It’s been another busy week on the islands and I bet you don’t want to again hear that it is sunny and 84 degrees F. It was a week of near-perfect weather according to many. What some of us wait for all year. Now that the dry season has begun, we watch for occasional showers. The forecast doesn’t show a chance of one until the end of next week.
Bridge traffic continues to be iffy. Dave and I continue to try to plan our on/off-island travels around dayworkers schedules. With the causeway construction amped up, those workers also try not to impact the day workers coming and going from the island.
Here is the message that the City received today from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) regarding causeway work though next week:
“Sanibel Causeway Emergency Restoration: As a part of the Florida Department of Transportation’s (FDOT) Emergency Restoration of the Sanibel Causeway, crews continue work on McGregor Boulevard and the Sanibel Causeway from Port Comfort Road to Sanibel Island. The causeway islands surrounding the temporary roadway are an active work zone and are currently closed for public access, including from the water.
- During the NIGHTTIME/OVERNIGHT hours of 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. on Friday evening, Nov 10, through Sat morning, Nov 11, motorists should expect ONE LANE OPEN to two-way travel. Flaggers are scheduled to help with traffic control.
- Beginning no earlier than 10 a.m., motorists traveling westbound to Sanibel on McGregor Boulevard should expect segments of the outside through lane from Port Comfort Road to the toll plaza to be closed for crews to install guardrail.
- Beginning at 7 a.m., motorists traveling westbound to Sanibel on McGregor Boulevard should expect segments of the turn lane to Punta Rassa to be closed to traffic for crews to install guardrail. Motorist can continue to turn right to Punta Rassa.
- Motorists should be aware that through October and November, portions of the travel lanes near the bridges on the Causeway will be narrowed to 10 feet with a one-foot shoulder and barrier wall on each side. Oversized loads will only be permitted during the nighttime/overnight hours with this restriction.
- During the hours of 6:30 – 11 a.m., motorists leaving Sanibel should expect eastbound McGregor Boulevard to be reduced to one lane from just east of the toll plaza to Port Comfort Road. This closed lane will be used as a dedicated lane for concrete delivery trucks arriving to the project. Concrete trucks will be escorted by FHP when using this lane.During this time, motorists traveling to Sanibel should expect FHP to intermittently stop traffic to allow concrete trucks to cross westbound travel lanes to reach the staging area.
- Through the end of the year, motorists should expect isolated flagging operations, an uneven road surface, periodic shoulder closures, workers and equipment close to the road, and numerous dump trucks entering and exiting Punta Rassa to deliver project supplies.
Many oversized vehicles are crossing the causeway to assist with recovery efforts on the island. Please be patient as travel may be slower than usual. Bicyclists are encouraged to utilize another mode of transportation to travel the causeway and pedestrians are not permitted on the Sanibel Causeway. Expect shoulder closures throughout the project. “
Another challenge this week, causeway related, is that another fiber optic line was cut that affected phone and internet service on much of the island. Luckily, my east-end home was not affected, but I did not have to drive far to lose connections. I stopped in at Bank of the Islands mid-week and they had been without service all day.
Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors®
Tues morning was the monthly meeting of the Professional Development Committee where we finalized the class offerings and educational events for the rest of the year. Nov membership meeting speaker is Sanibel Building Dept Director Craig Mole and Dec meeting speaker is the new Sanibel School Principal Jennifer Lusk.
The local Association of Realtors® had a extra busy day yesterday, beginning with an early morning Caravan Meeting at The Community House – our first one back in their Great Hall which recently reopened. The meeting began a few minutes late because of causeway delays. Workday mornings it can be backed up on Summerlin past Kelly Greens, sometimes as far as San Carlos Blvd.
Even so, the Caravan Meeting was well attended and following announcements, ten Sanibel homes were open for easy viewing. That is more properties than we have seen open in many months.
Last night, after work, the Association Communications and Public Relations Committee organized our annual event to benefit F.I.S.H.
Cleverly advertised as “F.I.S.H.mas”, members and friends were encouraged to go to Rosalita’s Cantina between 5 and 7 p.m. with donations of items for children and seniors were collected, to 
go to F.I.S.H. for distribution to those in need.
This was the first time in many years that many of us had been in the separate private party area at Rosalita’s so it was fun to remember the many establishments that have been there.
At SanibelSusan Realty
We put another condo under contract over the weekend which is included in the MLS info posted below and we have been working on the action items associated with that transaction. Dave also prepared an inventory, checked our listings, is updating our database, and is ready to accompany a condo inspection next week.
