WHAT TO EXPECT IF YOU VISIT:
• You need to bring all necessities with
you, as there are no stores on the island.
The only amenities (unless you include the fi re station) are
a very tiny library, the Leydon- Mirza Chapel where Sunday
services are held, a golf cart repair service and a small art
gallery. If you get to know the locals they may let you in on
a few secret ways to obtain, oh say … pizza … and some
sundries. For the most part, though, plan to bring all your
groceries and personal needs with you or call the grocery
delivery service that runs back and forth from the mainland.
If you’re feeling especially fancy, there are also private chef
services that will come to you at your island home.
• Eldred’s Marina is the lifeline from which
most boat traffi c comes on and off Little
Gasparilla. On the southern part of the island is a little
enclave of rentals called Hideaway Bay Beach Club, and they
have their own private ferry service that runs from a dock on
Placida Road on the mainland.
• When you cross Placida Sound after
leaving the mainland from Eldred’s or the
Hideaway Bay dock, you have about a
10-minute ride.
The fi rst thing you notice when nearing the island is the
endless row of docks that stretch out into the water. Some
homes share a dock, but there are 117 of them in all. Make
sure you know what your dock number is and, if possible,
have a map that shows landmarks to help guide you to it.
• If you are taking the water taxi the
captain will probably know which dock is
yours. Remember, though, there is a price to pay for that
service.
• Please keep your trash neat and tidy.
Find a place to store your trash outside the house where
raccoons and other wildlife won’t have access to it. If you are
renting, remember someone will be coming to haul the trash to
the mainland, so be courteous.
• Internet service can be spotty. Don’t expect
to turn in a major assignment on deadline or be entertained by
your phone the entire time you are there.
• If you have groceries left over from your
stay, ask your neighbors if there’s anything
they want. You can also ask the rental company if their
cleaners or concierge workers would like to empty the fridge
themselves after taking what they want.
• Be prepared to carry your own supplies
and luggage from the boat to your rental.
Depending on the rental agency, this is often the case. Always
ask in advance.