FAQ ABOUT VACATIONING ON LGI
1) LGI is a bridge-less, barrier island in southwest Florida, in Charlotte County – there are no public roads, no restaurants, no spas, no grocery stores, etc. There is simply the water, the land and the homes. No bridge literally means that you cannot drive to our home – it is accessible only by boat and amazingly private. “It is just north of Gasparilla Island, separated by Gasparilla Pass. It lies west of the town of Placida, separated by Placida Harbor. It is connected with Don Pedro Island to the north by a thin strip of beach and mangrove swamp. It borders the Gulf of Mexico to the west.”
2) The only access to the island is by boat, either your own, or water taxi. The taxi runs from Eldred’s Marina from approximately 8-5 daily, however, early and later runs may be available for an additional fee. You must call well in advance of your visit to reserve. Pirates’ Water Taxi – 941-697-5777. CASH ONLY. Call directly for current pricing (keep in mind that 20% tipping is typical) as we are not affiliated. They do not operate during thunderstorms.
3) Parking is available at Eldred’s Marina, additional cost for vehicle with trailer – 6301 Boca Grande Causeway, Placida, FL 33946. We are not affiliated. Cash or Card.
4) All food must be brought with you as there are no stores. Publix is shortly before the marinas and you will need to bring your groceries over by boat. There is also a new “Island Grocery Delivery” service which will deliver straight to our dock and you may have it delivered after your arrival. This is usually needed to be set up 2 weeks in advance, if they are available. Island Grocery Delivery by Evan Merritt: 941-830-1346. Please contact him directly as we are not affiliated.
5) There is no need to bring lots of drinking water with you, our water is supplied by the county and we have an additional filtered water dispenser inside the refrigerator. It is always wise to bring some, in the event that the water is on a boil notice (happens from time to time if there is a main break). For boating and fishing or going to the beach it will be easier to bring bottles of water but for simply being at the home, we’ve got you covered.
6) There are first responders on the island with 911 emergency service. They arrive by golf cart, boat or helicopter, depending on the severity of injury. Please know your own limitations of whether a remote island is the best place for you to vacation.
7) You are responsible for your garbage removal. There is a per small bag fee and per large bag fee at Eldred’s dumpster. Failure to do so will result in a $100 per bag trash removal fee. When people forget to remove trash it can bring bugs, rodents and massive damage and issues to floors (they leak) and home. We provide all trash bags.
8) Preserve Island Chapel is located on the island, accessible by walking or golf cart. The only commercial business on LGI is a legacied-in golf cart rental shop, “LGI Carts” (941) 697-3820 On Facebook at LittleGasparillaIslandcarts. We bear no responsibility for cart rentals. Our location is ideal. As former renters, and in our opinion, it’s an unnecessary expense, due to our incredible location. From what we understand, you have to book those as much as 6 months in advance.
9) Power outages can be more frequent and longer lasting than on the mainland. Florida Power and Light is working consistently to make this less of an issue and they just replaced our transformer for the first time in 50 years! Has made a great impact. We also have entirely renovated our electric after the hurricane and it is up to date.
10) Pest control service is part of our regular maintenance (bugs, termites, scorpions, rodents etc) and Charlotte County regularly sprays for mosquitoes, however, there will always be mosquitos and “noseeums” at the island. You will want to bring repellant for when you are outdoors particularly during the summer months. We also have a bat house on the property to help, as bats consume a large amount of mosquitos daily.