SanibelSusan’s island scoop this week includes an update on commercial property. Several on Sanibel are for sale:
- condo with tenant at 1149 Periwinkle Way $700K,
- 2359 Periwinkle Way (former swimwear shop with apartment above) $1.29M,
- 1544 Periwinkle Way (former seashell shop) $1.695M,
- 1020 Periwinkle Way (former site of Sanibel Fresh) $2.55M,
- gas station at corner of Periwinkle Way and Bailey/Beach Rd $3.2M,
- Anchor Inn at 1245 Periwinkle Way $3.5M,
- 1223 Periwinkle Way (former site of Jacaranda restaurant, then Tipsy Turtle) $3.65M,
- 1167 Buttonwood Ln (strip mall plus residential) $5M,
- 362 Periwinkle Way (shopping center) $6.5M,
- 6420 Pine Ave (former site of Lazy Flamingo, Sunset Grill, Santiva General Store,) $15M,
- 3287 West Gulf Dr (formerly Sunset Beach Inn) $23M.
I also heard that the former Dairy Queen location (1046/1048/1090 Periwinkle Way) sale which has been under contingent contract for a few weeks (priced at $1.799M) is now a “solid” sale, awaiting closing. Rumor has it that it probably will not continue as a Dairy Queen franchise but that building will be restored with the intention of continuing as a quick affordable spot to buy lunch. You may remember that behind that area a tree often is home to bald eagles which means no construction noise during their winter nesting season. Exterior work there already is beginning.
For those anxious for more businesses to reopen, I also noticed more activity this week at both Periwinkle Place and Tahitian Gardens shopping centers. Maybe we’ll soon see some re-openings there.
More vacationers and residents are needed for shops/restaurants to be successful. Hopefully the islands will see more visitors over the 3-day weekend beginning tomorrow.
I didn’t notice additional traffic during my island rounds this morning, but Tarpon Bay Explorers has reopened. They are the licensed concession to the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, under contract with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and offer informative tours and eco-friendly recreational opportunities to visitors, Open Mon, Wed, Fri, and Sat from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (rentals stop at 3 p.m.).
Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors®
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).
Members are lucky that our local Association of Realtors® continually offers education specific to the work we do here. Thanks to our CEO Bill Robinson and his assistant, Jennifer Kelley who made the day go smoothly even with a press conference occurring at the same time at The Community House. (Read more about that below.)
Our next Realtor® Caravan Meeting is Thurs Oct 12 at BIG ARTS, the morning after our annual golf tournament and RPAC Auction at The Sanctuary
It may be a few more months before our Association Office building is ready for occupancy. It is taking a long time to complete storm repairs, like much of the other damaged property here.
Florida’s Local Government Cybersecurity Grant Program
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.
Last year, the administration allocated $30M, This year, it is looking to increase that to $40M. With an integrated security system, more than 35 state agencies now are collaborating in real time, sharing information, and working with municipalities and other partners, like first responders. Over the last several months, many local government agencies joined the program. In Southwest Florida, those include the City of Sanibel and the Lee County Tax Appraisers Office.
SanibelSusan Realty Associates
Sep 2010 photo
While the team and I continue to work from home, this week I quizzed our Sanibel Square landlord for an update on when our office space may be ready for us to return. Thankfully he personally has finally moved back into his home after spending many months in a camper on the property grounds. Unfortunately, the restoration of the commercial spaces is not progressing quickly. There is no defined end-date, so once again, like many displaced Realtor colleagues, we are grateful for today’s technology. From the pandemic until now, we have learned to overcome challenges including successfully working wherever we are.
Island Weather
The weather has been nice so far this week, though there was an unusual hiccup Tues when what I thought looked like heavy morning fog turned out to be smoke from Canada. There were huge delays coming onto the island that morning. the result of FDOT continuing with nighttime causeway paving and lane changes.
I went off-island briefly in the early afternoon, noticing more severe overcast smoggy (actually smoky) skies inland. By the next day, it was back to clear blue skies. That continues today with forecasters saying there is little chance of rain until the middle of next week – then, just a 50% chance. The rainy season is wrapping up!
