As the calendar flipped to November, the nighttime temperatures in SW Florida took a slight dip. It is now getting down into the low to mid 60’s at night, but still blue-sky sun-shiny days in the mid 80’s. Adding in some daytime breezes have made it especially nice for the many outdoor workers on the causeway and the islands.

More delightful weather is forecast for next week which probably will equate to more snowbird arrivals. It’s nice to see the island getting busier.

Do not forget, if you are traveling on- or off-island on the weekends in Nov and Dec, causeway traffic will be limited to one-lane. DOT is aiming to have the roadway work done by the end of the year. It is amazing to see the changes every time we cross over to the mainland. The number of workers and amount of equipment have increased significantly.

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors®

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.

At SanibelSusan Realty

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.

We both also fielded inquiries from others thinking of buying and selling. We showed canal homes yesterday, and residential condos today.

Business is picking up, that is for sure. Most in-demand are properties that are ready to be occupied. We continue to also hear from visitors looking for rental accommodations this winter. We say, “If you can’t find a place, buy one. The time is right for that.”

Re-openings & Island Events

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).

Change in Lee County Board of Commissioners Meeting – The “Protect Captiva” coalition was advised that the County Board of Commissioners has scheduled a new hearing on Dec 6 at 9:30 a.m. If you are available, please attend to voice your 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.

Sanibel Special City Council Meeting

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.

Sanibel Director of Planning, Paula McMichael gave an excellent presentation with staff recommendations which are:

• ·        Maintain limitations of the Sanibel Plan which are 3 stories above base flood elevation.
• ·        Amend the Sanibel Code to allow a moderate increase in height for residential and institutional uses, including for angle-of-light. (This encourages people to elevate their homes, creating a more resilient community, while maintaining the existing character of Sanibel.)
• ·        No proposed changes to existing height regulations for commercial and resort housing districts.

The effect of proposed changes to the Sanibel Plan do not require a plan amendment or voter referendum approval. They include no change to the 3-story limitation. A modest increase on average of 5’ allows homeowners to anticipate potential increases to required base flood elevations and to voluntarily elevate above required base flood elevations. The changes also address all issues related to height and build-back currently before staff.

More to come on these subjects at the upcoming Planning Commission and City Council Meetings.

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 & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity Oct 27-Nov 3

Sanibel

CONDOS

4 new listings: Mariner Pointe #312 2/2 $649.9K (our listing), By-the-Sea #C202 2/2 $995K, Sundial #E208 2/2 $1.25M, Sanibel Sunset #102 3/2 $1.989M.

Mariner Pointe #312

No price changes.

1 new sale: Loggerhead Cay #513 2/2 listed at $1.295M.

1 closed sale: Sundial #N402 2/2 $1.1M.

HOMES

8 new listings: 560 Piedmont Rd 3/2 $639K, 1448 Albatross Rd 3/2 $849K, 3702 Coquina Dr 2/2 $850K, 1113 Skiff Pl 5/3 $859K, 555 Piedmont Rd 3/2 $1.2M, 1213 Sand Castle Rd 4/2.5 $1.349M, 811 Birdie View Pt 3/2.5 $1.975M, 2287 Starfish Ln 4/4 $2.995M.

1 back on market: 766 Donax St (duplex) 4/2.5 $699K.

5 price changes: 2991 Singing Wind Dr 3/2 now $525K, 1105 Skiff Pl 3/2 now $785K, 1143 Sand Castle Rd 3/2.5 now $799K, 1586 Century Ct 3/2.5 now $933K, 2255 Troon Ct 4/5.5.5 now $3.345M.

1 new sale: 1624 Bunting Ln 3/2 listed at $724K.

3 closed sales: 9231 Belding Dr 2/2 $435K, 1535 Centre St 2/2 $615K, 896 Limpet Dr 3/3 $1.7M.

LOTS

1 new listing: 4171 West Gulf Dr 4.375M.

No price changes, new, or closed sales.

Captiva

CONDOS

No new listings or price changes.

1 new sale: Bayside Villas #5226 1/2 listed at $689K.

