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Rotonda
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Rotonda is a deed restricted community situated in West Charlotte County, Florida. It was
originally developed by the now defunct General Development Corporation. It is an unusual
subdivision, in that it is shaped like an incomplete wagon wheel. A closed, fresh-water canal
system surrounds the outside of the "wheel" and travels inside each of the "pie-shaped" wedges
forming the areas of the development.
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The development is linked to land by three bridges that cross over this canal
system to the mainland. A protected wetland to the south prevents development of that area. Alligators, Great Blue
Herons, Egrets, Bobcats, Raccoons, Gopher, Turtles, and many other birds and animals inhabit the area. Challenging
golf courses, exciting deep sea fishing, numerous attractions, no-so crowded beaches, and top quality dining help
make Rotonda a jewel on the South West Florida Gulf Coast.
For more information click here
Early Facts About Rotonda West
by Jack Alexander
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The land on which Rotonda sits was owned originally by brothers William and Alfred
Vanderbilt. William was a former Governor of Rhode Island, and both brothers were direct descendants of the
renowned Cornelius Vanderbilt. Known as “The Commodore,” he founded the New York Central Railroad and
originated the first ferry connecting Manhattan with Staten Island.
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The brothers acquired the Rotonda land (36,000 acres) in 1952, with help from Charlotte
County agent N.H. “Doc” McQueen. They called it "2-V Ranch" where they raised Santa Gertrudis cattle. This
is a special breed mixing Hereford and Brahma, meaty but still tough enough to withstand Florida weather
and mosquitos.
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The Vanderbilt’s dug wells to get their water, many of them in a well field along
Boundary Boulevard. It sits there today, behind a Gulag-style fence installed more recently by Charlotte
County Utilities. The Vanderbilt’s also built a dam on Coral Creek by the northeast corner of Windward.
This separated the Gulf’s salt water from the ground-filtered fresh (though brackish) water their wells
provided.
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The brothers paid $700,000 for the 36,000 acres of Rotonda land. They sold 10,000 acres
of it almost immediately. Eventually, Alfred owned most of it and sold it to Cavanagh Leasing Corporation
of Miami in 1969 for $19.5 million, when ranching became uneconomical.
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Yes, there was a Rotonda East. It straddled Florida’s Palm Beach and Martin Counties. In
the 1960s, Cavanagh reportedly sold about 18,000 acres of mostly swampy land there for up to $6,000 an
acre. But suddenly the new ecology awareness took hold, bringing tougher country building and zoning codes.
Cavanagh’s plan to drain Rotonda East into the St. Lucie Canal was rejected by the Army Corps of Engineers.
Rotonda East died stillborn, so Cavanagh came here and launched Rotonda West.
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Cavanagh’s CEO, Joe Klein, liked the idea of a round community. It may be apocryphal that
Klein said, “If we built it square, fewer would have come here. Rounder is softer and more romantic.” Well,
somebody said it. So Rotonda is a unique circular community at its core, draining outwards to Rotonda
River.
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Klein’s company kept changing its name to fit his objectives. It started as Cavanagh
Mercantile in the early 1960's, became Cavanagh Leasing Corporation in 1968, then having launched Rotonda,
it became Cavanagh Communities Corporation in 1970. While this suggested experience developing
“communities,” in reality it was a land sales business. Even before Rotonda adequately took root, Cavanagh
was directing profits from Rotonda lot sales into casino/hotel building in Atlantic City.
Rotonda West Association
Schools
Sarasota County
Administration (941)
486-2163
Charlotte County
Administration
(941) 255-0808
Englewood Elementary
School (941)
474-3247
Myakka River
Elementary
(941) 697-7111
Vineland Elementary
School
(941) 697-6600
LA Ainger Middle
School
(941) 697-5800
Lemon Bay High
School
(941) 474-7702
Heritage Christian
Academy
(941) 474-5884
Parks &
Recreation
We are blessed with 4 beautiful beaches and
abundant parks. For more information, please contact the county parks department.
Charlotte County Parks &
Recreation (941) 627-1628
Health
Care
You’ll find 24 hour quality health care at the
Englewood Community Hospital, located on Medical Blvd., just off Pine Street. Englewood also offers several
walk-in clinics, and the Bon Secours-St. Joseph accredited system of health care. Venice, just north of
Englewood is home to Venice Regional Hospital.
Licenses
To register your car or boat, contact the
Department of Motor Vehicles at:
Charlotte County Annex
6868 San Casa Drive
Englewood, FL 34224
www.charlottecountyfl.com
(941) 474-7775
Hunting & Freshwater
Fishing:
The Sarasota County Tax Collector is the agent of the Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission (FWC) and the
Department of Environmental Protection for the sale of freshwater and saltwater fishing licenses, vessel fishing
licenses, hunting licenses, game management permits, lifetime and 5-year licenses. There is also detailed
information for disabled resident's fishing and hunting licenses on the FWC Web site.
Quick Reference
A valid license is required by all citizens who
intend to hunt or fish in Florida. The only exceptions
are:
1. Residents 65 or older.
2. Children under the age of
16.
3. Disabled residents can obtain a special exemption card free of charge.
4. A Florida resident who is a member of
the US Armed Forces and is not stationed in Florida, while at home on leave for less than 30
days.
5. Residents who have been accepted by the Florida Department of Health and
Rehabilitative Services as a client for retardation and developmental
services.
Salt Water
Fishing
In addition to the above, exceptions include:
1. Residents fishing in saltwater from
land or from a structure fixed to
land.
2. Anyone fishing from a pier which has
been issued a pier saltwater license.
You may obtain fishing licenses at bait & tackle, some retail stores and the county tax
offices.
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