It has been a week of nice weather on sunny Sanibel with a little extra breeze midweek as Hurricane Zeta churned out in the gulf. The forecast says early next week, we may experience daytime temperature highs only in the 70’s, nights in the 60’s, for the first time in many months. That usually is a good indication that the rainy season is wrapping up. Hooray!
Here at SanibelSusan Realty, teammate Dave and I both have been working offers. Those can become challenging when buyers leave the islands or when there are national and international events causing distractions. There certainly have been enough of those this year.
Daytime traffic on Periwinkle again has picked up as more snowbirds return. The activity since last Friday posted in the Sanibel & Captiva Multiple Listing Service follows a couple of news items below.
The ink is barely dry on our new listing on Olga Avenue which was professionally photographed this morning. Watch for those photos next week.
Openings & Re-Opening
Nature Store2 is expected to have its grand opening November 20 in Sanibel Square, so we will have a new neighbor. Launched by the “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society Friends, this new off-campus store will feature a monitor streaming images of the wildlife, scenery, and activities at the refuge. It will carry many of the same popular items at their flagship store and on ShopDingDarling.com, but it also will be more art oriented.
The Savoury Spoon which debuted four years ago at the Sanibel Farmers Market has now opened a breakfast, brunch, smoothie, sandwich, lunch spot in the Bailey Shopping Center, hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., phone 239-312-8132
T2 Restaurant at The Village Shops has re-opened & 
serving food and drinks all day, Tuesday – Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Their nearby shop also is open Tuesday – Saturday 11:00 a.m. – 5 p.m.
City of Sanibel – Emergency Declaration, COVID-19
Again, this week, Sanibel’s Mayor extended the declared state of emergency due to COVID-19 until November 3, 2020, unless further extended. (Per State Statute, the maximum duration for a Mayoral Declaration of Emergency is seven days and thus must be updated weekly as the emergency exists.) Additionally, the City face covering mandate was reaffirmed and remains in effect through the period.
Per the Florida Department of Health, Sanibel’s total accumulative number of COVID-19 cases since March 26 is 60. (No increase since last week. Please stay vigilant – continue social distancing, hand washing, mask wearing, and avoid group gatherings.)
Best Places (Metro Area) to Retire?
13 of the ‘Top 25’ Are in Florida
Posted on FloridaRealtors® on October 14, 2020, by Kerry Smith:
“U.S. News & World Report’s latest ranking of top retirement communities could have almost said, “Pick any town in Fla.” Seven Fla. metros are in the top 10: Sarasota (No. 1), Fort Myers (2), Port St. Lucie (3), Naples (4), Ocala (6), Miami (9) and Melbourne (10).
“WASHINGTON – U.S. News & World Report unveiled its 2020-2021 Best Places to Live and Best Places to Retire in the United States. The new lists evaluate the country’s 150 most populous metropolitan areas based on affordability, job prospects and desirability.
“In the “Best Places to Retire” category, Florida metro areas stood out with seven out of the top 10 slots and 13 of the top 25 slots.
““After a prolonged period of staying at home, people are taking a critical look at where they live, and many are looking to find a place they can feel happier, afford more or pursue new opportunities,” says Devon Thorsby, real estate editor at U.S. News. “The Best Places rankings can help people examine the details they consider important in a larger community.”
“This year, U.S. News increased the number of metropolitan areas evaluated for both sets of rankings from 125 to 150, to provide a broader and more accurate reflection of where Americans can live and retire.
“Best places to retire
“U.S. News & World Report’s announcement of top retirement destinations says it’s “dominated by Florida metro areas, largely due to affordable homes, low taxes and high ratings for happiness and desirability.”
“An increase in Desirability and Job Market scores lifted Sarasota from No. 2 last year to No. 1 this year – but it overtook another Florida city, Fort Myers, which became No. 2. And while Port. St. Lucie’s Housing Affordability score decreased slightly, increases in Desirability, Job Market and Health Care scores helped it jump two places to No. 3.
“Miami also saw a decrease in Housing Affordability, but it broke into the top 10 this year, jumping five places to No. 9 thanks to Desirability and Job Market score increases.
“The top 25 places to retire also includes three Texas communities, and two places each in Michigan, North Carolina and Tennessee.
