Boca Grande

Boca Grande is a small residential community on Gasparilla Island (15 minutes south of Englewood) and is home of the World's Richest Fishing Tournament.  Boca Grande means "Big Mouth" in Spanish and comes from the waterway at the southern tip of the island called Boca Grande Pass which is found along the Gulf of Mexico at the mouth of Charlotte Harbor.  Boca Grande is a quiet, island town rich in history.  It is a permanent home for some but is traditionally an island getaway unspoiled by heavy commercialization.  When not fishing for the famous Tarpon, also known as the Silver King, many other sport fish can be found: snook, red fish, grouper, king fish and trout, to name just a few.  Boca Grande also boasts its own golf course and is a shore drive from several off-island golf courses.  If fishing and golfing are not your things, you will surely find enjoyment in the miles of peaceful white sandy beaches, boutique shops in the quiet downtown district or even a spa getaway right on the beach.

Some of the Historical sites on the island are: the Range Light which was built in 1881 and used in Lewes, Delaware and was decommissioned in 1918.  The structure was moved by rail to Miami and finally to Boca Grande and reassembled in 1927.  It was re-lit in 1932 and continues to remain in service guiding vessels into Charlotte Harbor via the Boca Grande Channel.  There is presently a Lighthouse at the tip of the island that was built in 1890 and marks the entrance to Charlotte Harbor. It is the oldest building on Gasparilla Island.  It is a functioning lighthouse and houses a museum that is open to the public.  in 1890 it was place on the National Register of Historic Place.  Second Street, commonly known as Banyon Street, is lined with Banyan Trees planted in the early 1900's and is one of the most photographed spots on Gasparilla Island.  The beauty of this island is beyond what you can imagine.  

https://www.bocagrandefishing.com/