Coral Creek Peninsula

The Story

Why it Matters

The Peninsula is located at the convergence of East and West Coral Creeks which flow into the Gasparilla Sound and Aquatic Preserve. Saving this land prevents the risk of development which would disturb important fish and wildlife within the state park and surrounding creeks and bays. It also allows for the removal of the rampantly invasive Melaleuca which is spreading onto the adjoining public lands. The peninsula has over a mile of creek frontage along designated Charlotte County blueway trails. The shoreline is surrounded by high-quality, unaltered mangrove forests, and salt marshes. Many listed shorebirds and waterbirds use these coastal wetlands extensively. The scrubby flatwoods comprising the majority of the property are uncommon in coastal areas due to development and provide excellent habitat for Florida wildlife, such as gopher tortoise and eastern indigo snake.  In addition, nearby archeological sites from maritime prehistoric humans along Coral Creek and around nearby Lemon Bay are indicators that this property could also contain such sites. Protecting Coral Creek Peninsula benefits Charlotte Harbor which is a national treasure and designated an "Outstanding Florida Water".