No closed sales.

HOMES

3 new listings: 11516 Wightman Ln 5/4.5 $3.75M, 11529 Andy Rosse Ln 4/4 $4.495M, 15153 Captiva Dr 3/3 $6.499M.

1 price change: 16632 Captiva Dr 5/4 now $7.95M.

No new or closed sales.

LOTS

Nothing to report.

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!

Gumbo Limbo is the Sanibel neighborhood that usually has the most trick or treaters, but I smiled when I saw these decorations today in The Dunes.

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors®

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 1^st 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. www.Finnimores.com)

Advertised at the last minute as a costume contest, the Annual Meeting costume judging occurred just before the Caravan Meeting. Yours truly garnered 2^nd 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.

Also, the evening of Nov 9, Association members will meet after work at Rosalita’s where the Association is hosting a “Merry FISHmas” drop-in event. We will donate toys, senior items, and gift cards which will be go to FISH for holiday disbursement to those in need.

Re-openings & Island News

Adopt a Mangrove – Now, more than ever, the coastal ecosystems need support. SCCF invites you to be a part of the solution by participating in their Coastal Watch Adopt-A-Mangrove Program. Join them tomorrow Saturday Oct 28 from 9 a.m. until noon at the Bailey Homestead Preserve, 1300 Periwinkle Way, for Adoption Day! You’ll be able to pick up mangrove seedlings and everything you need to nurture them at home. The process is simple: You receive a mangrove seedling, pots, and soil, along with all the guidance you need to take care of these vital coastal plants. These baby trees will grow under your loving care until they reach a certain size, when SCCF asks that you return them and they will be planted at one of SCCF’s many restoration sites, contributing to the preservation of coastal habitats. Mangroves are not only vital for the health of the ecosystems but also play a crucial role in climate resilience and the future of the planet. Learn more by visiting https://sccf.org/adoptamangrove/

Car Wash to Benefit Sanibel School Seahorse Chorale – This is another of fundraisers for their trip to NYC to perform at Carnegie Hall. Students will be washing cars Saturday Oct 28 from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Bank of the Islands.

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.

Arts & Crafts Fair – After a year-long hiatus, the newly restored Community House at 2173 Periwinkle Way is hosting an indoor Arts & Craft Fair on Sunday Oct 29 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Celebrating local artisans and the resilience of life on the islands, this event features handmade arts, crafts, and treasures of all kinds. Exceptional vendors have been specially recruited to participate. During the fair, the Sanibel School Seahorse Chorale, which has been invited to perform in the Big Apple’s Carnegie Hall, is raising $ for their trip by selling apple pies for $20.

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 Select Vacation Properties design team package plan. Allow us to help turn your “white boxed” property to “turn key” ready. Includes kitchen (excluding appliances), bathrooms, flooring, cabinets, counters, hardware, paint, plumbing fixtures, closet finishes, furniture, decor, ceiling fans and light window treatment. Our office has been transformed into a showroom for your convenience. This is where you can see the product and schedule a meeting with the contractor and/or design team. Feel free to stop by anytime between 9 AM to 2 PM, Monday through Thursday. Our address is 703 Tarpon Bay Road Suite A, Sanibel FL. We’re located upstairs next-door to Timbers restaurant. Our package plan is level 1, 2 and 3. Our goal is to accommodate each individual budget while accommodating current travelers/buyers expectations thus maximizing opportunity. We’ve collaborated with a talented design team and 3 highly qualified contractors. All have been vetted. Each offers quality workmanship and competitive pricing. Our rebuild package is meant to be flexible, accommodating each owner’s individual needs. Length of project depends on the size of property and material selected. Approximate turnaround time for a typical two-bedroom, two-bathroom condo is two months. Getting your property to turnkey ready is a top priority, but it’s equally important to ensure you are guided by a qualified team. Please feel free to call or email with any questions. We are here to help. Patience Rodriguez, Select Vacation Properties, 1-866-455-0028 office, 1-239-223-1225 cell, Patience@selectvacationproperties.com”

