Rotunda West is a Florida community located in Charlotte County near Punta Gorda. This places it along the side of the state facing the Gulf of Mexico, but Rotunda West is not situated on the coastline itself. The name Rotunda West is quite descriptive as the entire community has been conceived and built in a wheel-shaped configuration in which all streets lead to a central round area called the Rotunda. There was once a similar community located farther east in Florida.
Rotunda West vacation rentals are plentiful because many of the homeowners here are "snowbirds" who maintain their Florida holiday homes as second homes that they use only on occasion; when not in use, such homes are often rented out to tourists who wish to experience the climate and attractions of the southern Florida region.
Features of Rotunda West
The outside of the huge 'wheel' that makes up the community is encircled by a canal system containing fresh water, not saltwater. This canal system also crossed over into the wheel, bringing fresh water to each of the 'wedges' that make up pie-shaped sections of the wheel. Residents here know that the area to the south of the wheel will not be developed, as it is a protected wetland featuring native wildlife including egrets, bald eagles, and American alligators. The beauty of the natural environment is also preserved by the practice of putting all utilities underground, something that other communities, not so rigorously planned, are less committed to doing.