Then, the islanders decided to establish the MSTUs (special taxing units) with Charlotte County.
The Association was changed. It was organized to promote the preservation of the natural environment and ecology of Knight and Don Pedro Islands. Voluntary membership opened to include lot owners in the PIE development as well as any person to have occupied a dwelling in the development in excess of twelve months. Assessments became annual dues of $25.00.
Years later, recognizing that not all members would be owners in the PIE development because of the new developments under way, membership was expanded. The Association was reorganized to promote cooperation among lot owners and property owners on Knight Island, Don Pedro Island, Palm Island and Thornton Key. Its goals were to offer a representative voice in civic and community affairs and to provide for the mutual welfare and improvement of all of the islands. PIE remained a voluntary organization. Dues are still $25 per year.
The following article is reprinted with permission from the author. It is from a 1995 PIE newsletter.
History of Don Pedro/Palm Island by Anne Merry
We have all heard different versions of our island’s beginning – who platted Palm Island Estates; why so many names for the island; was the bridge from the mainland destroyed by a hurricane? And so, another story.
In 1957, two individuals by the names of Bland and Pruitt, who owned a lumber company in Georgia, purchased a parcel of raw land on the island. They subsequently platted over 550 lots, and a road system, and recorded the subdivision with the County, naming it Palm Island Estates. During 1958-59, Bland and Pruitt continued their development by installing overhead power and phone utilities in Units 1, 2, and 4, and constructing three bridges.
The first was a small bridge which connected Bocilla Lagoon and the back side of Unit 4 to the Gulf side. The second, larger bridge joined Palm Island to Don Pedro Island, which was separated by the then open Bocilla Pass. The third bridge was built to connect the island to the mainland, and was adjacent to where the current ferry/barge operates. All three bridges were constructed of creosote heart pine.
The developers also dredged and widened Kettle Harbor and Bocilla Lagoon, as well as dredging the new canals, now commonly known as the "T" Canal and the Block "J" Canal. Properties began to sell, and seven cement-block, on-the-ground homes were built. They included two models. It could be presumed that the island would build and develop out much the same as Manasota Key and other neighboring keys. A way of life had begun on Don Pedro/Palm Island – but not without change.
In 1964, the Army Corps of Engineers activated their plans to dredge the Intracoastal Waterway. In compliance with a pre-confirmed agreement with the Corps, Bland and Pruitt were forced to exercise this agreement and dismantle the small, fixed bridge connecting the island to the mainland. Unfortunate for them, fortunate for us.
Today our island is primarily a single family, residential, waterfront community for a limited few. There are no crowds or traffic; we have no zoning for high rises or commercialism. Golf carts and bicycles are the mode of transportation. Swimming, fishing, boating, and beach walking are the agenda for each day. We are afforded a quality of life rare in today’s world.