Causeway Update

Florida Department of Transportation Sanibel Causeway Community Liaison Jennifer Dorning issued this notice this morning:

“On WEEKENDS through November and December, beginning on Friday, Nov 3, the Causeway will be limited to ONE LANE FOR BOTH DIRECTIONS of travel for the contractor to restore five bridge approaches. This is where the bridges meet the upland roadway (on the land). Flaggers will be controlling traffic during this weekend work. The contractor is making every effort not to impact the heavy weekday traffic. More details are below …:

• On WEEKENDS through November and December, motorists should expect ONE LANE OPEN to two-way travel during ALL HOURS beginning 7 p.m. on Fridays through 6 a.m. on Mondays. Flaggers are scheduled to assist drivers as crews work around the clock to restore the causeway bridge approaches. Temporary signals may also be utilized to help with traffic control. Motorists should plan for traffic delays and allow additional travel time on these weekends.

“Crews will be working around the clock to replace five approach slabs, all except the undamaged approach from Sanibel onto the western span of the causeway. To expedite this work, the contractor is utilizing a special high early strength concrete that allows each phase of the reconstruction to be completed within 72 hours compared to the normal one-week construction time. Additionally, the contractor will sequence crews from many different disciplines to accomplish the accelerated restoration.

Please use caution and watch for workers and construction vehicles entering and leaving the roadway.

Thank you for your continued patience and support for this project.”

Chamber of Commerce Update

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.

Pre-Ian, the islands had ~7,500 residents, with up to 40,000 people here “in season”.

Now, there are ~1,000 annual residents.

Pre-Ian, the Chamber Visitors Center was seeing ~80,000 visitors a year or averaged 218 daily.

Now, they are averaging 41 per day.

Pre-Ian, there were ~2,600 short-term lodging units on the islands.

Now, there are 139 on Sanibel, 146 on Captiva, with it estimated that it will take until 2025 for 650 units (or ~25% of the number of pre-Ian units) to be ready.

These numbers confirm that restoration is going to take longer than most expected. But the good news is, many properties will be like-new and more resilient!

Sanibel Planning Commission Meeting

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 www.MySanibel.com and the City’s FB page.

Also on their agenda was a request to allow a flat roof on a new building proposed at Shalimar Resort. This was the first resort since Ian that needed special City approval. Shalimar’s rebuild plan includes 12 new cottages, beachside pool, and this new building which will be parallel to West Gulf Dr and hold 21 hotel-style rooms. Since part of the roof will be used for recreation (a sundeck during daytime hours), it was considered in keeping with Sanibel’s requirements and approved. Construction is expected to begin early next year.

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.

On the commercial side, the former Dairy Queen with its two surrounding properties closed this week for $1.65M.

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity Oct 20‑27

Sanibel

CONDOS

2 new listings: Lake Palms #3 2/2.5 $599K, Mariner Pointe #533 2/2.5 $675K.

1 price reduction: Lighthouse Point #232 3/2 now $869K.

2 new sales: Sand Pointe #116 2/2 listed at $980K, Sundial #R406 2/2 listed at $1.799M.

1 closed sale: Sanctuary Golf Village #2-3 2/2.5 $975K

 HOMES

8 new listings: 199 Southwinds Dr 3/2 $1.199M, 450 Leather Fern Pl 3/2 $1.495M, 1321 Sand Castle Rd 3/2.5 $1.495M, 1646 Middle Gulf Dr 3/3 $1.495M, 1202 Sand Castle Rd 4/2.5 $1.749M, 848 Limpet Dr 3/2 $1.85M, 900 Almas Ct 4/4.5 $2.295M, 1042 Blue Heron Dr 3/3.5 $2.495M.

1 back on market: 1365 Jamaica Dr 3/2.5 $1.85M.

5 price changes: 1806 Ibis Ln 3/2 now $875K, 1731 Serenity Ln 4/3 now $1M, 1517 Sand Castle Rd 4/3.5 now $1.785M, 2294 Wulfert Rd 4/4 now $1.799M, 5235 Indian Ct 4/4 now $2.348M.

