Thanks for giving a small synopsis of your ride!
I myself have been giving the same ride a thought or two in my mind. I would be pulling off about 30 miles before St. Pete though. Perhaps I missed it, but how many riding days did it take you? Were there any sights that you missed and wish you hadn't? Any rail trails along the way that took you out of traffic? Did you hook up with the Pinellas Trail at all once you got to Pinellas County, FL?
The overview of the adventure cycling maps looked as though they would guide me down the wrong coast and I had been wondering what do do about that. I guess I'll look at Richmond as a potential turning point to head my own way as well.
Take care,
Kevin