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| Your hosts are Jib and Teresa Davidson. Teresa is the Gasparilla Villa Manager and is assisted by her able bodied husband Jib. Jib and Teresa’s mailing address is 6425 NW 54 Way, Gainesville , FL 32653 and their home phone number is 352-376-1760. Please feel free to call anytime up to 9:00 p.m. EST. Jib can be reached during the day at 1-800-344-1473 and his cell phone is 352-538-2266. |
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How big is the Island ?
The island is comprised of three islands that were actually at one time, separated by deep water channels. The channels, over time, have filled in making the three islands one lone island. The current length is about 7 miles with variations in width. The part typically referred to as “Little Gasparilla Island” is about 2 miles long. The remaining 5 miles is made up of Don Pedro and Knight Island , both of which are north of Little Gasparilla Island.
Are there any paved roads on the island?
No, and this is a good thing. The twisting sand trails add to the charm and appeal of the island. They are fantastic for early morning or late evening walks and general exploring. Some guests opt to rent a golf cart for more access or longer excursions.
How many houses are on the island? There are about 400 single family homes and about 130 individual condo units on the island. The condo units are all located at the south end of the island. Gasparilla Villa is located away from the condos on the north end.
How far is the beach from the house?
Assuming a somewhat leisure pace, the beach is about a three minute walk down a short sand path right behind Gasparilla Villa. The path leads you through a mangrove forest with a board walk over the wet area. |
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Packing/Shopping for Your Visit
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What do I bring? Pack light!!! You will probably spend the entire time in a bathing suite or shorts and a t-shirt. You might want a light weight windbreaker and a rain coat. You will need to bring sun block, bug spray, fishing gear and all your groceries since there are no stores on the island (except for the Soap Company which may or may not be open and the golf cart rental shop).
The Villa has its own list of amenities and furnishings. Please check this first to see what you may need in addition to what is already provided. Paper towels, napkins, and toilet paper are provided as well all necessary cleaning supplies including dish washing and dishwasher soap. If you plan on using the washer you will need to bring some detergent.
There are a variety of cooking spices and condiments provided. We have an informal “co-op” arrangement. Use what you need and leave anything extra behind. If there is a favorite spice or condiment that you must have or simply can not live without, be sure to bring it with you. All necessary cooking and eating utensils are provided. If you need something special be sure to call Teresa and ask. If we don’t have it perhaps we can get it for you.
What about the soap company and the Golf cart rental?
The only store on the island (if you choose to call it a store) is a small soap company that makes and sells its own soap. This makes a great gift or souvenir from the island. The soap company also has a small selection of T-shirts, tote bags and a few other gift items. Their hours are variable. Check in the guest services notebook located in the Villa for their phone number.
When things are a little slow, the owner of the soap company has been known to come to the Villa and pick you up in his golf cart. Give Tom a call at 941-270-1277 or 941-697-2691.
The golf cart rental shop is on island time. This means that a 10:00 a.m. delivery will arrive around tenish. Keep in mind that tenish may have a somewhat wide range associated with it. We recommend making a reservation, calling back in about a week to be sure Lowell has a cart. Call again the day you arrive. Details on golf cart rentals are below in Transportation While on the Island. Where do I shop for groceries?
You will need to buy all your groceries before you meet the water taxi or before you launch your boat. There are two Publix grocery stores on your way to the island. Publix is a large, clean, well organized grocery store with an excellent reputation throughout Florida . Adjacent to Publix is a liquor store. is a two minute drive from Eldred’s marina.
When checking out of Publix, please ask the clerk to double bag your order for your trip to the island. They sometimes call this a “boat bag”; it is a paper bag with a plastic bag wrapped around it. This makes it easier and safer to transport your groceries in the boat. You might want to bring an ice chest for the perishables. Publix sells a cheap ice chest that will serve the purpose.
Where do I park?
We suggest that you park at Eldred’s Marina . Eldred’s is a small mom and pop marina that mainly sells bait while also providing a boat ramp and parking for cars and trailers. Pay for your parking upon your arrival. They charge $5.00 per day (plus 7% tax) to park your car either with or without a trailer. If you have your own boat, Eldred charges a $5.00 launch fee which includes the first day of parking. Note that Eldred’s could charge three times as much and no one would care. This marina is one of the last good deals left in Florida .
