Growth Management Department
Planning, Zoning, and Land Information
Historic Tidbit : Harbour Heights
Harbour Heights, located at a bend on the west bank of the Peace River, was formerly known as Shell Point. The area was originally developed for phosphate mining and later, turpentine and timber. John Brewer sold his holdings at Shell point to Florida Southern Raildroad in 1920. Neil and Elvia Larsen , and later the Bayshore Company owned 323 acres at Shell Point. When the 1920’s land boom went sour, Shell Point and the surrounding railroad property were abandoned.
Having notice the property while flying from nearby Carlstrom Field, General Charles H. Danforth bought Shell point in 1936 for $107.24 in back taxes and $300.00 in court costs. Danforth build his retirement home styled after the Panama Canal Officer’s Club, at Shell Point. Federal Realty acquired the property in 1953.
Charlotte County Land and Title Company, which acquired the property in 1957, added the community pool, park and navigable canals and renamed the area Harbour Heights. The area was platted with 40 by 120 feet residential lots and 25 by 120 foot commercial lots. Necessities such as buffering and adequate parking were overlooked. Marketing was done through celebrities and international advertising. Boat racing and fishing tournaments were also held in the waters off Harbour Heights. The area was well stocked with 100 pound Tarpon and all sorts of game fish. Manatees and dolphin still frequent the canals of Harbour Heights.
In 1958, the Harbour Heights Civic Association was formed and the Danforth home was converted to a Civic Building with donations. In the 1960’s, its first volunteer fire department located in the Civic Building. Later a new fire station was built on a site donated by a developer. In 1966, the developer went bankrupt and utilities were not extended beyond the initial twelve block area. The pool, park and roads fell into disrepair, but the civic association held together. The park site, named after Rebecca Neal Owens who worked so hard to restore it, is now run by the county and is used to serve congregate meals.
(Excerpt from the Charlotte County Comprehensive Plan, 1997, p.1-11)
Staff Liaison Contact Information:
Martina Kuche, Planner III
Charlotte County Growth Management
Planning & Zoning Division
(941) 743-1949
