We went to Fred Howard Park and beach in Tarpon Springs and thought it was very nice.Try this web site
http://www.pinellascounty.org/park/06_Howard.htm
We went to a beach on the gulf that was straight West of The Villages and didn't care for it. Fred Howard Park and beach is very nice and the beach is out a causeway to an island and we really liked it. Be sure and get good directions as it is not easy to find but worth the drive.