3 new sales: 5892 San-Cap Rd 3/3 listed at $775K, 579 Rabbit Rd 4/3.5 listed at $799K, 4355 West Gulf Dr 4/4.5.5 listed at $5.25M.

2 closed sales: 5685 San-Cap Rd 3/2 $1.1M, 567 N. Yachtsman Dr 3/3 $1.45M.

LOTS

2 new listings: 2486 Wulfert Rd $359K, 393 & 401 Raintree Pl $599K.

1 price change: 3730 Coquina Dr now $579K.

No new or closed sales.

Captiva

CONDOS

1 new listing: Bayside Villas #4220 1/2 $610K.

No price changes.

1 new sale: Tennis Villas #3227 1/1 listed at $460K.

No closed sales.

HOMES

1 new listing: 57 Sandpiper Ct 3/2 $1.699M.

No price changes, new or closed sales.

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! Happy Halloween! & please contact The SanibelSusan Team if we may help you!

Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan

Fall has arrived on sunny Sanibel & Captiva Islands. It was wonderful this week to wake up to bright blue breezy skies every day with temperatures ranging from high 60’s to low 80’s. Great weather for opening the sunroof and checking out recovery progress.

Island roads and the causeway are getting busier as more snowbirds return and construction continues. Additional repairs along Summerlin Rd coming up to and at the toll booths have added to morning delays for those coming on island. I usually wait until after 10 a.m. if I need to go off island, so I have a short return drive. Dave does the same coming on. A new traffic pattern may be opening soon as yesterday they also paved the new higher roadway on the causeway island closest to Sanibel. (Photos below taken this afternoon as I was driving back on island.)

Just before the toll booth

Coming thru toll booth

From top of bridge looking to lighthouse

Coming down off big bridge

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors®

There was no local Association of Realtors® meeting this week, but the deadline of the “Real Estate Guide” is today, so SanibelSusan has reupped and signed a new annual contract. Our full-page color ad will be in the next issue coming out in early Nov. Available free in many boxes around the island, it also is mailed to every island property owner.

Sanibel Planning Commission Special Meeting

I listened in at the Sanibel Planning Commission meeting held last night at BIG ARTS. On Sept 11, when Sanibel City Council discussed concerns related to current City code requirements that may limit the ability to rebuild/restore homes that were storm damaged, they directed Planning and staff to make this a priority and to schedule a meeting to consider if amendments to Land Development Code are needed.

This was that meeting with the purpose of discussing possible changes to the City Code of Ordinances to adjust maximum building heights and angle of light requirements. Recommendations and input were provided by Planning Director Paula McMichael, City Attorney John Agnew, the Commissioners, and the public.

It was mentioned several times that this is not the same as Captiva issues because Sanibel has both a build-back ordinance and the Sanibel Plan which provide direction and flexibility. Wanting to allow resiliency to prevent property damage in future storms, it was reported that it has been the angle of light requirements that have caused the most objections in the permitting process. No one spoke in favor of increasing building heights to allow more floors or to make buildings larger, but rather to ensure that living levels are safer with less potential for flooding damage.

Audios of the meeting are posted on www.MySanibel.com and the City Facebook page. Recommendations and voting will be during the next Planning Commission Meeting on Oct 24.

Re-openings & Island News

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. www.hirdiegirdiegallery.com.

Taste of the Islands – CROW (The Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife) will host its 42^nd 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 14^th 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 www.SCCF.org.

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.

On the commercial side, the former real estate office building (damaged/ground-level across street from Tahitian Gardens) went under contract this week.

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity Oct 13‑20

 Sanibel

CONDOS

1 new listing: Mariner Pointe #733 2/2 $599K.

No price reductions.

2 new sales: Colonnades #17 1/1 listed at $299K, Mariner Pointe #711 3/2 listed at $895K.

No closed sales.

