YourSWFloridaRealEstate.com Real Estate BlogRecently posted or modified blog postshttps://www.yourswfloridarealestate.com/blog/Copyright YourSWFloridaRealEstate.com2024-03-15T09:47:32-07:00tag:yourswfloridarealestate.com,2012-09-20:42485Over Easy Cafe Reopens on Sanibel Island🐓 Welcome Back to Sanibel Over Easy Cafe! An island favorite breakfast and lunch spot has returned to its original location on the corner of Periwinkle and Tarpon Bay. We grabbed a bite there last week and love it! We ordered the Reuben Benedict with Home Fries and the Turkey Texas Reuben Sandwich (apparently we were in a Reuben mood) and would definitely order both again! They were delicious! Let’s meet there for lunch sometime! 🍳☕️🥙🍽️☀️
2024-03-12T07:20:00-07:002024-03-13T07:40:51-07:00Kasey Albrighttag:yourswfloridarealestate.com,2012-09-20:42486Get to Know Steve HarrellPlease join us in wishing Steve Harrell a very Happy Birthday!! In honor of this special day, let us share some fun facts about this incredible guy!<br />☀️ Born This Day in Jacksonville, FL<br />🤵🏻 11 years Younger than Wife Toby<br />📦 Moved to SWFL in 1968<br />🛞 Owned Karkey’s Tires in Fort Myers Before Becoming REALTOR®<br />🎸 First Concert was REO Speedwagon<br />🎓 Was Senior Class President at Fort Myers High School<br />👦🏻 Middle Child of Two Sisters<br />🪵 Hobby/Special Talent: Woodworking
2024-03-08T08:41:00-07:002024-03-13T07:47:11-07:00Kasey Albrighttag:yourswfloridarealestate.com,2012-09-20:42487Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum is Back Open on Sanibel Island🐚 Let’s shell-abrate the grand re-opening of the Shell Museum on Sanibel Island! The Living Gallery of Aquariums is open 10am - 5pm, Tuesday - Saturday. The Great Hall of Shells and special exhibition galleries will open later in the spring. It is great to “sea” such a great museum & aquarium back in our community! A great island activity for the family! 🐠🐟
2024-03-06T08:50:00-07:002024-03-13T07:55:54-07:00Kasey Albrighttag:yourswfloridarealestate.com,2012-09-20:42534Pick Strawberries at Farmer Mike’s U Pick in Fort Myers and Bonita Springs🍓 Today is National Strawberry Day! 🍓<br />Farmer Mike's U Pick of Bonita Springs has always been the spot to pick Strawberries in Southwest Florida and recently they opened Farmer Mike's of Fort Myers close to us on the corner of Gladiolus & Winkler! Hurry, and get picking because season will end in March.<br />🍓 Have you picked Strawberries before? 🍓
2024-02-27T09:53:00-07:002024-03-15T08:59:28-07:00Kasey Albrighttag:yourswfloridarealestate.com,2012-09-20:42537Sanibel Captiva Kiwanis Spaghetti Dinner 2024 RecapThe Sanibel Kiwanis Spaghetti Dinner was this past Saturday and is the quintessential small-town, community supporting event and we loved every minute of it! Especially the boys! Here are some of the highlights:<br />🍝 Delicious Spaghetti (seriously should not be this good)<br />🥖 Garlic Breadsticks<br />🍷 All You Can Drink Wine<br />🍰 Bubble Room Cake<br />🎶 Music & Dancing (watch to see our moves)<br />🎟️ Incredible Raffle & Auction Items<br />🤝 Amazing Kiwanis Members & Friends<br />Historically the Kiwanis Spaghetti Dinner is always on the last Saturday of February so we can only assume next year’s event will be held on February 22, 2025. See you there! You don’t want to miss! 🍝🥖🍰🍷
2024-02-26T10:03:00-07:002024-03-15T09:06:53-07:00Kasey Albrighttag:yourswfloridarealestate.com,2012-09-20:42538Lazy Flamingo Food Truck Open on Sanibel Island🚨 NOW OPEN 🚨<br />🦩 The Lazy Flamingo Food Truck on Sanibel! 🦩<br />Brendan Albright visited during its grand opening on Tuesday! You have got to check out the menu with so many of their most popular items!<br />• Clam Chowder $6.99<br />• Conch Chowder $6.99<br />• Conch Fritters $9.99<br />• Fried Mozzarella Sticks $7.99<br />• Buffalo Wings $15.99<br />• Caesar Salad $10.99<br />• Caesar Salad w/ Chicken $16.99<br />• Caesar Salad w/ Grouper $20.99<br />• Big Burger Burger $13.99<br />• Big Burger Burger W/ Cheese $14.99<br />• Mesquite-Grilled Grouper Platter $23.99<br />• Mesquite-Grilled Chicken Breast Sandwich $13.99<br />• Grouper Sandwich $19.99<br />💕Our favorites are caesar salad and anything with the grouper! Who wants to meet for lunch? 🦩<br />*Prices as of 2/20/24
2024-02-23T10:07:00-07:002024-03-15T09:11:15-07:00Kasey Albrighttag:yourswfloridarealestate.com,2012-09-20:42540Where Can You Get the Best Margarita in Southwest Florida?🍋‍🟩Happy National Margarita Day!🍋‍🟩<br />In honor of this delicious holiday, we are letting you know when you can find some of our favorite margaritas in Southwest Florida:<br /><br />Fort Myers<br />🍋‍🟩 Lynq - Get the Margarita Tree 🍋‍🟩🏝️ <br /><br />Sanibel<br />🍋‍🟩 Rosalita's Cantina Sanibel - Our favorites are the Strawberry & Blueberry Margaritas but they are all amazing! 🍓🫐<br /><br />Let us know where your favorites are!
2024-02-22T10:11:00-07:002024-03-15T09:15:40-07:00Kasey Albrighttag:yourswfloridarealestate.com,2012-09-20:42541Sanibel Kiwanis Spaghetti Dinner is on February 24, 2024The Sanibel Kiwanis Spaghetti Dinner is back!! 🍝<br />Where else on Sanibel can you get an all-you-can-can-eat Italian feast with all the fixings? $20 includes salad, pasta & meatballs, garlic bread, and beverages (wine & soda). Kids under 10 eat free! After dinner, you can even purchase Bubble Room cake for dessert and stay for raffle, silent & live auctions and dancing. A great island fundraising tradition for the whole family!<br />Get your tickets now at:<br />🎟️ Bank of the Islands<br />🎟️ Sanibel Captiva Community Bank<br />🎟️ Sanibel Island Farmer's Market<a class="x1i10hfl xjbqb8w x1ejq31n xd10rxx x1sy0etr x17r0tee x972fbf xcfux6l x1qhh985 xm0m39n x9f619 x1ypdohk xt0psk2 xe8uvvx xdj266r x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r xexx8yu x4uap5 x18d9i69 xkhd6sd x16tdsg8 x1hl2dhg xggy1nq x1a2a7pz notranslate _a6hd" href="https://www.instagram.com/sanibelislandfarmersmarket/" role="link" tabindex="0"></a><br />🎟️ SanCap Pak N Ship<br />🎟️ CCA Captiva<br />🎟️ The Shack of Sanibel<br />🎟️ Huxters<br />🎟️ Periwinkle Park<br />🎟️ Beach Kiwanis Thrift Store<br />🎟️ Any Sanibel Kiwanis Member
2024-02-19T10:16:00-07:002024-03-15T09:20:13-07:00Kasey Albrighttag:yourswfloridarealestate.com,2012-09-20:42543Get to know Toby Tolp🥳 Please join us in wishing Toby Tolp a very Happy Birthday!! In honor of this special day, let us share some fun facts about this incredible woman!<br />❄️ Born This Day in a Car in a Blizzard in Buffalo, NY<br />👰🏻‍♀️ 11 years Older than Husband Steve<br />📦 Moved to SWFL in 1957<br />🪪 Got Real Estate License in 1979<br />🎸 First Concert was Rolling Stones<br />🌎 1/2 Panamanian, 1/2 Hungarian<br />👦🏻 Middle Child of Brothers<br />🎠 Loves Disney & Visited the Month it Opened in 1971
2024-01-30T10:23:00-07:002024-03-15T09:26:21-07:00Kasey Albrighttag:yourswfloridarealestate.com,2012-09-20:42545How long have you been in real estate in Southwest Florida?⏰ People always ask “How long have you been in real estate in Southwest Florida?” Let’s break it down: Brendan since 2015, Kasey since 2011, Steve since 1995, and TOBY SINCE 1979!<br />👏🏼 Bringing you the best with 45 years of experience combined with a modern marketing perspective and the vision looking to the future of our industry.<br />🔮 Speaking of the future… who thinks Bryce & Dylan will join the family business and become Realtors like their parents and grandparents?
2024-01-28T10:33:00-07:002024-03-15T09:36:49-07:00Kasey Albrighttag:yourswfloridarealestate.com,2012-09-20:42546Nordstrom Rack is Coming to Bell Tower in Fort Myers‼️BIG NEW TODAY!‼️<br />🛍️ Nordstrom Rack announced that they are coming to Bell Tower Fort Myers! We assume it is going in the old Bed Bath and Beyond since the website states it will be a 31,000-square-foot store. Currently the closest location has been at Mercado in Naples. An opening date has not been announced, but we will keep you posted. Have you shopped at a Nordstrom Rack before?<br /><br />“We look forward to being a part of the Fort Myers community and serving our customers with an amazing offering of great brands at great prices,” said Gemma Lionello, President of Nordstrom Rack Stores. “We’re excited to grow our footprint in the region and introduce new customers to the Nordstrom experience.”
2024-01-25T10:39:00-07:002024-03-15T09:42:59-07:00Kasey Albrighttag:yourswfloridarealestate.com,2012-09-20:42547Sanibel Lighthouse Beach Parking ClosedLighthouse Beach Parking lots will be Temporarily Closed Monday, January 22 through Friday, January 26 for Beach Renourishment Work and Lighthouse Repairs<br /><br />Beginning Monday, contractors will begin working on repairs to the Sanibel Lighthouse, replacing the temporary wooden support with a permanent cast iron replica of the original support column. Repairs will also be made to the cast iron ladder and window stops.<br /><br />Beach renourishment contractors are expected to complete work near the Tradewinds neighborhood (Reach 1) ahead of schedule and anticipate moving operations from the west end of the island to Lighthouse Beach (Reach 5) on Tuesday, January 23.<br /><br />Work on the lighthouse and beach renourishment will occur simultaneously, shortening the time needed to close the parking lots at Lighthouse Beach Park.<br /><br />The parking lots to Lighthouse Beach and the Fishing Pier will be closed Monday, January 22 through Friday, January 26, 2024.<br /><br />Residents and visitors are encouraged to visit the other beautiful beach parks that will remain open:<br />📍 Algiers Beach (Gulfside)<br />📍 Blind Pass<br />📍 Bowman’s Beach<br />📍 Tarpon Bay Road and Trost Parking Lot<br />📍 Turner Beach
2024-01-22T10:44:00-07:002024-03-15T09:47:32-07:00Kasey Albrighttag:yourswfloridarealestate.com,2012-09-20:32355What is the Status of Sanibel & Captiva Businesses?Sanibel
Sanibel Businesses Currently Open
Cielo
Cielo opened Tuesday, November 15, 2022 with a limited menu and hours from 11:00 am until 6:00 pm Tuesday through Saturday.
Island Inn
The Island Inn is open right now and accepting reservations for pass-holding Property Owners, Businesses & Relief Workers! Interested parties are instructed to call the Inn directly at (239) 472-1561. Our 12 Luxury Suites in our Matthews Lodge were built to Cat 5 standards in 2017 and performed amazingly. Availability is on a first come, first serve basis. A general overview of “Know Before You Book” is listed below. See full Rules, Guidelines,Terms & Conditions that must be <a tabindex="-1"></a>signed at check-in here: <a href="https://islandinnsanibel.com/hurricane-ian-booking-rules-terms-conditions/?fbclid=IwAR0md-ZRKnV_xOzNvgq2NzpBVwZT6lwhJTpwGBGyTf_1g-HkTIA0NCScGS0">https://islandinnsanibel.com/hurricane-ian-booking-rules-terms-conditions/?fbclid=IwAR0md-ZRKnV_xOzNvgq2NzpBVwZT6lwhJTpwGBGyTf_1g-HkTIA0NCScGS0</a>
Jerry's
We are open 7am-7pm, 7 days a week. The Deli, Café, and Coquina Coffee are open from 7am-2pm. We are able to offer a limited assortment of food items. The basic items we are able to provide include: Dry goods, canned goods, limited refrigerated items. We are now offering a small assortment of hardware related items to assist everyone in their recovery efforts. We have a variety of products available including: Saws, shovels, hoses, PPE, air filters, hand tools, screws, nails, glue, and more. As soon as we begin to re-establish our supply chain, and make further repairs to our facility, we will be able to offer more products and services.
Sanibel Deli
Monday & Thursday: 7am - 3pm, Tuesday & Wednesday, Friday: 7am - 4pm, Saturday: 7am - 5pm, Sunday: Closed
Sanibel Grill
Open Thursday-Sunday Noon-6PM with cold beer, full bar, limited menu, Sunday NFL ticket.
Traders
We will be OPEN Monday - Saturday with shopping, dining room and bar hours from 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM and live music daily starting at 5:00 PM with drinks served and music playing until 8:00 PM. We will be closed Thanksgiving Day. We can't wait to see everyone! We've missed you!
Sanibel Businesses Currently Open in Fort Myers
Sanibel Businesses Planning to Reopening
Bailey's General Store
Calli Johnson, whose family founded Bailey’s General Store more than a century ago, said the aisles are filled with product which floated off shelves and the cold-case displays, along with the coffee bar, were displaced. “And a lot of things are covered in mold,” she said. The flat roof of the grocery store held nearly 500 hurricane-rated solar panels, most of which stayed in place. A major renovation project had commenced earlier this year at the shopping center. It marked the first substantial changes to the center in nearly 40 years. “It will be quicker for us to stay closed and renovate,” said Johnson. “We are unsure of when we will reopen.”
Blue Giraffe
We are starting the clean-up process for both the Blue Giraffe at Periwinkle Place and Blue Giraffe at Beachview. Our team is dedicated to rebuilding both our restaurants and bringing our customers a new and improved Blue Giraffe to Sanibel! Thank you to everyone for their well wishes, support and prayers. Please Help Support Blue Giraffe Sanibel. By donating any amount, <a tabindex="-1"></a>you can help us support our wonderful Blue Giraffe family and accelerate the renovation process to bring back a new and improved Blue Giraffe Sanibel. Thanks again! <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-our-staff-members-at-the-blue-giraffe?utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link_all&utm_source=customer">https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-our-staff-members-at-the-blue-giraffe?utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link_all&utm_source=customer</a>
Congress Jewelers
On December 2nd at noon, we open the doors and invite you to join us! In the wake of Hurricane Ian, we have signed a lease to relocate our headquarters to the Bell Tower Shops in Fort Myers while Sanibel rebuilds. We are so proud of our team and what we've been able to achieve over the past few months! This (12/2/22) marks a special day for us – it would be the date of the Sanibel Luminary. We have united the marketing director of the Bell Tower Shops with the CEO of the Sanibel Chamber to combine the Tree lighting ceremony with the Sanibel Luminary from 5:00-8:30pm on December 2nd at Bell Tower. We can't wait to welcome you in to our new location for an evening of festivities!
Doc Ford's Sanibel
Our Doc Ford’s Sanibel location is currently closed due to Hurricane Ian damage. The building itself faired pretty well overall. We received some significant damage to our mechanical equipment on the roof, including 1 completely destroyed rooftop AC unit, and a makeup air unit for our hood system in the kitchen. All very fixable problems! We also received about 1′ of water inside the building. We’ve gone through the proper mold remediation process to eliminate and prevent any mold from growing further, and will work as quickly as possible to put back all the pieces! We’re fortunate to be in the position we are, considering how devastating this hurricane was to our little island as a whole. We’ll be able to re-open within a few months if all goes well, there are many that can’t say the same. We’re grateful for how well this community has pulled together, and we can’t wait to be back!
The Fig East End
Unfortunately due to the complete loss of the store, the financial unknowns in the future, and challenges of getting our other location reopened sadly The Fig East will not be reopening. Don't worry OG Paper Fig Kitchen will reopen in some form in the VERY near future. We cannot express our gratitude for all of the support over the past year. We will miss the East End tremendously. We hope to see the <a tabindex="-1"></a>beautiful faces of our community at Paper Fig Kitchen asap.
Joey's Custard
The damage was even worse than first suspected. 6’ plus of water covered everything in the store. We even had <a tabindex="-1"></a>full chest freezers float over the customer counter and everything was spun like it was in a washing machine. Crazy. All of our actual merchandise was destroyed in the storm except for a few hats that were at the embroidery shop. We will be releasing those hats and some awesome post storm Joeys gear in the near future but for now if you see anything out <a tabindex="-1"></a>there please know it is a scam. We are not sure what the future is for our beloved Bailey's of Sanibel, but we are committed to rebuild and serve your family again in the future.
Lighthouse Cafe
The Lighthouse Café took about 5 feet, 10 inches of water from the storm surge, he said, and it destroyed almost everything. About 60% of the Lighthouse pictures that people had been giving the family for decades were unrecoverable. “But 40% was,” he said. The building requires a total gut renovation. The Lighthouse Café employs a staff of 19 and some of them and their families have lost their homes, too. Given all that Southwest Florida has to set right, the restoration will be a long time coming, Billheimer realizes. “Even though it will take a lot of time and a herculean effort to reopen, I am motivated by all these future possibilities,” he said. “I have been able to grieve and mourn the old Lighthouse Café, and now it’s time to look forward. The aftermath of Hurricane Ian is a great lesson in problem-solving.”
MacIntosh Books + Paper
The magic of MacIntosh will continue online and on Crowdcast for the <a tabindex="-1"></a>near future, but we will be together in a physical space very soon. It will just take time. We finished cleaning out our space so that Benchmark Construction can begin assessing the damage and formulating a plan. <a href="https://bookshop.org/shop/macintosh">https://bookshop.org/shop/macintosh</a>
Mudbugs Cajun Kitchen
While it will be quite a long haul and challenging effort - we have commenced the clean up and rebuild of Mudbugs and look forward to the reopening of our wonderful island and restaurant. In the meantime - nearly all of our dedicated employees find themselves without employment and many without a residence. This fundraiser will be 100% for our employees to help them in their real struggles. Whatever amount is raised - my family will match it 100% your generosity - no matter what the amount. We look forward to the day when we can re-employ our amazing staff and serve our island family! On behalf of the Mudbugs employees, thanks for your consideration and help. <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/displaced-employees-of-mudbugs-cajun-kitchen?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=p_cf%20share-flow-1&fbclid=IwAR3Wvf41dtytyYV7mMxy7GUFE5S-u4cWn2qTEO-bMkzACbiZ_J3lUs_VQlA">https://www.gofundme.com/f/displaced-employees-of-mudbugs-cajun-kitchen?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=p_cf%20share-flow-1&fbclid=IwAR3Wvf41dtytyYV7mMxy7GUFE5S-u4cWn2qTEO-bMkzACbiZ_J3lUs_VQlA</a>
Paper Fig Kitchen
OG Paper Fig Kitchen will reopen in some form in the VERY near future.
The Pecking Order
The Pecking Order survived but we won’t be able to cook for you for a while. Sending prayers to you and your loved ones.
Over Easy Cafe
One day at a time! Not sure of our time line, just one foot in front of the other! Restaurant completely <a tabindex="-1"></a>devastated (6’ water and mud). Never underestimate the power of storms. We have no idea where our walk in cooler, freezer, ice machine, etc ended up. I apologize to whoever’s house they ended up in. Every piece of equipment, supplies trashed and disgusting.
Sanibel Fish House
Sadly, as most of you already know, SWFL was shook by Hurricane lan and due to the circumstances we will be CLOSED until further notice. Thank you to everyone who has reached out to us and please continue to keep The Fish House and our lovely employees in everyone's thoughts and prayers.