““Moving to a new place for retirement can reduce your cost of living and improve your quality of life,” says Emily Brandon, U.S. News senior editor for retirement. “The Best Places to Retire includes information about housing costs, access to quality hospitals and the strength of the job market, which can help you find a retirement spot that will meet your needs.”
“The 2020-2021 Best Places to Retire were determined based on a methodology that factored in happiness, housing affordability, health care quality, retiree taxes, desirability and job market ratings. These measures were weighted based on a public survey of individuals across the U.S. who are nearing retirement age (ages 45-59) and those who are of retirement age (60 or older) to find out what matters most when considering where to retire.
“Data sources include the U.S. Census Bureau and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as well as U.S. News rankings of the Best Hospitals.
“2020-2021 Best Places to Retire – Top 25
- Sarasota
- Fort Myers
- Port St. Lucie
- Naples
- Lancaster, Pa.
- Ocala
- Ann Arbor, Mich.
- Asheville, N.C.
- Miami
- Melbourne
- Myrtle Beach, S.C.
- Nashville, Tenn.
- Jacksonville
- Manchester, N.H.
- Daytona Beach
- Orlando
- Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas
- Lakeland
- Chattanooga, Tenn.
- Tampa
- Grand Rapids, Mich.
- Houston, Texas
- Charlotte, N.C.
- San Antonio, Texas
- Pensacola
“U.S. News & World Report is a global leader in quality rankings that empower people to make better, more informed decisions about important issues affecting their lives. © 2020 Florida Realtors®”
Taste of the Islands Reimagined
CROW’s (The Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife) 39th Annual Taste of the Islands this year is a month-long fundraiser. For $10, attendees can purchase a passport that contains a list and map of the 31 participating along with the “Taste” items being offered at each restaurant. A portion of the proceeds from those designated food and beverage items will be donated to CROW. Items may be enjoyed dining in or ordered as take-out.
The restaurants participating are participating for the whole month of November, so the timing of your purchase is flexible. With each visit, the restaurant will stamp or punch your passport. With passport holders eligible to vote for their favorite eatery to win the coveted “People’s Choice Award.” Additional awards will be judged for “Best Appetizer”, “Best Seafood”, “Best Meat”, “Best Vegetarian”, “Best Dessert”, “Taste of the Taste”, and a new one, “Best Drink”.
Passport holders also will be eligible for prize drawings with ballot boxes set up around the islands. Passports must be turned in by December 4 at 4 p.m.
Another new element this year is a “CROW Crawl” each Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. Each one focuses on restaurants in a different area of the island. These events will have CROW tent, sponsors, and giveaways. The CROW Crawls schedule is:
November 1 – Crow’s Nest, Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille Captiva, The Green Flash, Lazy Flamingo (original), The Mucky Duck, Old Captiva House, & Sunset Grill.
November 8 – Great White Grill, Love Boat Ice Cream (Jerry’s Center), The Pecking Order Fried Chicken & Pies, Sanibel Deli, T2, & The Timbers Restaurant & Fish Market.
November 15 – Blue Giraffe, Island Pizza Company, Mudbugs Cajun Kitchen, Sanibel Fish House, Sweet Melissa’s Café, & Traders.
November 22 – The Clam Shack, Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille Sanibel, Joey’s Custard, Normandie Seaside Café, Spoondrift Island Bowls, & Thistle Lodge Beachfront Restaurant.
November 29 – Cielo, Lazy Flamingo II, Matzaluna’s Italian Kitchen, Sanibel Fresh, Sea Breeze Café (Sundial), & Tipsy Turtle Restaurant & Bar.
Passports are for sale at CROW’s Visitor Education Center, Bank of the Islands, and Edison National Bank branches, Bailey’s General Store locations, and Huxter’s Market & Deli. They also can be purchased at any of the participating eateries or at www.CROWClinic.org (for pickup).
Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity October 23-30, 2020
Sanibel
CONDOS
3 new listings: Kimball Lodge #264 1/1.5 $570K, Kimball Lodge #302 1/1 $574K, Sundial #H203 2/2 $739K.