What time is check-in? Check-in is after 2:00 p.m. on your arrival date. Early or late checks-in times are always possible but please make arrangements in advance. If the Villa is not rented the morning of your arrival, check in time is fairly loose. If you plan on arriving early, be sure to call or email Jib or Teresa to be sure that the Villa is not rented for the morning. |
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Transportation to the Island
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How do we get to the island if we don’t have our own boat? Scenic Tours & Water Taxi will take you from Eldred’s Marina to your private dock. You will need to confirm your arrival time with Captain Dick James by calling him on his cell at 941-662-6084 or at home 941-697-7370. We strongly suggest you call him a few days before you arrival and then call the day of your arrival. Captain Dick does not run a scheduled route; each trip is individually arranged. Gasparilla Villa’s dock number is 96, Jib and Teresa Davidson’s home.
If I bring my own boat, where do I launch it? There are many options. We recommend Eldred’s Marina . Eldred’s is close to Little Gasparilla and Publix, they only charge $5.00 to use the boat ramp and your car and trailer can be parked there over night. There is a free public boat ramp next door to Eldred’s but the free public boat ramp charges for parking. Be advised that Eldred’s takes a dim view of someone using the free public boat ramp and then parking at their marina. Other local marinas offer boat ramps and parking. Call us if you want to use another marina.
Where can I rent a boat? Boat rentals are readily available through a variety of companies. Some companies have new boats while others rent older well used boats. Newer boats tend to be very reliable while older boats are not so reliable. On the other hand, newer boats are more expensive to rent. See our Activities sheet for boat rental names and phone numbers. If you don’t have our Activities sheet let us know and we will get you one.
How can I become more confident about operating a boat in unfamiliar waters and how can I learn more about boating in the area? First, order two excellent publications from Jib or Teresa. The first is U.S. Aids to Navigation System, by the U.S. Coast Guard. The publication is designed to help the boater better understand the U.S. aids to navigation system and how lights work. The second publication is The Florida Boater’s Guide by The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. This guide includes a Florida fish identification guide and discusses rules of the road, legal requirements of boating, VHF radio, and lots of basic boating information.
Finally, order a nautical chart from Jib. There are two charts, both of the west cost of Florida but of two different scales. They are manufactured by Maptech, are waterproof and are identical to the U.S. Geological Survey charts.
If you are a confirmed guest or a prior guest, both of these publications will, upon request, be shipped to you free of charge. If you are not yet a guest or just want a copy, please send three dollars to cover shipping and handling and we will be happy to mail a set to you. The charts are $19.50 each plus 6% sales tax plus $5.00 for shipping. Anyone is welcome to order a chart.
A Word about boats - What happens if my boat is damaged at the dock? This is one of those questions that fall under the “do you really need to ask?” category. Unfortunately, we had a guest who tied his rental boat up to the dock and failed to consider the tide and wind changes. The boat was damaged and the guest decided that it was our fault. We need to be clear that you are responsible for any and all boat damage incurred by or at the dock. If you rented a boat and you are not sure how to tie it up properly, be sure to ask the rental company for proper instructions. If you own your own boat you should know how to do this. We never thought we would have to mention this seemingly obvious concept, but your boat is your responsibility. |
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Your Island Accommodations
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How do we check in to get our keys, ask questions and get orientated to the Villa?
Your Island Mates are Phyllis NeSmith and her husband, Charles. Upon arrival, one of them will greet you at your dock and show you around the property. They will acquaint you with the layout, electrical switches, and help answer any questions that may arise. Please call them prior to your arrival so they will know when to expect you. They can be reached at 941-697-2242. Be sure to ask them about sea grape jelly.
How is the drinking water? Little Gasparilla is a barrier island so the well water might be slightly brackish. The amount of brackishness depends of the amount of rain. Drinking this water will not hurt you, but you will find it slightly salty tasting. Good clean sweet fresh water is provided for drinking from a reverse osmosis system located under the sink. Regular tap water is used for cooking, washing dishes, bathing and washing clothes, as it does not affect these activities. Water should be used conservatively, and showering should be kept short. Please be environmentally aware by conserving water.
What kind of electronics are there?
The television receives 8 local stations. Cable TV is not available on the island. The upstairs living room, one of the bedrooms and the cottage behind the house all has televisions, VCR players, and DVD players. There is a small library of movies for your enjoyment.
Feel free to bring your favorite VHS or DVD movies with you. As a footnote, occasionally someone asks about satellite TV. Most of out guests seem to enjoy leaving the electronic world behind. If you think the addition of satellite TV would enhance your vacation let us know. |
Transportation While on the Island
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Are there any cars on the island, and how do we get around?