Sanibel Fresh
Much has been accomplished, but there is much to do. If there is a “silver lining” in this, it has to the generosity of people, giving whenever and wherever they can. While we continue to recover, recalibrate, rebuild, and dare I say marinate on our next steps, the intrepid crew of Sanibel Fresh has been trying to give back to those less fortunate than ourselves, and there are many. After the destruction from Hurricane Ian, Sanibel Fresh has closed. The close-knit staff is facing unemployment, the loss of income\housing, and uncertain futures. For five years, Sanibel Fresh, Chef Amy, and her staff have taken pride in providing locals and visitors alike, delicious, creative, and healthy meals. The staff of Sanibel Fresh considers their patrons family and now they need our help. All proceeds from this fundraiser will benefit the staff of Sanibel Fresh to help them transition and rebuild. <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/sanibel-fresh-hurricane-ian-fundraiser?utm_campaign=p_cp%20share-sheet&utm_medium=sms&utm_source=customer&fbclid=IwAR0Qd6ARumT-AD3pbj4LY7aQApo179sl1_2G4seZjXIbmpr8vOrqjojNPiI">https://www.gofundme.com/f/sanibel-fresh-hurricane-ian-fundraiser?utm_campaign=p_cp%20share-sheet&utm_medium=sms&utm_source=customer&fbclid=IwAR0Qd6ARumT-AD3pbj4LY7aQApo179sl1_2G4seZjXIbmpr8vOrqjojNPiI</a>
Sanibel Sea School
Sanibel Sea School is standing! While we were pleased to see both the Kennedy Building and the front building (455) standing tall, there is much work to be done. We had significant flooding and are still grasping the full extent of the damage. Our team has been working hard on clean up and will continue for as long as it takes. We don’t know how long it will take us, but we will do it together as a team. And when we’re done, we’ll welcome everyone back to share the wonders of the ocean once again.
Schnapper's Hots
It will be a long hard road but we will rebuild because we are Sanibel Strong! For those that asked how they can help, please consider purchasing Schnapper's Hots merchandise at <a class="x1i10hfl xjbqb8w x6umtig x1b1mbwd xaqea5y xav7gou x9f619 x1ypdohk xt0psk2 xe8uvvx xdj266r x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r xexx8yu x4uap5 x18d9i69 xkhd6sd x16tdsg8 x1hl2dhg xggy1nq x1a2a7pz xt0b8zv x1fey0fg" href="http://www.schnappershots.com/?fbclid=IwAR3Rtyf7xC6w5Xb2IkdHA-IbBobEdLWTPaSH0yeKWtJaN95efZiqwAiXMog" rel="nofollow noopener" role="link" tabindex="0" target="_blank">www.schnappershots.com</a> or donating to our employee fund at <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/schnappers-hots-sanibel-hurricane-ian?utm_campaign=p_cf%20share-flow-1&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=customer&fbclid=IwAR0eIFjFOlTV7Q4B0UtST-A3m_pZ_ouNuuikveE-DACJMCofYH5WNqKOE_E&fbclid=IwAR1X5c_NSKuHmz9vQD843Nxun6-Knc0teXXh8OnnCV_zJCMsGiRw_vc-Dug&fbclid=IwAR0pyNtNPJoRykS-TjtZjxPtiDjFi4GjllXImwa723DSI93n-2Sg_Kz6JGM">https://www.gofundme.com/f/schnappers-hots-sanibel-hurricane-ian?utm_campaign=p_cf%20share-flow-1&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=customer&fbclid=IwAR0eIFjFOlTV7Q4B0UtST-A3m_pZ_ouNuuikveE-DACJMCofYH5WNqKOE_E&fbclid=IwAR1X5c_NSKuHmz9vQD843Nxun6-Knc0teXXh8OnnCV_zJCMsGiRw_vc-Dug&fbclid=IwAR0pyNtNPJoRykS-TjtZjxPtiDjFi4GjllXImwa723DSI93n-2Sg_Kz6JGM</a>
Sweet Melissa's Cafe
"Sweet Melissa’s was gutted by Ian, the entire contents of 15 years of work is in the parking lot. I want to thank everyone who has reached <a tabindex="-1"></a>out and offered so much love and support. Now the rebuilding process will begin and we will be back on Sanibel better than ever! As we rebuild Sweet Melissa’s Cafe we are available for holiday catering and private chef events or even if you need a fish stew! Please contact Melissa directly at mleigh20@yahoo.com"
Timbers
Timbers & Sanibel Grill is coming along nicely, once we get power and water we'll be one more step closer to opening! We will be back strong as ever!!
West Wind Island Resort
At West Wind Island Resort, we were very pleased with what we reviewed, although a small portion of our roof was sacrificed to 150-mile-per-hour winds. We anticipate a fully recovery of both our flagship resorts — ‘Tween Waters and West Wind Island Resort of Sanibel — much quicker than we first imagined. The public-private sector cooperation in resorting electricity, water, internet, safety and other infrastructure measures is making this remarkable comeback possible. While we continue to work on the restoration of West Wind Island Resort (which will take quite some time), Beachview Cottages and Castaways Cottages experienced significant damage and destruction, particularly cottages closer to the beach, making their recovery a much longer journey. While we all miss and mourn the loss of the cottages at Beachview and Castaways, rest assured that we’re ready and committed to rebuilding all of our four beach properties into a renewed, reimagined, reenergized form of themselves. Please note: Our reservations team is actively reaching out to all guests with upcoming reservations to issue refunds and offer date changes where possible. Please avoid contacting your credit card provider, as this can cause confusion or frustration on your part, or delay your refund.
Sanibel Businesses Future Unknown
Gulf Breeze Cottages
With a sad and heavy heart, we have to formally announce that Gulf Breeze Cottages has been completely destroyed. We are starting this GoFundMe page in hopes to raise money to either rebuild or go in a new direction. We don't want to give up on Gulf Breeze Cottages! <a class="x1i10hfl xjbqb8w x6umtig x1b1mbwd xaqea5y xav7gou x9f619 x1ypdohk xt0psk2 xe8uvvx xdj266r x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r xexx8yu x4uap5 x18d9i69 xkhd6sd x16tdsg8 x1hl2dhg xggy1nq x1a2a7pz xt0b8zv x1fey0fg" href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fgofund.me%2F909fc175%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR1BdpWqrqmad9pyAQA3pkLyO4cIa9i7EPwEWfPylQ1HwktFKcTyHgW1OXQ&h=AT3PGk7zEgqiVT15IprwFP41M1cvbwDzWSWw1VTm0mKpZoyNF4aP7HOVOKBAfGLUTcmhKaxAGmawH2VZLKnFP3_gobUqPFn9znPvxxyNYMWsaRLyETGG74YAUV8hOg_1bTWvPEGR2mg9VX8Ejw_pCqw&__tn__=-UK-R&c[0]=AT1GkNeEqZaNOR9AcpH8MtcheUEcvTzuNbEs5nA6jyuxG4yw3Slhh3DpXm9eKcAESndsAJruvx2f3i5QrSKF-B7CLLwlYK3y0X__BsIkej9pewPvWIrQ-vL0TRNJPGTYSO9tj3yR0FfykLOCQbqi2r1s2VMMBdsRI-4ohx4hv03Jduva4RxlAMZyt9Y7LHsGwY-o9iL4Js97" rel="nofollow noopener" role="link" tabindex="0" target="_blank">https://gofund.me/909fc175</a>
Spoondrift Island Bowls
Our future at Spoondrift is unknown. It is a gut wrenching <a tabindex="-1"></a>hard reality. It is extremely hard for us to ask for help but what we are facing is above and beyond our control. If you can donate to our go fund me (link attached) - so we can help mend our business, home, and help our staff- we would be extremely thankful. It’s not goodbye it’s see you later. <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-the-samson-family-hurricane-ian-survivors?member=22435177&sharetype=teams&utm_campaign=p_na%20share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=customer&fbclid=IwAR38TdAqdVigldowAWd6HteLSG2ef5YxLQjmpkGi7pUmws14VObgSyo9Mqc">https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-the-samson-family-hurricane-ian-survivors?member=22435177&sharetype=teams&utm_campaign=p_na%20share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=customer&fbclid=IwAR38TdAqdVigldowAWd6HteLSG2ef5YxLQjmpkGi7pUmws14VObgSyo9Mqc</a>
Sanibel Businesses Not Planning on Reopening
Bleu Rendezvous French Bistro
"The Hurricane is over but sadly our lease has been terminated by our landlord and we have been given notice to vacate our beloved bistro on Sanibel Island! Please stay tuned for our next act! We believe that just like a church isn’t about the building it’s all about the people inside! Prayers <img height="16" width="16" alt="🙏" referrerpolicy="origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t80/1/16/1f64f.png" /> to you and for new beginnings."
George & Wendy's Seafood Grille
"We were leasing the building and it unfortunately sustained extensive damage from Ian and is a total loss requiring a total remodel to get it to the point anyone could possibly operate at that location. Lacy and Laura were able to salvage some of their artwork so feel free to reach out if still interested. Thank you all for the support over the past 12 years. We will keep you all posted if we decide to return in the area."
Lily & Co Jewelry Store
It is with great sadness that [we] let you know that the physical business of Lily & Co will no longer be a part <a tabindex="-1"></a>of Sanibel. [We] have decided to sell this beautiful historic “gem”. Lily & Co will have an online presence especially through the end of the year.
Rosie's Cafe & Grill
Unfortunately, after a lot of discussions, we have decided that we will not be able to recover from Hurricane Ian. We will not be re-opening Rosie’s Cafe & Grill. Most of the major equipment was lost and the financial burden of start-up is just too much to endure. We want to thank each and everyone of you for your love and support over the last two years. It has truly been a privilege to serve you. We enjoyed meeting everyone of you.
Sanibel Fresh
Unfortunately we will not be re-opening Sanibel Fresh. We want to thank everyone for your amazing support over the last several years and it has truly been a privilege to serve this community. While no one knows the future for sure, at this time there are no plans or efforts to continue our journey.
Traditions on the Beach
"After 35 years working and enjoying the Islands with you all, with our hearts broken Traditions is no longer. We cannot thank our family of employees enough for their love and dedication in the success and accomplishments we achieved together. The Island will always be our heart and home, with patience and determination we can assure you the sanibel community will be back better and stronger than <a tabindex="-1"></a>before. Thank you all for your continued support. Our Family restaurant Traditions on the Beach has been completely destroyed by hurricane Ian. I am starting a GoFundMe to be able to help the employees during this time of need. These funds will be used to support them and their family's. Any donation will be truly appreciated." <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/2kx3c-donate-to-help?utm_campaign=p_lico%20share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=customer&fbclid=IwAR3zw0Lj9vaWGkLIyKaPBwo_u3JF2B4WJa2BIXX2-TcvXQkHtcflaouuzCg">https://www.gofundme.com/f/2kx3c-donate-to-help?utm_campaign=p_lico%20share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=customer&fbclid=IwAR3zw0Lj9vaWGkLIyKaPBwo_u3JF2B4WJa2BIXX2-TcvXQkHtcflaouuzCg</a>
Captiva
Captiva Businesses Open
The Island Store
Now open with limited hours. The Island Store on Captiva, operated by the Johnson family, received less damage from the storm than the Sanibel store. The floors were damaged and a new office needed to be set up.
Tween Waters Island Resort
‘Tween Waters survived the power of Hurricane Ian with grit, muscle and determination befitting more than 90 years of island hospitality. Our outstanding construction — and the protections we took prior to landfall — resulted in no significant damage to our 137 accommodations and cottages, our restaurants and our other facilities and amenities. Construction on our exciting new restaurant was not damaged. And even our Marina remains intact. I’m absolutely thrilled to report that day has arrived — today, November 16 — as ‘Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa opens as Captiva’s first resort to welcome overnight stays to individuals with approved access to the islands. <a href="https://tween-waters.com/tween-waters-now-open/">We know you’ll have many questions, please click here for more information.</a> Plus, we’re offering a special room rate starting at $99 per night now through December 31, 2022 to all the linemen, utility workers and emergency first-responders that helped make this day of reopening possible, as our way of saying thank you for your efforts. Enjoy our resort and its many great amenities short-term or long-term — for temporary housing, a needed break or even a little vacation with family! This is a call-only to book offer at 239.476.0311. Our rooms have been inspected, are clean, and safe, complete with electricity, air conditioning, water and internet service. Our amenities currently include our beautiful family pool, fitness center, tennis and pickle ball. Plus on Monday, November 21, 2022, our top-rated TripAdvisor restaurant, Old Captiva House, will open to those on island for breakfast, lunch and dinner, along with our always-fun Oasis Pool Bar for cool beverages. Finally, attention boaters: our Marina is now open and welcoming overnight dockage. You do not have to have a hurricane pass to stay. To request a boat slip, please call 239.671.0499 or complete our <a href="https://tween-waters.com/marina/">online form</a>.
Old Captiva House
Old Captiva House — on the site of the first schoolhouse on Captiva, built in 1908 — still stands tall, proud, historic, with “not a scratch” on the interiors to show for the storm. On Monday, November 21, 2022, our top-rated TripAdvisor restaurant, Old Captiva House, opened to those on island for breakfast, lunch and dinner, along with our always-fun Oasis Pool Bar for cool beverages. Finally, thank you to all who’ve supported our GoFundMe account to assist our awesome team members whose employment was affected by the hurricane. To date, we’ve blown past two goals and are closing in on our $100,000 challenge. Your assistance and generosity are greatly appreciated as all donations go to helping displaced staff and if you’re interested in helping, just visit <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/sanibel-captiva-beach-resorts-employee-assistance/donate">here</a>.
Captiva Businesses With Reopening Dates
Captiva Businesses Planning to Reopening
Bubble Room
We are working tirelessly on getting the 3 Bubble Room properties cleaned out and cannot wait <a tabindex="-1"></a>until we are able to have you all back to dine with us. We have finished our very basic but functional web store. Please visit <a class="x1i10hfl xjbqb8w x6umtig x1b1mbwd xaqea5y xav7gou x9f619 x1ypdohk xt0psk2 xe8uvvx xdj266r x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r xexx8yu x4uap5 x18d9i69 xkhd6sd x16tdsg8 x1hl2dhg xggy1nq x1a2a7pz xt0b8zv x1fey0fg" href="https://shop.bubbleroomrestaurant.com/?fbclid=IwAR19HYCIrGV4VjOCQtmvBDqshzzwsWS--FujndXD6njMQy-fMjSYEp3rd-w" rel="nofollow noopener" role="link" tabindex="0" target="_blank">https://shop.bubbleroomrestaurant.com</a> to shop for Bubble Books, Bubble Lights and Bubble Room Playing Cards!
The Island Store
Key Lime Bistro
We will get this done! [Also] Working on RC Otters, Sunshine Seafood Cafe & Wine Bar, Latte Da and Cantina Captiva. The Cantina is in the best shape of all. We’ll be back prettier than ever!
The Mucky Duck
We had ServiceMaster come out today and check the restaurant inside for moisture. They found none and said we should be in good shape! To be on the safe side, they will come back a bit later and do another type of check just to make sure we will be all set to open up once we have power, water, and septic operational. We still don’t have power or internet, so despite how great things look on the inside, we can’t open up quite yet and the beach cam is not functional. We’ve had many ask about purchasing merchandise, just to be supportive, and we really appreciate <a tabindex="-1"></a>this, but we are not in a position to offer this as we do not have an online store and phones are not operational yet. That will come; we just don’t know when.
Captiva Businesses Not Planning on Reopening
Doc Ford's Captiva
It’s with a heavy heart that we announce our Captiva Island location will close indefinitely as South Seas Island Resort works to rebuild their property. We want to thank all our loyal customers for many years of fun and enjoyment at Doc Ford’s Captiva, our staff for continuously being the most professional in the business, and to South Seas Island Resort for being a great partner. We’re working feverishly to reopen our Sanibel Island and Ft. Myers Beach locations that were damaged by Hurricane Ian, and look forward to updating you as we progress!2022-11-09T15:29:35-07:002023-01-02T16:03:42-07:00Kasey Albrighttag:yourswfloridarealestate.com,2012-09-20:32264What is open on Sanibel & Captiva?<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/421/image/Blog/Sanibel%20Captiva%20Openings.jpg" width="600" height="338" alt="Sanibel Captiva Openings" title="Sanibel Captiva Openings" style="vertical-align: middle; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" />
We have compiled a list of businesses open and island resources available on Sanibel & Captiva. As we hear of businesses opening, we will update the list. If you notice we are missing anything, please comment below.
ICE
• Sanibel Sea School - 455 Periwinkle Way • Sanibel<br />• Sanibel Community Church - 1740 Periwinkle Way • Sanibel
RESTAURANTS
• Cielo - 1244 Periwinkle Way • Sanibel (Limited menu and hours from 11:00 am until 6:00 pm Tuesday through Saturday)<br />• <a href="https://www.jerrysofsanibel.com" title="Jerry's Sanibel" target="_blank">Jerry's Cafe</a> - 1700 Periwinkle Way • Sanibel (7AM-2PM, limited options)<br />• Mud Bugs - 1473 Periwinkle Way • Sanibel (Initial hours are 11 am to 7 pm. Live music daily starting at 3pm.)<br />• Sanibel Deli - 2330 Palm Ridge Road • Sanibel (Monday & Thursday: 7am - 3pm, Tuesday & Wednesday, Friday: 7am - 4pm, Saturday: 7am - 5pm, Sunday: Closed)<br />• Sanibel Grill - 703 Tarpon Bay Rd • Sanibel (open Thursday-Sunday Noon-6PM with cold beer, full bar, limited menu, Sunday NFL ticket)<br />• Traders - 1551 Periwinkle Way • Sanibel (Serving lunch + dinner + cocktails from 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM Monday - Saturday. Live Music from 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM)
FOOD TRUCKS SELLING FOOD
• Gramma Dot's Parking Lot - 634 N Yachtsman Drive • Sanibel (Monday-Saturday 10-4)
GROCERY ITEMS
• <a href="https://www.jerrysofsanibel.com" title="Jerry's Sanibel" target="_blank">Jerry's Foods</a> - 1700 Periwinkle Way • Sanibel (8AM-4PM, limited options)<br />• The Island Store - 11500 Andy Rosse Lane • Captiva (limited hours)
NON-PERISHABLE FOOD & PERSONAL HYGIENE ITEMS
• FISH - 2430 Periwinkle Way • Sanibel
LAUNDRY, SHOWER, CHARGING STATION
• Sanibel Community Church - 1740 Periwinkle Way • Sanibel (behind the church)
CLEANING SUPPLIES
• FISH - 2430 Periwinkle Way • Sanibel (mold liquid, buckets, trash bags, gloves)
BIKE REPAIR & SALES
• <a href="https://finnimores.com/?fbclid=IwAR2b14DoneFINSXbNKJhSTXQwhC19CsWZJ7b3zNPtYoYIqjQipU4QpsMymg" title="Finnimores Sanibel" target="_blank">Finnimores</a> - 2353 Periwinkle Way • Sanibel (Offering FREE pickup and delivery on all repair bikes! Give them a call 239-472-5577)
BANKING
• <a href="https://sancapbank.com/hurricane-ian-recovery-resources/" title="Sanibel Captiva Community Bank" target="_blank">Sanibel Captiva Community Bank</a> - 2406 Periwinkle Way • Sanibel (The week of 11/7 staff will be onsite Monday and Wednesday from 11am to 2pm to provide existing island customers with limited banking services. For additional information or questions, call 239-472-6100 or 239-472-6150.)
