Chokoloskee, Florida, has been around longer than many of the biggest cities in the United States. Native Americans, renegades, trappers and fishermen have been here for thousands of years.
The 400 or so inhabitants are involved in the fishing business. Some as charter captains, others as commercial fishermen, and many more run various support businesses like motels, small resorts and campgrounds.
Basically, you could say Chokoloskee, Florida is the classic definition of a sleepy little fishing village.
Where is Chokoloskee Located
Chokoloskee, Florida is located on a ¼-mile square island in Collier County, bordering the Everglades to the north and east, and the Ten Thousand Islands on the west and south.
Chokoloskee Island is 40 miles southeast of Naples, Florida in the heart of the Everglades.
Directions to Chokoloskee
While it may seem complicated, it is relatively easy to get to Chokoloskee, Florida. The easiest way is to find Everglades City and follow the directions to Chokoloskee.
Specifically, take Route 41, the Tamiami Trail, east from Naples. After traveling about 30 miles you will see Route 29 south to Everglades City. Take this road and as you come into Everglades City you will see the sign for Plantation Island and Chokoloskee Island. It will be called Smallwood Road.
The island is just over a small bridge from Everglades City – see the map of Chokoloskee Florida below.
Most of the island is slightly above sea level due to the mounds of shells from hundreds of years of Indian occupation.
Chokoloskee is in the middle of the Everglades. The most accessible part of the Everglades is surrounding Chokoloskee Bay.
Chokoloskee Florida History
Beginning in the late 1800s, the native Indians were gone, killed or forced out, and settlers took their place. The area was fertile and full of fish and oysters.
On the mainland were deer, various birds, raccoons and other meat sources. Chokoloskee Florida became a trading center of some repute. Locally grown tomatoes, cane syrup and fish were traded for needed supplies.
Regular traveling trader boats traveled between the island and Key West. Most news from the outside world came from the sailors on board these vessels.
History has another view of Chokoloskee and the surrounding bay – and it’s not so sleepy!
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This article originally appeared here and was republished with permission.
