What's Happening on Sanibel and Captiva Island

Octifest

Pfeifer Cousins Find Octifest Clue #3

Octifest Fever Runs Wild on Sanibel Island!

What has local Sanibel and Captiva Island residents running from bay to sea clutching cryptic clues? It is the clever lead up to build awareness about Octifest! For eight weeks straight a clue will be hidden on the island that when found can be exchanged for an original Luc Century hand etched vase! Octifest will benefit The Sanibel Sea School, a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and appreciation of marine ecology through field study. To attend the Sanibel Sea School's Octifest, be sure to contact the Sea School 239-472-8383 or logon to www.SanibelSeaSchool.org for more information. Octifest will be held April 26th at 6:30pm at the Sanibel Community Center.

Holly Smith's Record Catch!

One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, BIG FISH

Wishes do come true. When Holly and Jason Smith headed out on their boat for a day of fishing last Saturday, Holly casually said "I just want to catch a red fish". Wow was Holly in for a BIG surprise. While relaxing and enjoying the clear skies and even clearer water off of Sanibel Island, Holly was snapped into action when her line jerked. After landing her record sized Red Fish, Jason grabbed the camera to record the catch before releasing this giant specimen.

Now if I didn't know Holly and Jason as well as I do, I might be led to believe that this photo was completely staged because it is truly picture perfect! Their Red Fish was 38 inches long! Undoubtedly a fish tale for the record books! FISH ON SMITH FAMILY. One day I hope to catch one that rivals this fish...until then I'll keep wishing.

Do NOT Leave Hoses Running!

Mother and Calf Resting

Manatees Move Into Shallow Island Waters

As the Gulf of Mexico waters cool, more Manatees are moving into the shallow bay waters and canals around Sanibel and Captiva Islands. Closely related to the elephant, manatees are “gentle giants” of the sea which reach an average length of 10 feet and 1000 pounds as adults. Their diet consists of sea grasses which they consume for nearly 6 to 8 hours a day. The rest of a manatee’s day is spent sleeping or moving slowly. It’s vitally important to remember that these endangered creatures can’t dive quickly enough to evade the props of a speeding boat. Even while sleeping, they must return to the surface to breathe every 15 or 20 minutes. Manatees also need fresh drinking water to survive. Many will congregate in marinas where a man-made source of fresh water can be found easily such as hose running on a dock or a drain for storm water run off. Trying to attract Manatees with a fresh water source can prove fatal for the animals if they become dependent on that source of water and it is removed. It’s important that manatees locate natural rivers and creeks for their fresh water needs. The photos here are show a manatee drinking from a running hose and later resting on the bottom with her calf.

John, Mary Ellen & Darby Pfeifer

Dr. Bruce Neill

New Bridges Fully Open

The Sanibel Bridges were officially opened with an early morning 5K run, kayak races, and an old car parade! Once the ribbon was cut, the old cars were the first vehicles to cross the fully opened new bridge.

The new Sanibel Causeway is now the tallest bridge in Lee County. During the next few months there will be a great deal of landscaping added to the causeway islands.

Bridge is "Forever up'' View from New Span

Draw Bridge no Longer an Excuse

Okay, we have all used the bridge as an excuse for being late. How many times have we approached that span in the bridge with trepidation glanced down at our watch only to confirm what we already knew - the minute hand was nearing the dreaded half hour mark. Is my watch a few minutes fast? Will I make it over the metal grate span before the lights begin to flash and the bells alarm? Who will win today driver or draw bridge? Whew, I just made it by two cars. I'm lucky today, I would think to myself, I beat the bridge!

I'm going to miss that old metal span as it would slowing rise towards the sky. Now as I cruise uninterrupted over the high bridge and near the apex of this concrete arch, the challenge and excitement are gone. The game of driver vs. drawbridge has forever changed. Driver wins every time...!

Can you Name this Creature?

Every now and then nature exposes us with an opportunity to learn. This time I was given a "lesson in lizards" by my eight year old son John. Before last week, I thought a lizard was a lizard. Not so! Our yard provided my son with the perfect class on anoles. I was his only student but nevertheless his enthusiasum was full throttle.

We enjoyed the antics of this green anole. When temperatures are around 70 or higher they tend to stay green but when temperatures cool to the 60's or lower they tend to be brown. I also learned that when males fight, the winner turns bright green and the loser turns brown.