HOTELS
• <a href="https://islandinnsanibel.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/221031-Island-Inn-Booking-Rules-FULL-1.pdf" title="Island Inn Sanibel" target="_blank">Island Inn</a> - 3111 West Gulf Drive • Sanibel<br />The Island Inn is open right now and accepting reservations for pass-holding Property Owners, Businesses & Relief Workers! Interested parties are instructed to call the Inn directly at (239) 472-1561. Our 12 Luxury Suites in our Matthews Lodge were built to Cat 5 standards in 2017 and performed amazingly. Availability is on a first come, first serve basis. See full <a href="https://islandinnsanibel.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/221031-Island-Inn-Booking-Rules-FULL-1.pdf" title="Island Inn Sanibel" target="_blank">Rules, Guidelines, Terms & Conditions</a> that must be <a tabindex="-1"></a>signed at check-in here: <a href="https://islandinnsanibel.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/221031-Island-Inn-Booking-Rules-FULL-1.pdf">https://islandinnsanibel.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/221031-Island-Inn-Booking-Rules-FULL-1.pdf</a>
• Tween-Waters Resort - 15951 Captiva Dr • Captiva<br />I’m absolutely thrilled to report that day has arrived — today, November 16 — as ‘Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa opens as Captiva’s first resort to welcome overnight stays to individuals with approved access to the islands. <a href="https://tween-waters.com/tween-waters-now-open/">We know you’ll have many questions, please click here for more information.</a> Plus, we’re offering a special room rate starting at $99 per night now through December 31, 2022 to all the linemen, utility workers and emergency first-responders that helped make this day of reopening possible, as our way of saying thank you for your efforts. Enjoy our resort and its many great amenities short-term or long-term — for temporary housing, a needed break or even a little vacation with family! This is a call-only to book offer at 239.476.0311. Our rooms have been inspected, are clean, and safe, complete with electricity, air conditioning, water and internet service. Our amenities currently include our beautiful family pool, fitness center, tennis and pickle ball. Plus on Monday, November 28, 2022, our top-rated TripAdvisor restaurant, Old Captiva House, will open to those on island for breakfast, lunch and dinner, along with our always-fun Oasis Pool Bar for cool beverages. Finally, attention boaters: our Marina is now open and welcoming overnight dockage. You do not have to have a hurricane pass to stay. To request a boat slip, please call 239.671.0499 or complete our <a href="https://tween-waters.com/marina/">online form</a>.
2022-11-04T15:02:51-07:002022-12-28T15:43:30-07:00Kasey Albrighttag:yourswfloridarealestate.com,2012-09-20:31673Taking Care of Pools After a Hurricane<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/421/image/Blog/South%20Seas%20After%20Hurricane%20Ian.jpg" width="250" height="250" alt="South Seas After Hurricane Ian" title="South Seas After Hurricane Ian" class="img_box_right" />If your pool or pool equipment has been flooded/submerged by stormwater, sewage water, or any other possible contaminants, please see our recommended startup list:
Recommended Startup List
1. DO NOT DRAIN YOUR POOL: "Pool pop-up phenomenon" is always a possibility especially right after a severe storm and or flood. The soil conditions surrounding your pool are saturated and expanded putting upward pressure on your pool shell.
2. If your pool is on a weekly maintenance program with a pool professional, contact them to see what their schedule is and what recommendations they have for your specific pool. Discuss the items in this checklist with them.
3. Try to clean as much debris out of your pools as possible. Next, clean the skimmers, main drains, robot cleaner bags, and pump baskets.
4. Go to your pool equipment and turn off all your breakers, then go to your home breaker box and reset your pool breakers that may have tripped. If the breaker won't reset, call an electrician or a pool service company. If your main breaker resets, go to your pool equipment breaker box and slowly one by one reset your equipment breakers and see if the equipment is working. (If your equipment was running during the storm it may have sucked up a tremendous amount of mud and debris and burned out.) If the breakers come on and equipment starts up, monitor the water to make sure it starts flowing through the pumps.
5. Check the pressure gauge on your filters. If it is close to or over 30 psi, turn off your equipment and clean your filters. The pump probably sucked up a lot of debris before the equipment went off. Note the pressure when you restart the pool. After cleaning, the filters should be much lower.
6. Get pool Shock from your local pool supply store. The Standard pool dose is 1# of Dichlor-Shock per 10,000 gallons of water. Due to the heavy possible contaminates we recommend that you double that dose. Do not swim in the pool for at least 48 hours; not that you would want to at this point.
7. Run your pool equipment for 24 hours a day until the water returns to its normal clear state. Continue to monitor the pressure in the filter. If it gets to 30 psi again clean or backwash your filter.
8. Brush the pool two to three times every day to keep dirt stirred up so it can make it to the pool filter.
9. Even though you might not be able to see the bottom of the pool vacuum the pool every day. Note: You will most likely have to backwash sand and DE filters each time you do this or clean the cartridges.
10. If you cannot make any positive changes on your pool after trying to get it clean please contact your local pool builder or service company to get on their list to drain and clean if necessary under controlled supervision. If the pool clears up with the above procedures you can always cancel but most companies are many weeks behind so it is best to get on their schedule now.
11. WATER QUALITY SAFETY: Chlorine is a powerful sanitizer. However, organisms like cryptosporidium and E-Coli can be resistant to chlorine and can be dangerous to your family's health. If there is any chance that the floodwater has been in contact with dead animals (from a reservoir or field, for example), any chance that sewage entered your pool, or if you just want that extra peace of mind, we recommend dosing with additional pool products like Sea Klear PRS (stages 1 and 2) on startup. These products can help trap germs in the filter, or if you are suspicious of the floodwater, there are bacteria test strips you can get online or from local pool supply stores just for that extra peace of mind.
Once The Cleaning Process Starts, We Will Need To Balance The Water Again
1. Clean or backwash filters. Note pressure when starting back up after cleaning.
2. Take the water sample to your local pool supply store or Immediately check water chemistry using your test kit or strips. They will tell you what you need to adjust Total Alkalinity and PH as required before adding any other chemicals.
3. Fill chlorine tablet feeder if installed on your pool.
4. Shock the pool using Dichlor at the rate of 1# per 10,00 gallons of water
5. With the soft rainwater, you are more than like going to need to check your water hardness and add some calcium back to the pool to prevent damage to the pool plaster.
6. With the diluted pool water, you're going to probably need to add chlorine stabilizer to the pool as well, so don't think the stores are just trying to sell your unwanted products.
7. Continue to monitor pressure on the filter and clean or backwash each time the pressure gets 10# higher than the normal pool pressure.
<a href="https://www.backyard-oasis.com/swimming-pools-after-hurricane.html">https://www.backyard-oasis.com/swimming-pools-after-hurricane.html</a>
2022-10-04T03:56:00-07:002022-10-09T15:44:23-07:00Kasey Albrighttag:yourswfloridarealestate.com,2012-09-20:31130Sanibel & Captiva September Restaurant Closures 2022Are your favorite Sanibel & Captiva restaurants closed in September? Historically, many restaurants have taken a short hiatus during this month to clean, renovate, regroup and to give staff a little break. Read below for the full list of closures and reopening dates.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/421/image/Blog/September%20Restaurant%20Closures%20on%20Sanibel.jpg" width="600" height="400" alt="Sanibel Restaurant Closures September" title="Sanibel Restaurant Closures September" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" />
Restaurants
Dates Closed
Reopening Date
<a href="http://bleurendezvous.com" title="Bleu Rendez Vous Sanibel" target="_blank">Bleu Rendez Vous</a><a href="https://www.yourswfloridarealestate.com/400-rabbits/" title="400 Rabbits Sanibel" target="_blank"></a>
June 1-October 5
October 6
<a href="https://www.yourswfloridarealestate.com/gramma-dots/" title="Gramma Dots">Gramma Dots</a>
August 29-September 30
October 1
<a href="https://www.yourswfloridarealestate.com/island-pizza/" title="Island Pizza Sanibel" target="_blank">Island Pizza</a>
September 6-19
September 20
<a href="https://www.yourswfloridarealestate.com/lighthouse-cafe/" title="Lighthouse Cafe Sanibel" target="_blank">Lighthouse Cafe</a>
September 6-9
September 10
<a href="https://www.yourswfloridarealestate.com/madhatterrestaurant.com" title="Mad Hatter Sanibel" target="_blank">Mad Hatter</a>
September 5-30
October 1
<a href="http://www.overeasycafesanibel.com" title="Over Easy Cafe Sanibel" target="_blank">Over Easy Cafe</a>
September 12-22
September 23
<a href="https://www.yourswfloridarealestate.com/paper-fig-kitchen/" title="Paper Fig Kitchen" target="_blank">Paper Fig Kitchen</a>
September 18-20
September 21
<a href="https://www.yourswfloridarealestate.com/rosies-sanibel/" title="Rosie's Cafe Sanibel">Rosie's Cafe & Grill</a>
September 5-12
September 13
<a href="https://www.yourswfloridarealestate.com/schnappers-hots/" title="Schnapper's Hots">Schnapper's Hots</a>
September 6-15
September 16
<a href="https://captivaislandinn.com/captiva-island-restaurant/sunshine-seafood/" title="Sunshine Seafood Captiva" target="_blank">Sunshine Seafood</a>
Summer-November 11
November 12
<a href="https://www.yourswfloridarealestate.com/sweet-melissas-cafe/" title="Sweet Melissa's Cafe Sanibel" target="_blank">Sweet Melissa's Cafe</a>
September 4-19
September 20
<a href="https://www.yourswfloridarealestate.com/spoondrift-sanibel/" title="Spoondrift Sanibel">Spoondrift</a>
September 3-5
September 6
<a href="https://www.yourswfloridarealestate.com/traders/" title="Traders Sanibel">Traders</a>
September 17-October 2
October 3
<a href="https://traditionsonthebeach.com" title="Traditions Sanibel" target="_blank">Traditions</a>
September 4-26
September 27
<a href="https://www.yourswfloridarealestate.com/tutti-pazzi/" title="Tutti Pazzi Sanibel" target="_blank">Tutti Pazzi</a>
September 6-13
September 14
Don't be alarmed, there are still lots of restaurants for you to enjoy while you are on Sanibel & Captiva! For a full list, <a href="https://www.yourswfloridarealestate.com/sanibel-restaurant-information/" title="Sanibel Restaurants">click here</a>! If you know of any other closures, comment below with any updates.2022-09-02T07:30:00-07:002022-09-03T14:52:50-07:00Kasey Albrighttag:yourswfloridarealestate.com,2012-09-20:30319Sanibel & Captiva Win AwardsOn July 12, 2022, <a href="https://www.travelandleisure.com/worlds-best/best-islands-in-the-us-2022" title="Travel + Leisure Magazine 15 Best Islands in the Continental US" target="_blank">Travel + Leasure Magazine</a> named <a href="https://www.travelandleisure.com/worlds-best/best-islands-in-the-us-2022" title="Travel + Leisure Magazine 15 Best Islands in the Continental US" target="_blank">The 15 Best Islands in the Continental U.S</a>. Captiva & Sanibel made the list! Continue reading to see what they wrote about our favorite islands.
"The best islands in the United States, according to Travel + Leisure readers, offer plenty of activities in addition to opportunities for waterfront relaxation."
<a href="https://www.travelandleisure.com/worlds-best/best-islands-in-the-us-2022" title="Travel + Leisure Magazine 15 Best Islands in the Continental US" target="_blank"><img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/421/image/Blog/Awards/Captiva%20Travel%20and%20Leisure%20Best%20Islands%20in%20the%20US.jpg" width="500" height="533" alt="Captiva Travel and Leisure Best Islands in the US" title="Captiva Travel and Leisure Best Islands in the US" /></a>
Located on the Gulf Coast, this island is known for its low-key vibe and beaches with abundant seashells. Many travelers opt to rent a vacation home, but there are also a handful of family-friendly hotels, including the South Seas Island Resort, which offers a marine-life–focused day camp for kids.
Score: 82.43
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/421/image/Blog/Awards/Sanibel%20Travel%20and%20Leisure%2015%20Best%20Islands%20in%20the%20US.jpg" width="500" height="537" alt="Sanibel Travel and Leisure 15 Best Islands in the US" title="Sanibel Travel and Leisure 15 Best Islands in the US" />
Captiva's sister island has equally beautiful beaches, but travelers will also find opportunities for offbeat fun, including the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum.
Score: 82.29
Here is the full list:
Mackinac Island, Michigan
Kiawah Island, South Carolina
Nantucket, Massachusetts
San Juan Islands, Washington
Golden Isles (Jekyll Islands, Little St. Simons Island, Sea Island, St. Simons Island), Georgia
Outer Banks, North Carolina
Mount Desert Island, Maine
Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Amelia Island, Florida
Florida Keys
Captiva Island, Florida
Sanibel Island, Florida
Block Island, Rhode Island
Longboat Key, Florida
How many have you visited?2022-07-18T17:36:00-07:002022-07-18T19:27:34-07:00Kasey Albrighttag:yourswfloridarealestate.com,2012-09-20:30154July on Sanibel & Captiva 2022July 2-4 - Periwinkle Place Sidewalk Sale
Monday, July 4th • 7-9:15AM - <a href="https://sanibelchurch.com/events/4th-of-july-pancake-breakfast-2/" target="_blank">Free 4</a><a href="https://sanibelchurch.com/events/4th-of-july-pancake-breakfast-2/" title="Sanibel Church 4th of July Pancake Breakfast" target="_blank" style="font-size: 20px; font-weight: bold;">th of July Pancake Breakfast at Sanibel Community Church<br /><br /></a>
Monday, July 4th • 9AM - <a href="https://fb.me/e/1QDq5vpPN" title="Sanibel Independence Day Parade" target="_blank" style="font-size: 20px; font-weight: bold;">30th Annual Sanibel & Captiva Islands Independence Day Parade<br /><br /></a>
Monday, July 4th • 11AM - Post-Parade Festivities at Jerry's Foods
Monday, July 4th • 11AM-12PM - Free Ice Cream at St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church
Monday, July 4th • 12PM - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Sanibel-Road-Rally-2022-100325322696065/" title="Sanibel Optimist Road Rally" target="_blank" style="font-size: 20px; font-weight: bold;">42nd Annual Road Rally<br /><br /></a>
Monday, July 4th • 5:30-9:30PM - The Dunes 4th of July Celebration
Monday, July 4th • 9PM - City of Sanibel Fireworks Celebration<br /><br />
Monday, July 4th • 9PM - South Seas Island Resort Fireworks
Wednesday, July 6th • 9:30-10:30AM - <a href="https://www.sanibelcommunityhouse.net/event/detail/pid/63/id/2136/instance/20220708#.YsdUvS-B1hA" title="Sanibel Community House Aerobics" target="_blank">The Sanibel Community House Aerobics</a>
Thursday, July 7th • 1-2PM - <a href="https://www.sanibelcommunityhouse.net/event/detail/pid/63/id/2137/instance/20220714#.YsdVfS-B1hA" title="Sanibel Community House Chair Stretching" target="_blank">The Sanibel Community House Chair Stretching</a>
Friday, July 8th • 9:30-10:30AM - <a href="https://www.sanibelcommunityhouse.net/event/detail/pid/63/id/2136/instance/20220708#.YsdUvS-B1hA" title="Sanibel Community House Aerobics" target="_blank">The Sanibel Community House Aerobics</a>
Friday, July 8th • 1-3PM - <a href="https://www.sanibelcommunityhouse.net/event/detail/pid/63/id/1366/instance/20220708#.YsdV7C-B1hA" title="Sanibel Hearts Club Community House" target="_blank">Sanibel Hearts Card Club at The Sanibel Community House</a>
Sunday, July 10th • 4-6PM - <a href="https://www.saintmichaels-sanibel.org/messy-church" title="St. Michael's Sanibel Messy Church" target="_blank">St. Michael & All Angels Episcopal Church "Christmas in July" Messy Church<br /><br /></a>
Monday, July 11th • 9AM-1PM - <a href="https://www.sanibelcommunityhouse.net/event/detail/pid/63/id/1246/instance/20220711#.YsdXFS-B1hA" title="Shell Crafters Sanibel" target="_blank">Shell Crafters Open Table at Sanibel Community House</a>
Monday, July 11th • 9:30-10:30AM - <a href="https://www.sanibelcommunityhouse.net/event/detail/pid/63/id/2136/instance/20220708#.YsdUvS-B1hA" title="Sanibel Community House Aerobics" target="_blank">The Sanibel Community House Aerobics</a>
Monday, July 11th • 10AM - <a href="https://www.sanibelcommunityhouse.net/event/detail/pid/63/id/1246/instance/20220711#.YsdXFS-B1hA" title="Shell Crafters Sanibel" target="_blank">Shell Crafters Class at Sanibel Community House</a>
Tuesday, July 12th • 6PM - <a href="https://www.sanibelcommunityhouse.net/event/detail/pid/63/id/2151/instance/20220712#.YsdYHi-B1hA" title="Sanibel Community House Community Social" target="_blank">Sanibel Community House Community Social "Star Spangled BBQ"</a>
<br />Saturday, July 16th • 9AM-12PM - Paper Shredding at The Sanibel Community House
July 18-22 • 9:30AM-1:30PM - <a href="https://www.sanibelcommunityhouse.net/event/detail/pid/63/id/2147/instance/20220718#.YsdXoC-B1hA" title="Sanibel Community House Summer Camp" target="_blank">The Sanibel Community House Summer Camp "Caterpillars to Butterflies"</a>
Thursday, July 21st • 6PM - <a href="https://www.captivasanibel.com/2022/07/06/baileys-to-host-wine-tasting-with-food-pairings/" title="Baileys Wine Tasting Captiva" target="_blank">Bailey's The Island Store Hosts The Calling Wine Tasting at the Captiva Civic Center</a>
<br />Friday, July 29th • 6-8PM - Frech Wine Tasting & Food Pairing at The Sanibel Communty House2022-07-07T14:22:00-07:002022-07-08T08:38:21-07:00Kasey Albrighttag:yourswfloridarealestate.com,2012-09-20:296884th of July on Sanibel & Captiva 2022<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/421/image/Blog/4th_of_July/4th%20of%20July%20on%20Sanibel%20Captiva.jpg" width="600" height="338" alt="4th of July on Sanibel Captiva" title="4th of July on Sanibel Captiva" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" />
<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=1ArLUCm3GgqtT-Oge3kmvEnABse9FFew&usp=sharing" title="Sanibel & Captiva 4th of July" target="_blank">Click to Open Map</a>
Sanibel
<a href="https://sanibelchurch.com/events/4th-of-july-pancake-breakfast-2/" title="Sanibel Church 4th of July Pancake Breakfast" target="_blank">4th of July Pancake Breakfast at Sanibel Community Church</a>
Served from 7 to 9:15 a.m. in Fellowship Hall, 1740 Periwinkle Way. Parade beverage service available from 9 a.m. to noon. Any questions, call the church office at 472-2684 (Mon-Thurs).
<a href="https://sanibelchurch.com/events/4th-of-july-pancake-breakfast-2/" title="Sanibel Church 4th of July Pancake Breakfast" target="_blank"><img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/421/image/Blog/4th_of_July/Sanibel%20Chamber%204th%20of%20July%20Pancake%20Breakfast.png" width="600" height="799" alt="Sanibel Chamber 4th of July Pancake Breakfast" title="Sanibel Chamber 4th of July Pancake Breakfast" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></a>
<a href="https://fb.me/e/1QDq5vpPN" title="Sanibel Independence Day Parade" target="_blank">30th Annual Sanibel & Captiva Islands Independence Day Parade</a>
Red WIld & Blue
The parade begins at 9:30 a.m. at Periwinkle Way and Tarpon Bay Road. Spectators encouraged to arrive early for seating; bring lawn chairs or blankets, bottled water, suncreen and bug spray.
Parking available at Jerry's Foods, Sanibel Community Church, Tahitian Gardens Shopping Center, Forever Green/ACE Hardware, Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ, Periwinkle Place Shopping Center, The Community House, Sanibel Community Park, Sanibel Square, The Village Shops, Palm Ridge Place and Bailey's Center. For more information, contact Trish Phillips at 246-2981.
PERIWINKLE WAY WILL BE CLOSED FROM DONAX STREET TO TARPON BAY ROAD FROM 9 A.M. TO NOON. PLEASE PLAN ON ALTERNATE ROUTES IF YOU NEED TO TRAVEL
<a href="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/421/file/Blog/Sanibel%204th%20of%20July%20Parade.pdf" title="Sanibel 4th of July Parade" target="_blank"><img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/421/image/Blog/4th_of_July/Sanibel%204th%20of%20July%20Parade.png" width="650" height="841" alt="Sanibel 4th of July Parade" title="Sanibel 4th of July Parade" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></a>
<a href="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/421/file/Blog/Sanibel%204th%20of%20July%20Parade%20Entry%20Form.pdf" title="Sanibel 4th of July Parade Entry Form" target="_blank"><img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/421/image/Blog/4th_of_July/Sanibel%204th%20of%20July%20Parade%20Entry%20Form.png" width="600" height="687" alt="Sanibel 4th of July Parade Entry Form" title="Sanibel 4th of July Parade Entry Form" /></a>
Post-Parade Festivities at Jerry's Foods
Immediately following the parade, intersection of Periwinkle Way and Casa Ybel Road. Boy Scout Troops 193 and 316 serving hot dogs and drinks for donations. Water slides, dunk tank, bounce house, slip and slide, karaoke, face painting and snow cones. Tents, tables, chairs and fans available. For more information, contact Jack Elias at 472-6776.