HOMES

8 new listings: 771 Rabbit Rd 2/2 $679K, 1426 Sand Castle Rd 3/2 $1.2749M, 1241 Junonia St 4/3 $1.545M, 1322 Seaspray Ln 3/2.5 $1.6M, 549 East Rocks Dr 3/3.5 $1.649M, 6003 Clam Bayou Ln 5/3 $1.695M, 417 Bella Vista Way E 4/4 $2.9M, 4577 Waters Edge Ln 4/4 $4.895M.

2 back on market: 1986 Wild Lime Dr 3.2 $859M, 1388 Tahiti Dr 3/2 $1.199M.

5 price changes: 1251 Par View Dr 3/2.5 now $790K, 1586 Century Ct 3/2.5 now $935K, 1731 Serenity Ln 4/3 now $1.195M, 1450 & 1460 Court Pl 5/4.5 now $1.325M, 6129 Starling Way 3/2.5 now $1.748M.

4 new sales: 1754 Windward Way 2/2 listed at $829K, 1684 Bunting Ln 2/2 listed at $829K, 1160 Buttonwood Ln 3/2 listed at $850K, 2564 Wulfert Rd 4/5.5 listed at $3.595M.

4 closed sales: 1932 Roseate Ln 3/2 $375K, 976 Sand Castle Rd 3/3 $859K, 1605 Bunting Ln 3/2 $899K, 1003 Fish Crow Rd 4/4 $975K.

LOTS

3 new listings: 1999 Sanibel Bayous Rd $350K, 6217 Starling Way $1.65M, 4717 Rue Belle Mer $3.395M.

2 price changes: 355 Cowry Ct now $547K, 4501 Waters Edge Ln now $2.895M.

No new or closed sales.

Captiva

CONDOS

3 new listings: Tennis Villas #3134 2/2 $730K, Marina Villas #805 2/2 $995K, Bayside Villas #4302 3/3 $1.78M.

1 price change: Bayside Villas #52261/2 now $689K.

1 new sale: Sunset Captiva #204 2/2 listed at $1.9M.

No closed sales.

HOMES

1 new listing: 11517 Wightman Ln 4/3 $3.275M.

No price changes, new or closed sales.

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! Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan

With the fall equinox and first day of autumn arriving tomorrow, islanders look forward to cooler temperatures. This week most days again were warm, filled with blue skies and sunshine with occasional quick mid-to-late afternoon or evening showers. The welcomed rain continues to green up vegetation and wash away lingering storm yuck.

Crossing the causeway just a few minutes ago, the bridge crews were working hard. Lane patterns change frequently as more roadways are elevated, while concrete trucks continue to make it slow going in the morning. Here’s a picture showing how high the sheet piles are on the way up the big bridge. Amazing!

Teammate Dave and I showed homes a couple of days this week. Always fun to introduce prospective buyers to the hidden treasures here.

Over the course of their multiple visits, we have lunched at Traders, Doc Fords, Mucky Duck, and Mudbugs. All the meals were top-notch. The best view, of course, was at the duck when we sat at the window-side table next to the wall with this art and many law-enforcement patches.

The laid-back vibe everywhere and friendly encounters with both people and critters add to the fun. Fingers crossed that they get the home they want!

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors

Our local Association of Realtors held their September breakfast membership meeting yesterday at The Community House. Our CEO, Bill Robinson, updated attendees on three issues that recently have come to the forefront nationally: workplace sexual harassment, compensation to buyer agents, and real estate fraud. It is amazing how many recent cases there have been, even here, where scammers have tried to sell property they don’t own. On both Sanibel and Captiva there has been an uptick in these. Bill alerted us of some red flags.

Following the meeting, only one home was scheduled to be on the Open House Caravan, but it went under contract so the open house was canceled. Home sales remain brisk, while condos and their restorations lag.

Association of Realtors accomplishments over the last month include completion of the annual 14-hour Continuing Education sessions required for license renewals and member participation in the International Coastal Cleanup last weekend. Restoration work at the Association of Realtors office building continues with no word yet on move-in, but it is getting closer.

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 26^th 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.

