It’s another sunny Friday on the islands with more Sanibel home sales. Both teammate Dave and I worked with prospective buyers and sellers this week, while also following up on listings we have closing later this month. I continue to post social media updates as we notice changes during our travels. We are happy to assist if anyone needs “boots on the ground” observations about a particular property.

Regarding island inventory, it might be high hurricane season, but we see no reason for owners to wait to list unless a property cannot be shown or if there are significant improvements that affect listing now. Today, smart buyers can easily figure out when a property was first listed, so those taking their property off the market to “give it a rest” really are not fooling anyone. When it comes back on the market, it’s not a new listing, it’s just a relisted listing.

Association of Realtors

The local Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors did not meet this week, but the Florida Realtors annual committee meetings have begun. I will head to Orlando soon for many of those events. This afternoon was the Zoom meeting of the Resort and Second-Home Specialist breakout group which is part of the Legislative Think Tank. It is always interesting to hear how other similar areas problem solve and compare to Sanibel and Captiva. For example, Marco Island is currently working to resolve four lawsuits, including one from Florida Realtors, about their new vacation rentals ordinance.

Another tidbit from the state Resort & Second-Home Specialist breakout group meeting this afternoon is that there has been a huge increase in Florida visitors and vacation rentals. According to Visit Florida, in 2022 over 137.4 million tourists came to Florida. That is 12.8% growth over 2021. Just in the first quarter of 2023, 37.9 million international visitors came here. For the fiscal year that just ended in June, Florida vacation rentals produced over $35 billion in taxable revenue. That’s a $13.3 billion increase over 2022, a 161% increase, a record-breaking year! Guests are staying longer, spending more, and the trend is expected to continue.

Next week, before I head to Orlando for the state in-person meetings, is the Sanibel-Captiva Association’s Professional Development Committee. More on that next Friday.

Island Scoop

Progress continues with some Sanibel businesses moving and others posting reopening dates. Below are a few tidbits and announcements I heard about this week:

American Legion Post 123 – The only American Legion post on the islands (4249 San-Cap Rd) is reopening its Tiki Bar tomorrow and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. offering burgers, hotdogs, and pulled pork. Serving both veterans and the public, it offers a casual setting to socialize. See more info on their Facebook page.

Free Sunday Causeway Tolls – Tuesday, Lee County Commissioners announced that in efforts to increase weekend island business and in support of “Save Our Shores” campaign, the causeway tools are waived coming onto the island for the next six Sundays (from August 6 to September 10).

Heart of the Island Shops – This shopping center which covers 1614-1628 Periwinkle Way, is the new home of Sanibel Art & Frame. It is the only store open there so far and I have become a regular as I slowly empty my garage of hurricane damaged art and photos. They do an amazing job! Today when picking up a piece, I heard that two other long-time island businesses have signed leases there and will be moving in. So, when you are looking for a former favorite shop, be aware that they may have or are moving. Stay tuned for more details when the shops have made their own announcements.

Lighthouse Café – posted on social media that they have signed a lease to occupy the former Sanibel Fresh building at 1020 Periwinkle Way, between Dairy Queen and Lazy Flamingo. They are sad to leave the Seahorse Shopping Center, but certainly will have more space in their new location. No opening date announced yet.

Sanibel Community House – The Sanibel Community Association announced that the renovation of The Community House is going well. Target for completion is September 30. They encourage users to book now as spaces are filling up for the 2023/2024 season.

Sanibel Rec Center – Was closed this week for maintenance which involved scheduling several repairs and improvements during the same timeframe to minimize disruption. Those include repaving of the parking lot, installation of new weight equipment, and acid washing of pools. They reopen Monday morning, August 7.

2^nd Lee County Public Meeting on Land-Use Changes

Wednesday night, I attended the county-sponsored public meeting at BIG ARTS as the local community continues to oppose changes to building height and density on Captiva. These changes include removing height restrictions and allowing South Seas Resort to request increased density, changes that island-lovers unanimously oppose because they would harm the character, environment, and resiliency of both Sanibel and Captiva.