Free Ice Cream at St. Michael's Church
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/421/image/Blog/4th_of_July/St%20Michaels%20Sanibel%204th%20of%20July.jpg" width="600" height="806" alt="St Michaels Sanibel 4th of July" title="St Michaels Sanibel 4th of July" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Sanibel-Road-Rally-2022-100325322696065/" title="Sanibel Optimist Road Rally" target="_blank">42nd Annual Road Rally</a>
Team vehicle scavenger hunt benefiting Community Housing & Resources. Begins at noon at The Timbers Restaurant, 703 Tarpon Bay Road. Prizes awarded at the after-party at Sanibel Grill (adjacent to The Timbers). Limit 50 vehicles. For more information or to register, contact Randy Carson at 699-8739.
<a href="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/421/file/Blog/Sanibel%20Road%20Rally.pdf" title="Sanibel Road Rally" target="_blank"><img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/421/image/Blog/4th_of_July/Sanibel%20Road%20Rally.jpg" width="600" height="778" alt="Sanibel Road Rally" title="Sanibel Road Rally" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></a>
The Dunes 4th of July Celebration
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/421/image/Blog/4th_of_July/Dunes%20Sanibel%204th%20of%20July.png" width="600" height="710" alt="Dunes Sanibel 4th of July" title="Dunes Sanibel 4th of July" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" />
City of Sanibel Fireworks Display
BAILEY ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC ALL DAY. PLEASE SEEK ALTERNATE ROUTES.<br />Fireworks launch at dusk from the beach at the end of Bailey Road. Best viewing from the Sanibel Causeway. Arrive early for parking.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/421/image/Blog/4th_of_July/Sanibel%204th%20of%20July%20Fireworks.jpg" width="600" height="600" alt="Sanibel 4th of July Fireworks" title="Sanibel 4th of July Fireworks" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" />
Periwinkle Place Shops Sidewalk Sale
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/421/image/Blog/4th_of_July/Periwinkle%20Place%20Shops%20Sidewalk%20Sale.png" width="600" height="693" alt="Periwinkle Place Shops Sidewalk Sale" title="Periwinkle Place Shops Sidewalk Sale" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" />
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/421/image/Blog/4th_of_July/Sanibel%20Fireworks%20Illegal.jpg" width="600" height="996" alt="Sanibel Fireworks Illegal" title="Sanibel Fireworks Illegal" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" />
Captiva
South Seas Island Resort
<a href="https://www.southseas.com/july-4th-2022/?fbclid=IwAR2PPMZP7ZxedAxpXWT2gPReoAuGkZAUi-8WpFXWmpFSpB-5HQ6O6sE86ak" title="South Seas Captiva 4th of July" target="_blank">South Seas</a> will be hosting their annual golf cart parade as well as 4th of July Fireworks. The South Seas Fireworks Show begins at 9pm. You must be a registered guest to be able to enter South Seas property but if you are on a boat nearby, you will be able to view the water.
<a href="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/421/file/Blog/South%20Seas%20Captiva%204th%20of%20July.pdf" title="South Seas Captiva 4th of July" target="_blank"><img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/421/image/Blog/4th_of_July/South%20Seas%20Captiva%204th%20of%20July.jpg" width="600" height="776" alt="South Seas Captiva 4th of July" title="South Seas Captiva 4th of July" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></a>
Tween Waters Island Resort
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/421/image/Blog/4th_of_July/Tween%20Waters%204th%20of%20July.jpg" width="600" height="337" alt="Tween Waters 4th of July" title="Tween Waters 4th of July" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" />
2022-06-21T08:05:00-07:002022-07-01T07:05:15-07:00Kasey Albrighttag:yourswfloridarealestate.com,2012-09-20:296684th of July in Southwest Florida 2022<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/421/image/Blog/4thofJuly2021.png" width="600" height="338" alt="4thofJuly2021" title="4thofJuly2021" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" />
<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=15FP03zEAItuUhikecv817uNhgU-_M1mr&usp=sharing" title="Southwest Florida 4th of July Fireworks" target="_blank">Click to Open Map</a>
<a href="https://www.yourswfloridarealestate.com/blog/4th-of-july-on-sanibel-captiva-2022/" title="Sanibel 4th of July">Sanibel</a>
4th of July Pancake Breakfast at Sanibel Community Church
Served from 7 to 9:15 a.m. in Fellowship Hall, 1740 Periwinkle Way. Parade beverage service available from 9 a.m. to noon. Any questions, call the church office at 472-2684 (Mon-Thurs).
30th Annual Sanibel & Captiva Islands Independence Day Parade
PERIWINKLE WAY WILL BE CLOSED FROM DONAX STREET TO TARPON BAY ROAD FROM 9 A.M. TO NOON. PLEASE PLAN ON ALTERNATE ROUTES IF YOU NEED TO TRAVEL<br />The parade begins at 9:30 a.m. at Periwinkle Way and Tarpon Bay Road. Spectators encouraged to arrive early for seating; bring lawn chairs or blankets, bottled water, suncreen and bug spray. Parking available at Jerry's Foods, Sanibel Community Church, Tahitian Gardens Shopping Center, Forever Green/ACE Hardware, Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ, Periwinkle Place Shopping Center, The Community House, Sanibel Community Park, Sanibel Square, The Village Shops, Palm Ridge Place and Bailey's Center. For more information, contact Trish Phillips at 246-2981.
<a href="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/421/file/Blog/Sanibel%204th%20of%20July%20Parade.pdf" title="Sanibel 4th of July Parade" target="_blank"><img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/421/image/Blog/4th_of_July/Sanibel%204th%20of%20July%20Parade.png" width="650" height="841" alt="Sanibel 4th of July Parade" title="Sanibel 4th of July Parade" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></a>
Post-Parade Festivities at Jerry's Foods
Immediately following the parade, intersection of Periwinkle Way and Casa Ybel Road. Boy Scout Troops 193 and 316 serving hot dogs and drinks for donations. Water slides, dunk tank, bounce house, slip and slide, karaoke, face painting and snow cones. Tents, tables, chairs and fans available. For more information, contact Jack Elias at 472-6776.
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Sanibel-Road-Rally-2022-100325322696065/" title="Sanibel Optimist Road Rally" target="_blank">42nd Annual Road Rally</a>
Team vehicle scavenger hunt benefiting Community Housing & Resources. Begins at noon at The Timbers Restaurant, 703 Tarpon Bay Road. Prizes awarded at the after-party at Sanibel Grill (adjacent to The Timbers). Limit 50 vehicles. For more information or to register, contact Randy Carson at 699-8739.
City of Sanibel Fireworks Display
BAILEY ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC ALL DAY. PLEASE SEEK ALTERNATE ROUTES.<br />Fireworks launch at dusk from the beach at the end of Bailey Road. Best viewing from the Sanibel Causeway. Arrive early for parking.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/421/image/Blog/4th_of_July/Sanibel%204th%20of%20July%20Fireworks.jpg" width="600" height="600" alt="Sanibel 4th of July Fireworks" title="Sanibel 4th of July Fireworks" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" />
<a href="https://www.yourswfloridarealestate.com/blog/4th-of-july-on-sanibel-captiva-2022/" title="Captiva 4th of July">Captiva</a>
<a href="https://www.southseas.com/july-4th-2022/?fbclid=IwAR2PPMZP7ZxedAxpXWT2gPReoAuGkZAUi-8WpFXWmpFSpB-5HQ6O6sE86ak" title="South Seas Captiva 4th of July" target="_blank">South Seas</a> will be hosting their annual golf cart parade as well as 4th of July Fireworks. The South Seas Fireworks Show begins at 9pm. You must be a registered guest to be able to enter South Seas property but if you are on a boat nearby, you will be able to view the water.
<a href="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/421/file/Blog/South%20Seas%20Captiva%204th%20of%20July.pdf" title="South Seas Captiva 4th of July" target="_blank"><img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/421/image/Blog/4th_of_July/South%20Seas%20Captiva%204th%20of%20July.jpg" width="600" height="776" alt="South Seas Captiva 4th of July" title="South Seas Captiva 4th of July" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></a>
<a href="https://www.fortmyersbeach.org/events/fort-myers-beach-fourth-of-july-celebration/" title="Fort Myers Beach 4th of July" target="_blank">Fort Myers Beach</a>
Parade
Come celebrate our great nation and town pride as the Fort Myers Beach Fourth of July parade makes it way down Estero Blvd. with its colorful floats and costumed participants! The parade starts at<a href="https://www.fortmyersbeachfl.gov/609/Parks-Recreation" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Bay Oaks Recreation Center</a> at 10 a.m. and continues down the boulevard to Times Square. Don’t miss this beach tradition! The roads and the Matanzas Pass Bridge will be closed from about 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Public parking at Bay Oaks and the Library is not permitted from 7:30 a.m. until noon due to the streets being used for parade staging. Anyone interested in participating in the parade should contact the Bay Oaks Rec Center at 239-765-4222.
Fireworks
The Fort Myers Beach Fourth of July fireworks show begins at approximately 9 P.M. at Times Square. You can bring a beach chair and and enjoy the show as the beautiful fireworks light up the night sky!
Closing time for the Matanzas Pass bridge is 9pm-11:30pm to oncoming traffic. Big Carlos Pass Bridge on the south end of the Island will remain open.
Fort Myers
<a href="https://www.myriverdistrict.com/event/freedom-fest/" title="Downtown Fort Myers 4th of July Fireworks" target="_blank">Downtown Fort Myers Freedom Fest</a>
Come celebrate the Fourth of July with us in historic downtown Fort Myers! This event promises to be fun for the entire family.<br />Enjoy live music from Thunder Beach Band, food trucks, local artisan vendors, and a fantastic firework display to finish off the evening!<br />The celebration will take place on Edwards Drive between Jackson and Hendry Street. FREE to attend! 6 -10 p.m. Monday, July 4. Fireworks start at about 9 p.m. Free. Downtown Fort Myers.
Cape Coral
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/421/image/Blog/CapeRedWhiteBoom.png" width="250" height="195" alt="CapeRedWhiteBoom" title="CapeRedWhiteBoom" style="float: right;" />
The City of Cape Coral Parks and Recreation Department is proud to bring you the largest single day event in Southwest Florida. The 2022 Red, White, and Boom is a FREE event for attendees.
The event takes place on Cape Coral Parkway at the foot of Cape Coral Bridge. The Cape Coral Bridge, as well as Cape Coral Parkway from Del Prado Boulevard to the bridge, will be closing at 3:00am on July 4. Please plan your day accordingly and arrange for an alternate route during your travels. Vehicles attempting to turn east or west on Cape Coral Parkway from Del Prado Boulevard will be directed to make a u-turn and head north.
Freedom 5K
Registration - 6:00am <br />Race Start - 7:00am <br />The start line is at the foot of the Cape Coral Bridge. Sign-ups are welcome on the event day!<br /><a data-testid="linkElement" href="https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/CapeCoral/Freedom5KRunWalkKidsFunRun?aflt_token=pCXOsxKvQ36vI5Y7TpC72ZqNRuMCkUih" target="_blank" class="_2k7xj" title="Cape Coral Freedom 5K">Register Now!</a>
American Fireworks Spectacular
The American Fireworks Spectacular is a musically synchronized display. The music can be heard at the stage, on Cat Country 107.1, or download the IHeart app. and log into Cat Country 107.1 and listen on your phone. Watch as over 4,000 shells explode in the sky of Cape Coral to celebrate the birth of our great nation. Listen to fireworks music on your phone. <a href="https://www.capeboom.com/home" target="_blank" title="Cape Coral 4th of July">Click for information</a>
9:30 pm - The American Fireworks Spectacular
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/421/image/Blog/CapeCoralRedWhiteBoom.png" width="600" height="255" alt="CapeCoralRedWhiteBoom" title="CapeCoralRedWhiteBoom" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" />2022-06-20T14:27:00-07:002022-06-28T12:59:52-07:00Kasey Albrighttag:yourswfloridarealestate.com,2012-09-20:254602022 Home Design PredictionsWhat trends in home design are you loving right now? Curious what’s ahead for 2022? Here’s what the folks over at House Beautiful say will be huge in the months ahead:⁣
Vintage, vintage, vintage: Not only is shopping vintage an efficient and sustainable option, but it also infuses a home with a little personality. ⁣
The more natural, the better: Designers see a continued focus on natural, high-quality, and long-lasting materials, especially living rooms and bedrooms — an intentional choice to step away from "fast fashion."⁣
Back in black: Black accents and hardware are back for 2022. While light and neutral are king still for sofas, walls, furniture), black accents will be popping up to add contrast and depth.⁣
Lighting: Natural lighting, that is. Large windows, high ceilings, and minimal window coverings are top of mind this year. Not only do they look stunning they also provide abundant daylight which can relieve stress — and that never goes out of style.⁣
Marble: Designers say bold, heavy marbles are inching their way into the design world, and it looks like they’re planning on staying put for a very long time.⁣⁣
Expert opinions aside, creating a home you love is what matters most. So whether you jump on all these trends — or not a single one — love the home you’re with! Need help or ideas? Reach out. We'd love to chat and connect you with professionals in our areas who can help!⁣2022-01-01T19:58:00-07:002022-01-01T20:13:14-07:00Kasey Albrighttag:yourswfloridarealestate.com,2012-09-20:25294Christmas on Sanibel & Captiva 2021Looking for restaurants that are open on Christmas? Thanks to the help of the Sanibel & Captiva Chamber of Commerce, we have compiled a list as well as found specials they are having for the holidays.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/421/image/Blog/Christmas/1.png" width="600" height="338" alt="Christmas on Sanibel & Captiva" title="Christmas on Sanibel & Captiva" /><img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/421/image/Blog/Christmas/2.png" width="600" height="338" alt="Christmas on Sanibel & Captiva" title="Christmas on Sanibel & Captiva" /><img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/421/image/Blog/Christmas/3.png" width="600" height="338" alt="Christmas on Sanibel & Captiva" title="Christmas on Sanibel & Captiva" /><img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/421/image/Blog/Christmas/4.png" width="600" height="338" alt="Christmas on Sanibel & Captiva" title="Christmas on Sanibel & Captiva" /><img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/421/image/Blog/Christmas/5.png" width="600" height="338" alt="Christmas on Sanibel & Captiva" title="Christmas on Sanibel & Captiva" /><img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/421/image/Blog/Christmas/6.png" width="600" height="338" alt="Christmas on Sanibel & Captiva" title="Christmas on Sanibel & Captiva" /><img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/421/image/Blog/Christmas/7.png" width="600" height="338" alt="Christmas on Sanibel & Captiva" title="Christmas on Sanibel & Captiva" />
Christmas Day Buffets
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/421/image/Blog/Christmas/Sundial%20Sanibel%20Christmas%20Buffet.jpg" width="500" height="1328" alt="Sundial Sanibel Christmas Buffet" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" />
Christmas Activities
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/421/image/Blog/Christmas/Adventures%20in%20Paradise%20Santa%20Cruise.png" width="500" height="647" alt="Adventures in Paradise Santa Cruise" title="Adventures in Paradise Santa Cruise" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" />
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/421/image/Blog/Christmas/Adventures%20in%20Paradise%20Christmas%20Eve.png" width="500" height="647" alt="Adventures in Paradise Christmas Eve" title="Adventures in Paradise Christmas Eve" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" />2021-12-18T12:28:00-07:002022-06-21T09:56:44-07:00Kasey Albrighttag:yourswfloridarealestate.com,2012-09-20:25293South Seas Holiday Stroll 2021<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/421/image/Blog/Events/South%20Seas%20Holiday%20Stroll%202021.jpg" width="600" height="338" alt="South Seas Holiday Stroll 2021" title="South Seas Holiday Stroll 2021" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" />
South Seas Island Resort on Captiva Island, Florida transformes its marina into a winter wonderland. Children get to meet santa, try making s'mores, get free hot chocolate and apple cider, enjoy popcorn while watching holiday movies on a big screen. There are also many other activivites for families. It is an amazing event not to be missed. Free for guests of the resort it is $10 per adult. December 3 & 4, 10 & 11, 17 & 18 from 6-9PM.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/421/image/Blog/Events/South%20Seas%20Holiday%20Stroll.jpg" width="600" height="778" alt="South Seas Holiday Stroll" title="South Seas Holiday Stroll" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" />2021-12-18T12:09:00-07:002021-12-18T12:28:13-07:00Kasey Albrighttag:yourswfloridarealestate.com,2012-09-20:25150December in Southwest Florida 2021December is the jollyest time of the year in Southwest Florida. There are so many events planned to get you in the holiday spirit with family. We have broken it down so you don't miss out on anything!
