On May 9, 1994, about 2032 eastern daylight time, a Beech A35, N620B, registered to James Epperson, collided with trees while returning to land shortly after takeoff from the St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport, St. Petersburg, Florida, while on a 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The airplane was substantially damaged and the private-rated pilot and one passenger were not injured. The flight originated about 2015. After takeoff the ATC controller advised the pilot that the nose landing gear was not retracted. The pilot cycled the landing gear but the nose landing gear was partially extended. The pilot flew past the tower and the controller advised him that the nose landing gear was partially extended. The pilot requested a landing clearance which was granted and performed a go-around while on final approach. While on final approach again the pilot stated that he applied full throttle too late. The airplane collided with trees about 15 feet outside of the airport perimeter fence.