Causeway Update
Yesterday, the City sent out the following announcement:
“FDOT Announces Sanibel Causeway Construction Update for the Week of 10/5/2023
The City of Sanibel received the following information from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) regarding Causeway construction activities in October and November.
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.
- 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 am to noon, 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.
- On weekdays, beginning no earlier than 10 am, motorists traveling westbound to Sanibel on McGregor Boulevard should expect the outside lane closed to traffic for crews to install guardrail from Port Comfort Road to the toll plaza.
- Motorists should expect isolated flagging operations on the Causeway. Crews anticipate opening all lanes between the hours of 7 – 9 am and 3 – 5 pm.
- Motorists should expect uneven road surface on the causeway through the end of the year. The contractor continuously monitors road conditions and is prepared to make repairs as needed.
- Crews are relocating utilities along McGregor Boulevard. Motorists are asked to use caution as work activities may be close to the roadway.
- Crews continue driving sheet pile on the causeway islands.
- Motorists should expect numerous dump trucks entering and exiting Punta Rassa. They are delivering armor stone to be used throughout the project.
- Motorists should expect periodic daytime delays for delivery/removal of materials, transfer of equipment, and for crews to remove trash from the roadway.
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.
MOTORISTS ARE REMINDED TO OBEY THE POSTED SPEED LIMIT OF 20 MPH. Please use caution and watch for workers and construction vehicles entering and leaving the roadway. For further questions, please contact Jennifer Dorning by email at Jennifer.Dorning@dot.state.fl.us or by phone at (239) 338-7723. Please visit www.swflroads.com/SanibelCauseway for additional information.”
Sundial News
Sanibel Fire & Rescue posted Wed on Facebook that they were happy to be part of the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Sundial East Condo Association which reopened 141 units to their residents.
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.
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.
As expected, more condos are coming on the market. We chatted about them during the classes Wed. Colleagues agreed that there likely will be many for sale when owners realize that though it has already been a year, it may not be just a few more months, but perhaps years in some complexes before they are ready for occupancy or rentals. Delays in insurance monies, utilities, permits, parts, and labor continue to slow restoration.
| SANIBEL
RESIDENTIAL |
CONDOS | HOMES | LOTS | ||||||
| # | Avg Price | DOM | # | Avg Price | DOM | # | Avg Price | DOM | |
| For sale: | 63 | 1,075,421 | 140 | 73 | 1,540,054 | 114 | 30 | 920,280 | 154 |
| Under contract | 5 | 724,800 | 108 | 17 | 1,387,503 | 89 | 1 | 145,000 | 6 |
| Sold 2023 to 10/6 | 82 | 941,013 | 61 | 228 | 1,262,529 | 69 | 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 | 21 | 1,554,023 | 105 | 10 | 7,687,800 | 145 | 2 | 7,247,500 | 29 |
| Under contract | 1 | 1,700,000 | 4 | 0 | N/A | N/A | 0 | N/A | N/A |
| Sold 2023 to 10/6 | 11 | 848,363 | 108 | 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 Sep 29‑Oct 6
Sanibel
CONDOS
6 new listings: Lighthouse Point #319 2/2 $625K, Sundial #D408 1/1 $649K, Sanibel Inn #3511 2/2 $789K, Sandalfoot #2A2 2/2 $929K, Pointe Santo #C2 2/2 $960K, Loggerhead Cay #513 2/2 $1.295M.
1 price change: Sundial #D203 1/1 now $579.9K.
2 new sales: Seashells #26 2/2 listed at $450K, Spanish Cay #D4 2/2 listed at $579K.
3 closed sales: Colonnades #15 1/1 $274K, Sanibel Siesta #403 2/2 $734K, Wedgewood #206 3/3.5 $2.8M.
HOMES
3 new listings: 653 Sand Castle Rd (1/2 duplex) 3/3.5 $679K, 198 Southwinds Dr 3/2 $1.25M, 1158 Golden Olive Ct 5/5.5 $3.345M.
