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VENICE AND BEYOND VENICE | ENGLEWOOD | PORT CHARLOTTE | PUNTA GORDA | BOCA GRANDE Aerial view of the property featured on page 65, Useppa Island N Named in homage to the romantic Italian city of canals, Venice, Florida offers its own uniqueness and charms, along with the tropical beauty of the Southwest Florida Coast. With a nod to old world history, Venice and its surroundings offer a collection of quaint and sophisticated towns – where the conveniences of today mingle comfortably with the romance of the past. In the city of Venice, beautiful bridges lead to the historic downtown area known as "The Island of Venice." There, lined with palm trees, is Venice Avenue, offering an eclectic selection of boutiques, restaurants and shops. This vibrant coastal city, with its European allure, never disappoints. To the south of Venice is Englewood, known to many as the "Gem of the Suncoast." Englewood offers expansive stretches of sparkling white sandy beaches, lovely residential areas, superb golf courses, and miles of waterways perfect for kayaking and fishing. The area's oldest city, Punta Gorda, traces its roots back to 16th century Spanish explorer Ponce De Leon, and is located on scenic Charlotte Harbor. The city's historic brick streets are lined with royal palms and old Florida style homes. Punta Gorda exudes charm and an old Florida atmosphere. Nearby, single-family neighborhoods intermingle with grand estates, among a labyrinth of canals and estuaries teeming with marine life. The burgeoning community of Port Charlotte, still comparatively new, is dynamic and growing very quickly, offering shopping, theaters, a multitude of restaurants, and any amenity you could ever need. Residential and recreational opportunities in this up and coming community are exciting and plentiful. This could be your chance to get in on the Port Charlotte boom and create a whole new life for you and your family. Among the most dazzling jewels in the area is Boca Grande, delightfully drenched in Old Florida history, sitting quietly but elegantly on Gasparilla Island. The transportation of choice here is the golf cart, creating a slow and genteel atmosphere. Old growth banyan trees offer plenty of shade and help complete this peaceful and serene setting. As an added perk, just off the coast of Boca you'll find some of the very best fishing in the world as well as the private islands of Useppa and Pine Island and miles of beaches of Cayo Costa State Park. 62 | SaundersBEST Venice and Beyond

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