Pfeifer's Real Estate Commercial wins 2006 Telly Award

Eric Pfeifer's Television Commerical won the 2006 Telly Award for the best Real Estate Agent TV spot in the United States. Award credit goes to creative director and producer Mark Meyers of Trademark Films. Mark's talent and Eric's message merged to produce an award winning spot. After winning the top Florida Real Estate Commercial and the best in the south, "Real Estate Is..." went on to win the top award for the country.

Sanibel Island and the Vietnam Wall?

What could the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial have to do with the small, subtropical, barrier island of Sanibel? Ask any local and they will tell you. Sanibel residents are proud to know the man that pioneered a technique for engraving over 58,000 names in stone spending countless hours carefully listing each soldier lost in the Vietnam War. The man is Luc Century, a long time Sanibel resident, philanthropist, and innovative artist.

Luc Century, a master of large scale art glass works, has created masterpieces that will inspire many generations. With an education in accounting and a love of photography Luc began a house cleaning business at the age of 27. When asked about the pivotal moment when he “knew” that he wanted to work with glass as an artistic medium, Luc recalls seeing his reflection after pulling a squeegee across a window he was cleaning. It was this moment that inspired Luc’s desire to place images on glass. Luc worked for Binswanger Glass in Memphis as Director of Research & Development for Glass Craft and during this time he continued to develop a process that would etch images into glass, mirrors, and stone.

Century’s large scale pieces can be found at the Barbara B. Mann Hall, Miami City Ballet, Sanibel Island Shell Museum, FGCU’s Whitaker Science Hall, University of Florida’s Museum of Natural History, and of course the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in our nation’s capital. Luc continues to find artistic inspiration in the abundant nature which surrounds the sanctuary island home which he shares with his wife Dee, and their dog Gracie.

Pfeifer's Website Wins Top Honors

Eric Pfeifer’s website SunnySanibel.com does it again! Every year the Florida Realtor Magazine panel of website judges award individual agents and companies with the best real estate websites in the state of Florida. This is Eric Pfeifer’s third year in a row winning top honors for his website www.SunnySanibel.com . Eric’s site can be reached by entering one of the three following URLs: sunnysanibel.com, ericpfeifer.com or mysanibelrealestate.com. Pfeifer’s site is also easily found in the top results on Google when searching for “Sanibel Realtor” or “Sanibel Real Estate”.

Why is having a good website important? In today’s high tech real estate market, 70% of home buyers begin their property search on line. This is a staggering number and an important trend which over time will continue to grow as the next generation will be efficient internet users when they enter the real estate market place. If you are selling a property and your agent is not using all the tools available on the internet, your property is missing valuable marketing exposure and potential buyers may never see your listing.

For a website to be selected as one of the best in the state, it must be easy to navigate, maintain up to date current information, offer state of the art tools for buyers and sellers, include several areas to contact the agent, as be full of helpful community information. Eric remains committed to continuing to provide the best real estate website for the Sanibel and Captiva Islands. Having a good website is essential to getting the job done for clients. Both buyers and sellers benefit from a well organized website that saves them valuable time.

This year’s judges:

Randy Eagar, CRS, is founder of Computer Camp, a computer training center in Salt Lake City and is a senior instructor for the Residential Sales Council. www.computercamp.net

Dan Gooder Richard is founder of the Gooder Group and is an authority in real estate marketing and lead management. www.goodergroup.com

Ira Serkes, Realtor® and broker with RE/MAX Real Estate in Berkeley, Calif. He is an instructor who teaches other sales associates how to use computers to better serve clients. www.berkeleyhomes.com

The 2006/2007 results can be found on the Florida Realtor website: http://www.floridarealtors.org/FLRealtorMagazine/2007/SolutionsGuide/WebarrificSG07.cfm

PPBO.com Vacation Rentals by Owner on the Web

The internet has changed the way the world operates opening channels of communication worldwide with a key stroke. In a matter of seconds more people are getting connected and networking than ever before.

To give an example of the explosive growth in internet use, I began a small by owner website "Paradise Properties by Owner" as a free service for Lee County property owners to showcase their rental properties in April of 2003. At first this website www.PPBO.com was averaging over 60 vistors a day and I was thrilled! Today as I write this article, PPBO.com is averaging over 6500 visitors each day and received over 55 million hits last year! PPBO has also grown into an international portal showcasing privately owned villas and homes worldwide. There are over 200 Sanibel and Captiva Island properties on PPBO and each owner may be contacted easily on their PPBO page.

If you own a rental property and would like more information on how to list it with PPBO.com please contact me or email info(at)ppbo.com. When planning your next vacation, go to PPBO and pick from over 2500 properties worldwide.

