It is another sunny Friday here in Southwest Florida. No showers on-island yet this week, but noticeable new growth already from those last week. Wildflowers are popping up all over and trees sprouting greener. I was on-island this afternoon (sunroof open enjoying the 83-degree temps) and stopped about 3:30 to snap another picture of the bright teal water bayside. So much like the Caribbean and so beautiful this time of the year. Photo below from bay end of Buttonwood Ln.

As more properties are repaired, yards also are looking better. Many look better than they did before the storm.

I also saw many orchids blooming during my travels this week. Love those!

At SanibelSusan Realty

More roofers were working at Sanibel Square this week as we anxiously await work to begin on the inside. At home, appliances were delivered, so returning to live there now may only be weeks away. Furniture arriving next.

Dave and I were both productive with buyer prospects, though nothing to officially report yet. He showed investment condos on two days, while I showed canal-front homes. Lots of options for buyers to consider with some properties ready to be occupied, others needing from minor to extensive repairs.

The City had a Facebook Live event Wednesday night at BIG ARTS. Unfortunately, they had problems with the live transmission, but it was recorded and is still posted on their FB page for those interested in “Guidance on Restoring Your Sanibel Home”.

Following a couple of news items below are summary tables of island residential sales statistics and the action posted since last Friday in the island Multiple Listing Service. Good sales activity continues, particularly with Sanibel homes.

Yesterday at the April Membership Breakfast Meeting of the islands Association of Realtors, it was reported that there has been good restoration progress at the Association-owned building, which is at 2353 Periwinkle Way, behind Winds. Electric repairs are done, now awaiting final inspection. New HVAC to be installed next week, followed by repairs to roof trusses and southwest wall repairs before new roof.

Lee County Mosquito Control

The showers last week brought out skeeters, so last night and again tonight from sunset to 2 a.m. Lee County Mosquito Control District (LCMCD) advised the City that they are conducting aerial night missions. Weather permitting, by rotor wing aircraft, the areas of outer islands of Boca Grande, Useppa, Cabbage, Upper Captiva, Captiva, and Sanibel were treated. LCMCD provides mosquito control for Sanibel and all of Lee County. “Mosquito season” typically runs from May through October, and mosquito activity increases with rain, particularly after heavy rains that produce large areas of standing water. Due to the many mangroves, wetlands, and salt marshes, Sanibel is a prime breeding ground for mosquitos. Growing up on the Maine Coast, I often was covered with bites. Thanks to LCMCD, I rarely get them here.

Prescribed Burns on Sanibel

Last night an informational meeting was held at the J.N. “Ding” Darling Visitor and Education Center regarding Prescribed Burns on Sanibel. It was livestreamed on the Refuge Facebook page.

During the 2023 summer/fall season, the Sanibel Prescribed Fire Task Force is planning prescribed burns on the two conservation areas at the Refuge – the botanical site and on Legion curve. This year, fire season may be more active due to the damage caused by Hurricane Ian. The increased dead vegetation and decreased rainfall this time of the year pose a higher threat for wildfire. Prescribed burning in natural areas removes dead vegetation and replenishes nutrients in the soil, reducing risk of wildfire in adjacent communities and increases the health of habitats for recreation and wildlife.

When forecasted conditions are favorable, the Sanibel Prescribed Fire Task Force will issue notification that a prescribed burn is imminent and identify the specific location of the burn. All prescribed fires must be authorized by the Florida Forest Service on the morning of the burn.

To reduce the risk of wildlife around your home, the Sanibel Firewise Task Force recommends:

• Trimming dead fronds from trees & tall grasses near homes,
• Pruning large leafy hardwood trees so lowest branches are 6-10’ above ground,
• Not storing combustible materials (like gas cans, firewood, building supplies) under or around homes,
• Keeping mulch and other landscaping material well-watered.

For additional info, contact City of Sanibel Natural Resources Department at 239-472-3700.

Sanibel Rec Center Repairs

In a post from them today: “Positive recovery efforts continue at the Sanibel Recreation Center. The roof project has been fully completed and the replacement of the gymnasium maple floor and the pool geothermal heating/cooling units are well underway. We are anticipating a partial facility closure (closing of the lobby, weight room, gymnasium, Heron and Egret rooms) tentatively from May 15^th though June 4^th due to the fumes associated with the final lining and coasting of the new maple gymnasium floor. During this time, the pool, outdoor courts, fitness classes, and youth afterschool program will operate as regularly scheduled and front desk operations will be relocated to a mobile office in the front parking lot. The resurfacing of the outdoor courts and the restoration of the ballfields is on hold until osprey nesting season concludes in mid to late summer. We appreciate your flexibility and understanding as we continue to take strides forward!”

