41, reportedly braved the blustery chill to play the renowned Gasparilla Inn & Club golf course Christmas weekend with 64-year-old President George W . Carol Stewart has the listing for Michael Saunders & Co. First developed in 1932, according to the Lee County Property Appraiser, the property is a compound of three buildings, including a pool house and a garage, with a total of 5,050 square feet of air-conditioned space. Rodale, publisher of health-related books and magazines (Prevention) and originator of the term organic to describe foods grown without pesticides. A bank that loaned more than $10 million to DaSilva, whom records also list with the last name DeSilva, filed to foreclose in 2010, records show. The updated main house, with cypress board-and-batten siding, new cedar shake roof shingles, and copper gutters and downspouts, is a study in beachfront living at ground level. The Bush family is well-knownfor its history of public service. There is a document that gives step-by-step instructions as to how the process should work. The estate, an owners' history shows, hosted presidents (Lyndon Johnson, Bill Clinton), musicians (Frank Sinatra, Mariah Carey), sports stars (Babe Ruth, Arnold Palmer) and TV legends (Ed McMahon, Walter Cronkite). The swing bridge spans two 80-foot-wide (24m) channels on the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway at Placida Harbor. ABV Cannabis Co. is a cannabis company based in Colorado. Boca Grandes Englewood State Bank is handling the funds business. The fabled winter estate of Anheuser-Busch's wealthy pioneer is now being offered for sale at $6.9 million. In 1929 the Boca Grande Hotel was built just south of the Boca Grande city center. Hayes has taken Bush and his family on many fishing outings during their visits to Boca Grande, a small Lee County community located on Gasparilla Island. A tradition with our island youth since 1992, the Boca Bunch program allows sixth through ninth graders the opportunity to experience exciting new adventures throughout the state of Florida. A seven-bedroom, seven-bathroom, 8,100-square foot single-family home for $19,990,000. Some of these celebrities are: President Bush, The Busch Family, The DuPont Family and The Rockefeller Family. Jeb Bush unsuccessfully ran for president. It is part of the Cape Coral-Fort Myers, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area. Disclaimer: School attendance zone boundaries are supplied by Pitney Bowes and are subject to change. Nice Work! Margaret Bush, married to Marvin Bush, said in a 2010 interview with the Gasparilla Gazette that she first came to the island 19 years ago on advice of the president and his wife, Barbara Bush. DaSilva, who had worked at the estate as a boy, had grand plans to primp and promote it as a getaway for business clientele, as he argued Busch had done decades before. 9am - 5pm. The highest price of the listings? The absence of the U.S. Coast Guard means the Bush family is likely taking a pass on any deep-sea fishing during the trip, which is expected to conclude this weekend. It was a three-story, brick resort hotel where most of the island weathered the hurricane of 1944. This browser is no longer supported. The Cruzes added the garage. Ron DeSantis Tampa Bay hometown has evolved. They treated us great.". At the south end of the island lies Boca Grande (Big Mouth) Pass. But with its expansive boat house and marina for luxury yachts, the beach complex also became a party hub for a bevy of the rich and famous. We are continuously working to improve the accessibility of our web experience for everyone, and we welcome feedback and accommodation requests. At the center of the island lies the nucleus of this little community, The Historic Village of Boca Grande. The solarium entry with a circular staircase comes complete with an open floor living/dining area, wood cathedral ceilings, fireplace and a screened lanai with expansive lake views. 2022-23 Friends of Boca Grande Community Center, Inc. The listing brokers offer of compensation is made only to participants of the MLS where the listing is filed. "We, really to be honest with you, didn't talk about politics or stuff like that.". Murray said someone from the White House had to take him and the other journalists outside to get them on the plane. Multi-family Condos/Co-ops . 