After a quick shower Wednesday, a breezy cool front arrived on the islands with temperatures dipping into the low 40’s (degrees F) Thursday morning. Thankfully, it warmed up today, so that chill was short lived.
Last Friday, Sanibel Luminary was a big success. Islanders were thrilled to have this annual event return after missing it the last two years. The weather was delightful. Many businesses and organizations went all out with decorations, music, festivities, food, family activities, sales, and more. Kudos also to Kiwanis members who handled distributing the luminary bags. They were out early and plentiful, lining the Periwinkle shared-use paths from Tarpon Bay Rd to the East End shops.

On Saturday morning, the F.I.S.H. Jog N Jam reported a record number of runners. I saw a few local Realtors were in the 5K including Kerri Maw, Mary Bondurant, Joel Goodman, and Kelly Huguenin. The later evening beach concert and fireworks on Captiva at Tween Waters also were well attended and another win.
Congratulations to the many supporters and volunteers that made these events possible. As community spirit here thrives and grows, these were more steps in returning to normalcy.
Upcoming Island Events
Holiday Movie Night on the Lawn – tonight, Friday, Dec 13 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. on the grounds of the Sanibel School. Hosted by the school PTA, it is free and open to the public, featuring a showing of “Arthur Christmas”, along with food truck offerings and concessions. Bring your own chairs/blankets. The movie begins at 6 p.m.
Special Island-Wide Roadside Cleanup – tomorrow, Saturday, Dec 14 from 9 to 11 a.m. the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation’s Coastal Watch in partnership with the City of Sanibel has organized an event, as part of Sanibel’s 50th Anniversary Celebration. Participants will work in designated areas focusing on clearing debris from roadways, conservation land adjacent to roadways, and right-of-way areas.
Arts & Crafts Fair – Sunday, Dec 15 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Sanibel Community House. Free admission and parking.
Expanded Holiday Hours at Tarpon Bay Explorers – The Refuge concession at Tarpon Bay will be open every day from Friday, Dec 20, until Saturday, Jan 4. Kayak tours will be available throughout the day (times vary according to tides). Tram tours will run Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. For those that like exploring on their own, bike rentals also are available.
Guided Native Vegetation & Landscaping Tours – at Sanibel City Hall resumed this month. Though City Hall grounds were damaged from Ian and recent storms, its ongoing garden recovery provides an opportunity to view groundcover, shrubs, and trees that require little maintenance and are well adapted to Sanibel’s unique environmental conditions. Scheduled through the end of April, these walking tours begin at 9 a.m. in front of the main entrance to City Hall. Registration is not required. The next ones are Saturday. Dec 28, and Wednesday, Jan 8.
Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors

