With the rainy season settling into more late day/evening showers, it was a surprise this week to hear about lightning striking a car on the causeway. The driver escaped unharmed but the vehicle caught fire and was a total loss. Be sure and stay safe when you see a storm coming or hear thunder. Weather often changes fast in Florida in the summer.

View from Sundial R401

Expedia Reveals Its 2026 Island Hot List

On July 21, Expedia posted: “Emerging island interest jumps 55% on average as travelers trade hotspots for better value…. Based on Expedia’s search data, the Island Hot List highlights 10 fast-rising islands offering travelers an alternative to traditional hotspots, combining natural beauty, cultural depth, and sometimes better value” Only one island in the USA is on the list – and it is Sanibel!

1. St. Lucia (+125%) – Best for Romantic Escapes
2. Porto Santo, Madeira, Portugal (+85%) – Best for Wellness & Relaxation
3. Praslin, Seychelles (+80%) – Best for Nature Lovers
4. Syros, Greece (+60%) – Best for Cuisine & Charm
5. Lofoten Islands, Norway (+50%) – Best for Arctic Adventures
6. Palawan, Philippines (+40%) – Best for Natural Wonders
7. Culebra, Puerto Rico (+35%) – Best for Water Adventures
8. Sanibel Island, Florida, USA (+25%) – Best for Family Escapes
9. Phu Quoc, Vietnam (+25%) – Best for Affordable Luxury
10. Fiji (+15%) – Best for Multi-generational Value

Schools Begin

The school year for Lee County students begins Tuesday. Last night was a well-attended Sanibel School Open House for families and pupils. The new principal was at the door greeting each one.

Scoop About J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge

“Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge (DDWS) themed the 2026-27 season at J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge “Wings of Renewal,” and the revitalization entered its final phases on July 27. The Visitor & Education Center closed that day as work began on a new entrance ramp.

At the same time, a project to upgrade auditoriums gets finishing touches, work on boardwalks wraps up, and construction begins on DDWS offices to replace those demolished by Hurricane Ian in 2022.

New high-tech AV is coming to the auditoriums and throughout the center. Other auditorium improvements include next-level acoustic wall panels and new carpeting, lighting, art-hanging systems, seating, and improved accessibility for the hearing impaired.

The center shutdown will include the Refuge Nature Store, America’s Best Restrooms, and the main parking lot. Visitors will be able to park in the upper (north) lot. The center will reopen October 1, in time for “Ding” Darling’s 150th birthday celebration and “Art in the Wild” on October 20-22.

Friends and fans of the refuge can still shop to support “Ding” online at http://www.ShopDingDarling.com and at the refuge Lifestyles Store, 1626 Periwinkle Way. It is part of the Homes by Rachel shop in Heart of the Islands center and opens Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Wildlife Drive, Bailey Tract, and Tarpon Bay Explorers will remain open their regular hours throughout the closure period. Boardwalk construction at Bailey Tract is complete. Refuge administration plans to open Indigo Trail by late August and Mangrove Overlook by late September.

“The excitement at ‘Ding’ has been steadily building these past couple of years as it comes back better and more impressive than ever,” said DDWS executive director Ann-Marie Wildman. “Now that the end is in sight, we can hardly contain the anticipation of our renewal, peaking with our Feb. 3 fundraiser “Go Wild for ‘Ding’ –  Wings of Renewal. It’s all about rebirth, restoration, the joyful spirit of community, and a legacy reimagined.”

In the past year, following phase 1 renovations, “Ding” Visitor & Education Center opened its new Pollinator Garden and Ranger Toni’s Nature Nook in the area once occupied by DDWS offices on the ground floor. The refuge recently completed installation of a new air-conditioning system.

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors

The islands Association of Realtors did not meet this week, but I am ready to present my Broker Tips & Tales at the Open Caravan Meeting next Thursday. Two weeks later the August membership meeting with Caravan will be on the 27^th with guest speaker from Ding Darling Wildlife Society.

Island Real Estate Scoop

Looking at the residential real estate activity posted in the SanCap MLS since last Friday, there have been NO NEW SALES. During the same time, there have been two new residential listings and four price changes.

No sales illustrates again that this it is the “slowest time of the year” for island real estate action. Also more listings expired or were terminated this week, so inventory is lower than it has been in a very long time..

Below with data from the island MLS are summary tables of the residential sales statistics, followed by the MLS action reported this week.

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity July 31 – August 7

Sanibel

CONDOS

2 new listings: Sandalfoot #3A1 2/2 $779K, Surfside 12 #A2 3/2 $899K.

1 price change: Mariner Pointe #1051 2/2 now $488K.

No new sales.

2 closed sales: Spanish Cay #B3 2/2 $370K, Nutmeg Village #109 2/2 $925K.

HOMES

No new listings.

1 back-on-market: 1377 Sand Castle Rd 4/3 $675K.

2 price changes: 954 Whelk Dr 4/4 now $3.1M, 1490 Angel Dr 4/3 now $3.195M.

No new sales.

1 closed sale: 720 Durion Ct 4/3 $885K.

LOTS

Nothing to report.

Captiva

CONDOS

No new listings.

1 price change: Lands End Village #1659 2/2 now $1.099M.

No new or closed sales.

HOMES & 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 in any way responsible for the accuracy. Data maintained by the association, or its MLS, may now 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 in or participated in these transactions.

Enjoy your weekend,