16110 Sunset Pines Cir, Boca Grande, FL 33921. Hayes said when he heard the news Saturday about Bush's death, he was heartbroken. In 2012, Boca Grande reported a population of 1,705 citizens. Next photo. [3], Banyan Street (The new tree front-right is due to damage from Hurricane Charley), Former Charlotte Harbor and Northern Railway Depot; now a restaurant/shopping/office complex, Coordinates: .mw-parser-output .geo-default,.mw-parser-output .geo-dms,.mw-parser-output .geo-dec{display:inline}.mw-parser-output .geo-nondefault,.mw-parser-output .geo-multi-punct{display:none}.mw-parser-output .longitude,.mw-parser-output .latitude{white-space:nowrap}264456N 821543W / 26.74889N 82.26194W / 26.74889; -82.26194. It is one of only six properties that extend from Gilchrist westward to the beach in downtown Boca Grande. Boca Grande is a small residential community on Gasparilla Island in southwest Florida. I call them my LLs (Lifesavers and Luxury)! Murray said. Boca Grande real estate apparently makes a nice setting whether it be real life or fiction on the silver screen. We have had other building projects, and this has been the best experience! In 2000, DaSilva sued St. Pete Beach, which four bitter years later opted to settle, paying DaSilva $100,000 and approving his plans. "I thought it was neat," he said. The railroad terminus with its 1,000-foot-long (300m) pier would be built nearby. We are so thankful to BCB Homes for building such a high quality, safe and sturdy home that withstood the hurricane with no damage. This gorgeous NEWLY-RENOVATED and move-in-ready 4-bedroom. In 1907, The Charlotte Harbor and Northern Railway were completed and for the next several decades, it flourished until the 1970s. Boca Grande provided the backdrop for Denzel Washingtons movie, Out of Time, where the quiet village was renamed Banyan Key in reference to the banyan trees that populate the island. Former President George H.W. As others have heard about the fund, it has grown substantially, with donations often in the amount of $25,000 and more. They treated us great.". Bush, president No. The pass was used as a busy shipping point for many years, as the waters in the pass are naturally deep. BOCA GRANDE The family behind Anheuser-Busch Cos. Inc. now owns a home on Boca Grande. The new generation of art glass would be of a much higher quality, even shown in museums. Top Tampa Bay area events for the week of April 24-30, 7 Tampa Bay attractions where kids under age 3 get in free, Tampa Bays zoos, aquariums and childrens museums: Whats coming this summer, At Busch Gardens Tampa this summer, check out new swing ride and festivals, Florida theme parks 2023: Whats new at attractions this summer, 2-year-old daughter of Bucs linebacker Shaquil Barrett drowns in family pool, Defamation bill dead for this Florida legislative session, sponsor says, Florida's Indian casinos make big nongambling revenue gains. Murray said. In 1961, a Busch representative sought the city's approval to extend the dock farther into Little McPherson Bayou for an 80-foot yacht. His wife, Barbara, 92, died in April. "He was a great guy, so it was heartbreaking. The most famous Houghton family member was legendary actress Katharine Hepburn (1907-2003). [citation needed], Boca Grande provided the backdrop for Denzel Washington's movie, Out of Time, where the quiet village was renamed "Banyan Key" in reference to the banyan trees that populate the island. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. BCBHomes made the experience of building our home exactly what it should be exciting and stress free. The article detailed an event that took place on March 12, 1885, when a New Yorker named W.H. Hannah said 100 percent of the money collected by the Disaster Fund will be distributed to those in need. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Harpooning tarpon is documented back to the late 1700s by British settlers. People want to see that we are still in business here, he said, and will not hesitate to come to the Island. I think he might of had some concern that it not be serious.". St. Louis-based Busch Real Estate LLC purchased a gulf-front family compound of buildings at 3561 Shore Lane, Boca Grande, from the Brian J. Kelly 1998 Revocable Trust for $9.4 million. Thank you for making this remodeling job so painless and for adding so much to my home! Phosphate-laden trains were off-loaded directly onto ocean-going freighters, and the ships took the valuable commodity to ports all over the world. There is some debate among historians on who caught the first tarpon on rod and reel in Florida. Letsgetstarted. In 1885, phosphate rock was discovered on the banks of the Peace River just above Punta Gorda. ", Bush family tree:A look at the modern political dynasty that produced two presidents. For more information on when excursions will resume, please contact our office at (941) 964-0827. 