Celebrate Cayo Costa! to showcase state park
The Friends of Cayo Costa State Park will host the annual Celebrate Cayo Costa! on Nov. 6 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Cayo Costa.
“This is a great opportunity to visit the park by boat and enjoy the unique amenities this pristine barrier island has to offer,” FoCC Chairperson Nancy MacPhee said. “We thank our charter boat sponsors for providing transportation so that visitors, some 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, including a walk to the Pioneer Family Cemetery, plus nature and shelling beach walks. There will be displays by the Audubon of Southwest Florida, Barrier Island Parks Society, Calusa Land Trust, Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife, Florida Department of Environmental Protection and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Park staff will present information about the state park. Attendees can try their hand at palm weaving and a variety of shell crafts or just visit the beach. A tram will take attendees across the mile-wide island to where the activities will be held near the campground.
Tickets are $50 for adults and $40 for children under the age of 12 and FoCC members. The cost includes transportation to and from the island, all activities, and a catered lunch by Big Nick’s BBQ.
The event will take place rain or shine.
Sponsors include Captiva Cruises, Tropic Star and King Fisher Fleet. In addition, Adventures in Paradise is providing transportation for the volunteers who will be working the event. Private boats can purchase tickets on the island; dock space is limited and available on a first come, first serve basis.
For reservations, call Captiva Cruises at 239-472-5300 to depart from Captiva, Tropic Star at 239-283-0015 to depart from Pine Island and King Fisher Fleet at 941-639-0969 to depart from Punta Gorda.
For more information, visit www.friendsofcayocosta.org or follow on Facebook @FriendsofCayo.
Based on Pine Island, the FoCC is a steering committee of the Barrier Islands Parks Society, a nonprofit that is the official citizens support organization for Cayo Costa, Gasparilla, Stump Pass, Don Pedro State Parks, and the Port Boca Grande Lighthouse and Museum. All funds raised by the FoCC are used exclusively for Cayo Costa State Park.