Buc's Running Back Earnest Graham AttendsTrophy Night

2-2-2007: Trophy Night for Sanibel’s youth Flag Football League ended with a grand surprise. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Running Back Earnest Graham stopped by the football fields to pass out the trophies and sign autographs. Earnest spoke to almost each player and parent for over an hour as 115 excited young football players waited to greet him. Graham is from Ft. Myers and played for the Florida Gators before signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Most recently he is launching the Earnest Graham Foundation which is dedicated to helping children find their talents and develop their confidence and respect of self and others they reach for and achieve new goals.

Sanibel’s Youth Flag Football League was started in 2003 by Eric Pfeifer. This is a coed sport for ages 6 to 14. For more details about the league visit www.sanibelflagfootball.com .

Amernet String Quartet

The 2007 Sanibel Music Festival

The 21st season of the Sanibel Music Festival has arrived. After months of preparation, the 7 concert series is here. Mark your calendar and make plans to attend the following concerts.

Saturday, March 3: Amernet String Quartet with Clarinetist Charles Neiduch

Tuesday, March 6: Orion Weiss, Piano

Saturday, March 10: Opera Theater of Connecticut

Tuesday, March 13: New Arts Trio - Rebecca Penneys, Piano

Saturday, March 17: Rudens Turku, Violin with Piano and Mary Creswell, Mezzo-Soprano with Piano

Tuesday, March 20: Borealis Wind Quintet with Leon Bates, Piano

Saturday, March 24: Prazak Quartet with Jon Nakamatsu, Piano

Founded in the 1980's by Marilyn Lauriente, the Sanibel Music Festival has presented such wonderful artists as: The Emerson String Quartet, Olga Kern, Opera Theater of Connecticut, Wu Han, David Finckel, The Julliard String Quartet, Orion Weiss, Joyce Yang, Jon Nakamatsu, Ruth Laredo and the American String Quartet.
For more information visit www.sanibelmusicfestival.org . Tickets for the 2007 concert series can be purchased at Bailey’s, Needful Things, Macintosh Bookshop and at the Island Bookstore.

Ask the Expert's - A Real Estate Perspective

1-18-2007: Pfeifer's Paradise Properties presents "Ask the Experts" a series of seminars this season beginning on January 26, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. at the Sanibel Community Association (2173 Periwinkle Way). The real estate market has changed dramatically in the last twelve months due to many factors. Join in this open forum question and answer session featuring the following experts:

Mortgages: David Wright owner of the Prime Financial Group in Ft. Myers a residential and commercial lender with affiliated branches in 17 states.

Insurance: Marge Meek, agent with Rosier Insurance understands the needs of coastal customers.

Investments: Terence M. Igo is the Senior Vice President for The Sanibel Captiva Trust Company. He also serves as a member of the Asset Management Committee.

1031 Tax Exchanges: Dave Ownes is a CPA and the owner of 1031 Tax Free Strategies.

Real Estate: Eric Pfeifer is a full time island resident and Broker-Associate with the VIP Realty Group. Eric's Pfeifer's Paradise Properties is sponsoring "Ask the Experts".

For more information on additional seminar dates, and to reserve a spot call 239-472-5187 xt: 230.

White Pelicans on Upper Captiva

Winter on Sanibel and Captiva Islands

1-17-07: The seasons are not marked on Sanibel and Captiva Islands with dramatic changes in climate or weather. Subtle changes in water temperatures, humidity and species of birds all help to signal the transiton into winter. The islands are enjoying beautiful winter weather with sunny skys and rain free days. Waters, while chilly don't deter many from wading and swimming.

One of the most beautiful signs that winter has arrived are the flocks of White Pelicans that can be seen floating together around the barrier islands. White Pelicans do not dive for their food like our common Brown Pelicans but instead circle around their prey to corral the bait fish into a small area where they then feed on the fish.

Baileys rebuilt on land after the Hurricane

Sanibel Historical Museum Quilt Show

The Sanibel Historical Village and Museum is displaying quilts from the turn of the century at the Museum Village now through March. Located on Dunlop Road, the Sanibel Historical Village is open from 10a.m. to 4p.m. Wednesday through Saturday November until April.

