I am thinking of relocating to the tampa bay area, just curious how the boating is there.

any powerboating clubs, local poker runs, or anything like that

Here's a link to the Poker Run last weekend.
http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/s...light=sarasota

Here's the link to the OPBA club.
www.opbafl.org

I moved here just because of the boating. You have Tampa Bay, the ICW and the gulf. About a hundred resturants/bar/grill from Sarasota to Clearwater.

(This is actually Tracy-not Todd)
I am soooooo psyched to get done with school and move to Tampa next year!!! Tampa has everything to offer!! Boating, Nightlife, quiet area's, boating area's, party area's, theatre's, bikeing, restaurants, friendly people, lot's of job opportunities, lots of water, quiet beaches, party beaches, boating, concert area's, arts & entertainment (Art Museum & Performing Arts Center, Tampa Theatre), YBOR CITY (need I say more), Busch Gardens & Adventure Island, boating, fishing, shopping, Children's Museum of Tampa, Florida Aquarium, boating, Henry B. Plant Museum, Lowry Park Zoo, Museum of Science & Industry,....oh and did I mention BOATING!!

We are moving and that area is tops on our list as well. Just neeed to convince my wife that we need waterfront and not farm land.

You will not be sorry!!!!!

Nice Summation, Tracy!
I live here and could not have said it any better myself.
Everything is seemingly at your fingertips. No need to go elsewhere or make special trips for anything. It's all right here!
Boating is awesome. Year-round, beautiful waters, lots of islands and coves...I could go on forever!

Chrystal-clear, warm waters!