It sure is easy to write these Friday real estate updates when the weather is fabulous. I know I have said before that I never get sick of waking up to bright blue skies and sunshine. It is another one of those days today with temps again into the low 80’s. Though May typically is the beginning of the rainy season, I don’t think any showers are forecast until the end of next week.

Island Scoop & Reopening News

City Council Post-Ian Hurricane Update – During Tuesday’s progress report, City Manager Souza announced that the Building and Planning Departments will be moving back on the island this month (into the former bank building on Library Way).

All beach accesses are open except Lighthouse Beach and West Gulf Dr accesses #3, 4, and 7.  The number of beach parking permits issued continues to increase. Summer camp at the Rec Center openings is available (7 weeks).

Regarding building permits, as of April 28, 4,246 have been issued.

Regarding debris cleanup, Crowder Gulf reports a new total of 1,935,409 cubic yards.

Financial discussions included the $1.1B coming to Lee County, status of the tax refunds in process at LeePA. As of April 25, 6,400 tax refunds have been approved, 1,338 approved for Sanibel, $420,488 returned to owners. Discussion continued about revenue losses from this tax relief and other budget items.

The City continues to work with FEMA in repairing City assets. They have received $2.4M in FEMA reimbursements, 104.1M is outstanding, but expected.

Council agreed to continue the weekly Police blotter and extensions to the local State of Emergency.

(These meetings continue to be posted live with recordings on the City’s FB page and http://www.MySanibel.com.)

30^th Sam Bailey Islands Night on Wednesday at Hammond Stadium with the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels playing the Dunedin Blue Jays was a huge success with pregame parade, baseball, island comradery and no rain.

Some other social media postings this week:

RC Otter’s on Captiva is expected to open this month. Keylime Bistro nearby hopes to open in September, while Captiva Island Inn is looking to reopen In early 2024.

Sundial Beach Resort & Spa also anticipates welcoming overnight guests in 2024.

Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa posted that 4^th night is free if you book three nights between May 1 and August 31. They also are advertising the Captivaville Songwriters Weekend, June 16-18 when resort guests get free admission.

Sea Turtle Nests – Sea turtle nesting season has begun. Over the last 11 days, SCCF (Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation) has documented 20 sea turtle nests. Some of the high tides and winds last weekend left several of them washed over, but SCCF says it’s still possible for the nests to produce viable eggs. They will be monitoring them. To learn more, go to https://sancaplifesavers.org/sea-turtles/

Condo Scoop

More island condos info is being posted on social media about their progress. Facebook’s “Sanibel and Captiva Property Owners – Private Group” has had many. Some news is from owners, some by board members. Many associations are wrapping up settlements with insurance carriers, confirming contractor selections, receipt of permits, possible dates for occupancy, etc. After seven long months, it’s great to finally hear so much positive news. Many of the companies performing work for the associations also are willing to restore unit interiors. That certainly is good news for buyers.

At SanibelSusan Realty

Teammate Dave and I continue to be on the island daily, working with both buyers and sellers, while Lisa continues to update our “best seller” inventory list every Saturday. Let us know if you want it emailed or mailed to you.

It sure will be easier for me once I am back living on-island and that will be soon. The first of my new furniture was delivered yesterday, more came today.

Monday, I completed a 4-hour class that the Florida Association of Realtors requires of their instructors. Though viewed through Zoom, it was great to see some colleagues that I missed during the COVID lockdowns, but I already registered for the annual August convention in Orlando when I look forward to seeing them in person again.

Below are updated summary tables of island residential sales statistics, plus the action posted since last Friday in the island Multiple Listing Service. Good sales activity continues. Note that more Sanibel homes have already sold/closed this year than are for sale. That indicates a sellers’ market.

On the commercial front, both former “Gene’s Books” properties are for sale: 2365 Periwinkle Way for $1.098M and 2422 Periwinkle Way for $1.948M.

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Real Estate

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity April 28 – May 5

Sanibel

CONDOS

1 new listing: Snug Harbor #121 2/2 $1.699M.

1 price change: Sandpiper West #4 3/2.5 now $2.2M.

2 new sales: Snug Harbor #122 2/2 listed at $1.649M, Seascape #305 3/3 listed at $1.995M.

1 closed sale: Island Beach Club #220F 2/2 $749K.

HOMES

7 new listings: 9231 Belding Dr 2/2 $450K, 3312 Saint Kilda 3/2 $949K, 228 Daniel Dr 3/2.5 $1.095M, 3251 Twin Lakes Ln 3/2 $1.315M, 567 North Yachtsman Dr 3/3 $1.595M, 450 Sea Walk Ct 4/3.5 $2.225M, 3963 Wulfert Rd 4/6 $3.595M.

4 closed sales: 864 Limpet Dr 3/2 $1.45M, 845 Birdie View Pt 3/3 $1.825M, 4449 Waters Edge Ln 3/3 $3.2M, 4697 Rue Belle Mer 4/5.5 $3.55M.

LOTS

2 new listings: 2615 Tamarind Rd $378K, 470 Sawgrass Pl $895K.

2 price changes: 355 Cowry Ct now $598.5K, 845 Pyrula Ave now $599K.

No new or closed sales.

Captiva

CONDOS

No price changes.

1 new sale: Tennis Villas #3138 2/2 listed at $750K.

No closed sales.

HOMES

No new listings, price changes, or new sales.

1 closed sale: 16163 Captiva Dr 3/2 $3.3M.

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, Happy Cinco de Mayo!