Since Little Gasparilla is a bridgeless barrier island, there are very few cars. What few exist are for construction or service use. It is unlikely you will ever even see a car. The normal mode of transportation is by foot or by golf cart.
If you are interested in renting a golf cart, we recommend reserving one as early as possible as they are limited in number. You may contact Lowell directly at 941-815-7554 to reserve your golf cart. He will deliver it to your door. Please note that you will need to follow up with him, perhaps several times. What options are there for getting around on the water?
There are four single man kayaks with double bladed paddles, a canoe, and a John boat (also called a row boat). All are provided at no additional charge. In mid 2005 there will be a Sunfish, which is a really cool 14 foot sailboat. Call to see when it will be delivered.
Each person on the water is required to have a life preserver which the U.S. Coast Guard refers to as a Personal Flotation Devise (PFD). There is limited number of PFD’s for your use which we hope will fit. An improper sized PFD will not do you much good. If you have your own bring it. If you are thinking about buying one, then do it so you can insure a proper fit. |
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Do I need a fishing license? Maybe, maybe not. You do not need a saltwater fishing license if you are under 16 years of age, a Florida resident 65 years of age or older, planning on using a fishing guide, or if you are a resident and plan on fishing off the dock or from the beach. You will need a license if you fish from a boat. Details can be found at http://marinefisheries.org/license.htm. Licenses can be obtained locally from most good sporting goods stores.
What if I want a fishing guide? No problem. We have a number of excellent fishing guides that we recommend. Please see our Area Activities list. Make your reservations early as these are some of the best guides in the area and they book up quickly. If you do book one of the guides we have listed, please give us your feed back so we can rate the guides.
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Are there any useful websites where I can learn more information about the area? www.englewoodchamber.com The Englewood Chamber of Commerce has an excellent website with a very nice Visitor’s Center. The Visitor’s Center has lots of information about boat rentals, beaches and restaurants. www.sunstate.com This Englewood , Florida Guide offers a great “Things To Do” section with discount coupons for area attractions and restaurants including a 10% discount for The Fishery Restaurant. The Fishery Restaurant is across the bay from Gasparilla Villa, is right on the water so it has a boat dock, and is highly recommended by Jib, Teresa, Phyllis and Charles. www.wunderground.com/US/FL/Englewood.html A useful weather page linked to Englewood with lots of not so useful obnoxious advertising.
www.floridastateparks.org/donpedroisland/default.cfm Don Pedro Island State Park is located a quarter mile north of Gasparilla Villa. This website gives useful information about Don Pedro and the photographs were taken from our beach.
www.floridastateparks.org/cayocosta/default.cfm Cayo Costa State Park is a really cool park located just south of Boca Grande pass. The pass is located 10 miles south, and is at the south end of Gasparilla Island. Gasparilla Island is the next island south of Little Gasparilla Island. Gasparilla pass separates the two islands. It is only assessable by boat but is worthy of a day visit. This day trip ranks very high on Jib and Teresa’s preferred list.
www.floridastateparks.org/gasparillaisland/default.cfm Gasparilla Island State Park has a really cool lighthouse museum and visitor center. You can drive there from Eldred’s Marina as access is via the Boca Grande Causeway right there at the marina.
www.charlottecountyfl.com This award wining website is sponsored by the Charlotte County Government and has lots of information about parks and recreation and what’s gong on in the county. Don’t forget to check out the Charlotte County Lining section. There is also lots of county government stuff that you will probably ignore.
www.charlotte-florida.com is the local newspaper’s web site. It does contain information about boating, fishing, beaches, clubs and organizations, dining and entertainment along with art and culture.
www.floridasportsman.com discusses fishing, boats and regulations. If you are a fisherman, this site, although it has lots of advertising, is worth spending some time.
http://floridaconservation.org/fishingareas.html The official State of Florida rules and regulation site with lots of really good information on fishing and boating.
http://marinefisheries.org is also an official State of Florida site on the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Are there churches in the area?
There is one non-denominational church on the island but no services are held at this time. Visit these websites for churches in Englewood :
www.american-churches.com/FL/Englewood.asp www.worshiphere.org/FL/Englewood.htm |
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What time is check-out? Checkout is anytime before 11:00 a.m. on your departure date. If the Villa is not rented for the afternoon of your departure day, then checkout time is fairly loose. A later checkout time is possible but only if the Villa is not expecting guests later that day. Regardless, all late checkouts must be made in advance. If you plan on departing late be sure to call your Island Mate as well as the water taxi.