Currently the museum contains the Rutland House furnished from the early 1900's. Bailey's General Store also known as the Sanibel Packing Company. The original Sanibel Packing Company was located on a pier that use to be close to the current day causeway bridge. The pier and store were lost in a Hurricane. the "Morning Glories" Cottage is a Sears Roebuck kit home from the 1924 Honor Bilt Homes Catalog. These kit homes were delivered to the island by barge and only needed to be assembled by a carpenter. The Burnap Cottage came from Woodring Point where it was built in 1898. There is also the 1926 Post Office, Miss Charlotta's Tea Room which was built for use as a gas station, and the Old Schoolhouse that was constructed in 1896 and relocated in 2004 from Periwinkle where it was being used a theater. This school was built during segregation times. The first black schoolhouse is still located on Tarpon Bay Road. For more information about the Sanibel Historical Village and Museum, or to join the Sanibel Historical Society call 239-472-4648 .

Sanibel Lighthouse Decorated for the Holidays

12-15-2006: The Sanibel Lighthouse has been decorated with holiday decor compatible with the era in which the lighthouse was constructed. Built in 1884, the Sanibel Lighthouse remains an enduring symbol of the island community and world recognized icon.

As a holiday gift the the community, the City of Sanibel Public Works Staff placed the green garlands and red bows upon the lighthouse. Decorations will remain on the lighthouse until January 9th, 2007.

The Sanibel Sea School October 2006

10-28-2006: Sanibel is now the location for one of the most unique educational experiences one can imagine. The Sanibel Sea School specializes in the education of children ages 6 to 13 and adults about marine ecosystems in a day class setting.

With the majority of the island set aside as wilderness and wildlife habitat, Sanibel Island provides the perfect backdrop for this unique classroom experience. Sanibel Sea School offers not only a focused classroom setting but a true “hands on” field experience. Field collected specimens are gathered and brought back for more involved study. Each day includes arts and crafts sessions involving the subject of the day, field studies and specimen collection, and lunch is provided.

Space is limited each day to 12 students. Please call 239-472-8585 to make reservations and for more information please visit their website: www.SanibelSeaSchool.org

The Sanibel Causeway October 2006

10-28-2006: This photo was taken as I passed under the new fixed span bridge that will replace the draw bridge. The Sanibel Causeway is scheduled for final completion in July 2007. Having worked as a project engineer, this has been an interesting construction project to watch unfold. The three causeway bridges are visually changing rapidly as the beams are set, the bridge deck is poured and railings set in place. The new toll plaza has also taken shape on Punta Rassa.

You're the Top!

An Evening with Jon Weber

Schoolhouse Theater News - October 2006

9-26-2006: The Schoolhouse Theater is Sanibel Island’s ONLY professional musical theater and offers Broadway caliber talent in an intimate atmosphere. The Schoolhouse Theater is proud to offer the best family oriented entertainment in one of the world’s most beautiful vacation destinations.

Seasoned Director, Victor Legarreta, a showman for the past seventeen years, a seven year performer at the original Old Schoolhouse Theater, and three-year Artistic Director at the Off Broadway Palm Black Box, continues to bring his unique, stylish brand of musical comedy to the Islands. In the past two seasons we introduced close to thirty new professional actors to our audiences in twelve brand new shows. This season expect more new faces with five original Schoolhouse revues, two nights with world-renowned pianist Jon Weber, and the comedy that took Sanibel Island by storm, Run for Your Wife.

The Schoolhouse Theater is located at 2200 Periwinkle Way. Tickets are $25 for adults and $20 for children 16 and under. Each of their 160 seats offers a perfect view of the stage. There are also season subscriptions and group rates available. For reservations and show times please call our box office at (239)472-6862. Check out the rest of our season on the web at www.theschoolhousetheater.com

The October / November Production is:

You’re The Top! Oct. 26th – Nov. 25th

Sponsored by: Doc Ford’s Sanibel Rum Bar & Grille
Come join us as we sing and dance our way through some of the most beautiful music of all time written by the world’s best songwriters. Porter, Berlin, Warren, and Arlen are just a few of the greats featured in this sentimental show.

Coming in December in a TWO NIGHT ONLY event is:
(Please note tickets for this event are $35 per person / per performance)

An Evening with Jon Weber December 8th and 9th
Two Nights Only!

Sponsored by John and Mary Jo Boler
Piano graciously provided by Steinway Piano Gallery of Bonita Springs

Seashells of Sanibel and Captiva Islands

Bailey Matthews Shell Museum Unveils New Poster

August 24, 2006: The Bailey Matthews Shell Museum released their “Seashells of Sanibel and Captiva Islands” poster this summer. Designed by Museum Director Dr. Jose’ Leal, this poster features 65 beautiful full-color images of the shells found here on the islands. Sanibel and Captiva Islands are home to some of the most beautiful species of mollusks found in North America and this poster brings them to life. This work of art makes a great gift and can be found exclusively through the Museum Store. The Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum Store can be reached at 239-395-2233 or visit them on the web http://www.shellmuseum.org for more information.

