The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the University of South Florida and Eckerd College, completed a bathymetric, sidescan sonar, high-resolution seismic-reflection, and surface sediment sampling survey of the inner shelf environment along the western Florida coast. The survey area extends 15km from Sarasota Point to Buttonwood Harbor. This study is part of a larger program initiated by the U.S. Geological Survey to map the geologic framework and monitor the modern processes that affect the western Florida coastal zone. This portion of the project included a reconnaissance high-resolution seismic and side-scan sonar surveys of the entire study area, detailed mapping to identify patterns of hard grounds and sediment cover, and coring of sediments to document historical development of the inner shelf and coastal