Superior Title of Sanibel team, Chelsea, Amanda, & Dustyn
There was no Realtor Caravan Meeting this week, but Tuesday, Superior Title of Sanibel hosted a “Lunch & Learn” at the Association Office where Old Republic Title provided a 2-hour continuing-education class on “Fraud and Scams Affecting Real Estate Transactions”. The event was delayed 30 minutes by an accident on the causeway that backed up on-coming island traffic for miles. The delay provided more networking time for the early birds. Well attended by both sales associates and brokers, there was commiseration about the shortage of buyers, showings, and sales. But there was optimism that the market would improve as the islands further recover, accommodations become available, and visitors come back.
One important class take-away is for us to remind buyers and sellers that SanibelSusan Realtors will never provide wiring instructions. Those always come from the title company. Superior Title of Sanibel holds our escrow deposits. We have a long successful relationship with them.
So, if you ever receive an email about a change in wiring instructions, talk to the title company personally, before sending any money. Be aware that title companies rarely, if ever, change their wiring instructions.
Anther tidbit: Did you know that today most of the crooks successfully stealing proceeds from fraudulent transactions are in Nigeria and the money is funneled to terrorists? It totals billions of dollars a year.
We all can always be more careful when responding to emails, texts, and calls. With AI, any email may be polished to appear “real”. Always be on the lookout for red flags in any unexpected correspondence.
More Island Real Estate Scoop
Our next Association of Realtors Caravan will be after the last membership meeting of the year, next Thursday, Dec 19. Guest speaker will be John Lai, President and CEO of the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce will update members on tourism and accommodations. To add to the holiday fun, the meeting also will feature our annual Ugly Christmas Sweater contest.
Below, with data from the islands Multiple Listing Service (MLS) are summary tables of the residential sales statistics, followed by the Sanibel/Captiva MLS action reported this week.
Again, this week, there were more new listings and price reductions than sales, but it was good to see a few sales. No sales on Captiva, and no condo or lot sales on Sanibel, but seven Sanibel homes have gone under contract since last Friday – a huge improvement over last week.
On the commercial side, the former gas station at 1067 Bailey Rd on the corner of Periwinkle, near the 4-way stop is again under contract (third time). The asking price is $2.5M.
| SANIBEL
RESIDENTIAL |
CONDOS | HOMES | LOTS | ||||||
| # | Avg Price | DOM | # | Avg Price | DOM | # | Avg Price | DOM | |
| For sale: | 102 | 951,916 | 137 | 163 | 2,034,405 | 101 | 30 | 1,029,993 | 256 |
| Under contract | 7 | 1,144,857 | 110 | 11 | 1,268,909 | 16 | 0 | N/A | N/A |
| Sold to 12/13/24 | 71 | 878,446 | 122 | 161 | 1,479,192 | 116 | 15 | 1,403,533 | 192 |
| Sold 2023 | 98 | 955,261 | 65 | 263 | 1,267,390 | 73 | 24 | 920,645 | 76 |
| 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: | 35 | 1,182,742 | 156 | 20 | 6,882,650 | 251 | 1 | 12M | 470 |
| Under contract | 0 | N/A | N/A | 2 | 5,499,999 | 40 | 0 | N/A | N/A |
| Sold to 12/13/24 | 13 | 1,728,846 | 185 | 7 | 4,203,214 | 185 | 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 Dec 6-13:
Sanibel
CONDOS
2 new listings: Blind Pass #A106 2/2 $435K, Sanctuary Heron #III-3A 3/2.5 $1.35M.
1 back-on-market: Sanibel Moorings #1112 2/2 $949K.
1 price change: Donax Village #19 2/2 now $589K.
No new sales.
1 closed sale: Sanibel Siesta #804 2/2 $736K.
HOMES
9 new listings: 2115 Sunset Cir 3/2 $625K, 1657 Atlanta Plaza Dr 3/2 $749K, 660/664 Periwinkle Way (duplex) 4/2.5.5 $869K, 662 Donax St 2/2.5 $995K, 575 Hideaway Ct 3/2 $999K, 706 Nerita St 3/2.5 $1.195M, 799 Birdie View Pt 3/3 $1.649M, 5753 Pine Tree Dr 3/4 $1.695M, 1290 Bay Dr 3/2 $3.85M.
2 back-on-market: 9226 Kincaid Ct 3/2 $879.9K, 2960 Wulfert Rd 5/5.5 $2.989M.
7 price changes: 2105 Sunset Cir 3/2 now $744K, 4660 Brainard Bayou Rd 3/2 now $895K, 2441 Shop Rd 4/3.5 now $929K, 1018 S Yachtsman Dr 3/3 now $1.079M, 1646 Middle Gulf Dr 3/3 now $1.195M, 4752 Rue Helene 2/2 now $1.25M, 811 Birdie View Pt 3/2.5 now $1.595M.
7 new sales: 567 Rabbit Rd 2/2 listed at $798K, 2604 Coconut Dr 3/2 listed at $800K, 761 Nerita St 3/2 listed at $1.179M, 345 East Gulf Dr 3/2.5 listed at $1.399M, 862 Beach Rd 3/2 listed at $1.449M, 229 Daniel Dr 4/3 listed at $1.45M, 2688 Coconut Dr 3/2 listed at $2.395M.
No closed sales.
LOTS
No new listings, price changes, or new sales.
1 closed sale: 4657 Rue Belle Mer $3.05M.
CAPTIVA
CONDOS
Nothing to report.
HOMES
2 new listings: 11523 Andy Rosse Ln 5/6.5 $5.2M, 944 South Seas Plantation Rd 3/3 $5.95M.
2 price changes: 11505 Gore Ln 6/6 now $3.795M, 16512 Captiva Dr 7/5.5 now $9.45M.
No 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.
I hope you Friday the 13th was lucky & that you enjoy your weekend,
Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan

