Manasota Key is an enchanting barrier Island seven miles long off the coast of Englewood and only accessible via two Waterway drawbridges. Impatiently waiting at one of the drawbridges and thinking to myself, thank God they do not have these in Boston. Stressed to the max, I finally opened my eyes and let the beauty unfold before me. It was a eighty degree cloudless day in November, the bridge slowly raised as a beautiful white sailboat with navy-blue trim glided towards the bridge. There were several people fishing from the bridge, a father and his son to my right leaned over the bridge looking into Lemon Bay below and I thought fondly of my dad, years gone. Two older men to my left, I could hear their voices but not make out the words but understood their laughter and thought of old friendships. 

The birds came alive and swooped towards the bay, also fishing. The tropical breezes could be seen as the palm trees and pines swayed ever so slightly. A horn beeped, startling me, time to ramble on; relaxed I headed onto Manasota Key to The Pearl. Onward, there is one two- way road with no traffic lights on this Island.  

As I slowly proceed to the Pearl, mansion watching and trying to get a peek at the water, I begin thinking about the folklore of pirates being the first to inhabit this key. Lemon bay would have been perfect for hiding their ships. The barrier island with its soaring pines and lush tropical vegetation could hide an army. What wild nights, the bonfires soaring into the night, rum being consumed by the gallons and songs of laughter, I think of those Errol Flynn movies and want to be there. 

Passing one spectacular home after another we soon reach our destination the Pearl. Entering through rod iron gates onto brick pavers, I know this is special. The Pearl sits on the Gulf of Mexico and has the romantic charm of an era gone by. Well, I am going treasure hunting on the beach. They say there are sharks teeth hundreds of years old lying on the white crystal sand waiting for us. 

I can not believe that this Island is only a few miles from restaurants, shopping centers and quaint downtown Venice.