I again fielded some calls from both buyers and sellers, as we both continue to view property for absentee purchasers. Yesterday, between the various Association events and BIG ARTS Chorus rehearsal, I attended an on-line update for brokers by Florida Realtors® leadership team. Over 4K Florida Realtors® Zoomed in. A special take-away was advice from Florida Realtors® General Counsel & Vice President of Law & Policy Juana Watkins, Esq. who said, “Remember, just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.”
Sanibel City Council Meeting
Late Tues afternoon, I received the City message about the loss of internet service at BIG ARTS and that they were afraid that the upcoming City Council meeting (5:30 p.m.) would not be streamed live. So, being interested in the proposed building code changes that could affect real estate, I quickly hopped in my car to attend in person.
Though the audience was sparse, and the meeting did get filmed, I managed to sit through the whole thing. Beginning a few minutes early and not wrapping up until nearly 9 p.m., I came away in awe of the many topics discussed, business covered, and thoughtful deliberations that were conducted. For details or to listen and see the various PowerPoint presentations, go to The City of Sanibel Facebook Page. Here are a few takeaways:
- Island Water Association recognized for their efforts as first responders following Hurricane Ian.
- Sanibel School PTA members and several students presented a check to the City for the playground they cost share.
- Planning Commission provided good update on all the work they have done on the proposed building ordinances.
- For future agendas: Alternatives to be investigated for July 4th celebration (instead of fireworks). Also suggestions for use of City-owned Library Way parcels.
- 1st reading of proposed Ordinance to adjust maximum building heights in residential areas. This is the next step, following the Special Meeting, City Council hosted last week, These are good changes with it coming up for Commissioner vote at their next meeting (2nd reading).
- 2nd reading of proposed Ordinance to update resort housing district building height rules. It passed unanimously (with one Commissioner jokingly calling it the Tony Lapi ordinance). Hopefully these clarifications will mean Tony can rebuild West Wind Inn without losing units.
- During the Natural Resources Department reports on island lakes, golf courses, and canals, it was confirmed that the salinity from Hurricane Ian greatly affected water quality which was already compromised and continues to be an issue of primary concern. This alone is a good reason to listen to the presentation by Natural Resources Director Holly Milbrandt. If you start listening at hour 2, you will hear Holly describe how the emergency projects for beach sand restoration are progressing. Many permits are involved (Army Corps, state, federal). They had ambitiously hoped work would be completed by the start of shorebird nesting season (Feb 15). Holly said at least a 30-day delay is expected so they are coordinating with SCCF for any monitoring needed. The hard line is May 1 when sea turtle nesting season again begins. (You probably don’t want to hear the part where Holly confirms that 375 truckloads of sand will be coming daily once the sand restoration begins. A staggering 80,000 tons of sand are planned just for the lighthouse area where the low elevation has required additional permitting.
Sanibel & Captiva Islands Real Estate
With data from the islands MLS (Multiple Listing Service), below are 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: | 66 | 1,063,124 | 153 | 97 | 1,697,978 | 88 | 35 | 1,075,854 | 164 |
| Under contract | 6 | 1,197,259 | 93 | 16 | 1,332.875 | 86 | 2 | 317,000 | 20 |
| Sold 2023 to 11/10 | 88 | 949,438 | 64 | 243 | 1,260,525 | 72 | 23 | 940,021 | 78 |
| 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 | 23 | 1,569,152 | 114 | 15 | 6,386,466 | 125 | 2 | 7,247,500 | 64 |
| Under contract | 6 | 1,014,835 | 23 | 0 | N/A | N/A | 0 | N/A | N/A |
| Sold 2023 to 11/10 | 12 | 821,000 | 110 | 17 | 2,716,647 | 70 | 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 Nov 3-10
Sanibel
CONDOS
2 new listings: Sundial #D312 1/1 $447K, Sundial #L401 2/2 $1.4M.
1 back on market: Sand Pointe #116 2/2 $899.9K.
1 price change: Loggerhead Cay #174 2/2 now $899.9K.
2 new sales: Sundial #E208 2/2 listed at $1.25M, Gulfside Place #208 2/2 listed at $1,365,555 (SanibelSusan sale).
4 closed sales: Colonnades #17 1/1 $274K, Sundial #I106 1/1 $350K, White Sands #11 2/2 $875K, Seascape #204 3/3.5 $2,813,500.
