These bridgeless barrier islands are flanked on the north by Manasota Key, and on the south by Boca Grande, and lie just offshore to the west of Rotunda, Cape Haze, and Placida, basking in the placid and sparkling waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

 

These islands are comprised of – from north to south -  Thornton Key, Knight Island, and Don Pedro Island, and at the southern extreme, Little Gasparilla Island.  Little Gasparilla Island is separated from its sisters by the Don Pedro Island State Park.  The three islands to the north not only share common ground but common needs and a common history as well.  And while each island retains its own individual character and charm, they have a solidarity and sense of community that makes them unique.  The northern group is referred to collectively as Palm Island or simply The Island.

 

In the early times, personally owned boats were the sole method of passage.  In the 1990’s, Palm Island Transit began a regular ferry service, capable of transporting golf carts, cars and larger delivery and construction vehicles.

 

The very elements that are perceived as “inconvenient” by some are a great attraction to the individuals who have chosen to make this place their home.  Islanders often speak of “crossing the water” and “being on island time.”  Making the short three minute trip from the mainland, time appears to slow down – the cares and worries of the outside world seem to drift away, and one’s eyes and mind are opened to the natural beauty that abounds.  It is everywhere, and almost endless.” 

(Source: Excerpts and some paraphrasing from the text of the draft Island Community Plan)

 

                                                                                                     

 

                                             

 

 

Some Facts about The Island

 

• There are a total of 1,067 properties (825 owners), comprised of the following:

 

            240      Single family residences

            250      Condominiums / multi-family units

            577      Vacant unimproved lots

 

• The majority of island residents are part-timers, maintaining their primary residences in other parts of the country or in other countries.

 

• The majority of Palm Island’s properties on located on waterfront – on the Gulf, on the Intracoastal Waterway, on 3 island harbors (Yacht Basin, Bocilla, and Kettle), or on canals.  All waters are boatable.  Only Bocilla Harbor has bridges (2) to the Intracoastal Waterway.

 

• The primary mode of transportation on the island is golf carts.

 

• No postal delivery or package delivery (UPS, FedEx, etc) is available on island.  Post office boxes are provided free of charge for island residents.

 

• Community water services are provided by Bocilla Utilities and Knight Island Utilities (Palm Island Resort). 

There is no sewer at this time outside of Palm Island Resort.

 

• Beach Access.  Every 500 feet, there is a private beach access allowing owners whose properties are not on the Gulf full access to the beaches.  Additionally, there are several public beach access points.

 

• Palm Island Transit ferry :

                                     

            Hours of operation:    6:30 a.m. to 10:00 pm (Sunday thru Thursday)

                                                6:30 a.m. to 11:00 pm (Friday)

                                                6:30 a.m. to 12:00 pm  (Saturday)

                           

 

 

 

 

• Schools are all on mainland: 

Vineland Elementary

L. A. Ainger Middle School

Lemon Bay High School

                                                             

• Zoning:  Majority of platted lots are zoned RSF3.5 (Residential Single-Family – 3.5 dwelling units per acre).  The balance of island properties are zoned either RMF-T (Residential Multi-Family Tourist), primarily along beachfront or RMF5 (Residential Multi-Family – 5 units per acre).  Properties within the Palm Island Resort are zoned as a Planned Development district with vested rights.  There is no zoning for high rises or commercialism. 

 

However, the adoption of the Bridgeless Barrier Island Overlay into Charlotte County’s Comprehensive Plan in 1991 restricted residential densities moving forward on bridgeless barrier islands to one unit per un-platted acre or one unit per platted lot, except where vested rights are determined to exist.  It is presently the position of Charlotte County that in the presence of conflicting regulations, the most restrictive applies.  Therefore, zoning must yield to the densities set forth in the Bridgeless Barrier Island Overlay.

 

• The only commercial property on island is the restaurant and gift shop at Palm Island Resort.

 

• The Waterfront Ordinance (Section 3-9-98 of the Charlotte County Code) limits building heights to 35 ft (measured from base flood elevation) and establishes setbacks and development standards for buildings within 1200 ft of shoreline.  All properties on the Island are subject to this ordinance.

 

• FEMA Flood Zones:  All of Don Pedro Island, the majority of Knight Island (with exception of Hidden Cove Estates), and the western shore of Thornton Key lie in FEMA zone VE.  The rest of the island is in zone AE.  All Gulf waterfront lots lie seaward of the Coastal Construction Line, as do portions of the lots across the street from the Gulf lots.  Flood insurance is mandatory if you finance your purchase of a home or condo on the island.

 

• Short term vacation rentals.  Palm Island Resort and Colony Don Pedro are registered with the Department of Professional Regulation as hotel operations.  Additionally, there are a fairly large number (unknown) of private homes rented out as short term vacation rentals.  The majority of these properties are managed by Islander Properties, Palm Island Properties, and Tarpon Realty.

 

 

 

• There are a total of 1,067 properties (825 owners), comprised of the following: 

• The majority of island residents are part-timers, maintaining their primary residences in other parts of the country or in other countries.

• The majority of Palm Island’s properties on located on waterfront – on the Gulf, on the Intracoastal Waterway, on 3 island harbors (Yacht Basin, Bocilla, and Kettle), or on canals. All waters are boatable. Only Bocilla Harbor has bridges (2) to the Intracoastal Waterway.

• The primary mode of transportation on the island is golf carts.

• No postal delivery or package delivery (UPS, FedEx, etc) is available on island. Post office boxes are provided free of charge for island residents.

• Community water services are provided by Bocilla Utilities and Knight Island Utilities (Palm Island Resort).  There is no sewer at this time outside of Palm Island Resort.

• Beach Access. Every 500 feet, there is a private beach access allowing owners whose properties are not on the Gulf full access to the beaches. Additionally, there are several public beach access points.

• Palm Island Transit ferry :                                  

• Schools are all on mainland: 

• Zoning: Majority of platted lots are zoned RSF3.5 (Residential Single-Family – 3.5 dwelling units per acre). The balance of island properties are zoned either RMF-T (Residential Multi-Family Tourist), primarily along beachfront or RMF5 (Residential Multi-Family – 5 units per acre). Properties within the Palm Island Resort are zoned as a Planned Development district with vested rights. There is no zoning for high rises or commercialism.

• The only commercial property on island is the restaurant and gift shop at Palm Island Resort.

• The Waterfront Ordinance (Section 3-9-98 of the Charlotte County Code) limits building heights to 35 ft (measured from base flood elevation) and establishes setbacks and development standards for buildings within 1200 ft of shoreline. All properties on the Island are subject to this ordinance.

• FEMA Flood Zones: All of Don Pedro Island, the majority of Knight Island (with exception of Hidden Cove Estates), and the western shore of Thornton Key lie in FEMA zone VE. The rest of the island is in zone AE. All Gulf waterfront lots lie seaward of the Coastal Construction Line, as do portions of the lots across the street from the Gulf lots. Flood insurance is mandatory if you finance your purchase of a home or condo on the island.

• Short term vacation rentals. Palm Island Resort and Colony Don Pedro are registered with the Department of Professional Regulation as hotel operations. Additionally, there are a fairly large number (unknown) of private homes rented out as short term vacation rentals. The majority of these properties are managed by Islander Properties, Palm Island Vacation Rentals, and Tarpon Realty.