2 price changes: Coquina Beach #2B 2/2 now $479K, Mariner Pointe #732 2/2 now $564K.
6 new sales: Mariner Pointe #952 1/1 listed at $388,990; Spanish Cay #F4 2/2 listed at $399,999; Beach Road Villas #105 2/2 $479K, Loggerhead Cay #462 2/2 listed at $579K; Compass Point #232 2/2 listed at $599K (our listing); Sundial #O201 3/2 listed at $819K.
2 closed sales: Island Beach Club #P1A 2/2 $570K, Compass Point #222 2/2 $595K.
HOMES
2 new listings: 1467 Sand Castle Rd 3/3 $789K, 1120 Olga Ave 3/2 $950K (our listing).
1120 Olga Ave
3 price changes: 1035 S.Yachtsman Dr 5/4.5 now $1.05M, 1391 Jamaica Dr 4/3 now $1.299M, 1718 Jewel Box Dr 4/4.5 now $2.749M.
11 new sales: 1403 Sandpiper Cir 3/2.5 half-duplex listed at $490K, 1603 Sand Castle Rd 3/3 half-duplex listed at $580K, 753 Nerita St 3/2 listed at $589K, 1653 Bunting Ln 3/2.5 listed at $647K, 2480 Library Way 3/2.5 listed at $649K, 280 Southwinds Dr 3/3.5 listed at $699K, 1610 Sabal Sands Rd 3/2 listed at $714.9K, 3926 Coquina Dr 3/2 listed at $769K, 1308 Tahiti Dr 3/3 listed at $949K, 1720 Dixie Beach Blvd 3/3 listed at $995K, 1152 Buttonwood Ln 3/3.5 listed at $1.695M.
8 closed sales: 9455 Beverly Ln 2/2 $503K; 690 Durion Ct 3/2 $675K; 1223 Par View Dr 3/2 $680K; 4455 Gulf Pines Dr 3/2 $706.5K; 734 Anchor Dr 3/2 $830K; 979 Whelk Dr 3/2.5 $875K; 537 Lake Murex Cir 3/3 $1,044,750; 1352 Eagle Run Dr 3/2.5 $1.095M.
LOTS
2 new listings: 5398 Osprey Ct $299K, 575 Sea Oats Dr $389.9K.
1 price change: 6095 Dinkins Lake Rd now $269,555.
No new or closed sales.
Captiva
CONDOS
2 new listings: Marina Villas #808 2/2 $779K, Lands End Village #1651 2/2 $1.265M.
1 price change: Bayside Villas #5118 1/2 now $399,999.
1 new sale: Lands End Village #1608 3/3 listed at $2.085M.
2 closed sales: Tennis Villas #3213 1/1 $350K, Lands End Village #1667 2/2 $1.02M.
HOMES
No new listings, price changes, or new sales.
1 closed sale: 16531 Captiva Dr 8/8 $2.35M.
LOTS
No new listings, price changes, new, or closed sales.
This representation is based in part on data supplied by the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors® Multiple Listing Service. Neither the association nor its MLS guarantees or is in any way responsible for its accuracy. Data maintained by the association or its MLS may not reflect all real estate activity in the market. The information provided represents the general real estate activity in the community and does not imply that SanibelSusan Realty Associates is participating or participated in these transactions.
Below is our ad from today’s “Island Sun”.
Enjoy your Halloween! Stay safe!
Until next Friday, Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan
RPAC Update – With a few weeks remaining in 2020, even with the many obstacles this year, the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors® already has raised over 400% of their RPAC goal. Always looking to get 100% participation from our members, there may be another push to get more contributors. Including from our RPAC Auction last week, over $22K has been raised this year – all to go toward preserving and protecting real estate and property rights. Congratulations to the two successful bidders that won SanibelSusan’s lobster dinners.
As we work through the last quarter of the year, it is interesting to see how the market had rebound from those COVID weeks/months of lockdown. The benefits of island living are now more appreciated than ever. The below data as of today, proves it. Shown are the number and average price of the properties for sale now, those under contract, and those that have already sold and closed this year. Also shown are the statistics 2019 (in total) and the island often-referenced most recent “peak” year or 2006.