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/421/image/Blog/December%20Events%20in%20Southwest%20Florida.jpg" width="600" height="338" alt="December Events in Southwest Florida" title="December Events in Southwest Florida" />
Wednesday, December 1 • 5:30-9PM - <a href="https://www.edisonfordwinterestates.org/events/46th-annual-holiday-nights-celebration/" title="Edison & Ford Estates Holiday Nights" target="_blank">Edison & Ford Estates Holiday Nights</a>
Thursday, December 2 • 5:30-9PM - <a href="https://www.edisonfordwinterestates.org/events/46th-annual-holiday-nights-celebration/" title="Edison & Ford Estates Holiday Nights" target="_blank">Edison & Ford Estates Holiday Nights</a>
Thursday, December 2 • 6:30-8PM - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/588714304564503" title="McQuade Family Christmas Lightshow" target="_blank">McQuade Family Christmas Lightshow</a>
Friday, December 3 • 5:30-9PM - <a href="https://www.yourswfloridarealestate.com/blog/sanibel-luminary-stroll-2021/" title="Sanibel Luminary Stroll 2021">Sanibel Luminary Stroll</a>
Friday, December 3 • 5:30-9PM - <a href="https://www.edisonfordwinterestates.org/events/46th-annual-holiday-nights-celebration/" title="Edison & Ford Estates Holiday Nights" target="_blank">Edison & Ford Estates Holiday Nights</a>
Friday, December 3 • 6:15-8:30PM - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/588714304564503" title="McQuade Family Christmas Lightshow" target="_blank">McQuade Family Christmas Lightshow</a>
Friday, December 3 • 6-9PM - South Seas Holiday Stroll
Saturday, December 4 - Captiva Luminary Stroll
Saturday, December 4 • 5:30-9PM - <a href="https://www.edisonfordwinterestates.org/events/46th-annual-holiday-nights-celebration/" title="Edison & Ford Estates Holiday Nights" target="_blank">Edison & Ford Estates Holiday Nights</a>
Saturday, December 4 • 6-9PM - South Seas Holiday Stroll
Saturday, December 4 • 6-9:30PM - <a href="https://farmermikesevents.ticketspice.com/3rd-annual-christmas-at-farmer-mikes" title="Christmas at Farmer Mike's" target="_blank">Christmas at Farmer Mike's</a>
Saturday, December 4 - Big Arts Concert Band Holiday Concert
Sunday, December 5 • 5:30-9PM - <a href="https://www.edisonfordwinterestates.org/events/46th-annual-holiday-nights-celebration/" title="Edison & Ford Estates Holiday Nights" target="_blank">Edison & Ford Estates Holiday Nights</a>
Sunday, December 5 • 6:30-8:30PM - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/588714304564503" title="McQuade Family Christmas Lightshow" target="_blank">McQuade Family Christmas Lightshow</a>
Monday, December 6 • 5:30-9PM - <a href="https://www.edisonfordwinterestates.org/events/46th-annual-holiday-nights-celebration/" title="Edison & Ford Estates Holiday Nights" target="_blank">Edison & Ford Estates Holiday Nights</a>
Monday, December 6 • 6:30-8PM - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/588714304564503" title="McQuade Family Christmas Lightshow" target="_blank">McQuade Family Christmas Lightshow</a>
Tuesday, December 7 • 5:30-9PM - <a href="https://www.edisonfordwinterestates.org/events/46th-annual-holiday-nights-celebration/" title="Edison & Ford Estates Holiday Nights" target="_blank">Edison & Ford Estates Holiday Nights</a>
Tuesday, December 7 • 6:30-8PM - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/588714304564503" title="McQuade Family Christmas Lightshow" target="_blank">McQuade Family Christmas Lightshow</a>
Wednesday, December 8 • 7AM-1PM - <a href="https://fb.me/e/1rahoboMO" title="Lakes Park Farmers Market Letters to Santa" target="_blank">Lakes Park Farmers Market Letter to Santa</a>
Wednesday, December 8 • 5:30-9PM - <a href="https://www.edisonfordwinterestates.org/events/46th-annual-holiday-nights-celebration/" title="Edison & Ford Estates Holiday Nights" target="_blank">Edison & Ford Estates Holiday Nights</a>
Wednesday, December 8 • 6:30-8PM - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/588714304564503" title="McQuade Family Christmas Lightshow" target="_blank">McQuade Family Christmas Lightshow</a>
Wednesday, December 8 - Big Arts Community Chorus Holiday Concert
Thursday, December 9 • 5:30-9PM - <a href="https://www.edisonfordwinterestates.org/events/46th-annual-holiday-nights-celebration/" title="Edison & Ford Estates Holiday Nights" target="_blank">Edison & Ford Estates Holiday Nights</a>
Thursday, December 9 • 6:30-8PM - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/588714304564503" title="McQuade Family Christmas Lightshow" target="_blank">McQuade Family Christmas Lightshow</a>
Friday, December 10 • 10AM-2PM & 6-9PM - Lakes Park Holiday Express Train
Friday, December 10 • 4-8PM - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/3055900694656380/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22discovery_top_tab%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22bookmark%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D" title="Holiday Market at Mercato" target="_blank">Holiday Market at Mercato</a>
Friday, December 10 • 5-9PM - Holiday House
Friday, December 10 • 5:30-9PM - <a href="https://www.edisonfordwinterestates.org/events/46th-annual-holiday-nights-celebration/" title="Edison & Ford Estates Holiday Nights" target="_blank">Edison & Ford Estates Holiday Nights</a>
Friday, December 10 • 6-9:30PM - <a href="https://farmermikesevents.ticketspice.com/3rd-annual-christmas-at-farmer-mikes" title="Christmas at Farmer Mike's" target="_blank">Christmas at Farmer Mike's</a>
Friday, December 10 • 6-9PM - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/586258062456636?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22discovery_top_tab%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22bookmark%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D" title="Calusa Nature Center Holiday Nights" target="_blank">Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium Holiday Lights Illuminated Nature Hike and Campfire</a>
Friday, December 10 • 6:15-8:30PM - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/588714304564503" title="McQuade Family Christmas Lightshow" target="_blank">McQuade Family Christmas Lightshow</a>
Friday, December 10 • 6-9PM - South Seas Holiday Stroll
Saturday, December 11 • 10AM-12PM - <a href="https://www.watersideshops.com/santa/?fbclid=IwAR088EPNfJD0kXaGRG7OJx-cQFJfRM6u_PYbEZF0N2XNUGWtF3gEUs0HB2A" title="Santa Visits Waterside Shops Naples" target="_blank">Santa Visits Waterside Shops Naples</a>
Saturday, December 11 • 11:30AM & 2:30PM - Ritz Carlton Teddy Bear Tea
Saturday, December 11 • 12-3PM - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/466265561576845/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22discovery_top_tab%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22bookmark%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D" title="Seed to Table Christmas" target="_blank">Santa & Mrs. Claus and the Grinch at Seed to Table</a>
Saturday, December 11 • 10AM-9PM - Lakes Park Holiday Express Train
Saturday, December 11 • 3-9PM - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/905223883717185?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22discovery_top_tab%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22bookmark%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D" title="Wa-Ke Hatchee Santa Fest" target="_blank">Wa-Ke Hatchee Park Santa Fest</a>
Saturday, December 11 • 4-8PM - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/3055900697989713/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22extra_data%22%3A%22%22%2C%22mechanism%22%3A%22discovery_top_tab%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22bookmark%22%7D%2C%7B%22extra_data%22%3A%22%22%2C%22mechanism%22%3A%22surface%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22permalink%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D" title="Holiday Market at Mercato" target="_blank">Holiday Market at Mercato</a>
Saurday, December 11 • 5-9PM - Holiday House
Saturday, December 11 • 5:30-9PM - <a href="https://www.edisonfordwinterestates.org/events/46th-annual-holiday-nights-celebration/" title="Edison & Ford Estates Holiday Nights" target="_blank">Edison & Ford Estates Holiday Nights</a>
Saturday, December 11 • 6PM - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/629540038068443/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22discovery_top_tab%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22bookmark%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D" title="Fort Myers Brewing" target="_blank">Elf Movie at Fort Myers Brewing Company</a>
Saturday, December 11 • 6-8PM - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/588714304564503" title="McQuade Family Christmas Lightshow" target="_blank">Santa Visits McQuade Family Christmas Lightshow</a>
Saturday, December 11 • 6-9:30PM - <a href="https://farmermikesevents.ticketspice.com/3rd-annual-christmas-at-farmer-mikes" title="Christmas at Farmer Mike's" target="_blank">Christmas at Farmer Mike's</a>
Saturday, December 11 • 6-9PM - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/586258062456636?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22discovery_top_tab%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22bookmark%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D" title="Calusa Nature Center Holiday Nights" target="_blank">Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium Holiday Lights Illuminated Nature Hike and Campfire</a>
Saturday, December 11 • 6:15-8:30PM - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/588714304564503" title="McQuade Family Christmas Lightshow" target="_blank">McQuade Family Christmas Lightshow</a>
Saturday, December 11 • 6-9PM - South Seas Holiday Stroll
Saturday, December 11 - Gulfshore Ballet - The Nutcracker at Big Arts
Sunday, December 12 • 10AM-9PM - Lakes Park Holiday Express Train
Sunday, December 12 • 11:30AM & 2:30PM - Ritz Carlton Teddy Bear Tea
Sunday, December 12 • 4-8PM - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/3055900691323047?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22extra_data%22%3A%22%22%2C%22mechanism%22%3A%22discovery_top_tab%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22bookmark%22%7D%2C%7B%22extra_data%22%3A%22%22%2C%22mechanism%22%3A%22surface%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22permalink%22%7D%2C%7B%22extra_data%22%3A%22%22%2C%22mechanism%22%3A%22surface%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22permalink%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D" title="Holiday Market at Mercato" target="_blank">Holiday Market at Mercato</a>
Sunday, December 12 • 5-9PM - Holiday House
Sunday, December 12 • 5:30-9PM - <a href="https://www.edisonfordwinterestates.org/events/46th-annual-holiday-nights-celebration/" title="Edison & Ford Estates Holiday Nights" target="_blank">Edison & Ford Estates Holiday Nights</a>
Sunday, December 12 • 6-9PM - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/586258062456636?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22discovery_top_tab%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22bookmark%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D" title="Calusa Nature Center Holiday Nights" target="_blank">Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium Holiday Lights Illuminated Nature Hike and Campfire</a>
Sunday, December 12 • 6:30-8:30PM - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/588714304564503" title="McQuade Family Christmas Lightshow" target="_blank">McQuade Family Christmas Lightshow</a>
Monday, December 13 • 10AM-2PM & 6-9PM - Lakes Park Holiday Express Train
Monday, December 13 • 5-9PM - Holiday House
Monday, December 13 • 5:30-9PM - <a href="https://www.edisonfordwinterestates.org/events/46th-annual-holiday-nights-celebration/" title="Edison & Ford Estates Holiday Nights" target="_blank">Edison & Ford Estates Holiday Nights</a>
Monday, December 13 • 6:30-8PM - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/588714304564503" title="McQuade Family Christmas Lightshow" target="_blank">McQuade Family Christmas Lightshow</a>
Tuesday, December 14 • 10AM-2PM & 6-9PM - Lakes Park Holiday Express Train
Tuesday, December 14 • 5-9PM - Holiday House
Thursday, December 14 • 5:30-9PM - <a href="https://www.edisonfordwinterestates.org/events/46th-annual-holiday-nights-celebration/" title="Edison & Ford Estates Holiday Nights" target="_blank">Edison & Ford Estates Holiday Nights</a>
Tuesday, December 14 • 6:30-8PM - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/588714304564503" title="McQuade Family Christmas Lightshow" target="_blank">McQuade Family Christmas Lightshow</a>
Wednesday, December 15 • 10AM-2PM & 6-9PM - Lakes Park Holiday Express Train
Wednesday, December 15 • 5-9PM - Holiday House
Wednesday, December 15 • 5:30-9PM - <a href="https://www.edisonfordwinterestates.org/events/46th-annual-holiday-nights-celebration/" title="Edison & Ford Estates Holiday Nights" target="_blank">Edison & Ford Estates Holiday Nights</a>
Wednesday, December 15 • 6:30-8PM - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/588714304564503" title="McQuade Family Christmas Lightshow" target="_blank">McQuade Family Christmas Lightshow</a>
Thursday, December 16 • 2:30PM - Ritz Carlton Teddy Bear Tea
Thursday, December 16 • 10AM-2PM & 6-9PM - Lakes Park Holiday Express Train
Thursday, December 16 • 5-9PM - Holiday House
Thursday, December 16 • 5:30-9PM - <a href="https://www.edisonfordwinterestates.org/events/46th-annual-holiday-nights-celebration/" title="Edison & Ford Estates Holiday Nights" target="_blank">Edison & Ford Estates Holiday Nights</a>
Thursday, December 16 • 6:30-8PM - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/588714304564503" title="McQuade Family Christmas Lightshow" target="_blank">McQuade Family Christmas Lightshow</a>
Friday, December 17 • 2:30PM - Ritz Carlton Teddy Bear Tea
Friday, December 17 • 10AM-2PM & 6-9PM - Lakes Park Holiday Express Train
Friday, December 17 • 5-9PM - Holiday House
Friday, December 17 • 5:30-9PM - <a href="https://www.edisonfordwinterestates.org/events/46th-annual-holiday-nights-celebration/" title="Edison & Ford Estates Holiday Nights" target="_blank">Edison & Ford Estates Holiday Nights</a>
Friday, December 17 • 6-9:30PM - <a href="https://farmermikesevents.ticketspice.com/3rd-annual-christmas-at-farmer-mikes" title="Christmas at Farmer Mike's" target="_blank">Christmas at Farmer Mike's</a>
Friday, December 17 • 6-9PM - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/586258062456636?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22discovery_top_tab%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22bookmark%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D" title="Calusa Nature Center Holiday Nights" target="_blank">Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium Holiday Lights Illuminated Nature Hike and Campfire</a>
Friday, December 17 • 6:15-8:30PM - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/588714304564503" title="McQuade Family Christmas Lightshow" target="_blank">McQuade Family Christmas Lightshow</a>
Friday, December 17 • 6-9PM - South Seas Holiday Stroll
Saturday, December 18 • 9AM-12PM - <a href="https://sundialresort.com/holiday-dining/breakfast-with-santa/?fbclid=IwAR0OXsAhe0-myQc1M8SIT-_FeIsQt1uUJ45dPNIDwnw0bU23Cjut2916kak" title="Sundial Breakfast with Santa" target="_blank">Sundial Resort Breakfast with Santa</a>
Saturday, December 18 • 10AM-12PM - <a href="https://www.watersideshops.com/santa/?fbclid=IwAR088EPNfJD0kXaGRG7OJx-cQFJfRM6u_PYbEZF0N2XNUGWtF3gEUs0HB2A" title="Santa Visits Waterside Shops Naples" target="_blank">Santa Visits Waterside Shops Naples</a>
Saturday, December 18 • 11:30AM & 2:30PM - Ritz Carlton Teddy Bear Tea
Saturday, December 18 • 10AM-9PM - Lakes Park Holiday Express Train
Saturday, December 18 • 12-3PM -<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/466265561576845/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22discovery_top_tab%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22bookmark%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D" title="Seed to Table Christmas" target="_blank"> Santa & Mrs. Claus and the Grinch at Seed to Table</a>
Saturday, December 18 • 12-10PM - Point Ybel Brewing Octo-versary (8 Year Anniversary Celebration)
Saturday, December 18 • 4-9PM - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1063306877544542/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22discovery_top_tab%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22bookmark%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D" title="Cape Coral Holiday Boat-A-Long" target="_blank">Cape Coral Holiday Boat-A-Long</a>
Saturday, December 18 • 5-9PM - Holiday House
Saturday, December 18 • 5:30-9PM - <a href="https://www.edisonfordwinterestates.org/events/46th-annual-holiday-nights-celebration/" title="Edison & Ford Estates Holiday Nights" target="_blank">Edison & Ford Estates Holiday Nights</a>
Saturday, December 18 • 6-8PM - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/588714304564503" title="McQuade Family Christmas Lightshow" target="_blank">Santa Visits McQuade Family Christmas Lightshow</a>
Saturday, December 18 • 6-9:30PM - <a href="https://farmermikesevents.ticketspice.com/3rd-annual-christmas-at-farmer-mikes" title="Christmas at Farmer Mike's" target="_blank">Christmas at Farmer Mike's</a>
Saturday, December 18 • 6-9PM - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/586258062456636?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22discovery_top_tab%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22bookmark%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D" title="Calusa Nature Center Holiday Nights" target="_blank">Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium Holiday Lights Illuminated Nature Hike and Campfire</a>
Saturday, December 18 • 6-9PM - South Seas Holiday Stroll
Sunday, December 19 • 11:30AM & 2:30PM - Ritz Carlton Teddy Bear Tea
Sunday, December 19 • 10AM-9PM - Lakes Park Holiday Express Train
Sunday, December 19 • 12-3PM - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/466265561576845/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22discovery_top_tab%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22bookmark%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D" title="Seed to Table Christmas" target="_blank">Santa & Mrs. Claus and the Grinch at Seed to Table</a>
Sunday, December 19 • 5-9PM - Holiday House
Sunday, December 19 • 5:30-9PM - <a href="https://www.edisonfordwinterestates.org/events/46th-annual-holiday-nights-celebration/" title="Edison & Ford Estates Holiday Nights" target="_blank">Edison & Ford Estates Holiday Nights</a>
Sunday, December 19 • 6-8PM - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/588714304564503" title="McQuade Family Christmas Lightshow" target="_blank">Santa Visits McQuade Family Christmas Lightshow</a>
Sunday, December 19 • 6-9PM - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/586258062456636?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22discovery_top_tab%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22bookmark%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D" title="Calusa Nature Center Holiday Nights" target="_blank">Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium Holiday Lights Illuminated Nature Hike and Campfire</a>
Sunday, December 19 • 6:30-8:30PM - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/588714304564503" title="McQuade Family Christmas Lightshow" target="_blank">McQuade Family Christmas Lightshow</a>
Monday, December 20 • 11:30AM & 2:30PM - Ritz Carlton Teddy Bear Tea
Monday, December 20 • 10AM-2PM & 6-9PM - Lakes Park Holiday Express Train
Monday, December 20 • 5-9PM - Holiday House
Monday, December 20 • 5:30-9PM - <a href="https://www.edisonfordwinterestates.org/events/46th-annual-holiday-nights-celebration/" title="Edison & Ford Estates Holiday Nights" target="_blank">Edison & Ford Estates Holiday Nights</a>
Monday, December 20 • 6:30-8PM - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/588714304564503" title="McQuade Family Christmas Lightshow" target="_blank">McQuade Family Christmas Lightshow</a>
Tuesday, December 21 • 11:30AM & 2:30PM - Ritz Carlton Teddy Bear Tea
Tuesday, December 21 • 10AM-2PM & 6-9PM - Lakes Park Holiday Express Train
Tuesday, December 21 • 5-9PM - Holiday House
Tuesday, December 21 • 5:30-9PM - <a href="https://www.edisonfordwinterestates.org/events/46th-annual-holiday-nights-celebration/" title="Edison & Ford Estates Holiday Nights" target="_blank">Edison & Ford Estates Holiday Nights</a>
Tuesday, December 21 • 6:30-8PM - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/588714304564503" title="McQuade Family Christmas Lightshow" target="_blank">McQuade Family Christmas Lightshow</a>
Wednesday, December 22 • 11:30AM & 2:30PM - Ritz Carlton Teddy Bear Tea
Wednesday, December 22 • 10AM-2PM & 6-9PM - Lakes Park Holiday Express Train
Wednesday, December 22 • 5-9PM - Holiday House
Wednesday, December 22 • 5:30-9PM - <a href="https://www.edisonfordwinterestates.org/events/46th-annual-holiday-nights-celebration/" title="Edison & Ford Estates Holiday Nights" target="_blank">Edison & Ford Estates Holiday Nights</a>
Wednesday, December 22 • 6-9PM - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/586258062456636?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22discovery_top_tab%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22bookmark%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D" title="Calusa Nature Center Holiday Nights" target="_blank">Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium Holiday Lights Illuminated Nature Hike and Campfire</a>
Wednesday, December 22 • 6:30-8PM - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/588714304564503" title="McQuade Family Christmas Lightshow" target="_blank">McQuade Family Christmas Lightshow</a>
Thursday, December 23 • 10AM-2PM & 6-9PM - Lakes Park Holiday Express Train
Thursday, December 23 • 5:30-9PM - <a href="https://www.edisonfordwinterestates.org/events/46th-annual-holiday-nights-celebration/" title="Edison & Ford Estates Holiday Nights" target="_blank">Edison & Ford Estates Holiday Nights</a>
Thursday, December 23 • 6-9PM - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/586258062456636?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22discovery_top_tab%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22bookmark%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D" title="Calusa Nature Center Holiday Nights" target="_blank">Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium Holiday Lights Illuminated Nature Hike and Campfire</a>
Thursday, December 23 • 6:30-8PM - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/588714304564503" title="McQuade Family Christmas Lightshow" target="_blank">McQuade Family Christmas Lightshow</a>
Friday, December 24 • 9, 10, 10:30, or 10:45AM - Adventures in Paradise Santa's Dolphin Cruise
Friday, December 24 • 10AM-2PM - Lakes Park Holiday Express Train
Friday, December 24 • 4:45-6:15PM - Adventures in Paradise Christmas Eve Sunset Dolphin Cruise
Friday, December 24 • 5:30-9PM - <a href="https://www.edisonfordwinterestates.org/events/46th-annual-holiday-nights-celebration/" title="Edison & Ford Estates Holiday Nights" target="_blank">Edison & Ford Estates Holiday Nights</a>
Friday, December 24 • 6-9PM - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/586258062456636?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22discovery_top_tab%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22bookmark%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D" title="Calusa Nature Center Holiday Nights" target="_blank">Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium Holiday Lights Illuminated Nature Hike and Campfire</a>
Sunday, December 26 • 10AM-9PM - Lakes Park Holiday Express Train
Sunday, December 26 • 5:30-9PM - <a href="https://www.edisonfordwinterestates.org/events/46th-annual-holiday-nights-celebration/" title="Edison & Ford Estates Holiday Nights" target="_blank">Edison & Ford Estates Holiday Nights</a>
Monday, December 27 • 10AM-2PM & 6-9PM - Lakes Park Holiday Express Train
Mondat, December 27 • 5:30-9PM - <a href="https://www.edisonfordwinterestates.org/events/46th-annual-holiday-nights-celebration/" title="Edison & Ford Estates Holiday Nights" target="_blank">Edison & Ford Estates Holiday Nights</a>
Tuesday, December 28 • 10AM-2PM & 6-9PM - Lakes Park Holiday Express Train
Tuesday, December 28 • 5:30-9PM - <a href="https://www.edisonfordwinterestates.org/events/46th-annual-holiday-nights-celebration/" title="Edison & Ford Estates Holiday Nights" target="_blank">Edison & Ford Estates Holiday Nights</a>
Tuesday, December 28 • 6-9PM - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/586258062456636?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22discovery_top_tab%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22bookmark%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D" title="Calusa Nature Center Holiday Nights" target="_blank">Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium Holiday Lights Illuminated Nature Hike and Campfire</a>
Wednesday, December 29 • 10AM-2PM & 6-9PM - Lakes Park Holiday Express Train
Wednesday, December 29 • 5:30-9PM - <a href="https://www.edisonfordwinterestates.org/events/46th-annual-holiday-nights-celebration/" title="Edison & Ford Estates Holiday Nights" target="_blank">Edison & Ford Estates Holiday Nights</a>
Wednesday, December 29 • 6-9PM - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/586258062456636?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22discovery_top_tab%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22bookmark%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D" title="Calusa Nature Center Holiday Nights" target="_blank">Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium Holiday Lights Illuminated Nature Hike and Campfire</a>
Thursday, December 30 • 10AM-2PM & 6-9PM - Lakes Park Holiday Express Train
Wednesday, December 30 • 5:30-9PM - <a href="https://www.edisonfordwinterestates.org/events/46th-annual-holiday-nights-celebration/" title="Edison & Ford Estates Holiday Nights" target="_blank">Edison & Ford Estates Holiday Nights</a>
Thursday, December 30 • 6-9PM - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/586258062456636?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22discovery_top_tab%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22bookmark%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D" title="Calusa Nature Center Holiday Nights" target="_blank">Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium Holiday Lights Illuminated Nature Hike and Campfire</a>
Friday, December 31 • 4:45-6:15PM - Adventures in Paradise New Years Eve Sunset Dolphin Cruise
Friday, December 31 • 5:30-9PM - <a href="https://www.edisonfordwinterestates.org/events/46th-annual-holiday-nights-celebration/" title="Edison & Ford Estates Holiday Nights" target="_blank">Edison & Ford Estates Holiday Nights</a>
Friday, December 31 • 10PM - Tween Waters Glow in the Dark Maskerade Party
Recurring Events
<a href="https://www.yourswfloridarealestate.com/blog/christmas-lights-in-southwest-florida-2021/" title="Christmas Lights in Southwest Florida">Driving Around and Looking at Christmas Lights</a>
November 29-December 31 - Ritz Carlton Gingerbread House2021-12-08T15:37:00-07:002021-12-11T10:22:33-07:00Kasey Albrighttag:yourswfloridarealestate.com,2012-09-20:25054Sanibel Luminary Stroll 2021December 3rd, 2021 from 5:30-9PM is the annual Sanibel Luminary Stroll and is the biggest holiday party on Sanibel Island! This event takes place along Periwinkle Way with luminaries lining the sidewalks. Businesses and restaurants will be open giving out treats and shops will be having great sales! Here is a video recap when we went a few years ago.