Sanibel Summer Reptiles

8-5-2006

Lately it seems that the island has been crawling with reptiles. In the past two weeks, we have encountered Box Turtles, Snapping Turtles, Yellow Eared Sliders, Black Racers and Iguanas all in our yard or pool. It makes for great fun and excitement trying to capture the juvenile snapping turtles as they swim evasively in the pool. Not to mention the exercise as I run circles around my pool with a net in hand. So far in the past 24 hours the count is two snapping turtles and one box turtle.

Summer on Sanibel – Kids Play!

7-29-2006

The long Summer days of my childhood in Baltimore were filled with hours of riding bikes, building forts and tree houses, and playing baseball in the backyard with my three brothers until we could barely see as the sun would set. Now that I am raising my 7 year old son and 9 year old daughter here on Sanibel Island, it is fun to see that as much as life changes many things still remain the same.

This summer, my living room has been uninhabitable for days at a time strewn with blankets, pillows and towels as elaborate forts are constructed. Outside, palm frond hidden hideouts, and crazy pool float club houses are designed. The children seem to multiply as the day progresses and so do the ideas of what to do next.

The latest fun in the sun project has been their lemonade stand. The children on my street, Eagle Run Drive have taken on quite an interesting summer long project. Once enough kids gather to help, the process begins. An old puppet theatre (which Santa Claus built for my children many years ago) is loaded onto a skateboard and dragged to the end of our street at Donax. The kids quickly converge on the project with cups, trash cans, ice coolers, chairs, dogs, umbrellas, bikes, scooters, signs, sidewalk chalk and last but not least some lemonade and a mom (for supervision and crowd control). Usually focused on earning some spending money, the kids shocked us when they suggested that all the lemonade stand proceeds should go to a charity. The children had a meeting of the minds and picked the Children’s Hospital at Health Park as their chosen charity. They have been logging their efforts in a notebook and want to continue the project until the Sanibel Cares Fundraising event. To date they have raised $187.

If you ever see the clumsy lemonade stand near the bike path at Eagle Run and Donax, stop by and see the “Lemonade Kids” of Eagle Run Drive.

Bridge B

Bridge A

Sanibel Causeway Constuction Schedule Update

6-1-2006

The Sanibel Causeway bridge construction is proceeding at a steady pace. The following is the latest update on the projected schedule.

Bridge A is scheduled to be open for traffic September 2006. Bridge B will be open for traffic first in July 2006, and Bridge C will be completed last and open for traffic January 2007.

Please note the following waterway closures:

Bridge A Navigation channel to be closed the following dates and times to allow installation of a portion of the new fender system:

May 30th – June 2nd , 2006, (6:00AM thru 9:00PM)
June 5th – June 9th, 2006, (6:00AM thru 9:00PM)
June 12th – June 15th, 2006, (6:00AM thru 9:00PM)
June 19th – June 22nd, 2006, (6:00AM thru 9:00PM)
June 26th – June 29th , 2006, (6:00AM thru 9:00PM)

John, Eric & Darby Pfeifer

The Seahawks

Youth Flag Football

02-11-2006

Sanibel and Captiva Youth Flag Football wrapped up its third season Friday February 10th, 2006. The league was started by Eric Pfeifer in 2003 and continues to be a favorite winter sport with many island children. Games are played on Friday nights under the lights at the Sanibel School. Many parents are involved helping coach, and referee. If you know of anyone interested in the 2006-2007 youth Flag Football League, contact Eric at eric@sunnysanibel.com.

Seahawks players from left to right: John Pfeifer, David Wright, Lauren Lockard, Trent Zamniak, Jennings Ventura, Destiny Kosloske, and Darby Pfeifer with Coach Todd Zamniak.

Sanibel Cheerleaders in Action

Sanibel Island Elementary School Cheerleaders

January 14, 2006:

Many young girls are learning how to cheer on their favorite teams. The Sanibel Seahorse Cheerleaders are showing their team spirit each week at the Sanibel Elementary School during basketball games. Decked out from head to toe in Sanibel Seahorse blue and white school colors they are always full of energy!

John Pfeifer in action.

