A Seagate Shout Out

by Karen Coney Coplin

Small but mighty; resilient and loyal. The former describes the Seagate beach community; the latter its residents. You’ll have to step back- way back- to the founding of Seagate, which had its inception and development in the 1950s and 60s. This largely waterfront community is uniquely situated within close distance to many other popular Naples neighborhoods, like Park Shore, Naples Cay, and even Pelican Bay, slightly to the north.

Indeed, at present time, Seagate is the northernmost part of the City of Naples proper, west of U.S. 41, Crayton Road, and extending to the boundary of Clam Pass Park. The Naples Grande Beach Resort is just to the north and the popular, world class Waterside Shops are located nearby too, as are coffee shops, bike rentals, restaurants and grocery stores. There is even an access point to Gulf Shore Blvd. N. for pedestrian or bike traffic. The shopping and dining experiences at the Venetian Village are also readily accessible to the Seagate neighborhood.

When this community was conceived, all lots (except those homes on the north of Sand Dollar Lane) were to be waterfront. Seagate was envisioned then, and is to this day, as a place to enjoy the splendors of waterfront living; to be in close proximity to nature; to have a beach club lifestyle, and to be in a location convenient to all that we love about life in Naples. Beach and boating, just outside your door!

One Seagate neighbor, now in a downtown condo, fondly remembered her time living there, when her now-adult daughters were young.

“I loved it,” recalls Dr. Pam Caslowitz. “Yards were big, plenty of space for kids and dogs. So close to a non-crowded beach, and with a small beach club,” which made those outings easier and more enjoyable.

She also loved the proximity to Waterside, and walking/bike paths, including the Banyan trees which create a beautiful canopy when entering this community. Indeed, even with the summer heat and rains, people are out and about, walking their dogs and enjoying outdoor time with their family. I had the opportunity to stop recently at an old-fashioned lemonade stand doing brisk business.

There is a wood boardwalk/bridge connecting to sidewalks just east of this neighborhood, and this also evokes a spirit of times past.

The streets of Seagate all bear names which evoke sea life in the Gulf of Mexico: Sand Dollar Lane, Starfish Ave., Seashell Ave., and Seahorse Ave. Some mailboxes incorporate these creatures on the appropriate street in a lighthearted way.

Seagate is a unique & intimate residential community offering the best of many worlds: a location close to so much of Naples; easy beach access all around PLUS the private Seagate Beach Club preferred by most of its residents, which has restrooms, a fire feature, covered picnic areas, Wi-Fi, and lots of parking for those driving the very short distance over.

Yes, this was one of many areas hit hard by Hurricane Ian. Some neighbors have rebuilt, some are building new, and others have moved on.

The many beautiful flowering trees which are part of this neighborhood make it as beautiful as ever, even as many active construction sites dot the streets. And the proximity to waterways in one’s backyard gives new meaning to “bringing the outdoors in,” as part of Seagate residents’ lifestyle.

There are countless ways to savor Seagate and its peaceful living on the water and near the beach. In addition to the eagles, other wildlife is in abundance: dolphins, manatee, and numerous seabirds can readily be observed. Besides paddle boards, many enjoy kayaking or canoeing though Clam Bay, which features a 6 mile marked kayak trail system.

Seagate’s hallmark? It’s an appealing Naples neighborhood amid the serene beauty of natural surroundings. Beach and boating both. I’ll look for you there! Email Karen at NaplesKCC@gmail.com to suggest a subject for a future article. Please give her a follow-on Instagram @Naplesbythenumbers for more stories and images about life in Naples.