Slice of paradise for sale

Prospective buyers from as far away as Egypt and London have expressed interest in buying the Crow's Nest, a 1-acre island at the mouth of the Homosassa River, near the Gulf of Mexico.

Online bids start at $90,000 on July 22 and will continue through 2 p.m. on July 25, says Lamar Fisher, CEO of Fisher Auction Co.

The island, with its mangroves and palm trees, is reminiscent of ol' time Florida. It has no roads connecting it to the mainland. But it does have underground electricity.

The Homosassa River — famous for its manatees — is in Citrus County, about 60 to 70 miles north of Tampa.

The island's owner, a longtime Citrus County developer, had listed the property for $1.3 million to $1.5 million for more than a year. On the island is a restaurant/bar, called the Crow's Nest, which hasn't been open in years.

One local broker expects it to fetch at least $500,000.

“That's the magical question: What someone will pay for it?” says Fisher.

Selling by auction creates a sense of urgency, Fisher says.

“If you want it, you buy it today or there is no tomorrow,” he adds.

It's the fourth Florida island that Fisher Auction has auctioned in the past two years. Two others were in Lee County; another was in St. John's River County.

Phil Oakes of Silver King Properties says his phone has been buzzing with interested callers.

The island is about five miles down river from Monkey Island, home to a family of primates. Oakes says it's not for sale.