A string of islands on Florida's west coast drops southward from Fort Myers Beach to Bonita Springs. This thin chain, connected by Estero Boulevard, cuts off Estero Bay from the Gulf of Mexico. Estero Bay is the first aquatic preserve established in Florida. Bonita Beach is one of the beautiful beaches of Big Hickory Island. This cool tropical scene is part of the attraction of Gulf Shore living. Thanks to a large population of fiddler crabs, the beach took on the undesirable name of Fiddlerville.
No longer Fiddlerville, Bonita Beach borrowed its new name from Bonita Springs, lying just across Estero Bay. Surveyors moved through Bonita Springs in the early 1800s, but didn't see its first settlers for another 75 years. The first large land purchase was made with farming in mind. Pineapple, coconuts, bananas and vegetables were the main crops. A lumber operation gave a boost to the area's population, all centered around Terry Street and the beautiful spring.