Activation Report: Terra Ceia Preserve State Park (US-3663) — April 22, 2026
- 1 min reading time
Mode: FT8 (Digital) · Band: 20m · Radio: Xiegu X6200 · Contacts: 17 · Park: US-3663
Terra Ceia Preserve State Park, POTA reference US-3663. Second activation of the morning, wrapped things up solid. 17 QSOs in the log.
The park
Terra Ceia is an island community just south of the Skyway Bridge, and the preserve protects a massive undeveloped stretch of Tampa Bay coastline. The name has debated origins — some believe it derives from terra cielo, meaning heavenly land, which fits. The karst coastal terrain here is classic Gulf Coast Florida: submerged limestone supporting seagrass beds and mangrove communities that have been here longer than anyone can count. Archaeological sites in the area date back to 8,000 B.C., with indigenous shell mound builders giving way to 19th-century citrus farmers. Today the land is preserved and the coastline is largely untouched. Operating here you're aware of how much history is sitting quietly underneath you.
The reason for the visit
Planned second activation of the day following Frog Creek.
The setup
Same configuration as the earlier session. Xiegu X6200 at 5 watts, vertical on tripod with 8 radials, DigiPi, tablet. No issues. The system is dialed in and the back-to-back activation format keeps the workflow tight.
On the air
Ran 20 meters FT8. Signals were consistent and hunters came in at a reliable pace. 17 contacts before wrapping up for the day.
Would I activate here again?
Yes. Terra Ceia is a reliable stop that fits well into a morning multi-park run. The environment is worth the visit on its own.
Full log uploaded to POTA.app. 73 de W4GGJ
