Boca Grande

Boca Grande, Florida: Known for its quaint village, sandy beaches and world class fishing, Boca Grande an island oasis on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Located on Gasparilla Island in Charlotte and Lee counties, it is short drive from the larger cities but years away from the hustle and bustle of urban life.

As with much of Florida, the island was originally inhabited by Native Americans. The Charlotte Harbour region was controlled by the Calusa tribes and Gasparilla Island was no different. The Calusa were drawn to the area by the rich fishing of the area.

The area’s first settlers arrived in the area in the late 1800’s and they too settled to the island for its fishing. They established fishing villages on the island as they caught the fish and then packaged them for shipment.

In 1885 the economy of the island increased with the discovery of phosphate along the nearby Peace River. As the mining began, there was a great need for a port to ship the phosphate. So the island stepped up and build a deep water port at the south end of the island. The result was the incorporation of the town of Boca Grande.

By 1905 the Army Corps of Engineers began construction of a railway to run to the Boca Grande Port to aid in the transport of the goods. The Charlotte Harbor and Northern Railroad was completed in 1907 and in a little over sixty years the Port of Boca Grande was the fourth busiest port in the state of Florida. Shortly afterwards, the bulk of the phosphate mining moved to the Tampa Bay area and the railway and later the port were decommissioned.

But lucky for the island, tourism flourished during the years and the island did not disappear once the phosphate industry left. The Gasparilla Inn was a major lodging provider on the island. Many famous people have stayed at the inn, including President George W Bush and the entire Bush family are repeat visitors to the inn. After the railway was closed, the Dupont family help to convert the rails to bike trails and an effort was made to transform the old train station and buildings into shops and restaurants in the quaint downtown district.

One of the most popular features of the island is its beach and water life. The beaches are some of the best in the state. Its location and currents make it a prime location for shelling. Many different species of shells can be found on the beaches and in the surf of the beaches. Another popular activity occurs just off the beach, fishing. Boca Grande features some of the best sport fishing in the state. From the annual tarpon tournaments to shark fishing, it can all be found within view from the beach. In 2006, a fisherman set the record for largest caught shark when he reeled in a 1,280 pound hammerhead. This is just one of the many large fish that lurk the waters offshore of Boca Grande.

But even as the times change and the world becomes more hectic, Boca Grande still maintains its laid back way of life. Golf carts are still the main mode of transportation and the island still maintains its maritime heritage. As the world develops around it, Boca Grande still manages to stay the quiet little fishing village.

For photos from the island, visit my Boca Grande photo gallery.