For those of you who don't know a luminary is, we are here to shed some "light". A luminary is a small paper lantern created by putting a candle in sand at the bottom of a paper bag. The bags are then arranged along a street or sidewalk to light a path.
Periwinkle Place Shops and Tahitian Gardens are must visit stops during your night. Be sure to walk through the Luminary forest on the sidewalks next to Sanibel Community House. You should also go to the Sanibel Community Church which has a live nativity scene and beautiful decorations.
<a href="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/421/file/Blog/Sanibel%20Luminary%20Stroll%20Map.jpg" title="Sanibel Luminary Stroll Map" target="_blank"><img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/421/image/Blog/Events/Sanibel%20Luminary%20Stroll%202021.jpg" width="700" height="541" alt="Sanibel Luminary Stroll 2021" title="Sanibel Luminary Stroll 2021" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border: 1px solid black;" /></a><a href="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/421/file/Blog/Sanibel%20Luminary%20Stroll%20Map.jpg" title="Sanibel Luminary Stroll Map" target="_blank">Click to Download Luminary Map</a>
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/421/image/Blog/Harrell%20Tolp%20Albright%20Happy%20Holidays%202021.jpg" width="700" height="500" alt="Happy Holidays from the Harrell Tolp Albright Team" title="Happy Holidays from the Harrell Tolp Albright Team" />
2021-12-02T19:11:00-07:002021-12-08T15:35:43-07:00Kasey Albrighttag:yourswfloridarealestate.com,2012-09-20:25041Christmas Lights in Southwest Florida 2021<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/421/image/Blog/Events/SWFL%20Christmas%20Lights%20Map.jpg" width="600" height="338" alt="SWFL Christmas Lights Map" title="SWFL Christmas Lights Map" style="vertical-align: middle;" />
<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/1/edit?mid=1LJvJ8hryPpCDLqpEaAemoZACmwOlONM5&usp=sharing" title="Southwest Florida Christmas Lights" target="_blank" style="text-align: center;">Click Here for Directions</a>
Happy Holidays everyone! It is the HARRELL • TOLP • ALBRIGHT TEAM's second year searching the area for the best Christmas lights for you and your family to enjoy.
The map above is our full list and clicking it can give you directions to each house and more information. Below we have listed our list of favorite lights to not miss this season! Remember to tag us on social media <a href="https://instagram.com/yourswfloridarealestate/" title="YourSWFloridaRealEstate Instagram" target="_blank">@YourSWFloridaRealEstate</a> while you are out and about! Also, comment if you think we have missed any that should be on our list! We will be updating the map and list regularly! ENJOY!
Please remember not to go onto anyone's property (unless allowed).
<a href="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/421/file/Blog/Christmas%20Lights%20in%20Fort%20Myers.pdf" title="Fort Myers Christmas Lights" target="_blank"><img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/421/image/Blog/Christmas%20Lights%20in%20Fort%20Myers.jpg" width="700" height="350" alt="Fort Myers Christmas Lights" title="Fort Myers Christmas Lights" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></a><a href="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/421/file/Blog/Christmas%20Lights%20in%20Fort%20Myers.pdf" title="Fort Myers Christmas Lights" target="_blank">Download Fort Myers Favorites Map</a>
Our Favorite Lights in Southwest Florida:
1. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/588714304564503/" title="McQuade Family Christmas Lightshow" target="_blank">McQuade Family Christmas Lights</a><br /><a href="https://goo.gl/maps/oYpGSq64TzTfShVH7" title="McQuade Family Christmas Lightshow" target="_blank">11619 Ranchette Road • Fort Myers</a>
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/421/image/Blog/Events/McQuade%20Family%20Christmas%20Lightshow.jpg" width="600" height="338" alt="McQuade Family Christmas Lightshow" title="McQuade Family Christmas Lightshow" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" />
6:30-8pm Weekends and 6:15-8:30pm Weeknights
This is one of the houses you are allowed to get out of your cars to enjoy. All parking will be on the OPPOSITE side of the road from the house. You can walk through the gates onto the property to enjoy the decorations and dancing lights.
GATE Schedule for the week of Nov 29-Dec 5
The gate will be open:
Monday 6:30-8:00pm
Tuesday 6:30-8:00pm
Wednesday viewing only from the road
Thursday 6:30-8:00pm
Friday 6:15-8:30pm
Saturday- closed for a private event
Sunday 6:15-8:30pm
2. <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/WhGSCyuZzNevk9Lj8" title="1536 Pinecrest Road" target="_blank">1536 Pinecrest Road • Fort Myers</a>
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/421/image/Blog/Events/1536%20Pinecrest%20Road.jpg" width="600" height="338" alt="1536 Pinecrest Road" title="1536 Pinecrest Road" style="vertical-align: middle; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" />
Pinecrest Road in Fort Myers, near Cypress Lake High School, features multiple homes with incredible lights. 1536 Pinecrest Road is the main centerpiece to the neighborhood. This one is not to miss! Stay in your car to drive through the neighborhood to enjoy these lights.
3. <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/5HMnyy4rU8WpemyXA" title="869 Marben Drive" target="_blank" style="font-size: 24px; font-weight: 400;">869 Marben Drive • Fort Myers</a>
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/421/image/Blog/Events/869%20Marben%20Drive.jpg" width="600" height="338" alt="869 Marben Drive" title="869 Marben Drive" style="vertical-align: middle; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" />
869 Marben Drive is located off of Shaddelee Drive in Fort Myers. This house is so lit up, you can see it from McGregor.
4. <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/v8Cs4tKCxzxW4PZ8A" title="5271 Westminster Drive" target="_blank" style="font-size: 24px;">5271 Westminster Drive • Fort Myers</a>
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/421/image/Blog/Events/5271%20Westminster%20Drive.jpg" width="600" height="338" alt="5271 Westminster Drive" title="5271 Westminster Drive" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" />
This home on a cul-de-sac in Whiskey Creek has beautiful dancing lights for you and your family to enjoy from your car.
5. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/neil.monkman64/?__tn__=%2Cd%2CP-R&eid=ARC5S6YTBMgxTF8eRMBPcRKaEphS58s4_bk65tnJF_Xw0LNtaoFF7PVZtqkHP3R3w1opf06NvyUmWsou" title="Planet Monkman Christmas" target="_blank" style="font-size: 24px; font-weight: 400;">Planet Monkman Christmas<br /></a><a href="https://goo.gl/maps/8xCNHNRkvxqagrqA8" title="Planet Monkman Christmas" target="_blank" style="font-size: 24px; font-weight: 400;">26 NE 8th Terrace, Cape Coral</a>
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/421/image/Blog/Events/Planet%20Monkman%20Christmas.jpg" width="600" height="338" alt="Planet Monkman Christmas" title="Planet Monkman Christmas" style="vertical-align: middle; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" />
Nightly 6-10PM (unless there is rain). <br />You can park in the vacant lot across the street and watch over 150,000 lights synced to a variety of music.
6. <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/4cLNVW9ywui5XYYB8" title="925 SE 27th Terrace" target="_blank" style="font-size: 24px;">925 SE 27th Terrace, Cape Coral</a>
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/421/image/Blog/Events/925%20SE%2027th%20Terrace.jpg" width="600" height="338" alt="925 SE 27th Terrace" title="925 SE 27th Terrace" style="vertical-align: middle;" />
This is Christmas inflateable heaven! We were so impressed with this house's decorations, especially the roof. Definitely fun and whimsicle and great for kids to see!
7. <a href="https://g.page/tween-waters-island-resort-spa?share" title="Tween Waters Inn Resort" target="_blank">Tween Waters Inn Resort</a><br /><a href="https://g.page/tween-waters-island-resort-spa?share" title="Tween Waters Inn Resort" target="_blank">15951 Captiva Drive • Captiva Island</a>
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/421/image/Blog/Tween%20Waters%20Inn%20Resort.jpg" width="600" height="338" alt="Tween Waters Inn Resort" title="Tween Waters Inn Resort" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" />
On Captiva, Tween Waters has our favorite Christmas lights on the two islands. With a giant tree and a candy cane forest, this one is not to miss!
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/421/image/Blog/Harrell%20Tolp%20Albright%20Happy%20Holidays%202021.jpg" width="600" height="428" alt="Happy Holidays Harrell Tolp Albright Team" title="Happy Holidays Harrell Tolp Albright Team" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" />2021-12-02T08:35:00-07:002021-12-05T20:18:55-07:00Kasey Albrighttag:yourswfloridarealestate.com,2012-09-20:24864Major Water Quality Update
On November 16th, the Army Corps released its selected operation plan for the Lake Okeechobee System Operations Manual (LOSOM). In the plan, the Caloosahatchee achieves a 27% decrease in the number of days where we will be burdened with harmful Lake Okeechobee discharges. We also see a 12% improvement in the number of days where we meet the minimum flows needed to maintain a healthy estuary. This 12% improvement is on top of the 82% improvement that we will achieve upon completion of the C-43 Reservoir. This will be an extremely significant benefit to the health of the Caloosahatchee and our estuary.
The model chosen is expected to:
Eliminate lake releases to the St. Lucie under normal conditions, sending zero lake water to the East 95% of the time. Under 2008 LORS, releases east were at zero only 37% of the time and the flows could reach 1,800 cubic feet per second even in the low sub band.
Eliminate stressful releases to the Caloosahatchee River from Lake Okeechobee under normal conditions and provide lake flows that are compatible with estuarine ecology as recommended by RECOVER.
Increase flows south to the Central Everglades to an average annual of 200,000 acre-feet per year and preserve the opportunity to release water all the way to the water shortage management line in coordination with the SFWMD.
Provide better water supply for the Seminole Tribe of Florida, the Lake Okeechobee Service Area, and the Lower East Coast Service Areas than LORS 2008 currently provides.
Ensure the safety of the 9.3 million people of South Florida who rely on the Herbert Hoover Dike for flood protection.
Provide compatible lake operations as the C-44 and C-43 reservoirs come online.
Reduce damaging dry downs on Lake Okeechobee.
2021-11-18T18:29:00-07:002021-11-18T19:12:52-07:00Kasey Albrighttag:yourswfloridarealestate.com,2012-09-20:24863Tween Waters Tree Lighting 2021<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/421/image/Blog/Events/Tween%20Waters%20Tree%20Lighting.jpg" width="600" height="338" alt="Tween Waters Tree Lighting" title="Tween Waters Tree Lighting" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" />
November 26th is the annual Tween Waters Tree Lighting and is one of our favorite traditions to kick off the holidays! The show kicks off at 5pm at Tween Waters Resort on Captiva. Here is a video recap when we went a few years ago.
More than 200,000-holiday lights in musical synchronicity at 'Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa on Captiva Island.
The colorful lighting of a majestic, 30-foot Christmas tree at the threshold to the Gulf of Mexico. Live holiday music. Spectacular fireworks show on the beach. Laser lights. Even snow falling from the palm trees.
All attended by a thousand or more holiday-loving folks — grandparents, parents, children and grandkids. And get this: it’s all yours to enjoy free.
It’s the annual ‘Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa Tree Lighting Celebration when the Official Beach Resort of Captiva Island — and its parent corporation, Sanibel Captiva Beach Resorts — extends a hearty and heartfelt thank you to all of our guests, past and present, local and from around the world.
Free admission and open to the public
2021-11-18T17:44:00-07:002022-06-28T13:02:11-07:00Kasey Albrighttag:yourswfloridarealestate.com,2012-09-20:24775Top Golf Opening on Friday in Fort MyersTop Golf is finally opening in Fort Myers! Reservations will be available on <a href="https://topgolf.com/us/fort-myers/" title="Top Golf Fort Myers" target="_blank">Topgolf's app/website</a> Monday morning, with the first available Friday morning. Hours are 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and from 9 a.m. to midnight on Friday and Saturday.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/421/image/Blog/Fort%20Myers%20Top%20Golf.png" width="471" height="600" alt="Top Golf Fort Myers" title="Top Golf Fort Myers" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" />
The Fort Myers facility is the seventh in Florida, and is located at 8559 Dani Drive — a portion of which has been renamed Topgolf Way — near Exit 136 Colonial Parkway southbound entrance ramp to Interstate 75.
“We are thrilled to connect with and entertain new and existing guests in the southwest portion of the state,” said Gen Gray, Topgolf's chief operating officer for U.S. venues, in a release. “There has been a lot of excitement in the region from Fort Myers down to Naples, and we are excited to serve the community as a fun and energetic destination.
Topgolf was founded in the United Kingdom in 2000 and has its headquarters in Dallas. Callaway Golf announced in October that it was purchasing the company, and that was completed in March. So understandably, Topgolf will carry Callaway equipment and also has a club-fitting component. It also has a PGA-certified instructor employed who also is involved with its event space, which can be rented out. There's an indoor/outdoor patio. Bars on each of two floors. And a 40-foot-by-40-foot TV that can show multiple telecasts or a single one.
Topgolf also has an executive chef, an executive sous chef, and a sous chef with a scratch kitchen. The bar serves a variety of beers, cocktails and wines, and will include some local craft beers.
The two-level venue features 72 hitting bays with 11 feet from tee to tee and custom-made bay dividers.
A ribbon cutting will be Friday at 8:45 a.m. with Fort Myers Mayor Kevin B. Anderson and other local officials in attendance.
Topgolf is not just a driving range. Its games that do involve hitting a golf ball are what's popular. Games can involve aiming for dartboard-like targets, or hitting different types of targets, with point values attached. Others involve hitting at targets with different distances, with some targets popping up that shouldn't be hit, and points deducted if they are. Another game has different levels as players master one and move up to another. Micro-chipped golf balls score themselves and provide instant feedback on each shot's accuracy and distance. The bays have seating areas to enjoy food and drinks during play.
Topgolf is joining another area golf entertainment facility, Tiger Woods-backed PopStroke which features a pair of putting courses plus high-end food and beverage that opened last September.2021-11-15T12:31:00-07:002021-11-15T15:35:06-07:00Kasey Albrighttag:yourswfloridarealestate.com,2012-09-20:24740Favorite November EventsNovember is a great time to spend time with family and there are amazing events in Southwest Florida. We have compiled a list of our favorites.
Fort Myers Boat Show
Nov 13 | 10am-6pm, Nov 14 | 10am-5pm<br />Admission is $16 for adults and children 15 and younger are free with a paid adult admission. <br />Entrance: Bay Street & Heitman St (Next to the Post Office)
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/421/image/Blog/Events/Fort%20Myers%20Boat%20Show.jpg" width="600" height="338" alt="Fort Myers Boat Show" title="Fort Myers Boat Show" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" />
From Centennial Park to the Fort Myers City Yacht Basin, boats of all styles and sizes will be displayed on land, indoors and in the water. Hundreds of accessory exhibits feature everything from engines and electronics to boat lifts, boating services, fishing gear, clothing and just about anything else you might need on the water.
This is the largest display of boats, boating products, and services on Florida’s west coast, featuring over 600 boats on land and in water, representing over 130 manufacturers. It is also one of the most beautiful settings for a show in the country. Set on the Caloosahatchee River, exhibits wind along the river, through Centennial Park and Edwards Drive, through the newly renovated Caloosa Sound Convention Center and to the City Yacht Basin. Whether you are in the market for a boat, looking to repower or upgrade your current boat, or just want to see what’s new, you will find what you are looking for at this show.
The Caloosa Sound (formerly Harborside) Convention Center is full of boating products and marine accessories of all types and styles.
Visitors are encouraged to skip the line and buy tickets <a href="https://goboatingflorida.com/boating-shows/2021-fort-myers-boat-show/2021-tickets/">online</a>.
Christmas on Third
November 22-26 (except the 25th) | 6pm
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/421/image/Blog/Events/Christmas%20on%20Third%20Avenue%20Naples.jpg" width="600" height="338" alt="Christmas on Third Avenue Naples" title="Christmas on Third Avenue Naples" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" />
Third Street South, Naples’ historic and iconic downtown shopping and dining district, celebrates the holiday season with its 44th annual “Christmas on Third,” a month-long calendar of events for all ages. Christmas on Third kicks off on Monday, November 22 with the Tree Lighting Ceremony at 6:00pm in the courtyard in front of Tony’s Off Third followed by a Naples “snowfall” at 6:20pm and again at 8:00pm. Visitors may spend the evening strolling along the street and avenues enjoying live musical performances, viewing decorated storefront windows and Art of the Red Kettle displays from Salvation Army, and taking photos with Santa Claus. Restaurants and shops will be open for dining and shopping, with dining reservations highly recommended. A 7:00pm snowfall will continue nightly during Thanksgiving week, excluding Thanksgiving night November 25.
Tween Waters Tree Lighting
November 26th | 5-9pm
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/421/image/Blog/Events/Tween%20Waters%20Tree%20Lighting.jpg" width="600" height="338" alt="Tween Waters Tree Lighting" title="Tween Waters Tree Lighting" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" />
More than 200,000-holiday lights in musical synchronicity at 'Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa on Captiva Island.
The colorful lighting of a majestic, 30-foot Christmas tree at the threshold to the Gulf of Mexico. Live holiday music. Spectacular fireworks show on the beach. Laser lights. Even real snow falling from the palm trees.
All attended by a thousand or more holiday-loving folks — grandparents, parents, children and grandkids. And get this: it’s all yours to enjoy free.
It’s the annual ‘Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa Tree Lighting Celebration when the Official Beach Resort of Captiva Island — and its parent corporation, Sanibel Captiva Beach Resorts — extends a hearty and heartfelt thank you to all of our guests, past and present, local and from around the world.
Free admission and open to the public2021-11-12T18:52:00-07:002021-11-12T19:51:01-07:00Kasey Albrighttag:yourswfloridarealestate.com,2012-09-20:24734Lighthouse Cafe - Local Business SpotlightLet’s spotlight one of our favorite Local Restaurants: Lighthouse Cafe. It is our favorite place on Sanibel to grab breakfast! Read below for a secret tip!??