Eric Coaching

Sanibel Island Youth Basketball

January 14, 2006

Basketball Season is in full swing on Sanibel Island. Saturday mornings find many young families up early and in the Gymnasium at the Sanibel Rec. Center. Players as young as Kindergartners enjoy learning the skills needed to play as a team. At this young age, the focus is not on the score or the final outcome, but instead on learning to have fun and play as a team.

Christmas Day on Sanibel Island

Christmas Day on Sanibel Island

December 25, 2005

When I took my family down to the beach on Donax Street, we were greeted by a beautiful Christmas Tree decorated with flowers for ornaments. In the sand next to the tree a shell message greeted all beach goers wishing them a Merry Christmas.

If you know who placed the spruce on the path I would really like to thank them for their tropical message. I hope you enjoyed the holiday season and will ring in a new year with good cheer.

-Eric

LUMINARY NIGHT

Make plans to attend a magical night this weekend during the 21st annual Luminary Festival. Each year on the first Friday night of December, the entire Island of Sanibel turns into a wonderland of lights. Residents, visitors, guests and businesses come together to celebrate this holiday event.

As the sun sets over the Gulf of Mexico, the bike paths next to Periwinkle Way will twinkle with the lights from hundreds of luminary lights. Holiday singing will fill the air along with many refreshments and even Santa visits. The live nativity scene and animal display at the Sanibel Community Church are a favorite stop for young and old alike. There is something for everyone.

Come out and enjoy the community spirit of or wonderful city.

Anne Morrow Lindbergh "GIFT FROM THE SEA" 50th Aniversary Festival:

Fifty years of wisdom, insight and inspiration will be celebrated during the week-long “Gift from the Sea” 50th Anniversary Festival on Captiva Island, Nov. 12-18, 2005. The festival will celebrate the 50th anniversary of author-aviator Anne Morrow Lindbergh’s best-selling book, “Gift from the Sea,” which was inspired by visits the author made to Captiva Island in the early 1950s. The festival’s theme is “Celebrating 50 years of Wisdom, Insight and Inspiration: 1955-2005.”

The week-long festival will celebrate the book’s anniversary through a variety of artistic and cultural events including:

Fine Arts Show at the Captiva Community Center Hall

Shell cruises and guided beach walks by Captiva Cruises

“Taste of Captiva” event in the Captiva Village area

Series of programs at the Captiva Memorial Library

Chamber music concert and reading performance with QUINTUS and Susannah Brown (Mrs. Lindbergh’s granddaughter)

Book-signing with Kristina Lindbergh (Lindbergh’s granddaughter) at Captiva Island Inn, featuring copies of the new 50th anniversary edition of “Gift from the Sea”

Artisans Fair/Craft Show in the Captiva Village area

2005 Lindbergh Symposium at ‘Tween Waters Inn on Captiva, a one-day symposium featuring several well-known speakers associated with the Lindberghs.

DING DARLING DAYS ARE HERE!

J.N. “Ding” Darling Days are just around the corner! With Sanibel land donated from the Federal Government and Sanibel lands acquired by friends of “Ding” and other concerned citizens the Refuge was formed. The 1962 formation of the J.N. “Ding” Darling Conservation Foundation has continued his vision of wildlife education & conservation. The non-profit Ding Darling Wildlife Society along with the J.N. “Ding” Darling Wildlife Refuge continue to provide educational material to promote preservation and conservation.

Ding Darling Days began as a one day event in 1995 and has grown to a full 6 days to incorporate the large numbers of visitors. This week long celebration of our island’s natural habitat has activities for all the family to enjoy. Beginning October 9th and lasting until October 15th visitors there are activities for all the family. Activities include: manatee talks, butterfly house, sea turtle talks, kayak tours, birding in the Ding, mangrove walks, dolphin cruises, Florida panther education, shells, hands on activities for all children and much, more!

Real Estate Market Third Qtr. Update 2005

SANIBEL's REAL ESTATE MARKET - 2005 Third Quarter Update

Real estate in Southwest Florida has been booming for years, and this year is no exception. With low interest rates, baby boomers, and new permanent residents moving to Florida, we have set numerous sales records on Sanibel and Captiva Island since the beginning of 2005.

We have sold a similar number of properties already in the first nine months of 2005 as compared to the entire year of 2004 property sales. Not only have the properties sold in a shorter amount of time, but the average sales prices are way up from the previous yeas as well. The average sales price for house on Sanibel Island has increased by 22%. The average sales price for a condominium on Sanibel Island has increased by 18%. We expect this trend to continue due to the limited number of listings currently on the market. The inventory of homes, condos and land for sale on Sanibel and Captiva is relatively low compared to the number of buyers interested in purchasing these island properties. Interest rates have also remained fairly steady which has also encouraged a strong real estate market here on Sanibel and Captiva.

