Don Pedro Island

Don Pedro Island is a barrier island in southwest Florida, in Charlotte County. It is just north of Little Gasparilla Island, separated by a thin strip of beach and mangrove swamp. It lies west of the census-designated place of Rotonda West, separated by a narrow channel. Don Pedro Island is part of the archipelago of islands which include Little Gasparilla Island, Knight Island and Thornton Key. These islands were originally separated by narrow inlets that ran from the gulf to the intracoastal channel, which separates them from the mainland. As a result of beach replenishment projects, these inlets have been closed off with the formation of a continuous beach that now connects them. This archipelago which now resembles one island is separated from Stump Pass Beach State Recreation Area by Stump Pass to the north. It borders the Gulf of Mexico to the west.

There is no bridge to the island, only by boat or car ferry. There are many private residences on the island.much of the Island is taken up by the Palm Island Resort. There is only one restaurant on Don Pedro, located on the north end of the Island. The name of the restaurant is "Rum Bay". The only small general store on the island is located on the first floor directly below the Rum Bay restaurant.

While there is a steady increase in private development, the island continues to have an abundance of wildlife and natural beauty. There are a number of indigenous gopher turtles, snakes and rabbits. There is also quite a variety of birds including osprey, pelicans, great blue herons, frigate birds, woodpeckers and owls (to name a few).

The beaches are well known for their abundance of sharks teeth and shells.

Don Pedro Island State Park is located on the north side of the island.

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