4-bathroom island home built in 2001, is only a short drive to the beach and Gasparilla Island Lighthouse. After landing at the Charlotte County Airport, the elder George H.W. The Bush family is well-known for its history of public service. Gasparilla Island is a part of both Charlotte and Lee counties, while the actual village of Boca Grande, which is home to many seasonal and some year-round residents, is entirely in the Lee County portion of the island. Copyright Cape Coral Breeze | https://www.capecoralbreeze.com | 2510 Del Prado Blvd., Cape Coral, FL 33904 | 239-574-1110, Bush family returns to Boca to renew longtime island ties. What celebrities live in Boca Grande FL? Does it still claim him? Scenes for the 2006 film based on Carl Hiaasens book Hoot were also filmed on the island that was again renamed Coconut Cove.. Politicians from Florida as well as from across the country took to social media to pay tribute to Bush as the nation mourned his death. After her husbands death, Nina Houghton continued to winter in Boca Grande and was active in the Friends of the Community Center, the Boca Grande Child Care Center and the Royal Palm Players, according to the Boca Beacon newspaper. Sara Blakely (Spanx founder and owner) and Jesse Itzler were married on Boca Grande in 2008, while the Bush family and Audrey Hepburn have called it home seasonally. In recent years, locals have spotted Tom Brokaw, Chris ODonnell, Tucker Carlson, Jason Garrett and Bill Cowher out and about. We are here to show them and tell them that Boca Grande IS coming back, and will be bigger and stronger than before.. In the 1920s, principal Marion Sims Wyeth competed with famed architect Addison Mizner for the commissions of the super-rich, and succeeded in getting Marjorie Merriweather Posts business. Its expansive marina and docks have hosted many luxury yachts of the rich and famous. In recent years, locals have spotted Tom Brokaw, Chris O'Donnell, Tucker Carlson, Jason Garrett, and Bill Cowher out and about. Super nice. The Boca Grande Hotel changed hands and was demolished in 1975. The elder Bush was the 41st president, serving from 1989-1993. Senator from Connecticut from 1952-1963. More:Former President George H.W. Many of Boca Grande's early fishing families are still represented in third-, fourth- and fifth-generation descendants who pursue many different vocations, including fishing. Son, Jeb Bush, wasFlorida's governor from 1999-2007. The house itself may not have the opulence one might expect from a $12.75 million price tag, but it certainly has the quiet dignity and privacy for which Gasparilla Island is known. Your email address will not be published. ", Subscribe to our free Business by the Bay newsletter. GULF TO BAY SOTHEBY'S INTERNAT. IDX information is provided exclusively for personal, non-commercial use, and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. His son, George W. Bush, was the 43rd president, serving from 2001-2009. It is an emotional thing for everyone, and we want them to know we are here to help! Hannah said. This article is about the community in Florida. Edward Cruz, CEO of E.E. "I got blown down the runway a little bit," he said. They were a politically powerful people, dominating Southwest Florida during their "golden age". He noted that this is especially important now, as Season is normally starting. He donated the land of his Wye Plantation for the Aspen Institute Wye River Conference Centers in Queenstown, Maryland. It is the only major outlet of Charlotte Harbor, which is fed by two major rivers, the Peace and the Myakka. A two-bedroom, two-bathroom, 1,247-square foot condo for $899,000. It was pretty sad.". This program is for island kids and those whose parents work in Boca Grande and is funded in part by The Dee Wheeler Children's Fund. Meet the NY billionaire building Tampa Bays tallest condo tower, This Clearwater Beach condo just sold for a record breaking $9.5 million. "They were great times, man," said Hayes, who has been a fishing guide for 20 years. Phosphate was a valuable mineral for fertilizers and many other products, and was in great demand worldwide. Probably as influential as the phosphate, the fishing at Boca Grande Pass is one of the things that sets this area apart. Wood landed a 93-pound tarpon at the mouth of the Caloosahatchee River. In the late 1890s, a then-modern railway system was completed that gave the area access to the outside world. Murraycovered the elder Bush's presidency as a reporter for the Washington Times. Several of the churches have established funds, as has the Womens Club. According to Sports Illustrated, Boca Grande regulars have included President George H.W. The fabled winter estate of Anheuser-Busch's silk-stocking pioneer, for decades a beachfront playground for the likes of Frank Sinatra and Marilyn Monroe, splashed onto the market Tuesday with a $6.9 million price tag after years of legal strife. The massive attraction to Boca Grande Pass is unknown and subject to many theories. Please switch to a supported browser or download one of our Mobile Apps. As for those stories, the architectural pedigree of the 1938 house is impressive. As of the beginning of this week, there were already 21 applications in hand. It is part of the Cape Coral-Fort Myers, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area. 41, reportedly braved the blustery chill to play the renowned Gasparilla Inn & Club golf course Christmas weekend with 64-year-old President George W. Bush, his son and U.S. Bush and his family; the actress Katharine Hepburn; and