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/421/image/Blog/Local_Business_Spotlight/Lighthouse%20Cafe%20Sanibel.jpg" width="600" height="338" alt="Lighthouse Cafe Sanibel" title="Lighthouse Cafe Sanibel" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" />
Our favorite things to order are the Eggs Benedict. The best part is they use KEY LIME HOLLANDAISE SAUCE! Yum! Be sure to get potatoes as your side.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/421/image/Blog/Local_Business_Spotlight/Lighthouse%20Cafe%20Sanibel%20Island.jpg" width="600" height="338" alt="Lighthouse Cafe Sanibel Island" title="Lighthouse Cafe Sanibel Island" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" />
What the restaurant is probably most famous for is their homemade strawberry preserves. So do not leave there without ordering toast so you can try it. You will be buying jars of it to take home!
HARRELL • TOLP • ALBRIGHT TEAM Secret Tip:
They are normally busy so make sure to do call-ahead before you arrive: (239) 472-0303.2021-11-12T15:06:00-07:002021-11-12T18:50:41-07:00Kasey Albrighttag:yourswfloridarealestate.com,2012-09-20:24663Thanksgiving on Sanibel & Captiva 2021Don't want to cook this Thanksgiving? We have put together a list of all the restaurants open as well as where you can pick up your Thanksgiving meal on Sanibel & Captiva.
Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving
Crow's Nest
Open 4-8PM
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/421/image/Blog/Thanksgiving/Crow's%20Nest%20Captiva%20Thanksgiving.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="Crow's Nest Captiva Thanksgiving" title="Crow's Nest Captiva Thanksgiving" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" />
The Dunes
Open at 12PM
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/421/image/Blog/Thanksgiving/The%20Dunes%20Sanibel%20Thanksgiving.png" width="440" height="742" alt="The Dunes Sanibel Thanksgiving" title="The Dunes Sanibel Thanksgiving" style="border: 1px solid black; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" />
George & Wendy's Seafood Grille
Closed for Lunch. Open for Dinner from 5-10PM.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/421/image/Blog/Thanksgiving/George%20Wendy's%20Sanibel%20Thanksgiving.png" width="464" height="600" alt="George Wendy's Sanibel Thanksgiving" title="George Wendy's Sanibel Thanksgiving" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" />
Old Captiva House
Open Noon-8PM
<a href="https://www.oldcaptivahouse.com/menu/?fbclid=IwAR1rK8F8fOdcQeljOEBjTlrCaStsRoDHK3cnDcfYK2IUzsBCdOTVJDps19o" title="Old Captiva House Thanksgiving" target="_blank"><img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/421/image/Blog/Thanksgiving/Old%20Captiva%20House%20Thanksgiving%202021.jpg" width="500" height="647" alt="Old Captiva House Thanksgiving" title="Old Captiva House Thanksgiving" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border: 1px solid black;" /></a>
The Sundial
Open Noon-4:30PM
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/421/image/Blog/Thanksgiving/The%20Sundial%20Sanibel%20Thanksgiving.jpg" width="440" height="1024" alt="The Sundial Sanibel Thanksgiving" title="The Sundial Sanibel Thanksgiving" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" />
Thistle Lodge
Open 10AM-8PM
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/421/image/Blog/Thanksgiving/Thistle%20Lodge%20Sanibel%20Thanksgiving.jpg" width="420" height="692" alt="Thistle Lodge Sanibel Thanksgiving" title="Thistle Lodge Sanibel Thanksgiving" style="border: 1px solid black; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" />
The Timber's
Open at 1PM
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/421/image/Blog/Thanksgiving/Timbers%20Sanibel%20Thanksgiving.png" width="420" height="288" alt="Timbers Sanibel Thanksgiving" title="Timbers Sanibel Thanksgiving" style="border: 1px solid black; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" />
Thanksgiving Take-Out
The Dunes
Order by November 19th. Pickup on Thanksgiving at Noon or 2PM.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/421/image/Blog/Thanksgiving/The%20Dunes%20Sanibel%20Island%20Thanksgiving.png" width="420" height="678" alt="The Dunes Sanibel Island Thanksgiving" title="The Dunes Sanibel Island Thanksgiving" style="border: 1px solid black; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" />
Paper Fig Kitchen
Order by November 25th. Pickup November 25 or 26th.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/421/image/Blog/Thanksgiving/Paper%20Fig%20Sanibel%20Thanksgiving.png" width="437" height="600" alt="Paper Fig Sanibel Thanksgiving" title="Paper Fig Sanibel Thanksgiving" style="border: 1px solid black; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" />
Pecking Order
Order by November 22nd. Pickup November 23. Closed on Thanksgiving Day.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/421/image/Blog/Thanksgiving/Pecking%20Order%20Sanibel%20Thanksgiving%20.jpg" width="440" height="550" alt="Pecking Order Sanibel Thanksgiving " title="Pecking Order Sanibel Thanksgiving " style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" />2021-11-09T09:08:00-07:002021-11-09T20:24:11-07:00Kasey Albrighttag:yourswfloridarealestate.com,2012-09-20:24609New Restaurants Coming to Sanibel Island
There have been lots of rumors going around the islands about restaurants opening, closing and moving so we wanted to come and set the record straight.
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/MatzalunaTheItalianKitchen" title="Matzaluna Sanibel" target="_blank">Matzaluna</a> will be closing its doors in Mid-November after serving italian cuisine for 27-years on Sanibel Island. Owner Matt Asen will continue co-owning the building and property with three business partners while leasing it for the new restaurant concept <a href="https://tuttipazzisanibel.com" title="Tutti Pazzi Sanibel" target="_blank">Tutti Pazzi</a>.
<a href="https://tuttipazzisanibel.com" title="Titti Pazzi Sanibel" target="_blank">Tutti Pazzi Italian Kitchen</a> will be opening January 2022 in the previous Matzaluna restaurant space. The ownership team of Jeramie Campana, Debra Campana, Pasquale Russo, and Leanna Russo will be bringing fresh authentic Italian cuisine in a family friendly atmosphere with a few surprises in store. "When you enter Tutti Pazzi Italian Kitchen you will enter as a customer, become our friend, and leave feeling like family. That is what we strive to achieve. In Italy, the dinner table is where magic happens. Friends and family gather to fill their bodies with good food and wine and their souls with laughter, happiness, and love."
Bamboo will be opening in the former IL Tesoro restaurant location on Tarpon Bay Road by partners Jeramie Campana, Debra Campana, Cleta Yamauchi and Don Yamauchi (who are all partners in 400 Rabbits). Bamboo will be bringing Pan-Asian cuisine to the islands. They are shooting for a December 6th opening date.
<a href="https://paperfigkitchen.com/?fbclid=IwAR1kzmGVlrjOE2SWcxlsnefbk1arEQcyUQPBaiD58aABcDIUfqjKB5iV5gM" title="Paper Fig Kitchen Sanibel" target="_blank">Paper Fig Kitchen</a> owners (Jeramie & Debra Campana) just opened <a href="https://paperfigkitchen.com/fig-east-menu" title="The Fig East End Sanibel" target="_blank">The Fig East End</a> at the former East End Deli location on October 29th. They serve gourmet salads, sandwitches, and take-out food to enjoy while you are on the islands.
<a href="https://www.pinocchiosicecream.com/?fbclid=IwAR2kTv1nK48xuRKAnkGaG3RDIh3MeotVXmfn4iNhGjuEiVzfBWrQ0J2-lpE" title="Pinocchio's Italian Ice Cream Sanibel" target="_blank">Pinocchio's Italian Ice Cream</a>, an East End staple on Sanibel which closed in 2018, just reopened in a new location in Periwinkle Place Shops on November 1st.
2021-11-04T18:16:00-07:002021-11-05T06:59:53-07:00Kasey Albrighttag:yourswfloridarealestate.com,2012-09-20:24387Changes to Flood Insurance
Flood insurance for new policyholders in Southwest Florida is due for an increase. FEMA is set to release its new method of assessing your property to calculate how much you will pay to cover your home or business from a flood.
80% percent of Floridians will see an increase in their flood insurance, and 91% of Lee County residents. 9% will pay at least $20 more a month, while 3% will save an extra $2 dollars per month.
The increase is for new policyholders, so homeowners who decide they want flood insurance through FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program will see the Risk Rating 2.0 rates. Or, if they are building a new house and they have to have flood insurance, they’ll see the Risk Rating 2.0 quote.
The increase for existing policyholders doesn’t go up until April 1, 2022. FEMA gave them six months due to concern about drastic increases. Even then, their policy has to renew before they see the new rate. If you have flood insurance and your policy doesn’t renew until July 2022, for instance, it won’t increase (or decrease) until July 2022.
For around 50 years, the National Flood Insurance Program has subsidized flood insurance by calculating premiums based on flood zone maps, not individual homes, so some homeowners have been paying far less than their fair share, while others have been paying much more. Risk Rating 2.0 is meant to correct that by assessing a building’s actuarial flood risk.
“This is the largest change to the National Flood Insurance Program in its 50-year history,” said Chris Heidrick, principal of Heidrick Company Insurance of Sanibel. “It totally changes the way homes are rated. And it really changed things from a very rudimentary rating structure that was created in the 1970s to one that does a much more accurate job of assessing flood risk. For each individual structure. It is a much more sophisticated structure.”
According to FEMA, as well as many Southwest Florida residents, the area is at a high flood risk year-round.
“Overall, it is the right thing for the National Flood Insurance Program to put that program on a path of sustainability; the National Flood Insurance Program is about $20 billion in debt, and about $16 billion has already been forgiven,” Heidrich said. “This is a program that operated fine up until about 2005. And when Hurricane Katrina hit, the flaws in the way that this program was structured were exposed.”
If you are planning on selling your house or buying a new one, whatever the flood insurance policy is on the property already can be transferred directly to the next buyer of the house. This means you could see two houses right next to each other, one with flood insurance and one without, and the house that already has it will have a policy that could be almost 80% cheaper than the house right next door.
It’s going to be a gradual, year-by-year increase, because federal law won’t allow a rate increase of more than 18% per year.
-<a href="https://www.winknews.com/2021/09/29/swfl-flood-insurance-going-up-for-new-policyholders-starting-friday/" title="WINK News" target="_blank">WINK NEWS</a>
Chris Heidrick (Heidrick & Company Insurance) & Dave Arter (Private Client Insurance) Presentation to Sanibel & Captiva Association of REALTORS®
<a href="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/421/file/Blog/Sanibel%20Flood%20Insurance.pdf" title="Sanibel Flood Insurance" target="_blank">Download Presentation Slides</a>2021-10-25T09:23:00-07:002021-11-04T18:15:02-07:00Kasey Albrighttag:yourswfloridarealestate.com,2012-09-20:24174South Seas Island Resort SellsTimbers Company, Wheelock Street Capital, and The Ronto Group are pleased to announce the joint acquisition of South Seas Island Resort on Florida’s Gulf Coast. The notable acquisition of this historic property supports Timbers Company’s continued plans for growth as announced earlier this year.
“At Timbers Company, we are actively looking for exceptional properties like South Seas Island Resort to diversify our offerings and expand our footprint. For more than two decades, we have been successfully developing, selling, and operating master-planned resorts around the world and are delighted to add this iconic coastal Florida property to our collection of diverse destinations,” said Timbers CEO Greg Spencer. “As a native Floridian and having vacationed on both Sanibel and Captiva growing up, I have an immense appreciation for just how special this resort is to all the generations that have visited over the last several decades. Securing a coastal Florida resort location was one of our primary goals when we relocated to Florida from Colorado and we are pleased to be working with such distinguished partners as Wheelock Street Capital and The Ronto Group. We plan to elevate the guest experience with expanded services and amenities while working on future plans to reimagine and restore the famed South Seas Island Resort to its original grandeur.”
Following the recent announcement of a strategic partnership with Timbers Company, Wheelock Street Capital, a private investment firm, will provide the capital for this transaction. Tim Hodes – Principal and Wheelock’s Head of Hotel Acquisitions – weighs in, sharing that "Wheelock is pleased to partner with Timbers and Ronto to acquire such a unique and renowned Florida property and to re-envision the future it holds. The acquisition of South Seas Island Resort is a perfect match for our team as we seek to invest in the best the upscale luxury resort market has to offer."
The successful acquisition of South Seas Island Resort highlights Wheelock’s continued focus on high-end resort and residential development projects. Wheelock and Ronto have successfully developed over 700 condominium units on the west coast of Florida. South Seas Island Resort adds to Wheelock’s growing collection of leisure-driven hotel assets which includes Chateau Elan Winery and Resort located outside of Atlanta, GA the 265-key all-suite, AAA Four Diamond Hotel Contessa, an independent hotel located on the Riverwalk in San Antonio, Texas and the 167-key Perry Lane Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel located in Savannah, GA.
The Ronto Group, based in Naples, Florida, will be partnering with Timbers for the development of the property. In a statement provided by Anthony Solomon, owner of the company, “Our team looks forward to partnering with Timbers and Wheelock to create a blended vision for this iconic Florida landmark resort that has meant so much to generations of vacationers. The outcome will surely provide guests with an exemplary luxury experience for future generations."
Timbers has extensive experience with master-planned resort communities, including properties such as Castello di Casole in Tuscany, Italy, The Preserve at Botany Bay in the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Hokuala Resort in Kauai, Hawaii. Timbers' past successes with master-planned communities are clear examples of how the company plans to handle future developments like South Seas Island Resort. From zoning and building roads to designing luxury accommodations, including hotels and private residences, the talented Timbers team of architects and land planners collaborate to provide the Timbers touch surrounding every detail of a project.
South Seas Island Resort on Captiva Island holds an extensive history of drawing generations of families to its exclusive 2.5 miles of white-sand beaches. Since its founding in 1946, the 330-acre resort and wildlife preserve and estuary have been a staple of Florida tourism. Occupying approximately one-third of the northern tip of the six-mile-long Captiva Island, the celebrated family-friendly property boasts 434 accommodations ranging from hotel guestrooms and suites, one to three-bedroom condominiums, and private homes, cottages, and homes of distinction rentals, all featuring balconies or lanais to enjoy water views and wildlife. An array of activities are available for guests of all ages with 20 swimming pools and pool complex, beachfront golf, tennis, full-service spa, waterfront dining options, children's programs, watersports, and boutique shopping. Guests delight in world-class shelling, eco-cruises and nature tours, epic fishing, fitness center, and yoga studio as well as special event and meeting space.
This announcement follows the recent news of the Timbers Company repositioning as the company continues its trajectory of pursuing strategic projects and partnerships in anticipation of a new brand launch later this year.
For more information, visit <a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0017aGDalldWoeJ6EDNowBMzr_6WeA1NJWSsZWIh2sYEiLSA-jLSprkOfa1EWuNYW4BpLDZ60QIEACLwf24aHOiWNgeZmZcsBA3g-_EsQZS7E6TeETHGY7k-nsnKqg3YklABYW_9SPTGUn8J6lGSmdmZTqTA3C14aVJ&c=S2O6O0RcvT79K9q51Ot-Owvfd9CbjfhBSORA9KYKLDCYKqUuJUv8sQ==&ch=Y9FuaKc5rER9KgttuDrKgToPNhywKuvMVGWB5KbNixJhxKZ53T7v_A==" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">TimbersCompany.com </a>
2021-10-11T13:35:00-07:002021-11-12T18:52:00-07:00Kasey Albrighttag:yourswfloridarealestate.com,2012-09-20:24127Where is the Best Key Lime Pie on Sanibel & Captiva?Who serves the Best Key Lime Pie on Sanibel & Captiva? We tried 11 key lime pies from various island restaurants (and even tried one from Fort Myers) to determine a winner.
2021-10-07T15:44:00-07:002021-10-11T13:55:30-07:00Kasey Albrighttag:yourswfloridarealestate.com,2012-09-20:23837Fall & Halloween Events in Southwest Florida
Halloween is one of our favorite times of the year and you know what that means........ Pumpkin Patches, Fall Festivals and Trick-or-Treating!!
We've put together a list of Halloween Trick or Treating Events and Fall Festivals that will be occurring in Southwest Florida. Be sure to visit some of the area Pumpkin Patches for carvable pumpkins and for photo opportunities!
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/421/image/Blog/Fall%20Festivals.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="Fall Festivals" title="Fall Festivals" style="vertical-align: middle; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" />
PUMPKIN PATCHES
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1034586373956825/" target="_blank">Fort Myers Southern Fresh Farms</a>, Every Saturday and Sunday in October beginning on the 2nd.
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/FarmerMikesUPick/" target="_blank">Bonita Springs Farmer Mike's U Pick</a>, Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday in October beginning on the 1st.
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/3024240154495794" target="_blank">Lakes Park Pumpkin Patch</a>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/458421071886775/" target="_blank">31 Produce</a>, Every Saturday and Sunday
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/421/image/Blog/Fort%20Myers%20Fall%20Festivals.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="Fort Myers Fall Festivals" title="Fort Myers Fall Festivals" style="vertical-align: middle; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" />
REOCCURRING Events
-<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/824363474885592" target="_blank" style="font-size: 17px; font-weight: 300;">Cape Coral Gator Mike's Frightmare on 78</a>, beginning October 1st
-<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/221607559946387" target="_blank">Calusa Nature Center Haunted Walk</a>, Friday, Saturday and Sunday beginning on October 22nd:
-<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1034586373956825" target="_blank">Southern Fresh Farms Fall Festival</a>, every Saturday and Sunday in October, 10am-4pm:
-<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/183781100518195" target="_blank">Farmer Mike's Corn Maze and Fall Festival</a>, Friday, Saturday and Sunday only in October:
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/458421071886775/" target="_blank">31 Produce Fall Festival and Pumpkin Patch</a>, Every Saturday and Sunday beginning October 9th:
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/3024240154495794" target="_blank">Lakes Park Scarecrows in the Park, Halloween Express and Pumpkin Patch</a>, October 15-31
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1265493840541900" target="_blank">North Fort Myers Springtime Garden Center Fall Festival</a>
Fall Events in Chronological Order
-Saturday, October 2nd, 9am-2pm, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/330465115357396" target="_blank">Fort Myers Fall Market on the Farm</a>
-Saturday, October 2nd, 11am-2pm, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/2904616016443207" target="_blank">North Fort Myers Fall Festival</a>
-Sunday, October 3rd, 2pm-5pm, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/316632063580620" target="_blank">Fort Myers Friends Fall Festival at the Burroughs Home</a>
-Friday, October 8th, 6pm-8pm, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/161479359391835/" target="_blank">Fort Myers Howloween Yappy Hour and Costume Contest</a>
-Friday, Saturday and Sunday, October 8, 9 and 10th, 9am-5pm, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/590284025740493" target="_blank">Fort Myers Pumpkin Palooza</a>
-Saturday, October 9th, 10am-3pm, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/936182583818818" target="_blank">Cape Coral Fall and Craft Fair</a>
-Saturday, October 16th, 6pm-10pm, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/410949900385735" target="_blank">Fort Myers Rocky Horror Picture Show Outdoor Movie</a>
-Tuesday, October 19th, 5:30pm-9pm, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/570431313921982" target="_blank">Naples Mercato Hocus Pocus Hullabaloo</a>
-Thursday, October 21st, 5:30pm-9pm, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/161979419378714" target="_blank">Fort Myers Wicked Walk</a>
-Friday, October 22nd, 6pm-8pm, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/4244205352336049" target="_blank">Naples Avow-O-Leen Trunk or Treat</a>
-Saturday, October 23rd, 9am-1pm, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/477884789905151" target="_blank">Fort Myers Fall and Craft Fair</a>
-Saturday, October 23rd, 12pm-4pm, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/174859314784386" target="_blank">Cape Coral Halloween Business Trick or Treat</a>
-Saturday, October 23rd, 1pm-3pm, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/5908416512565626" target="_blank">Ave Maria Jack-O-Lantern Carving Contest</a>
-Saturday, October 23rd, 1pm-4pm, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/235841388467123" target="_blank">Fort Myers Spooktacular Pet Costume Contest</a>
-Saturday, October 23rd, 4pm-10pm, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/263065918638440" target="_blank">Lehigh Acres Trunk or Treat</a>
-Wednesday, October 27th, 6pm-9pm, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/590788362168647" target="_blank">Naples Mercato Hallowine Wine Walk</a>
-Thursday, October 28th, 5pm-7pm, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/531847594590944" target="_blank">Fort Myers Howl-O-Ween Haunted Trunk or Treat</a>
-Thursday, October 28th, 6pm-8pm, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/901059157485567" target="_blank">Fort Myers Hocus Pocus Outdoor Movie Night</a>
-Friday, October 29th, 6-8pm, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/874509733170750/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22calendar_tab_event%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22bookmark_calendar%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D" target="_blank">Cypress Lake United Methodist Church Trunk or Treat</a>
-Saturday, October 30th, 6:30am-9am, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/145652654246360" target="_blank">Cape Coral Goblin Gallop 5K</a>
-Saturday, October 30th, 12pm-5pm, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/387240672771774" target="_blank">Koreshan State Park Halloween Trunk or Treat</a>
-Saturday, October 30th, 4pm-6pm, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1761158930758701" target="_blank">Marco Island Halloween Spooktacular</a>
-Saturday, October 30th, 5pm-9pm, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/388649622667853" target="_blank">Estero Spooktacular Night</a>
-Saturday, October 30th, 6pm-8:30pm, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/3677028372407006" target="_blank">Naples Swamp Buggy Drive-Thru/Walk-Thru Trunk or Treat</a>
-Saturday, October 30th, 8pm, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/2003562896461541/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22surface%22%3A%22page%22%7D]%7D" target="_blank">'Tween Waters Hallo'Tween</a>
-Saturday, October 30th, 8pm-1am, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/555351109043327" target="_blank">Naples Haunted Galaween</a>
-Sunday, October 31st, 8am-4pm, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/38407373329708" target="_blank">Fort Myers Fleamasters Trick or Treat</a>
-Sunday, October 31st, 12pm-3pm, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/278463087447015" target="_blank">Naples Halloween Spooktacular on 5th Ave South</a>
2021-09-21T12:32:00-07:002021-10-10T05:38:38-07:00Kasey Albrighttag:yourswfloridarealestate.com,2012-09-20:23559Kasey Albright Makes Commitment to Excellence with C2EX Designation<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/421/image/STK_Photos/Kasey%20Albright.JPG" width="250" height="375" alt="Kasey Albright" title="Kasey Albright" style="float: right;" />Sanibel, FL (September 4, 2021) – Kasey Albright, SCIS, RSPS, ePRO®, AHWD, a real estate agent with John Naumann & Associates has earned the REALTORS® <a href="https://www.nar.realtor/commitment-to-excellence">Commitment to Excellence</a> Endorsement from the National Association of Realtors®. The Endorsement goes to Realtors® who have demonstrated knowledge and competency in 10 core areas of real estate practice:
Client service
Professional reputation
Real estate law
Realtor® Code of Ethics
Equal service to all (Article 10 of the Code)
Advocacy of real property ownership
Trust and integrity
Use of technology
Data privacy
Areas of practice<br /><br />
The C2EX Endorsement, available only to Realtors®, is earned through a self-directed program that enables users to assess and build on their competency in each of the core areas.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/421/image/Blog/C2EX%20Kasey%20Albright.jpg" width="500" height="353" alt="C2EX Kasey Albright" title="C2EX Kasey Albright" style="vertical-align: middle; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /><br /><br />Launched in November 2018, this innovative program sets the standard for what it means to be <br />a professional in the real estate brokerage business.