Click here to search Sanibel and Captiva Properties for Sale

Click here to request a Free Market analysis of your property.

SOUTHWEST AIRLINES UNVEILS DESTINATIONS AND FARES FROM SOUTHWEST FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Ft. Myers, Fla.—July 14, 2005—Southwest Airlines today unveiled its low fares and flight schedule to and from Ft. Myers. Customers can now purchase tickets for the new service with airfares beginning as low as $29 one-way.

Southwest Airlines will begin its Ft. Myers service October 2, 2005, with a total of nine daily nonstop departures to the following cities: Baltimore/Washington (two daily), Chicago Midway (two daily), Long Island/Islip (one daily), Orlando (three daily), and Philadelphia (one daily). The airline will offer direct or connecting service to 29 other destinations, such as Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and Seattle.

“We’ve been working with Southwest Florida International Airport for more than a decade, and it is fantastic to see our plans come to fruition,” said Keith Taylor, Southwest Airline’s Vice President of Revenue Management. “The fares are very competitive, and our schedule offers direct and connecting service to our West Coast destinations.”

Southwest Airlines offers Southwest Florida Customers its biggest discounts with its advance purchase tickets. For example, Customers can head to Orlando for as little $29 one-way with Southwest Airline’s 21-day advance purchase fares. Additionally, fares start as low as $79 one-way to Baltimore/Washington, Chicago Midway, Long Island/Islip, and Philadelphia.

“Southwest Airlines is known as the low fare leader, and our everyday low fares are a testament to that,” said Taylor. “Not only are our advance purchase fares a bargain, but you’ll never pay more than $299 one-way on Southwest Airlines for our walk-up fares and Customers are never charged a change fee—it’s a true bargain.”
Southwest Airlines announced its flights and fares today at a press conference at Southwest Florida International Airport. Southwest Airlines will occupy two gates in the new terminal and will begin operations with around 50 Employees.

Fare rules: Tickets for $29 and $79 fares must be purchased at least 21 days before departure. Fares are valid for travel beginning October 2, 2005. Fares are available one-way and are combinable with all other fares. When combining fares, all ticketing restrictions apply. Seats are limited. Advertised fares may vary by flight and day of week and will not be available on some flights that operate during very busy travel times. Fares do not include a $3.20 federal segment tax per takeoff and landing; airport-assessed passenger facility charges (PFC) of up to $9 one-way; and U.S. government-imposed September 11th Security Fees of up to $5 one-way. Fares are subject to change until ticketed. Tickets are nonrefundable but may be applied toward the purchase of future travel on Southwest Airlines. Fares are valid on Southwest-operated published, scheduled service only and are not available through the Group Desk. Any change in itinerary may result in an increase in fare.
To take advantage of Southwest Airlines’ super low fares, Customers who book their travel via the Internet can subscribe to Southwest Airline’s Click ‘n Save e-mail updates as well as Southwest Airlines’ newest technological innovation–DING! DING! delivers Southwest Airlines’ hottest deals directly to Customers’ desktops allowing Customers to get a jump on the latest southwest.com sales! For more information, visit www.southwest.com for details.

The New Sanibel School

SANIBEL KIDS CARE

September 17th, 2005

In response to the disaster that Hurricane Katrina left in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida, a Sanibel and Captiva Island Wide Rummage Sale will be held from 8:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. Saturday September 17th. All the proceeds from this one day sale will benefit the American Red Cross Hurricane Relief Efforts. All unsold items will be donated to the Salvation Army to be given directly to hurricane victims.

Incredible items have been streaming in as many islanders donate their belongings.
If you have items that you would like to donate to this rummage sale, they may be dropped off at the Sanibel School any day before the 17th from 8:00A.M. - 9:00A.M. or from 12:00P.M. - 2:00P.M.

DUNES UPDATE 1-17-05

COMING SOON....THE DUNES GOLF & TENNIS CLUB TO OPEN "RASSA",
THE NEWEST RESTAURANT ON SANIBEL ISLAND, FEBRUARY 11th!

Rassa combines the finest fare of a posh steakhouse with picturesque views of a winding golf course; The Dunes Golf & Tennis Club -- Sanibel Island’s premier golf and tennis destination -- introduces Rassa, the newest restaurant on Sanibel Island, opening Feb. 11, 2005, just in time for Valentine’s Day. The Dunes also offers club members, guests of Sanibel’s Signature Collection and patrons of the community fully renovated facilities following refurbishments to the clubhouse.