the other Busch family, of Budweiser fame. BCB Homes made the remodeling process easy for us. By the late 1870s several fish ranches were operating in the Charlotte Harbor area. Ninas father was J.I. The first contact the Calusa had with Europeans came during Spanish explorations at the beginning of the 16th century. Hepburn spent several springs in Boca Grande in the 1980s, renting a house for $5,000 a month and causing quite a stir while shopping for the first time at Fugates, according to the Herald-Tribune archives. "He just said, 'How are you?' The asking price for this piece of prime luxury real estate? IDX information is provided exclusively for personal, non-commercial use, and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. You did an outstanding job remodeling our condo! Checks may be made payable to Boca Grande Disaster Fund and are tax deductible. The kitchen showcases wood cabinets, a wainscot backsplash and extensive counter space. The next owners are likely to be prominent and successful people, as well, but its likely they will blend right in on Gasparilla Island, where families such as the DuPonts and the Bushes (George H.W., et. She said the Bush family keeps coming back because of the old-school feel of Gasparilla Island. "I thought that was pretty cool," said Hayes, a charter fishing guide. The powder room has Ann Sacks tile. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. The Agrico Company, having begun to see the potential of developing Gasparilla Island beyond the port, began to develop the village of Boca Grande. I was told that no one had ever been injured in or around Air Force One and that this was a jarring thing. This house has a lot of intimate spaces and is built with quality in mind, said Stewart, the listing agent. Boca Grande regulars have included President George H.W. In 1969 Port Boca Grande ranked as the fourth-busiest port in Florida. "We were never buddies," he said. 43. Murray said the president wasn't talking to reporters at the time, but he broke his silence to see how he was doing. In the 1970s, phosphate companies increasingly switched their interest to ports in Hillsborough and Manatee counties. "I had a good time with him. Charlotte Harbor was the center of the Calusa Empire, which numbered thousands of people and hundreds of fishing villages. The railroad continued to run work trains to the south end until the phosphate port closed in 1979. Bush's legacy in Southwest Florida, And:George H.W. Use arrow keys to navigate. Want more of our free, weekly newslettersinyourinbox? Scenes for the 2006 film based on Carl Hiaasen's book Hoot were also filmed on the island, which was again renamed for the filming. In 1911, the first hotel, the Gasparilla Inn, opened, and the island became a major vacation destination for the elite from Tampa, Fort Myers,[1] and New England. Hayes has taken Bush and his family on many fishing outings during their visits to Boca Grande, a small Lee County community located on Gasparilla Island. Money isnt everything, but it is something. It is something that can help bring peace of mind to people who have lost so much, as well as help them recover after the devastation of Hurricane Ian. He noted than many of the local businesses are family-owned, have been part of the community for many years, have invested in the local economy, and are what brings people to live, vacation and visit the Island. The hotel is 3 km from luxury shopping at Siam Paragon. Box 1222|Boca Grande, FL 33921. The Historic Village of Boca Grande, on the island of Gasparilla, is located at the southern tip of the Cape Haze Peninsula on Floridas Southwest Coast midway between Sarasota and Ft. Myers. Boca Grandes Charlotte Harbor and Northern Railway attracted a few wealthy northerners that came down and purchased land to build winter residences. Boca Grande hasn't seen a pandemic downturn. Much of the value lies in the site of 0.75 acres. Thanks to the generosity of Bayard and Hugh Sharp (members of the Du Pont family who had been winter residents for many years), the community purchased the old railroad bed from CSX Corp. (the successor corporation to the old Chessie and Seaboard systems) and transformed it into a new useBoca Grande's popular Bike Path. By 1910 Boca Grande Pass was already famous for its unequaled tarpon fishing among fishermen, who stayed on nearby Useppa Island. In the spring, it appears that many of the fish's habits all along the coast are in orientation to Boca Grande Pass. Listing Information presented by local MLS brokerage: Zillow, Inc - (407) 904-3511. Each of the members of the committee has been going door-to-door to the businesses on the Island, offering application forms. You will find, however, unique shops and art galleries, casual and fine dining establishments serving fresh seafood just caught by the local fishing captains and prepared by any of the islands classically trained chefs. In Boca