Events & Re-openings

We had more calls this week from anxious winter visitors unable to find rentals. Our advice is to continually watch for new availability at local vacation management organizations. Most of those belong to the Sanibel Captiva Vacation Rental Managers Association. Their website is www.SCVRMA.org. The Chamber of Commerce also keeps a list of what is open. www.Sanibel-Captiva.org.

Below is info on a few other re-openings/events announced this week:

Gramma Dot’s – I noticed this week that their food truck is gone, but I heard the restaurant is opening Oct 1. The marina ship’s store, fuel dock, boat rentals, and boat tours remain closed, but their service department is open Mon-Fri from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Hurricane Ian Community Events – The City’s Manager’s office sent an open invitation to attend any of the multiple events being held to acknowledge community resiliency over the past year and to commemorate the landfall of Hurricane Ian. Those include:

• City of Sanibel Hurricane Ian Sunrise Remembrance at Lighthouse Beach gulf side Thurs Sep 28 at 7 a.m.

• St Michael’s Community Service of Hope at The Gathering Place at St Michael’s (entrance off Dunlop Rd) Thurs Sep 28 at 3 p.m. (interfaith service of music, reflections by city leaders, prayers, hopeful images, and gratitude. Commemorative buttons will be distributed. Reception will follow.
• Sanibel Community Church Hurricane Anniversary Service at 1740 Periwinkle Way Thurs Sep 28 at 6 to 7 p.m.
• “Community Reunited” at Sanibel Community House Sat Sep 30 from 2 to 5 p.m. with ice cream social, cookie baking contest, live music by Sanibel School Steel Band, Eagle Scout project reveal, and fun community art project.

Island Hopper Songwriter Fest – begins today on Captiva. This event features 10 days of music across four locations: Captiva (Sep 22-24), Cape Coral (Sep 25 & 26), Downtown Fort Myers (Sep 27 & 28), Fort Myers Beach (Sep 29-Oct 1). In support of this event, causeway tolls here are waived both Sat & Sun. Many free performances are scheduled in multiple Captiva locations (Tween Waters, The Green Flash, Mucky Duck, Key Lime Bistro, RC Otters, and South Seas Resort). Below are the events at Tween Waters. Check the full schedule at www.island-hopperfest.visitfortmyers.com.

Sanibel Moorings – at 845 East Gulf Dr is accepting reservations for next summer (for stays beginning April 22, 2024). As the resort gets closer to completion, they also expect to open earlier times with their goal to be ready in January. www.SanibelMoorings.com

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Real Estate

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.

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Multiple Listing Service Activity September 15‑22

Sanibel

CONDOS

1 new listing: Sand Pointe #122 2/2 $849K.

1 price change: Sundial #A303 1/1 now $719K.

No new sales.

1 closed sale: Seashells #33 2/2 $435K.

HOMES

3 new listings: 1090 My Tern Ct 3/2 $925K, 3990 Coquina Dr 3/2 $1.2M, 557 Lake Murex Cir 3/2.5 $1.75M.

2 price changes: 1586 Century Ct 3/2.5 now $978K, 1297 Par View Dr 3/2 now $1.05M.

1 back on market: 1388 Tahiti Dr 3/2 $1.199M.

7 new sales: 1605 Bunting Ln 3/2 listed at $899K, 9428 Moonlight Dr 3/2 listed at $899K, 1667 Sabal Sands Rd 3/3 listed at $982K, 3302 Twin Lakes Ln 3/2.5 listed at $1.299M, 721 Cardium St 3/2.5 listed at $1.4M, 567 N. Yachtsman Dr 3/3 listed at $1.495M, 896 Limpet Dr 3/3 listed at $1.7M.

3 closed sales: 1399 Albatross Rd 3/2 $650K, 1558 & 1545 San Carlos Bay Dr 3/3.5 $3.9M, 6401 Pine Ave 4/3.5 $4.069M.

LOTS

No new listings or price changes.

1 back on market: 4501 Waters Edge Ln $2.995M.

No new or closed sales.

Captiva

CONDOS

Nothing to report.

HOMES

1 new listing: 33 Urchin Ct 3/3 $2M.

No price changes, new or closed sales.

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!

’til next Friday, Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan