This wonderful place we live in continues to be a big attraction to vacationers. The Chamber has reported that the number of visitors in January was up 16% over a year ago. They also reported that there has been a significant rise in traffic on both islands and their retail members are reporting that business was up this past season.... Read More »
With local schools restarting this week, everything has slowed down on island…fewer cars and fewer people. September is historically an even slower time and many local restaurants take the opportunity to close for a short respite. But it’s still a great time of year to visit and prices are at their lowest. Come on down! Read More »
Here are some interesting statistics for 2003-2012 (year to date): Houses Number Sold (closed) Average Sale Price 2003 238 $698,622 2004 269 $851,418 2005 266 $1,017,864 2006 156 $1,144,135 2007 143 $1,024,007 (-10.5% from ’06) 2008 147 $957,316 (-6.5% from ’07) 2009 144 $755,003 (-21.13% from ’08) 2010 121 $775,172 (+2.67% from ’09) 2011 178 $820,569 (+5.34% from ’10) 2012(as... Read More »
The second annual Captiva Triathlon will be held Sunday, September 16 at South Seas Island Resort. It consists of a quarter-mile swim, a 10-mile bike ride and a 5K run. There is also a kids race with two different age groups the day before. Bring the entire family and make it a fun “fit” weekend. For more information go to... Read More »
The Sundial Beach and Golf Resort has been sold to local investors for $2.3 million. The sale closed earlier this month. Although plans haven’t been finalized yet, there is talk of a new spa, store, fitness center and an over all upgrade of the banquet and convention space. I’ve also heard that they plan to reopen the tiki bar and restaurant... Read More »
Sanibel City Council members are working on the budget for the next fiscal year. The millage rate has been set at 2.1398 which would generate almost $9 million in taxes despite the lower property values. Sanibel has always managed to live within its means, but Council is still looking at other ways to cut expenses. There was much discussion over the need... Read More »
The Historical Museum and Village on Dunlop Road will close for the remainder of the summer after August 4. It will reopen November 7. This annual closure allows the staff to make any needed repairs and maintenance to the buildings and grounds and to prepare and plan for next season’s exhibits and special events. It’s a great place to discover the... Read More »
You may have noticed recent ads for a program called Seafood Savvy in our local southwest Florida media. Its purpose is to make people aware of the decline in available seafood in our oceans due to overfishing and increased demand. It is an initiative of START, a non-profit organization based in Sarasota whose objective is to preserve the coastal waters... Read More »
These pileated woodpeckers have been quite active lately. This pair is around almost every morning and are so distinctive with their red crests. They can be very vocal as well. Pileated woodpeckers are one of the largest woodpecker species in North America and are abundant on Sanibel. Read More »
We had a great turnout yesterday for the Sanibel Independence Day parade. As we do every year, VIP had a float and good representation. The theme this year was Sanibel – #1 Vacation destination. I drove the VIP Vacation Rentals van. It was very hot and humid, but a good time was had by all! Read More »