Luminary Festival – After a 2-year storm delay, Sanibel’s Luminary Stroll is back – tonight from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Tomorrow at the same time is the Captiva Stroll.
including a Kids Fun Run at the Community Park. Later tomorrow evening, a beach concert and fireworks will be at Tween Waters Resort & Spa on Captiva.
Below, with data from the islands Multiple Listing Service (MLS) are summary tables of the residential sales statistics, followed by the Sanibel/Captiva MLS action reported this week.
Enjoy your weekend,

Last weekend, I had dinner with a couple of long-time friends, fellow altos from the BIG ARTS Community Chorus. Between the pandemic and hurricanes, we haven’t been singing or together in several years, so it was great fun catching up. Unlike the restaurant yesterday, Traders continues to serve consistently wonderful meals – and their lobster bisque is still terrific.
Captiva Tree Lighting Celebration – is tonight from 5 to 9 p.m. at Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa.
Commerce is hosting its 36th annual Luminary Festival next weekend, Friday, Dec 6 on Sanibel and Saturday, Dec 7 on Captiva. The Luminary Strolls (from 5:30 to 9 p.m.) are island-wide holiday events that bring together residents, visitors, businesses, and organizations promoting goodwill and community spirit. As you stroll the luminary trails, look for many fun places to stop and enjoy. There are music and activities for the entire family, including a live nativity and photo opportunities.
Sanibel
It is time for another Friday update. This one with more positive news about island restoration efforts. Photo above taken this afternoon at the park at the end of Dixie Beach Blvd. The osprey on the platform is probably watching for lunch!
Vacation Rental Scoop – Local vacation rental managers advise that they already are getting bookings from new winter visitors. Many who usually stay further north in Florida and elsewhere have had their reservations cancelled due to storm damage and are looking instead to come to Sanibel and Captiva. I bet when those newcomers discover what a wonderful place the islands are, they will not want to go back to more congested areas. Fingers crossed that they love it here and also decide to purchase!
At SanibelSusan Realty – We posted a new commercial condo listing this week, Lime Tree Center #2 which is 1200 sq. ft. and all new inside. Conveniently located at 1640 Periwinkle Way, this unit offers great office space in a handy central island location, wiith parking just outside the front door. (Priced at $424K)

Yesterday at home, LCEC did my disconnect and Sanibel Air & Electric was on it at the crack of dawn, replacing and adding new equipment. Power was restored late yesterday which will ensure dry out is complete and repair work more comfortable. (I can’t praise this company and its employees enough. Having used them personally and recommended them for years, they honestly are the most professional caring bunch. Please be sure and use locals like Sanibel Air & Electric if you need services. Businesses here need your support now, more than ever.)
The islands Association of Realtors office reopened Monday (no damage there), offering work space for members needing it. The Association annual golf tournament and RPAC Auction were scheduled for the day Milton arrived so those have been postponed and will be rescheduled.

