We spent the week here in April. It was perfect. A few things for those who are traveling to the area for the first time.
1) The blue floating barrier in the pictures is not a swimming area, it's a barrier for the seaweed and weather. That area prior between the sea wall and the barrier is a shallow non-swimmable space to protect the property.
2) The pool is amazing and you will utilize it. It's deep enough in one end to jump in (I wouldn't recommend diving for safety) but is lots of fun for the kids.
3) The dock is essential - great for tying up boats and fishing. No cleats, just the dock pilons to tie to. Gets about 4-6 feet deep at the end and the currents are very manageable.
4) Fishing: it was hard to fish sometimes from the dock due to the seaweed (this year is especially challenging but usually not as bad) yet we still caught mangrove snapper, tarpon and other fish. The water is so clear you can see EVERYTHING, and the Cobia hunting at night is wild (we didn't catch any of them!)
5) House has everything you need to cook etc, first house I've ever been to that I didn't really need anything.
6) Bait/fish freezer was very lovely - nice to keep things separate
7) Shade: there is no shade on the dock and limited on the property (except under the houses). So you may want to bring something for that, we were fine.
8) Grocery shopping: Michelle put it best - if you need something NOW hit up the Winn Dixie on Big Pine, but if you want to do a comprehensive shopping, take the time to go to Marathon and go to either the Winn Dixie there or the Publix.
9) Smell - you may be initially put off when you first arrive during the Sargassum (seaweed) season. The seaweed itself is fine, but as it decays there can be a "rotten egg" smell. DO NOT PANIC. It's really not as significant as you think it will be. It's really only there if there is ZERO wind which there never is except when we drove up and parked. The rest of the time even my crazy picky kids and husband didn't notice it or care if they did.
We will be back and stay again!