Dots Cottage on Goodwins Island in Pine Island

 Dot and Raymond Goodwin homesteaded in Bokeelia, FL in the mid 1950 when they pulled  their houseboat onto the bank of Jug Creek next to the old wooden bridge. Later when a new concrete bridge was put in, the creek was straighteded by dredging, creating Goodwins Island in the oxbow of Jug Creek.

As you cross Jug Creek on the footbridge, it becomes immediatly clear why Dots Cottage on Goodwins Island is such a special place. Private but not secluded, the cottage sits on uplands completely surrounded by native vegetation and ringed by Jug Creek. Here you have quick access to some of the best fishing, boating, nature watching and relaxing that Florida has to offer.

Tie up your boat right at the front door and be in the famous fishing grounds of Chatlotte Harbor, Pine Island Sound or Boca Grande pass in minutes. The fishing is also great off of your two docks in Jug Creek. Bait and boat rentals are readily available at the marina just across the creek. The Lazy Flamingo restarant in the marina will do a great job of cooking up your catch. A launch ramp is handy as is plenty of parking space for boat trailers and cars.

In the back yard there is a lighted raised deck for sunbathing, enjoying cocktails in the evening and watching the sun set over the creek. A walk-in outdoor shower with pulsing showerheads will help you relax after an active day.
The front screened porch looks onto the creek and has a gas grill and plenty of seating for enjoying a meal outside.

You will see Herons and Egrets strutting around the docks and in the yard. Occassionally a Manatee will swim under the footbridge, A "snook light" on the footbridge attracts bait fish at night, drawing in snook and other larger fish.

A leisurely walk off Goodwins Island brings you to the north end of Pine Island and the shores of beautiful Chatlotte Harbor. Stop in at Twin Palms Gallery with some of the best old Florida art and on Pine Island. A bit further and you come to the historic fishing pier where bait is available and many people come to watch sunsets over the harbor. Across from the pier is Captain Cons, an informal fish restaurant.

Dots Cottage has a cozy, comfortable feel and is tastefully decorated and well outfitted. It can sleep 5. There are two bedrooms, a  master bedroom with queen bed and a guest bedroom with bunk beds. A sofa pulls out into a queen bed. The living/dining room has an entertainment area with flat screen TV, DVD/CD/VCR player and surround sound music system. Broadband internet connection is available. Linens and towels are supplied. The kitchen includes all the usual appliances and plenty of cooking and eating utensils. There is a laundry room with washer and dryer. Air conditioning and ceiling fans. 

 The owners of Dots Cottage live full time on Pine Island. They usually greet new renters and are readily available to answer any questions and to quickly handle any maintenance issues.

Take a day trip by ferry (from Pineland Marina) or boat to the out-islands. There is a state park on Caya Costa where you can go swimming, shelling and exploring on the Gulf. Visit historical Boca Grande where presidents vacation. Lunch on Cabbage Key, reputed home of the Cheeseburger in Paradise, or at Barnacle Phils on North Captiva Island.

Enjoy world class salt water fishing - flats, inshore & offshore. Good fishing guides work out of Four Winds Marina just across Jug Creek from Dots Cottage. The public swimming pool at Pine Island Center is nice.  The Museum of the Islands is in the same area. Enjoy bike riding on the bike path that runs from St. James City at the south end of the island to Charlotte Harbor at the north end. An 18 hole golf course is 2 miles away. Learn about the Calusa Indians who inhabited the area 6,000 years ago at the Randell Research Center across from Pineland Marina.  Rent a Kayak and explore the Great Calusa Paddling Trail, a specially marked water path around the inland byways of Pine Island and beyond. Bird watching and walking opportunities abound. For an unusal adventure, get piloted over the area in an ultralight plane.

 Many restaurants are accessible by boat or car. Try Reds or the Tarpon Lodge for fine dining with an old Florida flair.

Broaden your exploring and visit the art galleries in Matlacha, an island artist commumity you pass through coming on and off Pine Island. Or try the Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel and the Edison Winter Estates in Fort Myers.

To find out more about the area check out websites like pineislandfl.

Dec 1 to Apr 30...$2,500/mo. Minimun one month.

May 1 to Nov 30...$1,800/mo. or $650/wk. Minimun two weeks.

25% deposit with booking, refundable up to 45 days before arrival. Balance due upon arrival. Check for last minute deals.

$125 exit cleaning fee.

11% state and local hospitality tax. 

No smoking. No pets.