Again, this week, Sanibel’s Mayor extended the declared state of emergency due to COVID-19 until October 27, 2020, unless further extended. (Per State Statute, the maximum duration for a Mayoral Declaration of Emergency is seven days and thus must be updated weekly as the emergency exists.) Additionally, the City face covering mandate was reaffirmed and remains in effect through the period.
The City of Sanibel Department of Natural Resources encourages participation in the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) tortoise conservation efforts. FWC launched a new interactive web application that functions on any device and records sightings. 
If you did not read the Sunday article on “ForbesLife” titled “COVID-19 Has Changed The Housing Market Forever”, here are a few tidbits.
Again, this week, Sanibel’s Mayor extended the declared state of emergency due to COVID-19 until October 20, 2020, unless further extended. (Per State Statute, the maximum duration for a Mayoral Declaration of Emergency is seven days and thus must be updated weekly as the emergency exists.) Additionally, the City face covering mandate was reaffirmed and remains in effect through the period.
A few days ago, SCCF posted on their Facebook page that “Sea turtle season is really winding down on the islands. Currently, we are monitoring 12 nests, a substantial difference from the record number of 669 nests on Sanibel and 268 nests on Captiva earlier this season. So far, a total of 33,267 hatchlings have made it to sea.”
Water quality was an agenda item at Tuesday’s Sanibel City Council meeting. Acting Director of Natural Resources, Holly Millbrand reported that although Lake Okeechobee water level is up and there has been some increase in water releases, there are no signs of any negative effects here, no red tide or blue green algae. “I’m pleased that the corps has been willing to take a more cautious approach,” she said, referring to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers that determines when and how much water to release from the lake. “We encourage the corps to weigh all the factors…,” she said, adding that there is not so much concern from the corps of potential dyke failure even though the level is high.
Through the years, our RPAC dollars have worked on many ownership issues affecting islanders. As an example, last week, a bill that funded the federal government through December 11 was signed into law. That bill includes a full-year extension of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and surface transportation funding. Under the agreement, NFIP authority is extended through September 30, 2021. This is the second year in a row for a full fiscal year extension for flood insurance. While Realtors® continue to work toward comprehensive insurance reform and long-term reauthorization, the marketplace needs stability and continuity. In the continuing resolution is a similar extension of surface transportation funding. Transportation projects take years from concept to completion, and any lapse in funding is especially disruptive. This is a win for those looking toward a post-coronavirus market.
Here is another unusual twist because of COVID-19. For our local RPAC auction, SanibelSusan often donates a Maine Lobster Bake which is a dinner kit that comes from The Lobster Net in Brewer, ME. Included are not only jumbo fresh lobsters and a large pot for cooking them, but also all of the other ingredients, supplies, and instructions needed for a complete party-style meal, from appetizers to desserts. For years, the donation has sold for far more than the actual value. Imagine my surprise when I checked their website this year and found this message “Due to pandemic, live lobsters 2.0 – 4.0 lbs. are temporarily next to impossible to find.” So, this year’s donation is a little different.
Again, this week, Sanibel Mayor Ruane extended the declared state of emergency due to COVID-19 until October 13, 2020, unless further extended. (Per State Statute, the maximum duration for a Mayoral Declaration of Emergency is seven days and thus must be updated weekly as the emergency exists.) Additionally, this week, the City face covering mandate was reaffirmed and remains in effect through the period.
The Sanibel Sprout Juice Bar & Vegan Café – reopened this week in their new just-remodeled location in Islander Center, 2407 Periwinkle Way, (former location of Totally Baked).
Sanibel Historical Village – reopening October 20 with safety protocols. Will be open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. All visitors, volunteers, and staff will be required to wear a mask and observe social distancing. Guided tours are suspended until January. However, visitors may make appointments for guided tours with 48-hour advance notice (for minimum of six, no more than ten guests). For self-tours, there are audio buttons in each building and brochures. Annual gala fundraiser canceled, but several Twilight Talks are in the planning stages. Events will be posted on museum website, 
Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum “Mollusk Monster Mash” – October 27 at Traders. The Shell Museum’s kick-off fundraising event for the season will have a few new twists. Tickets include a gourmet meal served with wine either at the restaurant or with a takeout option delivered to your car. With socially-distance seating inside and out, reservations are needed. Call 239-395-2233 for more info.
