Palm Island Resort, located on Florida’s Southwest Gulf Coast, is the state’s only true out-island resort. There are no bridges or causeways to the island, which ensures a relaxed, tropical vacation setting.
Cape Haze, FL
Palm Island Resort is situated south of Tampa/St. Petersburg, between Sarasota and Fort Myers. They offer 161 privately owned villas and condos and 21 homes in “Old Florida” style architecture on a 2-mile stretch of pristine natural beachfront which is accessible only by boat or car ferry. Since cars are not 
allowed in the resort, guests can park their car in their island parking area. Transportation will be provided by their bell staff but golf carts are also available for rent for registered guests. When you depart from the car ferry or tie up at the docks, it’s an unmistakable feeling of relaxation as you approach Palm Island Resort.
In 1976, Dean and Gar Beckstead had a vision to build an island resort. Together they purchased the 130 +/- acres of land that is now Palm Island Resort. Unlike a typical hotel, the resort was built in stages beginning at the south end of the resort and finishing at the north end. The Rum Bay Restaurant and General Store opened in May 1988.
The Rum 
Bay Store is adjacent to The Rum Bay Restaurant, a tropical island dining experience in a casual atmosphere. The store is centrally located on the island and offers a unique selection of gift items, Palm Island logo wear and beach trinkets. This is what gift shop manager, Kacey Plummer had to say about Dune Jewelry: “Everything is handmade in the USA. Our Dune Jewelry pieces are unique and 100% Palm Island. Dune offers attractive prices for us and our customers. They also make ordering easy, with low minimums and the ability to create custom pieces.”
Palm Island Resort has been involved with the Lemon Bay Conservancy, Habitat for Humanity, Lemon Bay High School Project Graduation Murder Mystery Dinner, Paddle Addicts and Race Around The Island, a big stand-up paddle board race attracting participants from all over Florida. They have also acted as a host for Tropical Nights, which is the area’s largest YMCA fundraiser.
The Palm Island Resort has 5 heated pools, plus hydra spas and gas BBQ grills at each pool area. There are 11 hard tennis courts available for play at no charge. Their recreation center offers a variety of rentals including golf carts, bicycles, canoes and kayaks and fishing equipment. They can also arrange for wave-runners, motor boats 
and fishing charters. Golf is available nearby at several championship golf courses depending on your level of play. The resort offers 3,000 square feet of flexible meeting/function space , perfect for weddings, family reunions and social events. Deli, hand-scooped ice cream and small grocery items are sold at Coconuts, a small shop below The Rum Bay Store. In addition to The Rum Bay Restaurant, guests can dine at Leverock’s, the resort’s mainland restaurant located in the Palm Island Marina. It is easily accessible by water taxi.
When researching your next vacation, look no further than Palm Island Resort. Leave the fast-paced mainland behind and enjoy the soothing tranquility that comes with a true, island setting on Florida’s Gulf Coast. While you are there, visit Kacey and his staff at the Rum Bay Store! They will help you select THE perfect piece of Dune Jewelry to remember your stay. Oh, and beach brides…this place has you covered with everything in an exceptional setting that your guests will never forget. Contact them to start planning!
Palm Island Resort
7092 Placida Road
Cape Haze, Florida
