‘Celebrate Cayo Costa’ Saturday
Mark your calendars for next Saturday, Nov. 5, for “Celebrate Cayo Costa Day.” The Friends of Cayo Costa has scheduled special activities on the island from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
“This is a great opportunity to visit the park by boat and enjoy the unique qualities this pristine barrier island has to offer,” Friends chairperson Elaine McLaughlin said. “We thank our charter boat sponsors for providing transportation so that visitors, many of whom have never had a chance to come out, can learn more about the park’s fascinating history and walk the sandy beaches and trails,”
The day will feature tours of the island, nature and shelling beach walks, Randell Research Center Calusa artifacts, live animal demonstrations provided by CROW, palm weaving crafts and food. Artist David Meo will be at the event with a collection of his Calusa masks and Fort Myers Beach songwriter Shena Brook will be performing during lunch. Activities will be held at the State Park landing area off Pelican Bay and beachside near the pavilions and beachside campground area.
Tickets are $35 for adults and $25 for children under the age of 12. Lunch is included in the ticket price and additional food will be available for purchase.
Cayo Costa is accessible only by boat either private boat or by ferry. Visitors can reserve a ticket in advance from one the following four locations:
– Departures from Bokeeli,a 239-283-0015
– Departures from Boca Grande, 239-472-5300
– Departures from Captiva, 239-472-5300
– Departures from Punta Gorda, 941-639-0969
Tickets are limited due to ferry passenger restrictions so order early. Private boating parties are welcome to attend, however there is limited docking space and only available on a first-come first-served basis.
“Celebrate Cayo Costa Day gives people a chance to see the unique qualities of the pristine barrier island of Cayo Costa and enjoy all of the activities planned for the day,” McLaughlin said
The Friends of Cayo Costa State Park is based on Pine Island. FoCC is a division of Barrier Islands Park Society, a 501c3 organization which is the official citizens support organization for Cayo Costa, Gasparilla, Stump Pass, Don Pedro State Parks and the Port Boca Grande Lighthouse & Museum. All funds raised by FoCC will be used exclusively for Cayo Costa State Park. Tax #65-0327405.
For more information, email friendsofcayocosta@gmail.com or call 941-527-7865.