HOMES
8 new listings: 4269 Gulf Pines Dr 2/2 $749K, 998 Greenwood Ct N 3/2.5 $749K, 1220 Par View Dr 3/2 $1.44M, 969 Whelk Dr 3/2.5 $1.595M, 1402 Middle Gulf Dr 3/3 $1.595M, 759 Pyrula Ave 3/3 $1.895M, 1157 Bird Ln 3/3.5 $3.995M, 4099 West Gulf Dr 5/5.5 $5.499M.
5 price changes: 455 Peachtree R 2/2 now $795K, 1806 Ibis Ln 3/2 now $849K, 1731 Serenity Ln 4/3 now $995K, 1306 Par View Dr 3/3.5 now $1.5M, 488 Lighthouse Way 4/4 now $4.295M.
3 new sales: 1835 Ardsley Way 2/2 listed at $450K, 560 Piedmont Rd 3/2 listed at $639K, 1143 Sand Castle Rd 3.2.5 listed at $799K.
3 closed sales: 1754 Windward Way 2/2 $819K, 1999 My-Tern Ct 3/2 $925K, 4355 West Gulf Dr 4/4.5.5 $4.7M.
LOTS
No new listings.
1 price change: 972 Fitzhugh St now $325K.
No new or closed sales.
Captiva
CONDOS
1 new listing: Lands End #1651 2/2 $1.395M.
No price changes.
1 new sale: Bayside Villas #2615 1/1 listed at $695K.
1 closed sale: Tennis Villas #3210 1/1 $520K
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 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.
Enjoy your weekend & remember to honor veterans,
Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan
The local Association of Realtors® did not meet this week, but I got a nice letter from our CEO thanking me for SanibelSusan Realty’s sponsorship at the recent end-of-year golf tournament and RPAC Auction. I also was recognized nationally as a major RPAC investor.
Also, this week from Florida Realtors® incoming President, I was asked to confirm appointments to her 2024 leadership team. They involve participation at the state Mid-Winter Business Meetings in Orlando in January and the Annual Meetings in August. I am proud to serve and happy to volunteer. My appointments are to the Resort & Second Home Specialist Breakout Group, the Program Development Subcommittee (educational programs), and the Professional Development Committee. I have served on state committees since 1999 when I was President of our local Association. The networking and business that result from these commitments are additional special benefits.
Teammate Dave and I met Monday with a homeowner considering listing in a few weeks. Like others, they are waiting until their restoration work to be complete.
Sanibel Lights – The Sanibel Historical Museum & Village is scheduled to reopen. They are planning a special celebration on Fri, Dec 1, 2023, and then will resume their regular operating schedule on Sat, Dec 2. (That is Tues through Sat from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) The Dec 1 celebration will be part of a centralized community event called Sanibel Lights from 4 to 7 p.m. It is a collaboration between the Museum, BIG ARTS, The Community House, and St. Michael & All Saints Episcopal Church. It will include decorations, refreshments, tree lighting and live entertainment including carols by The BIG ARTS Community Chorus.
New Wildlife Dr Hours – When daylight savings time ends on Sun Nov 5, gate times on Wildlife Dr at the Refuge will change to 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sat through Thurs (closed Fri).
opposition to the proposed amendments which are specifically for the Captiva chapter of the Lee Plan which eliminate the Captiva height limitations from the Plan, notwithstanding the comments from the state Bureau of Community, Planning, and Growth calling the County amendments a “false flag” operation.
Wed night, Sanibel City Council held a Special Meeting to discuss the building recommendations forwarded to them from the Planning Commission meeting the week before. Those meetings usually are streamed live on the City’s web and Facebook pages, but there has been disruption of internet and cell service on some of the island this week. When I heard that BIG ARTS was affected and that’s where the meeting was going to be held, I instead attended in person.
With data from the islands MLS (Multiple Listing Service), below are summary tables of the residential sales statistics, followed by the island MLS action this week.
Enjoy your weekend & remember to “fall back” an hour Sunday morning.
It’s been another week of wonderful SW FL weather – lots of blue sky, sunshine, and breezes. No need to get out those winter flip flops yet. I just returned from doing some island chores. My car reports it is 87 degrees F. Not exactly Halloween weather, but here trick or treaters don’t need heavy costumes!
Yesterday morning was the annual meeting of the islands Association of Realtors®. It began with a buffet breakfast at BIG ARTS followed by presentations in the Performance Hall, including confirmation of election results, and reports by 2023 Association President Greg Demaras, Treasurer & Professional Development Committee Chair Becky Mulka, Communications & Public Relations Committee Chair Connie Walters, Governmental Affairs Committee Chair Eric Pfeifer, Affiliates & Special Events Committee Co-Chair Valerie Tutor, & RPAC Committee Co-Chairs Dave Arter & Brendan Albright.