Grande, the Houghton family name is really special, said Stewart. Throughout the application and granting process, the committee members will meet with applicants, help them identify their priorities, and reassure them of the support of the community. His son is a speed golfer who prides himself on being able to finish 18 holes in two hours or less, according to a person familiar with the presidential golf course pace. Lebua State Tower ( Sky Bar from The Hangover movie) - Saphan Taksin BTS. Thank you BCB team for your attention to detail and quality work! Used under license. The elder Bush was the 41st president, serving from 1989-1993. Previous photo. "I knew him for quite a while," said Hayes, 47, who lives inPlacida and runs Last Buffalo Charters. Boca Grande hasnt seen a pandemic downturn. $2,550,000. We see this fund as serving as a 60-to-90-day caregiver, he said. Its expansive marina and docks have hosted many luxury yachts of the rich and famous . The sellers tasteful furnishings, accented by a delightful collection of ceramic roosters, tend toward the traditional but are not included in the sale. By 1905 it was felt that building a railroad to Port Boca Grande and carrying the phosphate to it by rail would improve the method of shipment. The Baltimore Sun reported that Houghtons fourth wife, Nina Rodale Houghton, hosted Elian Gonzales, his father, stepmother and half-sibling, in April 2000 at her home on Marylands Eastern Shore after the Cuban boy was taken by federal agents from relatives in Miami. The opulent compound of late beer and baseball baron August A. Busch Jr. was one of Pass-a-Grille's most whispered-about estates, with three separate homes built in the early '50s on a coastal tract the size of a city block. When the bridge became operational, it was faster to fly to Tampa and drive to Boca Grande than it was to take the train directly from the Northeast and Midwest. In 1982, Busch's friends, planning his 83rd birthday party, arranged for a surprise visitor to the beach house: a tiger from Circus World. The Reference Room at the Boca Grande Community Center is named for Arthur Houghton Jr. She now lives in Fernandina Beach, Florida, and Queenstown. Rail passenger service to Boca Grande ended on April 12, 1959. He tracked down Nina with the help of the New York Aquarium and returned the sea lion. Tourism remains an important industry to the town to this day. Therefore, it made economic sense to discontinue the operation. Monday - Friday. Phosphate was in great demand worldwide and, by 1905, leaders had come up with the idea to build a railroad to Port Boca Grande that would carry the phosphate by rail to the port, thus improving the method of shipment. The Secret Service contingent took its usual residence at the Island House Inn strategically located 2 miles from the Gasparilla Island swing bridge. Doing so during such miserable conditions wind chill dipped into freezing temps is more a sign of the 87-year-old former presidents love of the game than any bravado, said a Secret Service agent on condition of anonymity. For other uses, see, Learn how and when to remove this template message, Cape Coral-Fort Myers, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Boca_Grande,_Florida&oldid=1114765520, Unincorporated communities in Lee County, Florida, Populated coastal places in Florida on the Gulf of Mexico, Articles needing additional references from March 2011, All articles needing additional references, Articles with unsourced statements from March 2012, Articles with unsourced statements from February 2016, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 8 October 2022, at 04:32. "He was a great guy, so it was heartbreaking. The fishermen, many of them Spanish or Cuban, caught large quantities of mullet and other fish and salted them down for shipment to Havana and other markets. "He just said, 'How are you?' Donations are tax deductible, and grants are usually not subject to federal tax on the value of the assistance received. It was built from 1952 to 1958 to replace a ferry service. The town was landscaped, including the now famous section of Second Street called Banyan Street. Boca Grande has always been a unique community, with a large number of wealthy winter residents rubbing elbows with the fishermen and railroad and port workers who formed the permanent, year-round working population. The registered agent for Busch Real Estate LLC is Steven Busch, son . Hayes said conversations during the trips weremostly about fishing and golfing. "I got blown down the runway a little bit," he said. "I think people havepretty warm memories of him as a straight shooter," said retired journalist Frank Murray, 80, who lives in Cape Coral. CHARLOTTE COUNTY, FL. "I wanted to talk about a lot of things, but I didn't because it was their time to fish andrelax and forget about things," he said. Times researcher Carolyn Edds contributed to this report. COPYRIGHT 