The best time of day to run it is Mon-Thurs. There is a notorious spot at the south end of the island before the Cortez Bridge. Slow down, and watch the depth closely. There will be floating markers. Other than that no problems other than stay in the channel. Don't let any boats push you out of the channel that runs parallel to the causeway leading to the Sunshine Skyway Bridge.
As you are entering the south end of Tampa Bay there is a jog in the channel. I believe it is at marker 64 or 66. Watch out for it. That is where I would usually cut over to the Manatee River.