What do I need to do the day before our departure day?
The day before you leave, if it is applicable, you should call the water taxi to reconfirm your departure time. If you rented a golf cart, call Lowell so he can pick it up. Finally, call your Island Mate to confirm your checkout time. Be sure to give them enough time to inspect your cleaning if you choose this option.
What are the options for cleaning the Villa?
Remember you are on vacation. Perhaps you just don’t want to deal with cleaning the Villa. No problem mon!. Just let us know as we have an island cleaning service that will do the job for you. The cleaning charge is $100.
If you wish to clean the Villa yourself, no problem mon! All cleaning supplies are furnished. We have a cleaning checklist that will guide you as to what is expected. Be sure to ask for it. Experience suggests that you will need three to four hours of time to thoroughly clean the Villa. Be sure to plan accordingly. If you are leaving early, start the cleaning process the day before. What do I need to do on our checkout day?
If you choose to clean the Villa yourself, you must call your Island mate to arrange for a pre-departure inspection. This is in your best interest. Often guests do not leave enough time to complete the cleaning. If the job is poorly done there will be a cleaning charge. Your Island Mate will make this decision. It helps to get approval before you leave.
Remember there is no garbage service on the Island . You are responsible for removing all of your garbage. It goes with you on the water taxi or on your boat. Eldred’s Marina will take your garbage for $1.00 per bag regardless of size. Use large garbage bags and save yourself some money. |
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RESERVATIONS, DEPOSITS AND REFUNDS
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How do I make a reservation?
Experience has taught us not to take reservations over the phone. Reservations are made when we receive your check or when you wire our bank. Reservation dates are on a first come first serve basis. If you want or need to plan on a certain date, we suggest you mail or wire a deposit to reserve your time slots early. If you wish to wire funds, ask for the Gasparilla Villa Wire Instructions.
The deposit is 25% of the total rent including the tax and the refundable damage deposit. Note that your account must be paid in full 30 days prior to your arrival. You can always make a reservation at the last minute as one never knows if there is a vacancy or not. In this case, the total amount will be due.
What are the costs?
There are three rate schedules; in-season weekly, out-of-season weekly and out-of-season weekends. The in-season weekly is $1,150 per week starting and ending on a Saturday from December 15 through May 1. The out-of-season rate is $950 a week or $150 per day for shorter periods with a minimum two night stay. Out-of-season is from May 2 through December 15. Discounts are always available for stays longer than one week.
There is a 6% tax for the State of Florida plus a 4% local tax. If you bring pets, there is an additional $75.00 pet fee. We use the pet fee to keep the carpets and furniture clean as it needs to be done more often with pets. Finally, there is a $300 refundable deposit.
What happens if we cancel our reservation and need a refund?
Obviously Gasparilla Villa has been taken off the market for your personal stay and other rental opportunities have been lost. Accordingly, if you change your plans, you need to let us know as soon as possible. We will immediately put Gasparilla Villa back on the market and try to rent it for your rental term. If we are successful in obtaining a renter for your time slot, then you will receive a full refund less a $75.00 cancellation fee. If we are not successful, then you will forfeit your rent less your deposit. In the unlikely event this should happen, check back with us for a special fall discount.
When should we receive our deposit back?
Your Island Mate will inspect the Villa either before you leave if you are doing your own cleaning, or sometime after your departure if you opt for the cleaning service. Assuming there are no problems, you will receive your deposit back within two to three weeks.
What types of problems are typically held from the deposit?
Deposit deductions are typically made for the cleaning service or for poor cleaning. Over half of our guests do not want to clean the Villa. They figure that they are on vacation and the last thing they want to do is clean on their last day when they can soak up the sun or catch that last fish. No problem either way. For those who wish to choose the no-clean option, we have a cleaning service that charges $100.
For those who wish to do their own cleaning, all cleaning supplies are provided. A clean Villa means that all linens are washed, the floor is mopped, carpets vacuumed, bathtub and showers are clean (including the one downstairs), kitchen counters are clean and dishes are washed.
Occasionally there is a charge for minor damage or missing items, but this is not the norm. Your Island Mate judges your cleaning effort and determines any charges. |
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You may contact Jib and/or Teresa Davidson, Gasparilla Villa Manager at
1-352-538-2266 (cell), 1-352-375-1473 (Jib's office)
jibteresa@gasparillavilla.com
6425 NW 54th Way, Gainesville, Fl 32653 |
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© 2005 - 2008 Gasparilla Villa
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