Barrier Islands
Little Gasparilla, Don Pedro, Palm Island/Knight Island, and Gasparilla (Boca Grande)
Little Gasparilla Island is located on the Gulf Coast of Florida about midway between Sarasota and Fort Myers. Little Gasparilla is the northernmost island in a chain of six barrier islands forming Charlotte Harboer, one of the finest boating and fishing areas in the United States. The other five barrier islands are: Sanibel, Captiva, North Captiva , Cayo Costa, and Gasparilla (Boca Grande).
Early Development of Little Gasparilla Island - At the turn of the century, the islands and adjacent mainland were owned by the Vanderbilt family. Three decades ago, sea currents and storms closed the passes that separated the three islands. Since the closing of those passes, the islands are contiguous by over seven miles of beach.
There is no bridge that connects the island to the mainland. Access to the island is only by boat. Since all the docks on Little Gasparilla are privately 
owned, only homeowners or invited guests occupy the island. Once on Island many people use golf carts for transportation, although there are a few islanders with jeeps or trucks which operate on the public sand roadway.
Development was slow on the “bridgeless” barrier islands until the 1970’s when people started to appreciate the seclusion and detachment from the mainland. In the early 1980’s Radnor Corporation, a division of Sun Oil, began development of Hideaway Beach Resort. Soon after, Placida Beach Club also started their construction. Fred, Babcock, a major landowner in Charlotte County since the mid01950's had owned the 15 acres that became the first phase of The Preserve of Little Gasparilla. Ruth McElya, owner of the adjoining 15 acres, turned over a 1916 deed signed by William Howard Taft.
There are no business or stores on Little Gasparilla Island. Island residents prefer to retain the privacy and tranquility of the island. However there is a resort, restaurant, and necessity type store on neighboring Palm Island accessible by ferry, boat and golf cart. Only minutes away on the mainland there is a full array of stores, businesses, and restaurants or on our neighboring island of Boca Grande .
Richard Leydon and his son constructed an architectural replica of historic Mary's Chapel at Spanish Point in Osprey. Of note the bell for the island chapel, which calls residents to a religous service on Sundays, was located at St. Mary's chapel in Terre Haute, Indiana and dated back to 1899.
Little Gasparilla residents are actively involved in the community which can be seen by the many community based programs. These programs have been highlighted in a community articles and provide an excellent view of the community involvement, as well as a general understanding:
Don Pedro Island
This beautiful little island is part of an extensive chain of barrier islands extending along the Gulf Coast of Florida. Between Knight Island and Little Gasparilla Island, Don Pedro and Palm Island (formerly Knight Island ) have the additional dimension of being accessed by public Ferry, as well as, by watercraft from various mainland marinas. Cars are allowed on the island, but most people use golf carts to get around. Don Pedro once had a bridge, but it was removed when the Intracoastal Waterway was established. Don Pedro is 1,700 feet wide from the Gulf to the Intracoastal Waterway.
This piece of tropical paradise includes one mile of gorgeous white sand beach that is a state recreation area. Don Pedro Island is excellent for year-round swimming and shelling, and the island has a picnic pavilion. The park also features an elevated sand dune that is covered with sea oats , while the bay side of the island is bordered with mangrove trees. The island’s eleven distinct nature communities
Palm Island/Knight Island
The island was not always known as Palm Island , and in fact it used to be called Knight Island , a name still used on nautical maps Location Florida's only true out-island resort is accessible only by boat. No bridges or causeways link us to the mainland. A 12 minute car ferry service is available. The island has 200 private homes, plus 15 more private homes located within the Palm Island Resort.
Boca Grande, is located on the Barrier Island called Gasparilla, and is located on the Southwest coast of Florida, midway between Ft. Myers and Sarasota, Boca Grande is a retreat for tourists and fishermen. Boca Grande is a quiet community, which seeks to protect its unique atmosphere and quality of life.
Boca Grande has a wealth of unusual shops; offering unique treasures from around the world. Galleries present the works of local artists who have captured the spirit of Boca Grande in a multitude of media. Boca Grande restaurants each have their own unique style, featuring dishes made from the freshest local seafood as well as international specialties. The local Chamber of Commerce is an excellent resource for locating businesses on the island, as well as providing an excellent synopsis of General History of the island and the history of the Lighthouse.
This tranquil seven mile long island boasts no high rises and no traffic lights, a 104 year old lighthouse, and a street with 80 year old Banyan trees. The island is bordered by Charlotte Harbor and Gasparilla Sound on the east, boaters can explore 750,000 acres of estuary - freshwater and saltwater.
To get acquantied with the area we have provided access to a variety of maps:
Dolphins, white pelicans, osprey, iguanas and manatees are only some of the unusual species you will encounter. The sugar white sand beaches offer shelling, swimming, and relaxing.
The Fishing industry and culture is a vital part of Gasparilla Island's history. Anglers have discovered the rich sport fishing potential of local waters, leading to a sport fishing industry, which makes Boca Grande ideal for anglers from all over the world.
|