The same notice included info on several new fitness classes including Jazzed-up Dance, Group Strength, Balance and Core, also Zoom Barre and Zoom Tai Chi. Check out their full schedule on their Facebook page.

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Real Estate

 

SANIBEL	CONDOS			HOMES			LOTS
	#	Avg Price	DOM	#	Avg Price	DOM	#	Avg Price	DOM
For sale	73	1,071,892	74	131	1,535,826	75	25	1,222,880	73
Under contract	15	924,393	69	32	1,597,517	69	5	772,555	7
Sold 2023 to 4/28	44	934,420	45	123	1,142,165	47	9	968,777	93
Sold 2022	123	1,136,199	44	184	1,597,868	52	26	779,528	223
Sold 2021	287	875,127	113	355	1,341,881	89	69	698,862	442

 

CAPTIVA	CONDOS			HOMES			LOTS
	#	Avg Price	DOM	#	Avg Price	DOM	#	Avg Price	DOM
For sale	12	1,545,125	79	9	6,121.555	152	1	15,500,000	398
Under contract	2	1,375,000	15	2	3,195,000	47	0	N/A	N/A
Sold 2023 to 4/29	3	984,000	140	6	3,008,166	64	0	N/A	N/A
Sold 2022	28	1,458,983	52	22	5,636,386	133	0	N/A	N/A
Sold 2021	64	1,150,373	145	44	2,988,520	261	2	2,950,000	731

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity April 21-28

Sanibel

CONDOS

4 new listings: Sunset South #1B 2/2 $629K, Blind Pass #B208 2/2 $650K, Sundial #C406 1/1 $699K, Sundial #D201 2/2 $875K.

3 price changes: Sundial #A303 1/1 now $798.5K, Sandpiper Beach #504 2/2 now $995K, Gulfside Place #308 2/2 now $1,387,555.

1 new sale: Mariner Pointe #533 2/2.5 listed at $699K.

1 closed sale: Seashells #38 2/2 $320K.

HOMES

4 new listings: 2991 Singing Wind Dr 3/2 $649K, 1565 Bunting Ln 3/2 $899K, 1425 Causey Ct 4/3 $1.395M, 1500 Middle Gulf Dr 3/3.5.5 $2.35M.

4 price changes: 9438 Moonlight Dr 3/2 now $714K, 1326 Tahiti Dr 2/2 now $945K, 617 East Rocks Dr 3/2 now $998,995; 1163 Kittiwake Cir 3/3 now $1.15M.

9 new sales: 1672 Atlanta Plaza Dr 2/2 listed at $449K, 1046 Sand Castle Rd 2/2 listed at $847K, 1720 Middle Gulf Dr 3/2 listed at 900K, 4565 Bowen Bayou Rd 3/2 listed at $1.15M, 1398 Middle Gulf Dr B 4/5.5 listed at $1.295M, 1027 Kings Crown Dr 4/3 listed at $1.495,555; 2643 Coconut Dr 3/2 listed at $1.499M, 657 Birdie View Pt 3/3 listed at $1.639M, 940 Beach Rd 4/4.5.5 listed at $2,999,999.

7 closed sales: 3301 Twin Lakes Ln 2/2 $605K, 647 Rabbit Rd 3/2 $720K, 1321 Par View Dr 3/2.5 $1.9M, 9484 Peaceful Dr $1.24M, 1015 Sand Castle Rd 3/2 $1.245M, 641 Lake Murex Cir 4/3 $1.405M, 1320 Seaspray Ln 3/4.5 $2.7M.

LOTS

3 new listings: 2505 Island Inn Rd $375K, 1105 Shell Basket Ln $649K, 651 Donax St $800K.

No price changes.

3 new sales: 6019 Clam Bayou Ln listed at $997,775; 6017 Clam Bayou Ln listed at $1.1M; 2563 Coconut Dr listed at $1.185M.

1 closed sale: 1746 Windward Way $445K.

Captiva

CONDOS

No new listings or price changes.

2 back on market: Bayside Villas #4122 1/2 $610K, Beach Cottages #1414 2/2 $1.495M.

No new or closed sales.

HOMES

2 new listings: 11511 Laika Ln 3/2 $2.195M, 16321 Captiva Dr 5/4 $4.35M.

1 price change: 11401 Old Lodge Ln 2/3.5 now $5.995M.

No new or closed sales.

LOTS

Nothing to report.

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.

Until next Friday, Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan