Additional Information for Caladesi Island State Park
Resources
Along the edge of the Gulf of Mexico, sand dunes line the open beach. Turtles and birds find it an ideal location for nesting areas. The coastal strand is host to several species of grasses and trees such as palmetto, hercules club and sea grape. Periodic storm tides cover the area, limiting the plant community’s diversity. Flood and fire are constant threats; however, two species call the coastal strand home -- the burrowing gopher tortoise and its occasional roommate, the Eastern diamondback rattlesnake.
Farther in is the maritime hammock, which provides a more stable environment because of higher elevation and a relatively closed canopy. Live oak, red bay, sabal palm and Southern red cedar thrive here, protected from salt spray and increased water evaporation. The "high ground" of Caladesi is free from floods except under extreme storm conditions. Slash pines dominate the open canopy forest that contains an understory of wax myrtle and palmetto. Park staff keep growth under control with ecological burns during the lightning season, providing maintenance while minimizing danger.
Mangrove forests prevail on Caladesi’s eastern coast. One of the few trees that thrives in salt water, there are four species that shelter the island and nurture many of its animal residents. Given time, the mangrove roots trap additional soil and actually add to the island’s size.
Ferry service is available from the mainland, weather permitting. The ferry departs hourly. For additional ferry information call (727) 734-5263.
Are you interested in learning more about the State Parks in Southwest Florida?
District 4’s biology staff continually monitors the biological aspects of our State Parks. Their effort includes scientific reports on flora and fauna found in our area and impacts on the environment from "civilization".
The reports are an excellent source of scientific information for school projects, or more advanced studies.
You can access all of the District 4 reports via the following link:
District 4 Biology Reports
Once there the reports are listed by year. After selecting the year group the reports are listed by title. Example: Select 1997 Annual Reports. Then select Caladesi SP –Gopher Tortoise Burrow Survey.
Then open the attached report.
Pets
The following requirements and rules are enforced for the health and safety of park visitors and pets, for the protection of park resources, and to ensure a quality recreational experience for all visitors. Failure to abide by any of these requirements and rules may result in the camper being asked to board the pet or check out of the marina.
- Pets are welcome at Caladesi Island State park if they are kept on a six-foot, hand-held leash and are well behaved and maintained at all times.
- Pet owners must provide proof of rabies vaccination when registering. Pets are required by Florida Law to be vaccinated against rabies.
- Pets must be confined on the owner's vessel during designated quiet hours.
- Pets are not permitted on beaches or in concession facilities at any time.
- Service animals are welcome in all areas of the park.
- Pet owners shall pick up after their pets and properly dispose of all pet droppings in trash receptacles.
- Pets which are noisy, vicious, dangerous, disturbing or intimidating to other persons, and pets which damage park resources are considered to be nuisances and will not be permitted to remain in the park.
Please see our General Parks Pet Policy for more information.
Links
Florida Division of Recreation and Parks neither endorses links nor approves of links to external sources. External links are made available to assist the Internet user in his or her search. The Florida Division of Recreation and Parks takes no responsibility for a link's operation or content. The links that are shown are not an exclusive listing of organizations available within the State.
