Life on an island can be challenging, but incredibly rewarding! Here are some of the basics, just to get you started.
Generally Good Things to Know
Ferry Service Palm Island Transit, a privately owned company, offers barge service to and from the island for cars, trucks, golf carts and pedestrians. Contact them for rates , 941-697-7207. They operate from 6:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, from 6:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Friday and from 6:30 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. Saturday. They operate 365 days a year.
Police Charlotte County Sheriff deputies patrol the barrier islands and the north (Charlotte County) end of Boca Grande. If you see a law being broken on land or water or encounter a dangerous situation, call 911. Know your lot number or address and have it posted on your property. To report a crime, call Sheriff Dispatch @ 941-474-3233. Keep this number with you. They will be pleased to respond.
Fire and Rescue Our fire protection services are provided by Englewood Fire District and emergency medical services are provided Charlotte County. If assistance from the mainland is needed after hours, emergency barge service is available. Dial 911 in the event of an emergency. Know your lot number or address and have it posted on your property.
Our Roads Our islands are not the place to speed! Keep it slow on the roads, slower on the bridges, and watch for humans and critters crossing. Our sand roads are suitable for slow moving vehicles. Dirt bikes and ATV’s destroy the sand base of our roads, and are not only dangerous, but illegal.
Our Beaches Please be aware that there are laws restricting activities on the beach. Fire and fireworks are prohibited without a permit. Be aware that violators are subject to fines from $50.00 to $300.00.
Beach Access All property owners in the Palm Island Estates development have access to the beach through private beach easements that are numbered 1 through 13. Other developments on the island also have private beach accesses off of their private roads. The general public has access to the beach at Don Pedro State Recreational Area and at 3 public accesses: one near the Resort, one centrally located on Knight Island and one centrally located on Don Pedro Island. Respect beachfront property owners. Golf Carts You can legally drive a golf cart on any of our roads at the age of 14. Remember golf carts are forbidden on all beaches.
Other Regulations Dogs must be leashed at all times, and "poop-scoop" laws are in effect here. Fires of any kind are prohibited anywhere on our barrier islands without a permit. Fireworks disturb wildlife, create litter and pollute the water. Fireworks are prohibited.
Utilities Florida Power and Light provides electricity, 800-226-3545. To report an outage call 800-468-8243. Some homes have private wells or re-use rainwater. Bocilla Utilities (941-697-2000) is the water provider south of the Palm Island Resort . All homes are on septic.
Mangroves Mangrove trimming is allowed if they are less than 10 ft. in height. You may cut them to 6 ft. without a permit. You can maintain mangroves at their present height if they have been previously trimmed. For mangroves higher than 10 ft., you must hire a professional trimmer.
Garbage Removal Waste Management provides trash removal, yard waste removal and recycle pick-ups. You are billed for these services on your annual property tax bill. Contact Waste Management at 941-697-0012 for recycle bins and large waste cans. Yard waste may be packed in regular trash cans, paper yard waste bags or you may tie refuse in bundles for removal.