🏡 Exploring Pelican Preserve: History, Lifestyle, Amenities & Costs

Pelican Preserve is a large 55‑plus gated community in Fort Myers, Florida, situated on Treeline Avenue near Colonial Boulevard. It's less than two miles from I‑75 (exit 136) and just 20 miles from the Gulf of Mexico. The Town Center is located at 10561 Veneto Drive. Residents enjoy easy access to Southwest Florida International Airport, as well as spring training games for the Boston Red Sox and Minnesota Twins.

The community spans 1,100 acres, with 58 ponds and 20 conservation areas, blending active living with Florida’s natural beauty.

🕰️ History of Pelican Preserve

Early Development

Developed in the early 2000s by WCI Communities, Pelican Preserve was designed to go beyond traditional retirement communities by including:

• A full-size softball field

• Lawn bowling greens

• Horseshoes, billiards, ping pong

• Indoor water volleyball & exercise pools

• Studios for woodworking, stained glass, sewing, pottery

Over 30 clubs were formed by residents, including photography, writing, and music groups.

Economic Downturn & New Ownership

The 2008 housing crisis paused development. Lennar, a national builder, acquired the project and completed the 2,498-home community by 2022. The community also became an Audubon International Gold Certified Sanctuary for its commitment to environmental preservation.

Resident Leadership

In 2019, a five-member resident board formed the Pelican Preserve Community Association. Within 18 months, they:

• Updated governing documents

• Purchased the Town Center

• Budgeted reserve funds

• Upgraded amenities and Internet

The community works with the Gateway Services Community Development District for maintaining roads, preserves, and infrastructure.

🌴 Lifestyle & Amenities

Plaza del Sol – Town Center (70,000+ sq ft)

This is the community's vibrant hub with:

• Coffee patio

• Fitness classes

• Woodshop & pottery studios

• Poolside lunch at Flip-Flops

• Events, concerts, markets

• Evenings at Destinations Restaurant or the movie theater

Indoor Facilities

• Arts & crafts studios (sewing, stained glass, woodworking, pottery)

• Card rooms, billiards, computer lab

• Yoga, Pilates, Spin, Zumba

• Indoor walking track

• Sauna, steam rooms, massage therapy

• 99-seat movie theater, performing arts stage

Outdoor Amenities

• Resort-style pool with live music & bar service

• Adults-only lap pool

• Dog parks, community gardens, butterfly garden

• Fishing pier, amphitheater, nature boardwalk

• 38-acre nature preserve

• Walking/biking trails

⛳ Pelican Preserve Golf Club

A 27-hole private championship course with:

• Multiple tees for all skill levels

• Ultradwarf greens

• Clubhouse with dining, spa, fitness

• Optional golf memberships

🧘 Health & Fitness Center

Located in the Magnolia Building, it features:

• Personal training, physical therapy

• Group fitness for all levels

• Indoor lap pool & resistance track

• Full spa services

• Sauna, steam room, locker rooms

🎾 Recreational Sports

Residents enjoy:

• 8 tennis courts

• 12 pickleball courts

• Softball field

• Basketball and table tennis

• Lawn bowling & bocce courts

• Horseshoes and community leagues

🍽️ Dining & Social Life

Dining options include:

• Destinations Restaurant & Bar

• Flip Flops Grill (poolside)

• Sandtrap Grille at the Golf Club

There are 30+ resident clubs for:

• Fishing, photography, writing, arts, music

• Mahjong, Bunco, Texas Hold’em, knitting, ceramics

• Residents can also form new clubs

🏘️ Real Estate Overview

Pelican Preserve includes 2,498 resale-only homes, built from 2001 to 2020, including:

💰 Prices & Fees

Home Prices (2025 Estimates)

• Condos & Villas: $241,000 – $460,000

• Single-Family Homes: $460,000 – $850,000
  (Some luxury homes may exceed these ranges)

HOA Fees (Monthly)

• Condos: $470–$800

• Villas: $500–$1,100

• Single-Family: Up to $1,400

Typical coverage:

• Landscaping & irrigation

• Roof/exterior maintenance

• Trash, sewer, water

• Security, gate access

• Cable TV & Internet

• Full access to amenities

CDD Fee

• Around $800/year for infrastructure maintenance

📍 Location Highlights

• Gulf Coast Town Center – 10 min

• RSW Airport – 15 min

• Fort Myers Beach, Sanibel, Captiva – 20–25 min

• Nearby hospitals: Gulf Coast Medical, Cape Coral Hospital

• Groceries: Publix, Winn-Dixie, Whole Foods

• Recreation: Lakes Park, Six Mile Cypress Preserve, JetBlue Park

🧘‍♂️ Life at Pelican Preserve

This is more than a place to live—it’s a resort-style experience with daily activities, lush preserves, and a tight-knit, resident-led community.

Residents enjoy a life of wellness, connection, creativity, and Florida sunshine. Whether you're relaxing on the lanai, walking the boardwalk, or joining a music group, Pelican Preserve is where vibrant 55+ living thrives.

Disclaimer:
All home prices, HOA fees, and CDD estimates are approximate and subject to change. Actual costs vary by property type, location within the community, and updates made by homeowner associations or governing bodies. Buyers are encouraged to verify all fees and dues with current listings, HOA management, or a licensed real estate professional.