CEO Bill Robinson also provided an update on the repairs/restoration underway at our Association building at 2353 Periwinkle Way. His Power Point had photos of its condition right after the storm, following interior demo, and today. Expected re-occupancy is sometime during 1st quarter 2024. Like with so many damaged properties, we aren’t holding our breath, but it was good news to hear that the exterior work is about 70% complete, 30% done on the inside.
(Note: Our downstairs tenant Finnemore’s has been working from their spaces for some time, so if you are looking to rent a bike/trike, paddleboard, kayak, or other beach equipment, please consider giving them your business. I have also heard great feedback on their equipment repairs, so if your bike needs a post-storm tune-up, I bet they can help. 
Advertised at the last minute as a costume contest, the Annual Meeting costume judging occurred just before the Caravan Meeting. Yours truly garnered 2nd place with her version of “50 Shades of Grey” which included an outfit adorned with that many paint samples. VIP’s Ted Benjamin, as a Viking, won 1st. Thanks to Superior Title for donating the Halloween basket prizes. The pumpkin beer in my winnings went to teammate Dave!
The Caravan Meeting with announcements that followed included five Sanibel homes and one on Captiva open for viewing from 9 a.m. until noon. The next Caravan Meeting will be Thurs Nov 9 at 8:30 a.m. at The Community House.
Fall Festival – The Sanibel Community House invites everyone to join them for a spooky Fall Festival Party Saturday Oct 28 from 5 to 7 p.m. (free admission with bag of wrapped candy per family). Enjoy games, prizes, candy, food.
Select Vacation Properties – This is a repeat of a Facebook post that may be helpful to those wondering what to do with their “white box”. I have known and referred business to Patience for decades: “We’re excited to present 
Florida Department of Transportation Sanibel Causeway Community Liaison Jennifer Dorning issued this notice this morning:
During their member presentation this week, the islands Chamber of Commerce posted a slide with the following recap – some sobering statistics for 13 months post hurricane.
Following up on the public Special Planning Commission Meeting held last week about whether changes are needed in Sanibel’s building requirements, I listened in on Planning Commission’s regular Tuesday meeting where they voted unanimously to pass their recommendations on to City Council. The meeting audio can be heard through 
With data from the islands MLS (Multiple Listing Service), below are summary tables of the residential sales statistics, followed by the island MLS action this week.
Enjoy your weekend! Happy Halloween! & please contact The SanibelSusan Team if we may help you!
Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors®
Hirdie Girdie Gallery – at 2490 Library Way (corner of Tarpon Bay Rd & Library Way) has reopened & announced a 3-day fall art sale (paintings, photography, woodburning, ceramics, glass, sculpture, jewelry), Oct 20-22. They are open Mon-Sat from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sun from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 
Taste of the Islands – CROW (The Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife) will host its 42nd Taste of the Islands on Nov 5-19. As the islands continue to rebuild from the effects of Hurricane Ian, “Taste of the Islands – Rebuilding” aims to aid in the recovery of CROW, Sanibel-Captiva restaurants, and the community. This year, participating off-island restaurants will support CROW for the first week, with the traditional on-island restaurants participating during the second week. On island, the Taste will be Nov 13-19 with the CROW “Crawl” on Nov 18, encouraging patrons to visit the CROW Ambassador Tent and get a “taste” of special dining opportunities on Sanibel and Captiva. CROW will offer physical and digital copies of their “Taste Passport” this year. A passport include lists of participating restaurants, advertising for local businesses, and a QR code linking to the People’s Choice Award voting page. They will be available at CROW Visitor and Education Center, Bank of the Islands on Sanibel, and participating off-island restaurants.
Wines in the Wild – Tickets are now on sale for SCCF’s 14th annual welcome-back fall celebration which will be Fri, Nov 17 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. where a variety of outdoor stations around the grounds of the Bailey Homestead Preserve will feature specially selected wines to complement signature tastings from favorite local chefs. Tickets are available at 
With data from the islands MLS (Multiple Listing Service), below are summary tables of the residential sales statistics, followed by the island MLS action this week.
Continuing our local Association of Realtors® tradition, the 26th Annual “End of Season” event with golf tournament, followed by party and auction for RPAC (Realtor Political Action Committee) was held Wed at The Sanctuary. Of course, the end of season usually is in April/May so this was a few months later than usual, but it was well attended, with many colleagues and business affiliates seeing each other in-person for the first time since the storm.
