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Pine Island, Florida Vacation Rentals by Owner Condos, Houses, and Cottages.

Pine Island is the largest island (17 miles long and 2 miles wide) on the west coast of Florida, just 15-20 minutes from Cape Coral, 30 minutes from Ft. Myers and one hour from Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW). Pine Island's secluded, quaint and "country waterfront" atmosphere is a huge part of its charm and a big draw for those seeking Pine Island, Florida vacation rentals by owner condos, houses, and cottages. Fringed with mangroves rather than white sand beaches, Pine Island has escaped the concrete, blacktop and skyscrapers found in the more touristy, beachy communities making it a desirable location for Pine Island, Florida vacation rentals by owner condos, houses, and cottages. Current legislation prohibits high density, high-rise development in the foreseeable future.

While close to densely populated areas, Pine Island, Florida vacation rentals by owner condos, houses, and cottages and Pine Island has a secluded, small town atmosphere which sets it a world apart. Pine Island is rural, sparsely populated and a true anomaly, allowing it to occupy a rare and special place in 21st Century America. As soon as you cross the causeway into Matlacha (pronounced mat-la-shay) with its colorful, quaint Key West style buildings, you know you are in a special place. A short drive down the road brings one to the Sandy Hook restaurant, a favorite for people from miles around by car and boat.

Surrounded by mangroves, Pine Island has three aquatic preserves and with mostly agricultural zoning, it escaped the cement and development of other Florida islands. Zoning limits now in place allow future growth but preserve this unique atmosphere for years to come. It is the largest island on the west coast of Florida (17 miles long and 2 miles wide), is secluded and unique, and one of the few places where legislation prohibits any high-rise development in the foreseeable future. It is designed to preserve the unique, rural island heritage for generations to come.

Pine Island consists of the following communities, Matlacha, Pine Island Center, Pineland, Bokeelia and St. James City.Each place has its own unique ambiance, with local shops and eateries that specialize in fresh seafood served in a tropical island atmosphere. The island is not known for its beaches, however, you’ll find plenty to keep you occupied here. You might choose to kayak in the sheltered waters of Matlacha Pass or canoe through Jungle Creek. You can take a scenic boat ride to the renowned shelling beaches of Sanibel, Captiva and Cayo Costa with no waiting in lines, no crowds and no parking fees. Sailing and boating is one of the most enjoyable activities on Pine Island.

Area waterways hold endangered manatees (the gentle giants also known as sea-cows), sea otters, sea turtles and dolphins, often seen surfing the many canals in search of their daily food supply. The community of Pineland, on Pine Island, boasts one of the country’s smallest Post Office buildings and is also home to the island’s only golf course.