Welcome to the “Best Place to Live” in Southwest Florida!
Conveniently located between Tampa/Sarasota to the North and Fort Myers/Naples to the South, this region of Southwest Florida simply “has it all”. Rich in natural resources and steeped in history, this region is abundant in cultural and recreational opportunities, and offers endless choices for comfortable living in a both tropical or rural “real Florida” settings.
Charlotte and Desoto counties, woven together by the aptly named Peace River, offer pristine beaches, spectacular wildlife, world-class boating and fishing, and old-fashioned tranquility, making this one of the best-kept secrets for residents seeking escape from the fast pace of city life.
Charlotte County
Welcome to one of nature’s finest setting, the unique and unspoiled Charlotte County first discovered by the Spanish in the 1500’s..
Know to locals and visitors alike as Charlotte Harbor & the Gulf Islands, it is a tranquil getaway on Florida's Southwest Gulf Coast. As Florida’s premier eco-tourism destination, it is off the beaten path and away from the crowds. However it is also convenient via I-75 to the Tampa Bay area and its many attractions as well as the popular Naples/Fort Myers area.
Charlotte Harbor offers world-class boating, fishing, and sailing in one of SAIL Magazine’s “10 Greatest Places to Sail.” There are abundant nature explorations on both land and water, five National Wildlife Refuges and prime birding opportunities for spectacular photography excursions. Relax on sandy beaches and enjoy unique shopping and dining experiences and a thriving arts community. A place where the pace of life moves with the rhythm of the tides and hospitality is measured in warm, friendly greetings.
Charlotte Harbor & the Gulf Islands includes the areas of Boca Grande, Don Pedro Island, El Jobean, Englewood-Cape Haze, Little Gasparilla Island, Manasota Key, Palm Island, Placida, Port Charlotte and Punta Gorda.
Some Quick Facts:
- Established in 1921; population approximately 157,000
- 701 square miles; 448,640 acres
- Florida Marine Research Institute relays shoreline mileage for Charlotte County at 830 miles including river passages, mangrove-edged aquatic preserve and 28 miles of sandy beaches.
- Approximately 84% of the Charlotte Harbor is preserved land.
- Canoe/Kayak Blueway Trails - 53 trails for a total of 197.8 miles throughout Charlotte Harbor
- 365 miles of canals; 190 miles of saltwater and 175 miles of freshwater
- Charlotte Harbor, fed by the Peace and Myakka rivers, is the 17th largest estuary in the nation and the 2nd largest estuary in the state encompassing 270 square miles.
- The 105-mile long Peace River is one of the longest rivers in Florida; it finds its terminus in Charlotte Harbor. The Spanish are credited for naming the waterway in 1544 as Rio de la Paz, "river of peace."
- The Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park is the 4th largest state park, of which 30,000 acres are in Charlotte County. Enjoy the vast hiking opportunities including the Old Datsun Trail.
- Babcock/Webb Wildlife Management Area encompasses 79,013 acres or 124 square miles of the largest undisturbed pine flatwoods in SW Florida and the 7th largest management area in the state.
- Charlotte Sports Park will be the spring training home to the Tampa Bay Rays beginning in 2009.
- Ranked 3rd "Best in America" to live and golf by Golf Digest.
Copy Source: Charlotte Harbor and the Gulf Islands Visitor’s Bureau http://www.charlotteharbortravel.com/
Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce: http://www.charlottecountychamber.org/
Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce: http://www.puntagorda-chamber.com/
Charlotte County Government: http://www.co.charlotte.fl.us/
DeSoto County
Named for Spanish explorer Hernando DeSoto, beautiful DeSoto county is wrapped around the beautiful Peace River for miles and miles. Live oaks and magnolia trees line the banks while kayakers and fishermen enjoy their leisure activities on the flowing waters of this popular river. With large or small tracts of land available at great prices, it is the perfect place for your private residential retreat.
The city of Arcadia is the “Heart” of the county and a very visible pride in their history can be found virtually everywhere in the city. Just like it was over a hundred years ago, much of DeSoto County’s economy relies on agriculture, citrus groves, phosphate and cattle. However many new industries have found DeSoto County to be very business-friendly and have recently moved their operations to the county.
As you drive down Highway 17, you’ll see lots of horses and cattle and probably some wildlife as well. DeSoto County represents the charm of Florida’s heartland. This rural community is friendly, full of natural beauty and a very desirable place to live.
DeSoto County is easily accessible to Punta Gorda from US 17, Port Charlotte from CR 769, Fort Myers from SR 31 and Sarasota from SR 72. Cities include Arcadia (County Seat), Brownville, Cubitis, Fort Ogden, Hull, Lake Suzy, Lansing, Nocatee, Southfort, Pine Level and Platt.
Copy compliments of: Sharon Neuhofer, Realtor, GRI – Coldwell Banker Sunstar-SharonSellsFlorida.com
DeSoto Chamber of Commerce http://www.desotochamber.net/
DeSoto County Website http://www.co.desoto.fl.us/