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Palm
Island and the Palm Island Resort: Florida's Last True Out Island
and Resort
by Norm
Goldman
Artwork by Lily
Azerad-Goldman
Florida's Nirvana
Is this heaven or
what! The allure of vacationing on an authentic barrier island
with palm trees swaying gently in the soft breeze off the Gulf
of Mexico, osprey, bald eagles, sandpipers, blue herons, tree
frogs, anoles, and leatherback turtles are free to roam without
fear of being run over by an automobile.
Who would not crave for days distancing you from cars, crowds
and the other stresses of civilization? Where romantic memories
will linger forever recalling the many hours of painting, photography,
hiking along two miles of a private unspoiled and shell -laden
beach, fishing, tennis, swimming, biking, canoeing, star gazing
and watching spectacular sunrises and sunsets, or just lounging
lazily in a comfy lawn chair and reading a favorite novel.
A place so exotically remote, that in order to reach it, you will
have to take a 5-6 minute car ferry ride, and once you arrive
at your destination, you are obliged to leave your car in the
resort’s parking area. In fact, once you park, the only means
of transportation within the island will be your feet, bikes or
golf carts.
Now you are probably muttering-give me a break, this sounds too
good to be true! My wife Lily and I were pleasantly surprised
when we discovered probably Florida’s last true out island
resort-Palm Island and the Palm
Island Resort, located along the Intra-coastal Waterway on
Florida’s Southwest Gulf Coast, west of Charlotte Harbor,
and forty- five miles south of Sarasota.
 The
island was not always known as Palm Island, and in fact it used
to be called Knight Island. A name still mentioned on nautical
maps. In 1979 brothers Gar and Dean Beckstead purchased the land
where the Palm Island Resort is now located and renamed it Palm
Island.
Built in stages, today the resort comprises 160 privately owned
luxurious vacation villas with one-two-or three bedrooms, as well
as 21 one individual homes. Featured in each spacious villa are
fully equipped kitchens, living and dining rooms, laundry facilities,
and a screened porch overlooking the Gulf of Mexico.There are
five good -sized swimming pools with hydra spas.
Appreciation of Nature
Reflecting old Florida style, the villas’ architecture is
a kind of spiritual approach to design. The resort and island
living are harmoniously blended with the awesome natural surroundings.
It is little wonder that the resort deserves the kudos it has
received from the most discriminating environmental groups, including
the Florida Audubon Society, for the attention it has paid to
the importance of environmental preservation. There is a feeling
that you are in fact guests of the flora and fauna and not the
other way around.
Between May 1st and Oct 31st strict regulations are in force concerning
the turtle hatching such as not permitting flashlights on the
beach at night. There is even a gazebo exhibition at the Clubhouse
on the north end of the resort displaying photos, samples and
exhibits of the island’s native plants, animals and ecosystems.
The resort also offers weekly nature programs featuring presentations
such as a sea turtle program, manatee awareness, and several more
ecological subjects. It is this appreciation for nature that was
the most powerful balm for our mind, body and spirit and in turn
contributing to a glorious romantic getaway.
Wedding Destination
When we inquired if the resort is used as a backdrop for weddings,
the reply was a resounding yes! After checking out the possibilities
Lily and I were very impressed with the many possibilities, and
the resort is extremely flexible pertaining to arrangements and
menus.
For smaller affairs, you can rent a six-room villa with the Gulf
of Mexico as your backyard. However, if your party is less than
150 persons, you can set up a beach tent with parquet floors.
If you prefer an indoor celebration, the clubhouse is available
for a more intimate affair. Ceremonies have also taken place on
a private dock overlooking the intra-coastal waterway. Just think
for a moment-how awesome it must be to exchange vows on your own
private island with a simmering beach rimmed by pristine waters
of the Gulf of Mexico.
continued
on page 2 -- a pirate in residence, dining, contact information
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