2022 JOHN GARUTI III - PRIVACY POLICY, Website designed and developed by Content With Teeth. Walls, a gate and lush landscaping enhance the ambience of seclusion. Brokerage. All rights reserved. The Bush family stays at Gasparilla Inn & Club as well as family homes on the island. Bush's legacy in Southwest Florida, George H.W. The adjacent estuaries fed by the Myakka and Peace Rivers converge to form one of the most pristine and productive coastal ecosystems in the world. In 2002, Michael and Mary Ann Van Lokeren she is a former CEO of a beer-distribution company in St. Louis, Missouri bought the Boca Grande property and sold it for $6 million to Edward and Sharon Cruz in 2011, according to Lee County real estate records. For instance, the Barrier Island Parks Society (BIPS) has money coming from the state and other organizations for repairs to facilities at the parks, but is still eligible for a grant from the Boca Grande Disaster Fund and, according to Sharon McKenzie, BIPS Executive Director, has sent in its application already. The rail line between Arcadia and Boca Grande was abandoned in 1981. About the ratings: GreatSchools ratings are based on a comparison of test results for all schools in the state. Our experience managing the construction of these custom estate residences has made us one of the top builders in this neighborhood. She helped develop the museum at Whiddens Marina. Custom features include stainless steel gourmet eat-in kitchen with center island, custom cabinetry, quartz countertops, food pantry, Viking Gas Range, pot filler, and full entertaining buffet with wine fridge. The trademarks MLS, Multiple Listing Service and the associated logos are owned by CREA and identify the quality of services provided by real estate professionals who are members of CREA. It was these two discoveries phosphate rock and fishing - that would "put Boca Grande on the map". Hannah said that the August Busch family, the Farish family and the Nicholas family thought of this initiative and provided the seed monies to create the fund to rebuild and restore the business community of Boca Grande. Murray said the president wasn't talking to reporters at the time, but he broke his silence to see how he was doing. He said after a stop in Charlotte, he and other reporters were not allowed through a security checkpoint. It is designed to be a starting point to help parents make baseline comparisons, not the only factor in selecting the right school for your family. Although it is a small, mostly noncommercial, residential community in Southwest Florida, Boca Grande is largely known for its historic downtown, white sandy beaches, and world-class fishing. His son, George W. Bush, was the 43rd president, serving from 2001-2009. Drivers must be at least 14 years old to operate a golf cart on these designated streets. For the next 50 years phosphate was shipped out of the state-of-the-art port virtually without disruption. The opening of The Gasparilla Inn in 1911 made Boca Grande a major vacation spot for the elite coming from Tampa, Fort Myers and New England. "Other than that I tried to keep the politics out of the fishing. One of them would later be at the north end of Gasparilla Island in the small village of Gasparilla. It has three bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms and clocks in with 2,885 square feet of space. Required fields are marked *. Some IDX listings have been excluded from this website. He was the lone survivor, and his custody became a national controversy until a federal court ruled the boy belonged with his father in Cuba. "Other than that I tried to keep the politics out of the fishing. As others have heard about the fund, it has grown substantially, with donations often in the amount of $25,000 and more . Jeb Bush unsuccessfully ran for president. Tales of the home's excesses still play out across yellowed newspaper clippings. In 1925, the Seaboard Air Line Railroad bought the assets and property of the Charlotte Harbor and Northern Railway, but it took the Interstate Commerce Commission three years to approve it, and the SAL finally merged with the CH&N in 1928. If you want a realtor with discriminating taste and sharp negotiation skills, check out Johns pristine properties below and fill out the Contact Form to get in touch. The phosphate plant at Boca Grande was old and its tons-per-hour rate was slow. Right now, Busch's startup focuses on making a disposable vaporizer pen. The only ones who will profit, monetarily, will be the businesses, churches, and other organizations of Gasparilla Island. "We, really to be honest with you, didn't talk about politics or stuff like that.". With depths reaching near 80 feet (24m), it is the deepest natural pass in Florida. The Charlotte Harbor and Northern Railroad was completed in 1907. It was designed by architect William Royster Johnson in the Palm Beach firm of Wyeth & King, later Wyeth, King & Johnson.