Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park Addition

Though located within the boundaries of a state park, this land could have been developed at any time.

The Story

Big Waters initially purchased the 20-acre inholding at a deed tax auction on December 12, 2023. Though located within the boundaries of Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park, the property was privately-owned and could have been developed at any time. This type of property – privately-owned land located within the boundaries of a publicly-owned, protected area – is known as an inholding. We completed the 2023 purchase using our dedicated Nora Patterson Land Fund, established to quicken the pace of land conservation here in Southwest Florida. Thanks to the Fund and all those who have contributed to it over the years, we were prepared to purchase this unique property as soon as it became available. The State of Florida purchased the land from us as an addition to the Park in 2024.

Why it Matters

Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park is Florida’s third-largest state park. It protects more than 100 miles of shoreline along Charlotte Harbor in Charlotte and Lee counties. Charlotte Harbor is an estuary of national significance and one of Florida’s most productive estuaries, providing a safe space for fish such as tarpon, snook, and redfish to breed and grow. The park consists primarily of mangrove forests, marshes, scrub habitats, and pine flatwoods. The newly added 20 acres are comprised of mangroves, wetlands, and a small upland area. As an addition to the park, these 20 acres will not only benefit local wildlife and waters, they will also expand opportunities for our community to enjoy the great outdoors for generations to come.

Visit floridastateparks.org to learn more about the park and plan your visit.

Just the Facts

20

acres

Date Acquired

2023

20 acres located within Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park at the mouth of Tippecanoe Bay on Sam Knight Creek
Big Waters purchased the 20-acre inholding at a deed tax auction in 2023 using our dedicated Nora Patterson Land Fund
The State of Florida purchased the land from us as an addition to the Park in 2024