Shell Harbor, its canals, and Hugo Lindgren Article Provided by Deane Manolis (January 2003)
Ever wonder why only one of the three bridges over the Shell Harbor canal system is boater friendly? Or why there is a lagoon or basin east of Lindgren Blvd. at East Gulf Dr.?
Some of Sanibel's most shocking images showing the island devoid of beachfront homes and condos were taken from the air well before the causeway was built, visitors had to take the Ferry from Punta Rassa, or fly in on a small plane.
Located off Casa Ybel Road near what it now called Airport Way was a grass airfield that hosted many small planes in its two plus decades in existence...
Although things have changed over the years, Sanibel remains the charming and naturally beautiful place for which it has achieved international renown. In 1963 the causeway was built linking Sanibel and Captiva to the mainland. The resulting explosion in growth led Sanibel Island residents who were afraid of losing the island’s charm and natural beauty...
The J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge was born through the efforts of Ding Darling and his island neighbors from land that was donated by concerned citizens and acquired by the federal government...
After World War II, the nation’s economy expanded and visitors began to come to Sanibel and needed accommodations. Mom and Pop hotels began to appear as well as shops, real estate companies and restaurants...
In 1928 a ferry service began to and from the mainland. On June 25, 1928, the first Kinzie Ferry sailed from Punta Rassa to Sanibel...
Travel back in time to the 1940’s and 1950’s on Sanibel Island and catch a glimpse of the island’s economy...
Some things have not changed - like the Islanders love for wildlife, beautiful beaches, fun in the sun and all our furry friends. Judging by the happy faces in this video, all creatures great and small love the islands.