Inspired by the island surroundings, Rassa tantalizes taste buds with creative seafood cuisine and traditional steakhouse favorites prepared by Executive Chef Michael Price. Named for Punta Rassa -- the port on Sanibel Island used to ship cattle to Cuba -- the 92-seat Rassa implores flavorful meats cooked with an artistic flair from Filet Mignon served with Portobello mushrooms and a rich demi-glace to the Porterhouse for two featuring a strip sirloin and filet combined into one steak. Trained at the Culinary Institute of America, Chef Michael has a reputation for developing innovative steakhouses with an aquatic twist from Long Island to Sanibel Island. The dinner-only and ala carte menu also includes the freshest seafood from Shrimp Limoncello prepared with the Italian spirit to Salmon with Horseradish Mustard Crust.

Small groups and private parties find outside dining -- seating an additional 200 people in a lakefront, open-air pavilion -- ideal for intimate events that call for sumptuous food and scenic surroundings.

For more information about Rassa and the renovated facilities at The Dunes Golf & Tennis Club, call: (239) 472-3355 or visit their website: www.dunesgolfsanibel.com.

SOUTH SEAS UPDATE 1-15-05

South Seas Resort & Yacht Harbour will be fully renovated and open by Thanksgiving! South Seas launched a major renovation campaign following Hurricane Charley. The resort chose to go beyond repairs to a complete upgrade. They are focusing much attention on accommodations as well as restaurant renovations to provide outstanding facilities, & finer dining in beautifully landscaped surroundings.

Early this month they announced that the resort’s marina, Cap’n Al’s Dockside Grill and Sunset Beach will all be fully operational and open by March 15. Other resort facilities and amenities will open throughout this year as more rental units become operational.

Resort rates will initially be about 40% of the normal rates. Rates will transition back to more normal rates closer to November of this year. South Seas Resort will truly be better than ever before!

Great Weather is Here!

AT A GLANCE UPDATES 11-9-04

The bridge construction is well under way as the new piles are being driven along the existing spans.

The causeway toll increased to $6.00 effective November 1st.

Luminary will be December 3rd for Sanibel and 4th for Captiva. For More information call the Sanibel Chamber of Commerce. 239-472-1080

Island Rental Properties are booking quickly. For great rental choices visit: Paradise Properties by Owner Website: www.ppbo.com

Sanibel's NFL Flag Football League is now registering all interested players. Forms can be found at the Sanibel School Recreation Department and VIP Realty. For more information you can always give me a call. Games will be played on Friday Nights at the Sanibel School beginning in January.

Sanibel's Youth Basketball is now registering all interested players. Forms can be found at the Sanibel School Recreation Department. Those interested in Cheerleading are now beginning practice for the upcoming Basketball Season.

CURRENT ISLAND CONDITIONS:

This week has been a wonderful time to get out and enjoy breezy blue sky days as the weather on Sanibel and Captiva couldn't be better. The nights have been cool and the days sunny and warm with low humidity. Beachgoers are enjoying wide sandy beaches scattered with shells. Picture perfect is the only way to describe the island’s current weather. I typically include a photo that captures the feel of the island for the week, and I missed a great photo opportunity this afternoon as I spotted a beautiful Bald Eagle as it perched on an Australian pine along Bailey Road.

VISITORS NEED TO PLAN AHEAD:

Island residents and business owners are preparing for a busy upcoming season. The traffic has already begun to increase as part-time residents or "snowbirds" return to enjoy Sanibel and Captiva's tropical paradise climate. If you are planning a vacation to the islands this winter or spring plan in advance. Many island rental properties are booking quickly as some resorts are not available due to renovations.

Be sure to mark your calendar for Luminary Night. This year Luminary will be held December 3rd on Sanibel and December 4th on Captiva. This magical night begins at dusk with the lighting of hundreds of luminaries that stretch for 3 miles along Periwinkle Way. Along the route visitors and residents mingle as they enjoy refreshments and singing as well as the traditional tree lighting at the Community Center. My personal favorite time of Luminary is listening to holiday songs as they are sung by the children from the Children's Education Center of the Islands. I'm reminded of my first Luminary night as a new island resident as I watched my children singing beside their new friends.

I hope you will enjoy this "What's Happening on the Islands" section of my website. It is frequently updated to bring visitors and residents helpful and interesting current Sanibel and Captiva Island information. Feel free to send me your suggestions and comments.

Sincerely,

Eric