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While vacationing in Nokomis, Florida, our relatives from Winter Haven, Jimmy and Ruthie Horton, took us on a special trip to one of their very favorite places, Boca Grande on Gasparilla Island, and they deserve much credit for this article.

In the early 70s, they lived in Port Charlotte in a rented house, with no furnished air conditioner, and eventually in Punta Gorda in a rented condo that did have air conditioning. Both of these cities have much to offer visitors too. From each of these places, they would venture off on a thirty-minute drive, depending on traffic, to Boca Grande, a more secluded area. The area is not so secluded today; however, it is not overly populated while comparing very much to Hope.

You must cross a bridge to get to Boca Grande and pay a fee. In the 70s, it was $1.50 or so; today, it is $6.00. Jimmy and Ruthie remember going straight to the beach and not seeing one person. That's definitely not true now. Unlike the 70s, there are several vacation rentals, small inns, condos, and luxury homes. The most iconic of all places to stay would be The Gasparilla Inn, a 100+-year-old resort on the National Register of Historic Places featuring many rooms and several cottages. If going to their website, you can find their rates and packages. Several packages include amenities including playing on their private golf course.

In addition, there are several thriving businesses, in particular in the downtown area, including a few restaurants offering all kinds of wonderful food. Banyan Street is lined with majestic banyan trees, native to India, which have withstood hurricane forces with the help of caring arborists. There are schools for younger children and several churches. A library with an inviting reading area overlooking the gardens is maintained by the Johann Fust Library Foundation. If in need of health services, a clinic is there, and several hospitals are located not far from the island.

We had a delicious lunch at South Beach Bar and Grille overlooking the Gulf. To the south, the Boca Grande (Big Mouth) Pass is well known for tarpon fishing. Large boats and luxury yachts are common. The turquoise water is quite spectacular. The Gasparilla Island State Park provides beachgoers many options. There are five parking areas, all which require a fee today unless having a State Park Pass like my relatives.

Within the park, there are two historic lighthouses, one built in1892, and the other in 1927. The older one has a museum displaying Boca Grande's long history. Both lighthouses, as well as other structures, were greatly damaged by hurricanes, but it would be difficult to determine that while driving through the island now.

We only visited for a short period but left with obviously a lasting and positive impression. Would we have the financial means to reside there? No. A small house or cottage rental price starts at $5,000/month. Larger homes would be considerably higher. The season is a pricing factor. In the 70s, Jimmy and Ruthie paid $150/month for a nice townhouse in Punta Gorda, and the owner then later offered it for $32,000. While showing us the same but updated townhouse, they regret not buying it at that bargain price considering the value today. They could have purchased a townhouse in Boca Grande in the 70s for $75,000. Today, such accommodations would be many times higher. 

Jimmy and Ruthie will just continue to make regular day trips from Winter Haven, a two-and-a-half-hour drive, to what they, as well as others, consider a paradise for several reasons, one being that it offers a quiet, upscale atmosphere. As Jimmy stated, “Even though Boca Grande has changed dramatically over a period of fifty years, our memories of yesterday remain while adding new memories. All are worth holding on to forever.”

Would we return for a visit to Boca Grande again for a day? Yes, for sure! Like Jimmy and Ruthie, the experience stays with you. After paying the bridge fee, just the sight of the breathtaking turquoise water makes the fee well worth it. And, there is the possibility of seeing some notable residents and visitors some place on the island. 

If wishing to visit and flying, I would encourage using the Punta Gorda Airport which is small and very efficient.