As an event sponsor and auction item donor, SanibelSusan Realty got some good advertising, while as always, The Sanctuary food and service were terrific. At least $13K was raised for RPAC which continually works for the good of real estate and the industry. Through the years, the islands have reaped their benefits.
BIG ARTS Community Chorus – The fall session began this week with rehearsals for upcoming events including holiday concerts in the performance hall on Dec 14 and 19 (this one with Sanibel School singers). Between the pandemic and hurricane, it had been years since I had seen some of these singers. It’s great to be back together again. No auditions are required to sing, with a fun repertoire planned. Sign up to join us and get concert tickets at BIG ARTS.
Captiva Cruises – Reported this week that the “Lady Chadwick” made her first trip back to Cabbage Key since the hurricane. See their cruise offerings and scheduling info at 
Pointe Santo – Has unit drywall work underway and recently posted on their Facebook page a rendering of their future Pointe Santo clubhouse. The clubhouse and children’s programs have always been a draw to the community. Their architect is a local favorite, Joyce Owens.
Timbers Restaurant & Fish Market – Timbers Restaurant is reopening Thurs Oct 19 and will be open every day beginning at 5 p.m. Their elevator is working and the Fish Market is already open (daily from noon until 8 p.m.).
Sanibel
Enjoy your weekend! & enjoy one more pix! It always makes me smile when I pass this mermaid mailbox.
Our local Association of Realtors® again didn’t meet this week, but their annual classes continued for members working to earn or recertify their SCIS (Sanibel & Captiva Islands Specialist) designation. Since I also needed to recertify (which requires completing three of 12 class modules), on Wed I both taught the “Resort & Second Homes” module and attended the other Realtor-taught sessions that followed, including Marketing Condos (by David Schuldenfrei & Eric Pfeifer), Waterways & Beaches (by Jeff Burns) and Differences In Selling Off-Island (by Greg Demaras).
Wed at the Sanibel Community House, Florida Lt Governor Jeanette Nunez announced more cybersecurity funding though the new state Local Government Cybersecurity Grant Program. This money will help after natural disasters like Hurricane Ian when vulnerable Floridians could be exploited. This program was developed to harden infrastructure. It is part of an almost $500M effort that Florida has already invested in detection capabilities, retiring old legacy systems, and setting up the first-ever state Cybersecurity Operations Center.
Yesterday, the City sent out the following announcement:
Sundial News
Last week, on Sep 28, the resort celebrated a ribbon-cutting for its pickleball facilities. Following the debut of its resurfaced original 12 courts in August, four additional new courts (formerly tennis courts across the street) were added.
Enjoy the long weekend, including Columbus Day!
Also yesterday, as many posted remembrances on social media of Hurricane Ian from a year ago on Sep 28, 2022, I was torn. Last week I almost didn’t post the schedule of anniversary events. Sometimes I don’t want to remember that storm. Then, when contacted by an island pal about attending one of the events, it made me think about all the progress that has been made over the last 12 months. Much was lost… people, places, memories, a lifetime of stuff, but it is important to accentuate the positive and grow from mistakes. It made me think about what I learned. Here are five things:
4. Mother Nature always wins, so be prepared. Then, don’t be surprised when beach daisies pop up in strange places.
Florida Realtors Public Policy Update this afternoon included that Florida Gov Ron DeSantis office “announced yesterday that $388 million in state funding was awarded to communities impacted by Hurricane Ian to support long-term recovery efforts and resiliency. These funds will be used to assist with ongoing hurricane repairs and recovery efforts for schools, sheriff’s offices, fire stations, parks and recreation centers, roads, wastewater treatment plants, beach renourishment, and will assist local governments with loss of revenue since the storm. Funding highlights include:
Our local Association of Realtors® didn’t meet this week, but their annual classes began for members looking to earn or recertify their SCIS (Sanibel & Captiva Islands Specialist) designation. The 12-part schedule runs through next Wed which is 
when I teach the Resort & Second-Home Market module. Meanwhile, I am updating my Power Point and readying for the annual photo of attendees modeling their quiz winnings (aka funny resort/vacation props).
It may be fall, but this week we received some reminders that the rainy season ain’t over yet. Periodic nighttime showers continued, while Tue and Wed, it also rained nearly all day. We are so accustomed to summertime blue skies and sunshine, that continued overcast days can change the mood – or remind one that hurricane season goes until Nov 30. On the plus side, temperatures got into the mid-70’s and new landscaping at many properties got an extra dose of free water.
