The charming and eclectic neighborhood of Tarpon River is adjacent to historic Sailboat Bend and east of Riverside Park separated by the south fork of the New River with an occasional view of downtown Fort Lauderdale.  Tarpon River is a charming conglomeration of vintage homes and cottages, newer townhomes and some multi million dollar estates both new and old.   Although it is only moments away from our city center it feels worlds away when you are relaxing on your front porch or boat dock relaxing to the sound of the rustling palm fronds overhead.  The local residents just love their neighborhood.  They often will bike ride or walk to downtown entertainment or if the wind is blowing just right, may be able to enjoy the musical notes from the peace of their own backyard.  The lush landscaping and mixture of old and new, artsy, modern, MCM and just about everything in between will give you plenty to admire as you saunter though these tree lined streets. 

It is of the utmost importance to the residents that this sweet enclave retains it's charm and small town "old Florida" feel.  For the past 3 decades the Tarpon River Civic Association, has worked closely with our city and county officials to mitigate traffic issues and other traffic calming options.  The Civic Association is quite active as are the residents.  As with most of our little neighborhoods, some are long time residents, some are new, but these folks seem to have some strong common goals of a unified community; folks that help each other out from time to time, folks who enjoy a lush tree canopy and beautiful native flora and fauna, love watching children playing in the streets, and sharing stories and hearing the sounds of a caring community, one they are proud to call their home.

A few years back (around 2006 or so) a concerned citizen Mr. Joe Bellavance, 77 years young took notice of a vacant, overgrown piece of property in the neighborhood .  When he approached Broward County with the thought of potentially restoring and maintaining this as a park/green space.  "I was lucky with the timing," he said. "I approached the county when they were preparing a bond issue to protect green space in Fort Lauderdale. They took over the land and gave it to the city. The county paid $2,800,000 to restore the property."  With the guidance, dedication, stewardship and direction of Mr. Bellavance this beautiful 3 acre park that meanders along the south fork of the New River became a reality and a most welcome and valuable addition to this charming neighborhood.  As part of the restoration, the landscape was cleaned up and beautifully planted, the sea wall was rebuilt, there was lighting and parking spaces created around the beautiful pavilion.   The walking paths were covered with rubber mat product that resembles mulch.  Money was spent on the sea wall and a pavilion, lighting and parking spots, and for the rubber covering on the paths, sliced and colored to look like mulch.  What a beautiful addition to the neighborhood!

There is historical archaeological significance to this Lewis Landing Park site where the Tequesta Indians were said to be back as far as the 9th Century.  As the site was excavated and prepared Native American artifacts were unearthed and are now stored at the Broward County Library.   As they were digging they also discovered an old pool; which was the only architecturally unprotected land.  Therefore, this is the site of the beautiful pavilion.  At the recent reopening (Nov.2015) celebration of Lewis Landing Park a beautiful statue of a Native American commissioned from local artist Nilda Comas was presented. 

With the New River as the northern boundary, the south fork of the New River to the west and the Tarpon River flowing through the center of the neighborhood - waterfront properties abound in this little subdivision only minutes to downtown Fort Lauderdale.  Many of these waterfront properties on the Tarpon River offer dockage for smaller boats.  The bridges along the Tarpon River are "fixed bridges" (stationery bridges who's spans do not rise or bridges that do not move) with approximately 6-8' clearance.  Properties along the New River in this area typically enjoy canal/waterway widths from 160' to 300'.  Properties along the south Fort of the New River will typically offer canal/waterway widths from 110' to 190"
For those mariners wondering about the trip to the inlet at Port Everglades from Tarpon Bend we'll estimate approximately 35 min. or so depending on the starting point.  It would be possible to pass under 5 bridges during the journey; bridge at SW 4th Avenue, The Railroad Bridge by Riverwalk, the Andrews Avenue bridge, the SE 3rd Avenue Bridge and the SE 17th Street Causeway Bridge. 

Located only a few minutes to our Downtown Fort Lauderdale City Center Tarpon River is an excellent location.  Also minutes away are our Fort Lauderdale International Airport, our beautiful beaches, and major highway arteries to transport you wherever you need to go. 

I hope that this little story has conveyed just a wee bit of the "feeling" the "ambiance" of this enclave.  I hope to have the opportunity to introduce you in person.