a bit of history...

As you drive along scenic Route 41, enjoying the solitude and nature of the area, many are surprised to come across our little community at Port of the Islands. It's no wonder...protected lands surround us...on all sides! Just minutes to all the amenities a city has to offer, Port of the Islands is like an island "away from it all."

Started many years ago in the 60's as Ramuda Ranch, a resort primarily used by Gulf American Corp., a real estate development company, promoting Golden Gate Estates (they also developed Cape Coral). Many people remember the airstrip (now Sunset Cay) that brought in visitors and investors, many for a promotional free weekend. It became known as the "Port."

In 1980, Bill Ray, a developer with his own dream, acquired the property after others unsuccessfully tried promoting it after Gulf Management. He obtained a $7 million dollar bond for the completion of the infrastructure, which matures in 2010. Mr. Ray sadly died in 1991 after successfully completing the first condominium building, now known as Sunrise Cay, Phase I. The first home lots were also sold. In 1994, his family auctioned off the remaining property to private individuals and developers. Since that time, the completion of dozens of new homes, Evening Star and Stella Maris Villas, Sunrise Cay, Sunset Cay, and Villages at Stella Maris has taken place. The hotel and marina have undergone a major renovation which is still ongoing. Still to be completed is the Orcid Cove condos on the north side.

Included in the infrastructure is our own state-of-the-art water and sewer treatment plant, located across the street north of route 41. Golden Gate estates is undergoing restoration, which means more of the Everglades will be restored to its natural beauty and resources. The State is also in the process of taking title to as much of this land as possible. This puts Port of the Islands in a very unique position. You will not find another community quite like ours. We invite you to stop by and see for yourself...it's like stepping back in time...to the way Florida used to be. Best of all, a piece of this paradise can still be yours!