Tom Lake: PORT RICHEY — The salt springs run 320 feet deep. To the east is the movie theater, and to the west is the Gulf of Mexico, and all around are gray fox and manatee, and on the north trail by the still water there is a weathered wooden bench.
The county's vice commander calls it the Hot Bench, and he calls it the Action Bench, and there was at least one time Tuesday when he called it the Bench of Debauchery.
He calls it these names because, for one reason or another, this quiet corner of Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park has become one of the county's leading locations to engage in — or stumble upon — an open-air sexual encounter.
The county's vice commander calls it the Hot…
Keep reading with a membership
This story is for Gangrey members. Join to read it in full, unlock the archive, and support narrative nonfiction.
Become a MemberAlready a member? Sign in



Leave a comment