October Newsletter 2015 Find your island in Cayo Costa State Park Escape from busy modern life to the gentle island beauty of Cayo Costa State Park, a nearly 2,400­ acre nature preserve fronted by nine spectacular miles of beaches rich in shelling, fishing, and walking and biking trails. 12 miles west of Cape Coral, Cayo Costa Island is part of Florida’s largest undeveloped barrier island chain. With no road access, Cayo Costa's greatest gift is its seclusion. Once inhabited by the Native American Calusa Indians, two archaeological sites remain visible vestiges of this pre­Columbian culture. Both standing almost 15 feet tall, Old Ware Mound and Faulkner Mound are a contrast to the rest of the island’s low skyline covered in undeveloped beaches and acres of Florida pines, oak­palm hammocks and mangrove forests. Today, this barrier island park flourishes as a Gulf Coast paradise. Visitors can relax under the Southwest Florida sun on fine white sand amongst spectacular shelling and warm, gentle Gulf water. A shaded picnic can lead to offshore sightings of West Indian manatees and pods of Bottlenose dolphins, as well as an impressive variety of native birds. The nature trails that crisscross the island invite hiking and off­road cycling. Saltwater anglers can drop lines from their boats, or cast out from the shore. Primitive cabins and tent camping sites are on reserve for overnight stays. Accessible only by boat, Cayo Costa Island exists within the gentle wilderness that is undeveloped Southwest Florida. To find your way there, try a charter cruise with Captiva Cruises. For more information visit www.floridastateparks.org/cayocosta, or call 941­964­0375. Gasparilla Island State Park Recreation Area The legend of Gasparilla Island says that Jose Gaspar, an infamous pirate, settled the island during the 1700s to use as a hiding place. With small crowds and white sandy beaches, the island is still a hidden gem today. The wooden lighthouse, built in 1890 by the Phoenix Iron Company, has been restored for visitors. Swim, snorkel and fish in the gentle Gulf waters. Access the island via the Boca Grande Causeway at County Road 775 and Placida. Visit floridastateparks.org/gasparillaisland, or call 941­ 964­0375. Lovers Key State Park Originally, Lovers Key was only accessible by boat. Named for its remote and solitary beaches, it was perfect for lovers. Today, the island still exudes a romantic ambience featuring a couples’ resort and wedding venues. Rent bikes, canoes and kayaks to explore the secluded landscape and view the wildlife. Relax on the white­sand beaches and find spectacular shells. Located on County Road 865 between Fort Myers Beach and Bonita Beach. Visit floridastateparks.org/loverskey, or call 239­463­ 4588. Celebrating Access For All in Florida State Parks VISITOR TESTIMONIAL: ALL­TERRAIN POWER WHEELCHAIR WORKS LIKE A DREAM Dear David (Park Manager), I want to thank you for making the all­terrain power wheelchair available so I could use it on the Chacala trail. You can't know how much good it did for me to be out there independently. The chair performed like a dream. I've attached a few pictures to show you examples of the terrain it handled very well, including a picture of a bobcat paw print that I would not have been able to detect had it not been for the muddy conditions! The big root stretching across the trail was a breeze to go over using a slow approach and gently bumping over it. Thanks again to you and District 2 ­ So very much appreciated! To see other Access For All happenings around the state check out our website here, and donate to the Access For All Campaign so we can help fund accessibility projects and equipment that will make it so everyone can have a Florida State Park experience. Copyright © 2015 {Organization_Name}. All rights reserved. Contact email: {Organization_Contact_Email} Prepared by My Paper Pusher, LLC. Nonprofit Association Management & Bookkeeping Experts. Unsubscribe.