Hundred of years ago the Calusas Indians roamed this beautiful peninsula, fishing and harvesting shellfish to feed their families. In fact, just a couple of miles north of here was found a huge ancient, Indian shell mound.

In later years, the Spaniards, including Hernando De Soto were active in these parts, exploring the interior as well as the coast. They were primarily interested in finding gold, but were unsuccessful. They were fortunate in finding abundant fishing and a soil for growing many crops.

As the years passed and civilization proceeded down the Florida peninsula, particularly the two coasts, the conquistadores returned to Spain and the Indians retreated to the Everglades.

Next, in the 1880's came the intrepid fishermen from North Carolina. They settled right next door and formed a village called Cortez. Nobody seems to know where that name originated. They thrived as mullet fishermen, making Cortez the third largest mullet producer in the state.

In 1935 the John Guthrie family acquired five acres along the east side of Sarasota Bay and built himself a trailer park for all those "snowbirds" who pulled their "house trailers" down for some winter sunshine.

What we have today, along with our 79 trailer lots, is the same crunchy, shell streets, the same century-old trees and the same gorgeous views of beautiful Sarasota Bay.

Old Florida Lives Today Now Wouldn't You Like to Join Us?