Sanibel Farmers Market
The Sanctuary Golf Club
An article by Kerry Smith posted online Wed Sep 27, 2023 on Florida Realtors® says:
Posted Wed by SCCF (Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation):
Teammate Dave and I showed homes a couple of days this week. Always fun to introduce prospective buyers to the hidden treasures here.
Upcoming Association events include the 12-module SCIS (Sanibel & Captiva Islands Specialist) designation classes which begin next week and finish the following week. Those are also offered annually. Modules must be completed in two years. Renewal is also required with three modules needed for designation renewal. (I have already collected some props for the module I teach on the Resort and Second-Home Market. Those always make for a fun quiz photo op.) (Watch for our new logo too, this is the old one!)
October 11 is our 26th Annual RPAC (Realtor Political Action Committee) Golf Tournament and Auction at The Sanctuary. SanibelSusan Realty is a sponsor and again is contributing an auction item – this year, a gift certificate for seafood from The Lobster Net in Brewer, ME. Their fresh lobster and seafood dinners are always a hit.
Enjoy your weekend!
We continue to get calls from owners thinking of selling and we welcome new listings, With some new challenges encountered after Hurricane Ian, there are some important things for sellers to consider.
Bleu Rendezvous French Bistro – following their summer vacation, Bleu Rendezvous French Bistro reopens for their 9th season on Friday Oct 6 at 751 Tarpon Bay Rd
Sanibel Island Beach Resort – at 1231 Middle Gulf Dr (formerly Holiday Inn) has been under renovation and recently announced that they are opening on Sept 20 and accepting on-line reservations at 
Sanibel Siesta – at 1246 Fulgur St posted on social media that they are now accepting on-line reservations beginning Mar 2024. As the year winds down, they plan to announce it they also will have availability in Jan and Feb. 
Sunday Sep 17 at their same location in Tahitian Gardens, 1999 Periwinkle Way.
Tuttles – Seahorse Shell Shop has reopened, moving back inside their shop at 362 Periwinkle Way.
Sanibel
Enjoy your weekend! Susan Andrews aka SanibelSusan
Lighthouse Beach reopened on Wednesday with shellers out collecting the bounty brought in by Hurricane Idalia. Photos of more than one junonia have been posted on social media. (I’m still looking.)
Following up on the flamingo sightings here, I read that after Idalia they were sighted in many unusual locations from Texas to Ohio. One report quoted Jerry Lorenz, the state director of research for Audubon Florida as saying that since that hurricane blew through, they had gotten reports of flamingos from all around Florida, as well as Georgia, the Carolinas, Texas, Kentucky, and others. He speculates that the birds were flying between Cuba and the Yucatan and got diverted by the storm.
With our Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors building still under repair, the biweekly caravan meeting yesterday was held at The Community House. Though not heavily attended since traffic was delayed coming onto the island, many of those lucky enough to be back living on-island were there and enjoyed seeing a donation from our 50/50 
drawings go to CHR (Community Housing & Resources). CHR’s new Executive Assistant Savana Miller Berg was on hand to accept the donation and update attendees on the status of CHR’s affordable housing.
After a quick stop at the post office, it was also terrific to finally see progress at the Association of Realtors building at 2353 Periwinkle Way. Hooray, the new roof is dried in.
Tuesday, I listened to the live stream of the long County Commissioners meeting where all commissioners except former Sanibel Mayor (now Commissioner) Kevin Ruane voted to approve Land Development Code changes that increase building height on Captiva and provide a pathway for South Seas Island Resort to request rezoning that could lead to increased density and higher buildings at the resort. With thousands of recorded and emailed objections to these changes plus hours of public comment in opposition, it was disappointing that the Commissioners voted to approve the changes.
Those worried about values going down, only need to look at their recent TRIM notices from the County Property Appraiser. Actual sale prices may reflect restoration costs needed for properties to again be habitable, but it is safe to say that Sanibel and Captiva continue to be in demand. Year-to-date, Sanibel homes and lots lead the market in desirability.
Like the extra patience needed when crossing the causeway, awaiting contractors and supplies, and the like, sometimes more is required to get to a successful closing. Post-hurricane complications continue to affect some closings, particularly when contractors record liens. They can make providing clear title and title insurance challenging for closing companies, community associations, and the parties involved. Kudos again this week to Superior Title Services of Sanibel. They have found a solution to what will be our next closing.