1 back on market: 9428 Moonlight Dr 3/2 $899K.
7 price changes: 2991 Singing Wind Dr 3/2 now $550K, 1143 Sand Castle Rd 3/2.5 now $849K, 1011 S Yachtsman Dr 5/2.5 now $1.395M, 924 Kings Crown Dr 4/3 now $1.55M. 915 Limpet Dr 5/3 now $2.039M, 1740 Dixie Beach Blvd 3/2.5 now $2.095M, 4340 West Gulf Dr 5/3.5 now $2.395M.
2 new sales: 1003 Fish Crow Rd 4/4 listed at $1.25M, 4273 West Gulf Dr 5/4.5 listed at $6.9M.
3 closed sales: 9008 Mockingbird Dr 3/3 $1.125M, 1533 Sand Castle Rd 3/2.5 $1.4M, 1352 Eagle Run Dr 3/2.5 $1.49M.
LOTS
2 new listings: 1030 White Ibis Dr $489K, 1757 Windward Way $499K.
1 price change: 2807 West Gulf Dr now $995K.
No new sales.
1 closed sale: 809 Pyrula Ave $535K.
Captiva
CONDOS, 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 the long weekend, including Columbus Day!
Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan
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
Wed night Sep 27, I listened in during the Sanibel City Council Final Budget Hearing. Before discussing the budget, several consent agenda items were approved:
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.
With data from the islands MLS (Multiple Listing Service), below are updated summary tables of the residential sales statistics, followed by the island MLS action this week.
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.
The local Association of Realtors did not meet this week, but with data from the islands MLS (Multiple Listing Service), below are updated summary tables of the residential sales statistics, followed by the island MLS action this week.
Enjoy your long weekend! Happy Labor Day!
As nice as it was to get away last week, learn new things, and renew friendships with colleagues at the Florida Realtors 2023 Convention and business meetings, it is always great to drive across the causeway and settle back in at “home sweet home”.
Yesterday at the August membership meeting of the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors, sponsors were “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society and LMCU (Lake Michigan Credit Union).
Things to Do at “Ding” – AnnMarie Wildman with Wildlife Society promoted the Refuge describing the many upcoming events there including “Art in the Wild” Oct 21 and 22, Holiday Shopping Night Nov 29, Ice Cream Social Dec 13, Estate Planning Seminar Jan 30, Lecture Series Jan-Apr 2024, Sounds of the Sand Mar 23 and 24, Solar Eclipse Viewing Apr 8, and Tarpon Tournament May 9 and 10. Every week the refuge, Visitor and Education Center, Nature Store, and America’s Best Restroom are open six days a week (closed Fridays). Residents and visitors are encouraged to bike, drive, and walk on Wildlife Drive, Indigo Trail, and Bailey Tract.
LMCU Financing – Dan Krispinsky with Lake Michigan Credit Union assured attendees that they are financing island properties including some damaged non-warrantable condos. LMCU offers both conventional and jumbo construction mortgages, and renovation/repair loans.
This week, teammate Dave continued working with buyers looking to take advantage of reduced condo prices, while we both have viewed properties for owners not wanting to wait for restoration to complete. We are thankful to have a couple of closings coming up and a new listing this week.
Sanibel
As I finish up the week in Orlando, Florida Realtors 2023 Convention and Trade Expo are complete. Tim Tebow speaking on “Mission Possible” at the General Session Wednesday was awesome. What an inspiring man he is.
The Florida Realtors leadership team is now holding their annual committee and business meetings. Those finish when the Board of Directors meets on Sunday. Tomorrow the state Professional Development Committee hopefully will approve the instructors recommended by our Audition Panels. This year the panels processed a record number of 64 live auditions and 15 written in a single day. It was special to sit on a panel again and see many colleagues for the first time in several years (that darn pandemic). The networking done during these events is also worthwhile.
