SMALL TOWN GOINGS ON
We’re about to have our annual transition from "season" to the quiet time. The islands take a deep breath and become enveloped in quiet living. But fear not. The islands are still an active and fun experience with all kinds of activities to help you enjoy yourselves. There are, of course, the usual things to do like beaching, golfing, fishing, boating and just relaxing. There are several live theatres for your entertainment, many restaurants, some of them new, shops that offer whatever you might want and the things you won’t find anywhere else like the refuge, Conservation Foundation, Shell Museum, our annual 4th of July parade with attendant picnics. There are riverboat cruises on the Caloosahatchee, kayaking in local waters with SCCF and bike tours, explorations and birding at the refuge. There is always some thing or event on the islands that will attract and please you – for that’s what we do. Help you have fun and pleasure. If you’d like a full menu of planned events and happenings go to the Chamber of Commerce web site at www.Sanibel-Captiva.org. Then click on calendar.

REC CENTER ON TRACK
There was a get together of dignitaries recently to celebrate the "topping off" for the new recreation complex which is scheduled to open in September. The new $14 million rec center was first talked about in 2003 and is now on budget and on schedule according to the mayor. The center will have 186,000 square feet which includes a 32,000 square foot air-conditioned gym, teen center, two pools, tennis courts and craft rooms. This is a major undertaking and one that all on the islands can take pride in and make use of. Not too many small towns have a complex such as this. It will be a major attraction to residents and visitors alike.

YOU CAN OPERATE THE DRAWBRIDGE
You are being offered the thrill of a lifetime – to raise the Sanibel Causeway drawbridge for the very last time. The offer is being made by the Sanibel Captiva Optimist Club. A ticket to the event is $50 and the winner will have a chance to operate the drawbridge for its final time, get a tour of the electrical and mechanical rooms, a plaque with their name on it and a lever from the operation booth. This is a distinct event. You can talk about this for years in the locker room or around the bar. More information at www.sancapoptimist@comcast.net.

SANIBEL FIRE & RESCUE
It’s hard to believe that this dedicated organization is 50 years old. It started back when Sanibel was a remote island that could be reached only by boat or plane. Author Betty Anholt has recorded their history in a book titled, "Sanibel Fire & Rescue, 50 Years of Progress," which describes and pictures island traumas and joys over the past years. It’s a good read.

HELP MAKE SANIBEL BEAUTIFUL
The Sanibel Beautification Group is looking for volunteers to help them out. They are working to make the entrance to the island a beauty to behold. If you can help call 239-470-2866. The work days are the second and fourth Saturdays of the month from 8 to 10AM. There is no experience needed and no commitment required. So get out there and do your bit – enjoy the fresh air, sunshine and exercise. It’s good for you and good for the island.

VISITOR UPDATE
If there’s anything that makes the islands smile it’s being loved by visitors. And Sanibel and Captiva are loved. And where do the visitors come from? All over the world. But between the world and us is the airport – and therein lies the good news. Southwest Florida International Airport has reported that January was the busiest month in the airports 23-year history. Traffic was up by 8% over last year. The airport served more than 7.6 million passengers in 2006 making it one of the top 50 airports in the country. That’s good news to us since a goodly portion of this traffic comes to this island paradise.

Noone can deliver more more than  David with his 31 years of Island exprience

GOOD PROGRAMS LEAD TO GOOD RESULTS
Here are three of the programs we have developed to make your real estate transaction as comfortable and fruitful as possible. It will be to your advantage to use them. Our 31 years of experience in helping people sell, buy or rent properties on Sanibel or Captiva islands has taught us what works and what doesn’t - what’s helpful and what isn’t. We would like to put this experience to work for you. Some of our programs are:

MLS NOTIFICATION - which lets you know whenever a property that meets your needs becomes available. We let you know the same day it comes on the market by email. Email address required.

PRICING SERVICE – If you want to know what price properties - similar to yours - have sold for recently we will prepare a written report for you. This free market analysis will help you with your pricing considerations, whether you’re buying or selling.

GOPHER ENTERPRISES – If you’re renting, we will help you find just the right condo or house. We search all rental inventories throughout the islands to find just the right place that meets your stated needs. We leave no stone unturned. www.GopherRental.com

If you would like to learn more about these services and how they can help you just go to my web site www.schuldenfrei.com. Click on the link to the service that most interests you.