SCCF’s “Wines in the Wild 2020” – November 13 – This year the event will not be at the Bailey Homestead, but at your homeINstead with SCCF providing the ingredients for a fun evening. The portable party “to go” will be available for touchless drive-by pickup at the Bailey Homestead on November 13. Included are a bottle of white and red wine; food by chefs from Cielo, Catering by Leslie Adams, Spoondrift, and Sweet Melissa’s Café; a centerpiece designed by the Native Landscapes & Garden Center; a link to a specially curated Wines in the Wild music playlist; & a yummy dessert, & surprises too. Contact SCCF by November 6 to reserve your box.
A reminder of how just beyond the Clam Bayou bridge is some of the best shelling in the world. Our condo listing at Blind Pass #E101 is just steps from the beach path.
With new safety guidelines, the Sanibel Farmers Market will return this weekend (October 4) and be open on Sundays through May 2021 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Sanibel City Hall. Market parking is in the lots at City Hall, the Library, BIG ARTS and Schoolhouse Theater. Handicap parking and bicycle parking are in designated areas at City Hall.
Most importantly, everyone (market visitors and vendors) will be required to wear a mask. Every vendor will have hand sanitizer, and it will be available upon entering and exiting the site. While the market in the past has served as a sort of gathering place for the community, this season, a “grab and go” format will be promoted to prevent lingering and gatherings. You are asked to “only touch if you are buying.” New signs will remind visitors of the mask requirement, to social distance, wash their hands. In spread vendors out, their number has been reduced and will be adjust as needed.
The market does not allow dogs, only service animals are permitted. The market also is free of plastic straws and plastic bags. Shoppers are encouraged to bring their own bag and swing by – and grab their items “to go”. More info online at 
39th Taste of the Islands – Renamed “Taste of the Islands Reimagined” – This year the event which is an annual C.R.O.W. fundraiser will move into island restaurants and last through the month of November. All month, each participating restaurant will offer their “Taste” items to showcase their cuisine. A portion of the proceeds from those food and beverage sales will be donated to C.R.O.W. Additionally, every Sunday, a different “C.R.O.W. Crawl” will feature different restaurants for patrons to visit. The C.R.O.W. tent with Animal Ambassadors will be at these events. In lieu of admission, participants will purchase a “Taste Passport” with a list and map of the participating restaurants. To track their progress, each restaurant will stamp/punch the passport when a patron visits them. Only passport holders will be eligible to vote for their favorite restaurant to win the coveted “People’s Choice Award”. Passport holders also will be entered into a drawing for prizes, including vacation stays and gift certificates. Passports will be available at C.R.O.W. and the participating restaurants, or on-line at “will calls” both on and off Sanibel.
Luminary 2020 – The Sanibel & Captiva Chamber of Commerce has extended Luminary 2020 from seven hours to seven days for the “Coastal Distance Edition” on December 4-11. Instead of just single night events, this year, it will take place from Friday through Friday during normal operating hours when businesses will offer special discounts and deals. Retailers, restaurants, accommodations, personal services, attractions, recreational activities, and other local operations are invited to participate. The Chamber will create a dedicated landing Webpage for showcasing the week’s offers. With the tagline, “Eat, Shop, Stay, Play” like traditional Luminary celebrations, it promotes commerce on Sanibel and Captiva. Unlike past Luminaries, however, this year there will be no luminary light bags, alcohol (except where licensed), and no entertainment, events, or activities that might attract a crowd.
Again, this week, Sanibel Mayor Ruane extended the declared state of emergency due to COVID-19 until October 6, 2020, unless further extended. (Per State Statute, the maximum duration for a Mayoral Declaration of Emergency is seven days and thus must be updated weekly as the emergency exists.)
From FloridaRealtor® magazine October 2020: “As work, play and education turn to virtual environments, a new survey by Realogy indicates that Americans ages 50 and older want comfort, virtual tours and home inspections…. Additional findings from the consumer survey reveal a generational divide between those under the age of 50 and those 50+. Older Americans prioritize different things in the home, indicate different moving location preferences and have different plans for how they would use additional monetary funds.