Community United Event Sep 30 – The Community House is hosting a social event on Sat Sep 30 from 2 to 5 p.m. celebrating coming together a year after the storm. It will feature free ice cream, cookie baking contest, live music by the Sanibel School steel drum band, an Eagle Scout project reveal, and a fun community art project.
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.
As we finish up another week on Sanibel, local kids are back in school and there have been some high temperatures (mid-90’s a couple of afternoons), also a few typical short summer showers. Though green growth with new vegetation is popping out pretty much everywhere, it also has been reported that since the hurricane washed so much salt water over the islands that natural fresh water sources are now limited.
rain hopefully will continue. We got some again today and it didn’t seem to deter the beachgoers at Lighthouse Beach!
Yesterday morning a local Association of Realtors Caravan Meeting was held in BIG ARTS Performance Hall. Three new home listings were open for viewing following brief announcements. No new listings, price reductions, or sales were announced though a few were posted this week in the island MLS (Multiple Listing Service). Those details are after a few news items below.
Monday, I am off to Orlando for Florida Realtors annual legislative meetings, 2023 convention and trade show. Between the pandemic and storms, it has been a few years since some events have been in-person, so I am looking forward to again seeing and networking with colleagues from around the state and doing my part with the leadership team.
Hirdie Girdie Art Gallery – This local artist cooperative (at 2490 Library Way) posted that its grand opening reception will be Oct 12 from 4 to 6 p.m. with sculptor John Beall as their Oct guest artist. Each month the gallery features a guest artist.
Jensen’s Twin Palm Resort & Marina – With accommodations in short supply on both islands, many have asked about the status at Jensen’s cottages on Captiva. Posted yesterday on their social media: The cottages are under construction with new roofs complete and work now being done on individual interiors. No word yet on when they will reopen. Note: Jensen’s on the Gulf is open. Today, I saw visitor cars today.
Lighthouse Café – Following up on the post last week that Lighthouse Café has signed a lease to move to the former Sanibel Fresh building at 1020 Periwinkle Way, this week a notice said that they hope to be open in that new location by Dec 1 (or Jan 1 latest).
Sanibel Arms West – Recently driving by, I have seen many roofers at work. Below are some highlights from their community blog. It discusses the work accomplished in June/July and suggests that they will be welcoming guests back by next summer.
Tarpon Bay Explorers – Tarpon Bay Explorers, the concession for the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, will close the month of Sep, reopening Mon, Oct. 2. During that time, the entire Tarpon Bay recreational area will be closed to the public, including the boat ramp. Tarpon Bay Explorers opened Feb. 1, four months after Hurricane Ian made landfall, but the Explorers family went from 35 employees to three and opened with limited days and hours (8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mon, Wed, Fri and Sat, rentals stop at 3 p.m.). The concession anticipates those same days/hours of operation when it reopens Oct. 2 with the same rental and tour opportunities available, along with nature-themed gift shop. Their kayak tours will still be held at 10 a.m. Wed and Sat (reservations recommended) and Tram Tours at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Thurs (reservations also recommended). Direct questions for the Explorers crew before their one-month hiatus, to the gift shop at 239-472-8900. For further info or reservations, go to their website at 
The Green Flash – From a recent “Fort Myers News-Press” article: The Green Flash will reopen Sep 22 according to owner Tim McGowan. The history of the restaurant goes back to 1994 when Andreas Biery built it on the former Timmy’s Nook site. In 1950, T.M. Wiles opened his “Nook”, which was a popular watering hole on the island for more than 40 years. The McGowans bought the restaurant in early 2021. The timing of their Sep 22 reopening coincides with the start of the Island Hopper Songwriter Fest allowing the Green Flash to be a hot spot for the 3rd consecutive year. The docks at The Green Flash will be back open and seating will be available at dockside tables or inside overlooking Roosevelt Channel and Pine Island Sound. Most of the Green Flash staff has been working at Rosalita’s Cantina, the Mexican restaurant on Rabbit Rd (Sanibel) that McGowan opened with his brothers in March.
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.
Enjoy your weekend!
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.
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.
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.
Enjoy your weekend!