Don Pedro Island facts for kids
Don Pedro Island is a cool barrier island located in southwest Florida. It's in Charlotte County and sits just north of Little Gasparilla Island. A narrow strip of beach and mangrove swamp separates them. To its west is the amazing Gulf of Mexico.
Don Pedro Island is part of a group of islands, including Little Gasparilla Island, Knight Island, and Thornton Key. People often call this whole group "Palm Island" because of a big resort there. These islands used to be separated by small water passages. But thanks to projects that added sand to the beach, these passages closed up. Now, the islands are connected by one long, continuous beach! This makes them look like one big island. Don Pedro Island State Park is also found on this island.
Getting There
Don Pedro Island is a special place because you can't drive there over a bridge. You can only reach it by boat or by a car ferry. This helps keep the island quiet and peaceful.
Many people have private homes on the island. A large part of the island is also home to the Palm Island Resort. If you get hungry, there's one restaurant called Rum Bay Restaurant. It's located on the north end of the island. Right below the restaurant, you'll find the island's only small general store.
Amazing Wildlife
Don Pedro Island is full of interesting animals! You might spot native gopher turtles slowly moving around, or see small snakes and rabbits.
The island is also a fantastic place for birdwatching. Keep an eye out for osprey soaring overhead, and pelicans diving for fish. You can also see tall great blue herons, unique frigate birds, busy woodpeckers, and wise owls.
The beaches here are famous for something really cool: shark teeth and beautiful shells! Many people love to search for these treasures along the shore.
See also
In Spanish: Isla Don Pedro (Florida) para niños
