Fresh from the Sea

One-inch-thick grilled grouper filets, the sweet meat of steamed stone crabs, fresh raw oysters floating in a half shell – and all served just steps from where it came to shore. That's just a taste of what you can expect at the free [[alias:John's Pass:John's Pass Village & Boardwalk]] Seafood Festival this weekend at [[alias:Madeira Beach:John's Pass Village & Boardwalk]].

For more than 150 years, fishermen have navigated through the narrow, deep-blue inlet of John's Pass to bring their catch to shore. The community celebrates its fishing heritage by serving up seafood dishes, hosting an arts and crafts fair and offering fishing demonstrations and entertainment from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Oct. 25 and 26 in the waterfront John's Pass Village & Boardwalk.

Although you can find fishing villages all around Florida, John's Pass has a special claim to fame. More grouper has passed through this narrow, natural channel than anywhere else in the world, giving the barrier-island town the moniker "Grouper Capital of the World.” But the 27th annual festival celebrates far more than just its most famous fish.

Shellfish local to the area and available at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. (which now also has a restaurant here) and other sea delicacies are served outdoors in the fresh October sea breeze. Those who think they can eat raw oysters until the ocean runs dry will get a chance to test their capacity for slurping the slippery meat in an oyster-eating contest.

Along the boardwalk where charter fishing and sightseeing boats dock, you can get fishing tips from the pros and learn how to filet your catch as part of seafood demonstrations.

There's also plenty to do for the most finicky of landlubbers and/or trick-or-treaters. Lest any parent forget that Halloween is less than a week away, the festival includes a haunted house and costume contest.

And then there are the grown-up pastimes, such as sipping on Florida citrus wine and smoking a stogie at Florida Winery and Cigars as you watch the sun set over the sparkling sea (www.thefloridawinery.com).

Browsing through more than 75 artists' and craftsmen's booths, many with maritime themes, and shopping in the dozens of unique gift shops comes natural in this quaint village. Plus, it's a fun way to work up an appetite for another round of fresh seafood.

If you go

John's Pass Seafood Festival, 727-394-0756, www.johnspass.com

John's Pass Festivals, www.johnspassfestivals.com

Madeira Beach, http://www.floridasbeach.com/cms/index.php?id=73

Treasure Island, http://www.floridasbeach.com/cms/index.php?id=75