Gasparilla Island Real Estate

Gasparilla Island is one of many that make up a chain of barrier islands located on Florida's gulf coast. Pine Island Sound and Charlotte Harbor separate the island from the Florida mainland.

This area was first settled by the Calusas, who were likely drawn to the region because of the abundance of fish, shellfish and turtles. The waters off Gasparilla Island are home to some of the richest stock in all of Florida.

The largest town on Gasparilla Island is Boca Grande. In the past, the Island was a popular destination for well-to-do vacationers from Fort Myers or Tampa.

Gasparilla Island Real Estate Has a Colorful History

When you were a child, were you fascinated by stories of pirates? According to local legend, the island was named for buccaneer Jose Gaspar, who lived between 1756-1821. Gaspar and his men came to the island for the first time in the 1700s. Rumor has it that the pirates used the island as a hideout in between their unsavory expeditions and that they buried their ill-gotten gains there for safekeeping.

The lighthouse at the southern end of the island also has an interesting history. The U.S. Lighthouse Service built the wooden structure in 1890. Its purpose was to help guide ships traveling toward Charlotte Harbor. It was in active service until 1966, when the United States Coast Guard closed it down.

The lighthouse was donated to Lee County in 1972. In 1980, this structure was added to the National Register of Historic Places. The structure has been fully restored and is now owned by the Department of Environmental Protection. The light was lit again in November of 1986. Now visitors to the Park can include a self-guided tour of the lighthouse in their plans for the day.

Gasparilla Island Real Estate Offers Outdoor Activities

The state park on Gasparilla Island has two picnic areas, complete with covered tables, for visitors to use. Enjoy a relaxing meal while surveying the local scenery.

You may be fortunate enough when visiting the Gasparilla Island State Park to see some of the many species of animals and birds that populate the area. Park visitors have been lucky enough to spot West Indian Manatees, gopher tortoises, royal terns, bald eagles, sandwich terns, least terns, and the American oystercatcher.

If you enjoy swimming, then you are in luck. The warm waters off Gasparilla Island mean that you can go year-round. Shells wash up on the beach, which means that shelling is also a popular activity. The winter months are considered the best ones for this activity, but visitors to the area should be aware that it is illegal to collect live shells.

Gasparilla Island is also home to a golf course. The Gasparilla Inn Golf Course is a public, 18-hole course. Built in 1929, it is just another example of the many outdoor activities available on Gasparilla Island.

With its rich history and many kinds of recreational activities available, Gasparilla Island is a great place to spend the day or your life.