After hearing a few reports of snow flurries in New England today, I promise not to also mention that island weather is expected to remain perfect through the weekend with blue skies and daily temperatures in the 80’s. We are keeping an eye on the weather channels, following Tropical Storm Richard, to be sure we have no surprises next week. There was a little more traffic on the island this week plus a noticeable increase in people at grocery stores, shops, and restaurants.
Below please find a weekly sampling of real estate news, followed by the Sanibel MLS activity since last Friday. Starting this week, the Captiva Island activity is shown too. Though that market is still sluggish, it’s good to compare action on the sister islands.
Economic Growth
Good summary of the modest growth of the nation’s economy in “USA TODAY” yesterday. Article said that nine of 12 districts expanded according to a Federal Reserve report released Wednesday. “The economic picture was mixed in the Cleveland and Richmond areas, and it weakened in the Atlanta region. On the bright side, auto sales and travel and tourism perked up, and lackluster lending markets improved slightly, according to the Fed’s beige book, named for the color of its cover. Overall, the survey portrayed an economy that continued to plod along in September and early October – after expanding fairly robustly early this year – as many nervous businesses put off capital investment and hiring. “On balance, national economic activity continued to rise, albeit at a modest pace,” it stated. Manufacturing and retail sales were up moderately, while housing and commercial real estate were still in the doldrums. The job market remained listless. Still, the report, which provides a ground-level snapshot of every region in the country, amounted to an improvement on the Fed’s July-August survey, which showed “widespread signs of deceleration.” Economists said the latest report did nothing to dampen speculation that the Fed will launch a new round of government bond purchases at its November 3 meeting to lower long-term interest rates and spark the economy.”
No More Bay Docks
In an about-face, this week, Sanibel City Council stood firm on the environment and voted to protect sea-grass by upholding the 17-year-old ban on new bay-front docks. Last April, Council directed the Planning Commission to come up with an ordinance that would lift the dock ban, but after months of debate, Planning Commissioners were divided on the issue. If the ban had been lifted up to 59 new docks could be constructed between Woodring Point and the Sanibel Lighthouse.
American Bald Eagles
Just had to borrow this tidbit reported in the “Island Sun” today. “Sanibel’s east-end pair of nesting eagles regularly fish in The Dunes golf course lakes and one was spotted walking the lake edge of Hole #3. Three pair of eagles nest on Sanibel from October through May. Seventy-eight eagles nested in Lee County in 2009. The adult male and female bald eagles have white heads by age five and can live 28 years in the wild. Join the conservation foundation (SCCF) for a wildlife tour by golf cart next Wednesday, October 27, followed by dinner at the clubhouse. SCCF preserved lands are adjacent to much of the course, making for good wildlife viewing, including alligators. Call The Dunes for reservations at 472-3355.”
Upcoming Events
- Sunday, October 24, 25th Annual Bailey Fest at the shopping center, 1 to 4 p.m. (BIG ARTS Chorus 1st up singing)
- Friday, October 29, Island Paws Annual Howl-o-Ween Party, 5 to 7 p.m., annual pet costume contest judging 6:30 p.m.
- Sunday, October 31, Family Fall Carnival, Sanibel Community House, 5 to 7 p.m.
- Sunday, November 21, CROW 29th Annual Taste of the Islands, Sanibel Community Park (across the street from our office) noon to 5 p.m. (22 restaurants have already signed up)
- Also Sunday, November 21, annual Thanksgiving Celebration, Sanibel Community House, 7 p.m.
Sanibel MLS Activity
Captiva MLS Activity
’til next Friday, happy sunsets to all.
Thanks for the beautiful photos. It is a reminder to me of why I love Sanibel so very much! Wish I were there.