One of our favorite photos taken by our pal, Jim Anderson, JMA Photography.

SusanSusan here to report that once the islands got caught in a mid-week cold front (we have had our heat on for three nights – ugh), real estate activity picked up. Several new sales were announced at the Realtor Caravan Meeting yesterday. This week, we listed two homes, held a few open houses, saw showings increase with the chilly weather, and I wrote an offer on a condo.

As you would expect with the nation’s economic indicators, the property moving is either very-well priced or unique. A couple of near-beach pool homes were reported to go under contract after being on the market just a short time and we have heard of some multiple offers on some “super deals”.  

Below is a bit of info about the islands as we wrap up 2011 and begin 2012. Following that is the activity posted since last Friday in the Sanibel and Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service.

What’s On Sanibel’s Agenda for 2012

A recent article in the “Island Reporter” included looking ahead to the new year. For example, “the year will begin with the City sponsoring a number of public hearings to consider needed changes in the commercial district. All intended to ensure Sanibel, as haven for tourists, remains competitive on a world market, but not in a way that forsakes the environmental qualities that make it so enviable in the first place…In 2012, Public Works will begin the rehabilitation and painting of Sanibel’s famed lighthouse. They will also begin construction of the Bailey Road shared use path, an extension of the Dixie Beach Boulevard shared use path and widening of the shared use paths along Tarpon Bay Road as well as Middle Gulf Drive, among other things.”

A similar article, in looking forward to 2012, the Sanibel & Captiva Chamber of Commerce “reports that indications from accommodation businesses are that the season will be very strong. The new year will mark a major celebration year for the Chamber as it will bring a 50th anniversary to fruition in February. A major Open House and production of commemorative materials will help mark the milestone.” “Last year more than 190,000 visitors came to the Chamber’s Visitor Center to secure information on lodging, dining and fun things to do when in Sanibel or Captiva.” 

The Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) reports that “2011 was made especially remarkable due to the “extraordinary support of islanders” who helped the organization secure the 28.3 acres of land fronting Periwinkle Way known as the Bailey Homestead Preserve. SCCF staff and volunteers are presently hard at work at the Homestead, restoring the house and wildlife habitat, as well as the Shipley Trail which, when complete, will connect the City’s Pond Apple Trail to Roadside City Park. They hope to have the Preserve open to the public in a year.

“In further looking ahead into 2012, SCCF’s marine laboratory will be undertaking research which includes environmental monitoring and facilitating restoration projects imperative to the health of area waters. Among these initiatives is seagrass study and restoration, Clam Bayou oyster reef and mangrove restoration, scallop research and restoration, and water quality/seagrass monitoring within the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Refuge.” 

“In terms of managing wildlife habitats, SCCF will be working on the Foundation’s preserved lands as well as public lands through a partnership with the City of Sanibel and the J.N. “Ding” Darling Refuge, with the goal to make these lands as productive as possible for wildlife through projects that include the sea turtle and shorebird nest monitoring programs. They will additionally be studying bobcats, gopher tortoises, freshwater fish and reptiles, eagles, and managing habitat quality through a series of prescribed burns and land management operations.”

“Last year also saw the culmination of many projects at the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Refuge; among them, enhancements made to the Calusa Shell Mound Trail and reopening of the Buck Key Paddling Trail. Their education center was also complemented with a historic Duck Decoy Exhibit….The Refuge was further distinguished as the first in America to open an interactive iNature Trail using QR Code technology…. Some 800,000 visitors came to the Refuge in 2011…. 2012 plans call for the opening of a new exhibit touting the marvels of manatees…opening of a new crocodile exhibit. The Children’s Education Boardwalk connecting the Refuge with the Sanibel School is also scheduled to open in 2012.”