West Coast Florida’s Best Kept Secret: Little Gasparilla Island

Many islanders are concerned about the BP oil spill and its path in the Gulf. Here is a link to the DEP website where you can track the spill and sign up for updates (scroll down about half way on the right hand side and enter your email address). http://www.dep.state.fl.us/deepwaterhorizon/default.htm

LGIFR Chief Chad Bradt has asked the Telegraph to communicate the following information about whom to call for fire or medical incidents: For emergencies, call 911. Charlotte County Dispatch will contact the on-duty LGI firefighter. For non-emergencies (assistance, questions, comments, etc.), call 941-270-7607. This is a cell phone that will be carried at all times by the LGI firefighter on duty.

Located just north of Boca Grande on the South West Coast of Florida, Little Gasparilla Island is a hidden Gem. The Island is about 7 miles long but less than a mile wide. The north end of the island hosts a State Park while the secluded south end is dotted with single family stilt homes and townhomes at the Hideaway Bay Beach Club. There are no cars on Little Gasparilla Island, you’ll need to arrive by boat.

Once on the island, the most popular mode of transport is by golf cart or simply a quiet stroll.

The fishing is great both inshore and offshore. Snook, redfish and tarpon are in abundance here. It is a fisherman’s paradise.

Shelling is legendary on the pristine white powder sand beach. You’ll find many different species of shells along with the sand dollar and star fish. When you get tired of shell collecting, just take a dip in the quiet waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

The old Florida beauty of the island is evident all around you and makes this a perfect place to just sit back and relax.

Local wildlife include the ospreys making nests on the powerlines, gopher tortoises walking along with you down the sand paths, egrets and herons catching their dinner out of the water, and don’t forget the dolphin and manatees.

The tropical landscape is beautiful with seagrapes, seaoats and all types of palm trees. Florida wildflowers are in abundance for color, and a stray cactus even pops up here and there. Everything seems to slowly sway with the gulf breeze.

Saving the best for last would be the absolute mesmerizing sunsets. If you haven’t seen a West Coast Florida Sunset before, you are missing out. Little Gasparilla Island is home to some of the most beautiful sunsets in the world.

 The Little Gasparilla Island Ladies' Group was formed in 2004. The organization was founded to benefit children of need in the Englewood Placida area.

All monies collected through the membership, donations and fundraising go directly to the children attending Vineland Elementary School in Englewood. As of April 2008 we have donated over $6,000 to the school. We have provided items such as clothing, counseling, library books, and special project money. The Little Gasparilla Island Ladies' Group welcomes all women who have enjoyed Little Gasparilla Island to become members.


Update as of January 29, 2010:

I now have an update and an invitation for you to enjoy some fun with other LGI Ladies.  I have participated for several years and have thoroughly enjoyed the gatherings.  There is no work to be done, we are helping Vineland Elementary School, and fine food and fine ladies from all over the country to enjoy.

Event Schedule:
Luncheon, February 16, 2010 at 11:45 AM
Boca Royale Golf & Country Club, 1601 Englewood Road, Englewood.
Luncheon, March 18, Time to be determined.  Ferry Service available
Hideaway Bay Beach Club on LGI

Contact:  Mazie Ostervold to make reservations.  Email: mostervold@aol.com or Phone: 941-828-0096.

Kay Susnar, a past LGI resident and jewelry designer will be on LGI the month of February.  She is bringing her jewelry and we hope to have it displayed at the February luncheon or have a special event for you to preview and purchase her creations.  If you would have something to display let us know and we can have it included.  Many of you have asked about Kay and her jewelry.  She's back and is bringing lots of new items as well as you past favorites.

Look forward to seeing you.   Put us on your calendar and make your reservations today.