-the-hook seafood, Sea Critters Cafe (2007 Pass-a-Grille Way, St. Pete Beach, 727-360-3706, http://www.seacritterscafe.com) serves fish and chips ($15), risotto scallops Rockefeller ($19) and fresh catch prepared seven ways (almond-crusted, jerked, char-grilled, etc.).

WHERE TO HIT THE BEACH: For the best beaches, take the Howard Franklin Bridge from Tampa to the Pinellas Peninsula, which features more than 35 miles of white sand beaches on the gulf (go to http://www.pinellascounty.org/park/beaches.htm).

INFO: Tampa Bay and Co., 800-448-2672, http://www.visittampabay.com. St. Petersburg/Clearwater Area Convention & Visitors Bureau,877-352-3224, http://www.floridasbeach.com.

-- A.S.