Held this afternoon at City Hall under generator power, Mayor Johnson, Councilmembers DeBruce, Henshaw, and Smith were in attendance and all spoke. Restoration updates also were provided by City Manager Souza, Acting Police Chief Thompson, Island Water’s Diana Wilson and Tricia Dorn from LCEC. Some points below
Of course, the islands Association of Realtors office has been closed, but business continues. I received a new signed listing Tuesday but was waiting for the storm to pass before getting key/pictures/posting.
staycation at Loggerhead Cay so Sanibel Electric can do their magic. Huge thanks to Sanibel Electric, LCEC, and VIP Vacation Rentals. (FYI Loggerhead also has wonderful Wi-Fi and now I know why the unit I am in looks familiar. It was my listing when it sold in 2001.)
One example is the Sanibel Fire and Rescue District crew that deployed Sunday to Perry FL to assist with disaster relief efforts there. They are part of a strike team with other local first responders and will spend the next two weeks helping that community which suffered great devastation.
This morning the City announced that the following parking lots/beach accesses have reopened: Bowmans Beach Park, Gulfside City Park (aka Algiers), Tarpon Bay Road Park, and Trost Parking Lot. Lighthouse Beach Park (both gulf and bay sides), Blind Pass, and Turner Beach lots remain closed. The City will continue to announce when reopening occurs.
SCCF (Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation) Lab provided data that illustrated water levels at the weirs and storm impact. CEO James Evans spoke in support of how the City handled things. He described it as a surge event, not a rainfall event. He said, “The surge from the gulf and bay overwhelmed the system, driving water into the slough and elevating water levels. James also emphasized the challenges posed before Helene’s arrival given the recent record rainfall and super moon tides. He called the City proactive in lowering water levels prior.
Some other good news is that Sanibel Farmers Market will reopen for its 17th season this Sunday, Oct 6 on the grounds of Sanibel City Hall from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The market runs on this Sunday schedule from now through May. Info about their other markets reopening in the county is at BuyLocalLee.com.
Enjoy your weekend, Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan
Posted this afternoon from Ding Darling Wildlife Society newsletter: “Early reports from the city of Sanibel and individuals remaining on the island during the storm, are about flooding in areas of the islands. The Sanibel Causeway was closed while work was done to remove debris from the roads. The City has announced that the Causeway is now open to those who need to access the island. While hurricane reentry passes are not required, people are asked not to come unless absolutely necessary. All beach parks are closed.

“Just before Amazon founder Jeff Bezos’ home state of Washington enacted a new state capital gains tax in 2022, Bezos sold about $15.7 billion worth of Amazon stock – sidestepping approximately $1.1 billion in taxes that would have been due under the new tax.
The Bel Bagels & Deli is opening soon at 359 Periwinkle Way (former location of East End Deli). I spotted their new signage when I was out on my travels yesterday.
Monday, many members watched a webinar by Florida Realtors® (FR) Vice President pf Law and Policy and General Counsel, Juana Walkins on revisions to Florida’s residential contract for sale and purchase. She had another presentation this morning on “Changes to the Law for Flood Disclosure & Condos” which take effect Oct 1.
Between national and state changes in both real estate disclosure requirements and laws, this business has become a new world as far as paperwork is concerned. Rest assured that The SanibelSusan Team is up on it. As Florida Realtors® legal counsel says, “there’s a form for that” and we know when to use them.


Tuesday the City posted: “Sanibel has experienced a record-breaking 58.55” of rain so far this year. At this point, we’ve had the highest amount of rainfall on Sanibel in 20 years. Even with just 8 more inches over the next four months, we’ll set a 10-year record for the year. The City is actively working to manage the impacts of this unprecedented rainfall.
Mud Bugs Cajun Kitchen reopens for dinner today at 3 p.m. Friday Sep 13.
Sanibel Historical Village & Museum is closed through Oct 14.
Monday, I listened in during the Sanibel City Council Meeting and again am grateful for the long hours and careful thought by our island leadership team. Beginning at 9 a.m. and not ending until late afternoon before reconvening at 5:30 p.m. for the First Budget Meeting, the agenda covered a wide range of subjects ranging from traffic, e-bikes, parking, ordinances re: post-Ian recovery/restoration, stormwater, and more.

Wishing you good luck on Friday the 13th, Susan Andrews, aka SanibelSusan