Bayflite nailed it.

Don't waste your time in the IC waterway. I rode there 3 times. Some of the worse possible riding due to gusty conditions AND cigarette boats will simply run you over coming around the corner there.

Sand key gulf side: I went in the winter time ONLY, with Roberto, Donna, the Foxes, and several others about 15 times. It was awesome. I never went when there were lifeguards there (so I don't know the "rules"). I would stay away until the winter, or at least ask them.

What makes it special in the winter is the lack of side shore current close tothe the Pass on NWs. If you stay close the to the Pass, holding ground/going upwind is a piece of cake and the waves in there were pretty good. Up to 30 surfers at a time in there (in the winter).

Also, last winter on the Norths, it commonly was blowing 16 to 20+ there while it blew 10 or less further south, like TI or PaG. Weird.