Aloha surfers and beachgoers! Grab your boards and sunscreen because we've got the lowdown on the surf forecast for West Central and Southwest Florida.

Starting off with the beaches of Cedar Key, Hudson Beach, and Mckethan Pine Island Park in Levy, Citrus, Hernando, and Pasco counties, we've got sunny skies today with 1-2 feet of surf, tapering off to 1 foot or less in the afternoon. The UV index is very high, so make sure to protect your skin with some reliable sunscreen. Expect northeasterly winds at 10 mph, becoming northwest later on. Temperatures will be in the lower 70s, making for a perfect beach day.

Moving on to Pinellas, Hillsborough, Manatee, and Sarasota counties with spots like Bradenton Beach, Clearwater Beach, Siesta Key, and Venice Beach, we're looking at a high risk of rip currents today with surf heights of 2 to 3 feet, dropping to 1 to 2 feet in the afternoon. The water temperature is a comfortable 72-74 degrees. Don't forget to check out the stunning sunrise at 7:24 AM and sunset at 7:47 PM!

Last but not least, for Charlotte and Lee counties with beaches like Boca Grande, Englewood, Fort Myers Beach, and Sanibel Island, there's a high risk of rip currents with similar surf heights as the previous areas. The water temperature here is slightly warmer at 74-76 degrees, perfect for a refreshing dip in the ocean.

Remember, safety first, especially with rip currents posing a potential hazard today in some areas. Be sure to consult the provided link for more information on thunderstorms, waterspouts, and UV protection.

So, whether you're catching some waves or just soaking up the sun, make the most of this fantastic beach day. Stay safe, have fun, and enjoy the beauty of the ocean. Keep it rad, surfers!

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