The meeting was recorded and began with remarks by County Commissioner Kevin Ruane, followed by a presentation by Lee County Department of Community Development Zoning Manager Anthony Rodriguez. Comments followed from the Captiva Community Panel, Captiva Civic Association, and the public. All comments were in opposition, including those by SCCF (Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation) CEO James Evans and their Environmental Policy Director Matt DePaolis. I sat with SCCF former (now retired) Director of Education, Kristie Anders. Having worked in SW FL since the mid 70’s and for 30+years at SCCF, her heartfelt comments provided some excellent context. They begin at about the 39-minute mark of the 1+hour presentation: https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?ref=watch_permalink&v=257708607031529

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Real Estate

Below with data from the islands MLS (Multiple Listing Service) are updated summary tables of the residential sales statistics, followed by the island MLS action this week.

SANIBEL RESIDENTIAL	CONDOS			HOMES			LOTS
	#	Avg Price	DOM	#	Avg Price	DOM	#	Avg Price	DOM
For sale	58	1,126,566	127	85	1,693,850	96	26	974,784	138
Under contract	8	1,198,625	91	24	1,261,979	131	8	905,375	63
Sold 2023 to 8/4	68	919,824	53	197	1,249,141	61	16	922,593	79
Sold 2022	123	1,136,199	44	185	1,602,745	52	26	779,528	223
Sold 2021	287	875,127	113	355	1,341,881	89	69	698,862	442

CAPTIVA RESIDENTIAL	CONDOS			HOMES			LOTS
	#	Avg Price	DOM	#	Avg Price	DOM	#	Avg Price	DOM
For sale	18	1,687,500	75	12	7,206,583	102	0	N/A	N/A
Under contract	2	438,500	27	2	2,795,000	72	0	N/A	N/A
Sold 2023 to 8/4	9	941,333	117	12	2,865,250	71	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 July 28 – August 4

Sanibel

CONDOS

1 new listing: Sanibel Arms #H7 1/1 $399K.

No price changes.

2 new sales: White Sands #22 2/2 listed at $850K, Sandals #B 3/3 listed at $900K.

No closed sales.

HOMES

4 new listings: 2228 Starfish Ln 3/2.5 $1.495M, 813 Angel Wing Dr 5/5.5 $3.5M, 411 Bella Vista Way E 4/4 $3.595M, 1558 & 1545 San Carlos Bay Dr 3/3.5 & dock lot $3.999M.

6 price changes: 2991 Singing Wind Dr 3/2 now $549K, 4752 Rue Helene 2/2 now $624K, 4269 Gulf Pines Dr 2/2 now $769K, 1578 Sand Castle Rd 3/2 now $995K, 803 Lindgren Blvd 4/3 now $1.1M, 2255 Troon Ct 4/5.5.5 now $3.385M.

2 back on market: 922 Main St 3/1 $539K, 2479 Blind Pass Ct 3/2 $1.15M.

8 new sales: 1683 Atlanta Plaza Dr 3/2 listed at $510K, 1932 Roseate Ln 3/2 listed at $545K, 1284 Par View Dr 2/2 listed at $599K, 566 Boulder Dr 3/2 listed at $674.5K, 1399 Albatross Rd 3/2 listed at $714K, 1835 Farm Tr 3/2 listed at $799K, 851 Angel Wing Dr 5/4 listed at $1.349M, 1175 Bird Ln 4/3.5 listed at $4.25M.

7 closed sales: 658 Donax St 3/2 $699K, 1171 Seagrape Ln 3/3 duplex $825K, 209 Daniel Dr 3/2 $900K, 3311 Twin Lakes Ln 3/3 $1.075M, 425 Lake Murex Cir 3/2 $1.1M, 3611 West Gulf Dr 4/4.5 $3.55M, 568 Lighthouse Way 3/3.5 $4.6M.

LOTS

No new listings.

1 price change: 395 Bella Vista Way E now $1.5M.

1 new sale: 809 Pyrula Ave listed at $545K.

No closed sales.

Captiva

CONDOS

2 new listings: Captiva Hide-a-Way #2C 2/2 $999K, Gulf Beach Villas #2118 3/2 $1.25M.

No price changes, new or closed sales.

HOMES

No new listings, price reductions, new or closed sales.

1 back on market: 11516 Wightman Ln 5/4.5 $3.75M.

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.