“Since it was launched in 2018, NAR’s REALTORS® Commitment to Excellence program has transformed our field, spotlighting Realtor® professionalism and helping our members gain a critical competitive edge over the industry,” said NAR President Charlie Oppler, a Realtor® from Franklin Lakes, N.J., and the CEO of Prominent Properties Sotheby’s International Realty. “Available only to Realtors®, the C2EX endorsement offers a completely customized path toward success based on each individuals’ pre-existing knowledge, and it’s clear why thousands of NAR members have already signed up to pursue their endorsement. Today, we are proud of Kasey Albright for making this commitment and distinguishing herself in Southwest Florida's real estate market.”
The National Association of Realtors® is America’s largest trade association, representing over 1.4 million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries.
2021-09-04T11:52:00-07:002021-09-04T12:04:25-07:00Kasey Albrighttag:yourswfloridarealestate.com,2012-09-20:23486Best Restaurants to Eat Outdoors on Sanibel & CaptivaLooking for the best restaurants to eat outdoors on Sanibel & Captiva Islands? Be sure to read below!
<a href="https://www.yourswfloridarealestate.com/the-clam-shack-sanibel/" title="The Clam Shack Sanibel">The Clam Shack</a> on Sanibel
<a href="https://www.yourswfloridarealestate.com/the-clam-shack-sanibel/" title="The Clam Shack Sanibel"><img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/421/image/Headers/The-Clam-Shack.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="The Clam Shack Sanibel" title="The Clam Shack Sanibel" style="vertical-align: middle; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></a>
<a href="https://www.yourswfloridarealestate.com/schnappers-hots/" title="Schnappers Hots Sanibel">Schnapper's Hots</a> on Sanibel
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/421/image/Blog/Schnapper's%20Hots%20Sanibel.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Schnapper's Hots Sanibel" title="Schnapper's Hots Sanibel" style="vertical-align: middle; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" />
<a href="https://www.yourswfloridarealestate.com/doc-fords-sanibel/" title="Doc Ford's" target="_blank">Doc Ford's</a> on Sanibel or Captiva (or Fort Myers Beach)
Bonus:
What is the best place to get a drink outdoors?
The Mucky Duck on Captiva at Sunset
Where is the best restaurant to eat outdoors in Fort Myers?
Doc Fords Fort Myers Beach or Dixie Fish Company
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/421/image/Blog/Dixie%20Fish%20Company.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Dixie Fish Company" title="Dixie Fish Company" style="vertical-align: middle; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" />2021-08-31T12:30:00-07:002021-11-18T18:09:15-07:00Kasey Albrighttag:yourswfloridarealestate.com,2012-09-20:23459Sanibel & Captiva September Restaurant Closures 2021Are your favorite Sanibel & Captiva restaurants closed in September? Historically, many restaurants have taken a short hiatus during this month to clean, renovate, regroup and to give staff a little break. Read below for the full list of closures and reopening dates.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/421/image/Blog/Sanibel%20Restaurant%20Closures.JPG" width="500" height="375" alt="Sanibel Restaurant Closures" title="Sanibel Restaurant Closures" style="vertical-align: middle; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" />
Restaurants
Dates Closed
Reopening Date
<a href="http://bleurendezvous.com" title="Bleu Rendez Vous Sanibel" target="_blank">Bleu Rendez Vous</a>
May 30-October 5
October 1
<a href="https://www.yourswfloridarealestate.com/blue-giraffe-beachview/" title="Blue Giraffe Periwinkle Sanibel">Blue Giraffe-Periwinkle</a>
September 7-20
September 21
<a href="https://www.yourswfloridarealestate.com/blue-giraffe-beachview/" title="Blue Giraffe Beachview">Blue Giraffe-Beachview</a>
September 5-20
September 21
<a href="https://www.yourswfloridarealestate.com/gramma-dots/" title="Gramma Dots">Gramma Dots</a>
September 7-22
September 23
<a href="https://www.yourswfloridarealestate.com/madhatterrestaurant.com" title="Mad Hatter Sanibel" target="_blank">Mad Hatter</a>
September 6-30
October 1
<a href="http://www.overeasycafesanibel.com" title="Over Easy Cafe Sanibel" target="_blank">Over Easy Cafe</a>
September 13-23
September 24
<a href="https://paperfigkitchen.com" title="Paper Fig Kitchen Sanibel" target="_blank">Paper Fig Kitchen</a>
September 5-13
September 14
<a href="https://www.yourswfloridarealestate.com/rosies-sanibel/" title="Rosie's Cafe Sanibel">Rosie's Cafe & Grill</a>
September 6-13
September 14
<a href="https://www.sanibelsandbar.com" title="Sanibel Sandbar" target="_blank">Sandbar</a>
August 7-September 29
September 30
<a href="https://www.yourswfloridarealestate.com/schnappers-hots/" title="Schnapper's Hots">Schnapper's Hots</a>
September 8-20
September 21
<a href="https://www.yourswfloridarealestate.com/spoondrift-sanibel/" title="Spoondrift Sanibel">Spoondrift</a>
August 30-September 6
September 7
<a href="https://www.yourswfloridarealestate.com/t2-traders/" title="T2 Traders Sanibel">T2</a>
September 4-October 4
October 5
<a href="https://www.yourswfloridarealestate.com/traders/" title="Traders Sanibel">Traders</a>
September 11-October 5
October 6
<a href="https://traditionsonthebeach.com" title="Traditions Sanibel" target="_blank">Traditions</a>
September 5-23
September 24
Don't be alarmed, there are still lots of restaurants for you to enjoy while you are on Sanibel & Captiva! For a full list, <a href="https://www.yourswfloridarealestate.com/sanibel-restaurant-information/" title="Sanibel Restaurants">click here</a>! If you know of any other closures, comment below with any updates.2021-08-30T07:21:00-07:002022-09-02T07:36:02-07:00Kasey Albrighttag:yourswfloridarealestate.com,2012-09-20:23438Kasey & Brendan Albright Attend Florida’s Largest Real Estate Event of the YearKasey & Brendan Albright, of John Naumann & Associates, located on Sanibel Island, attended this year’s annual Florida Realtors® Convention & Trade Expo held Aug. 25-26, 2021, at Rosen Shingle Creek resort in Orlando, Fla.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/421/image/Blog/Florida%20Realtors%20Convention%202021.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="Florida Realtors Convention 2021" title="Florida Realtors Convention 2021" style="vertical-align: middle; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" />
Realtors from around the state came to the convention to discuss key issues that shape their profession. Members could select from more than 35 education sessions such as new trends in real estate, social media marketing, boosting productivity, best practices for brokers and more. Prior to the in-person sessions, Florida Realtors’ Virtual Governance Meetings were held from Aug. 2-12, 2021; hybrid in-person/virtual governance meetings also took place on Aug. 27-28, 2021.
The convention featured Kevin Harrington, creator of the infomercial and an original star of TV’s “Shark Tank,” who spoke during the general session while keynote speaker Admiral William H. McRaven, USN (retired) closed out the convention by sharing lessons in teamwork, personal accountability and leadership learned during the course of his military career. Convention-goers also got to enjoy the music of “Kool & The Gang” during the Dance Party, then were entertained by singing sensations, Flashback Four, at the annual Awards Luncheon, which honors Realtor excellence and service. This year’s Trade Expo featured more than 100 industry experts and exhibitors showcasing the latest marketing, technology and other business tools.
Convention sponsors include: EXIT Southeast; BoomTown!; Miami Association of Realtors; Orlando Regional Realtor Association, Broward, Palm Beaches & St. Lucie Realtors; Northeast Florida Association of Realtors, realMLS and Metro Market Trends; Realtors Association of Citrus County; Stellar MLS; CENTURY 21; Royal Palm Coast Realtor Association; realtor.com; Curbio; Hernando County Association of Realtors; Pillar to Post Home Inspectors; Greater Tampa Realtors; Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee; Pinellas Realtor Organization & Central Pasco Realtor Organization; GTE Financial; HomeVisit by CoreLogic; OneHome by CoreLogic; HomeRiver® Group; FPL Home; Rocket Mortgage; New Estate Only; Florida Realtors PAC; snoopstar; Premium Properties Real Estate Services; Motto Mortgage; Fidelity National Title; Dotloop; HomeTeam Inspection Service; Floridians for Housing/Housing Funds for Housing; and Titulaw Title & Escrow.
Florida Realtors® serves as the voice for real estate in Florida and provides programs, services, ongoing education, research and legislative representation to its more than 200,000 members in 51 local boards/associations throughout Florida.2021-08-28T14:56:00-07:002021-08-28T17:23:55-07:00Kasey Albrighttag:yourswfloridarealestate.com,2012-09-20:222554th of July in Southwest Florida 2021<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/421/image/Blog/4thofJuly2021.png" width="600" height="338" alt="4thofJuly2021" title="4thofJuly2021" style="vertical-align: middle; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" />
Sanibel
The annual Sanibel 4th of July Parade and the Sanibel 4th of July Fireworks have been canceled for 2021 due to Covid.
Captiva<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/421/image/Blog/SouthSeas4thofJuly.png" width="250" height="188" alt="SouthSeas4thofJuly" title="SouthSeas4thofJuly" style="float: right;" />
South Seas will be hosting their annual golf cart parade as well as 4th of July Fireworks. The South Seas Fireworks Show begins at 9pm. You must be a registered guest to be able to enter South Seas property but if you are on a boat nearby, you will be able to view from the water.
Fort Myers Beach
The Fort Myers Beach Fourth of July fireworks show begins at approximately 9 P.M. at Times Square. You can bring a beach chair and and enjoy the show as the beautiful fireworks light up the night sky!
Closing time for the Matanzas Pass bridge is 9pm-11:30pm to oncoming traffic. Big Carlos Pass Bridge on the south end of the Island will remain open.
Fort Myers
Downtown Fort Myers Freedom Fest
The downtown Fort Myers block party returns with fireworks, food trucks, vendors and the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thunderbeachband" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-t-l=":b|e|inline click|${u}" class="gnt_ar_b_a">Thunder Beach Band</a>. The fireworks will be launched off Lofton Island in the Caloosahatchee River. 6 -10 p.m. Sunday, July 4. Fireworks start at about 9 p.m.
Cape Coral
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/421/image/Blog/CapeRedWhiteBoom.png" width="250" height="195" alt="CapeRedWhiteBoom" title="CapeRedWhiteBoom" style="float: right;" />
Cape Coral's Red White and Boom is back for 2021 after being canceled in 2020 due to Covid.
Freedom 5K
Registration - 6:00am <br />Race Start - 7:00am <br />The start line is at the foot of the Cape Coral Bridge. Sign-ups are welcome on the event day!<br /><a data-testid="linkElement" href="https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/CapeCoral/Freedom5KRunWalkKidsFunRun" target="_blank" rel="noopener" class="_2k7xj">Register Now!</a>
American Fireworks Spectacular
The American Fireworks Spectacular is a musically synchronized display. The music can be heard at the stage, on Cat Country 107.1, or download the IHeart app. and log into Cat Country 107.1 and listen on your phone. Watch as over 4,000 shells explode in the sky of Cape Coral to celebrate the birth of our great nation. Listen to fireworks music on your phone. <a href="https://www.iheart.com/live/489?cmp=ios_share&sc=ios_social_share&pr=false" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Click for information</a>
9:30 pm - The American Fireworks Spectacular
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/421/image/Blog/CapeCoralRedWhiteBoom.png" width="600" height="255" alt="CapeCoralRedWhiteBoom" title="CapeCoralRedWhiteBoom" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border: 1px solid black;" />
Cape Coral Bridge Closing at 3:00 AM. The Cape Coral Bridge, as well as Cape Coral Parkway from Del Prado Boulevard to the bridge, will be closing at 3:00am on July 4. Please plan your day accordingly and arrange for an alternate route during your travels. Vehicles attempting to turn east or west on Cape Coral Parkway from Del Prado Boulevard will be directed to make a u-turn and head north.2021-07-01T09:42:00-07:002022-06-20T16:42:54-07:00Kasey Albrighttag:yourswfloridarealestate.com,2012-09-20:17795Easter Weekend in Fort MyersEaster is this Sunday, April 4th. Looking for fun plans this weekend. We have compiled a list of some of the best Easter events this weekend.
Saturday, April 3rd
9AM-3:30PM - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/445500410022167/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22surface%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22permalink%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D" target="_blank">Springtime Garden Center Easter Fest</a>
Celebrate spring with the Easter Bunny as he gets things hopping around the Farm! This family friendly event features all your favorite farm attractions, non-stop egg hunts (Over 15,000 Eggs), Scavenger Hunt, Egg Painting, Food Truck and you will meet some of our brand new sweet fuzzy baby animals. It's an EGG-citing way start the spring season!<br />Easter Bunny meet-and-greets takes place each hour throughout event. <br />Gates open to the event at 9:00am and close at 4:00pm. The Easter Egg Hunt Field is open from 9:00am to 3:30pm. We do not do a count down as the field is open for hunting at your leisure and we replenish eggs throughout the day. This allows for a less chaotic and more enjoyable event. Children may collect as many eggs as they like. They then return them to our Prize Redemption Station to receive their Easter goodie bag. This ensures every child gets the same awesome gift regardless of the number of eggs they collect.
10AM - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/193298495537218/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22surface%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22permalink%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D" target="_blank">We Rock the Spectrum Easter Egg-Stravaganza</a>
Low Capacity Easter FUN for ALL kids ages 6 months old - 12 years old.
* Meet the Easter Bunny<br />* Scavenger Egg Hunt<br />* Open Play<br />* Easter Craft<br />* Snacks for kids<br />* Goodie bag with Panera Bread Cookie and Chick-Fil-A Kid's Meal Card!<br />* Music and Lots of FUN
Call to register: 239-362-3378
11AM - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/136646331718416" title="Golden Rind Easter Egg Hunt & Wine Tasting" target="_blank">Golden Rind Easter Egg Hunt & Wine Tasting</a>
*PARENTS* Bring Your Kids To The Design Center Off McGregor Blvd Saturday April 3rd To Participate In An Easter Egg Hunt, Win Candy & Prizes, While You Enjoy A FREE Wine Tasting Of Up To Four Select Wines From Their Spring Collection!
Sunday, April 4th
9:00, 10:00 or 10:45AM - <a href="https://www.adventureinparadiseinc.com/cruises/holiday-cruises/easter-cruise/" title="Adventures in Paradise Easter Egg Hunt and Dolphin Cruise" target="_blank">Adventures in Paradise Dolphin Cruise & Easter Egg Hunt</a>
Join the Easter Bunny! Hop aboard for Easter "island style"! Cruise the San Carlos Bay and along the way catch a glimpse or two of dolphins! Arrive at Picnic Island to find a thousand eggs with treats and experience easter egg hunting like you never have before! Easter pails will be provided.
Join us aboard one of our three 45' Corinthian Power Catamarans. Complete with restroom on board.
Several departure time options:<br />Departs 9am & Returns 10:30am<br />Departs 10am & Returns 11:45am (approximate return time)<br />Departs 10:45am & Returns 12:15pm
Tickets are $69 per adult and $35 per child. <br />Reservations are limited and tickets can be purchased by calling 239-472-8443 or by visiting <a class="oajrlxb2 g5ia77u1 qu0x051f esr5mh6w e9989ue4 r7d6kgcz rq0escxv nhd2j8a9 nc684nl6 p7hjln8o kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x jb3vyjys rz4wbd8a qt6c0cv9 a8nywdso i1ao9s8h esuyzwwr f1sip0of lzcic4wl py34i1dx gpro0wi8" href="https://www.adventureinparadiseinc.com/cruises/holiday-cruises/easter-cruise/" role="link" tabindex="0" target="_blank">www.AdventuresInParadise.com</a>!
<a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfhmU17Os7KbJ1AL7TzaVCWmuhEUWQ9eQy4Ugx16BVRSCQGKg/viewform" target="_blank"></a>
9AM-3:30PM - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/445500410022167/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22surface%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22permalink%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D" target="_blank">Springtime Garden Center Easter Fest</a>
Celebrate spring with the Easter Bunny as he gets things hopping around the Farm! This family friendly event features all your favorite farm attractions, non-stop egg hunts (Over 15,000 Eggs), Scavenger Hunt, Egg Painting, Food Truck and you will meet some of our brand new sweet fuzzy baby animals. It's an EGG-citing way start the spring season!<br />Easter Bunny meet-and-greets takes place each hour throughout event. <br />Gates open to the event at 9:00am and close at 4:00pm. The Easter Egg Hunt Field is open from 9:00am to 3:30pm. We do not do a count down as the field is open for hunting at your leisure and we replenish eggs throughout the day. This allows for a less chaotic and more enjoyable event. Children may collect as many eggs as they like. They then return them to our Prize Redemption Station to receive their Easter goodie bag. This ensures every child gets the same awesome gift regardless of the number of eggs they collect.2021-03-31T17:31:00-07:002021-03-31T18:27:40-07:00Kasey Albrighttag:yourswfloridarealestate.com,2012-09-20:16892UhmazeBowls - Local Business Spotlight
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/421/image/Blog/UhmazeBowls.png" width="500" height="500" alt="UhmazeBowls" title="UhmazeBowls" style="vertical-align: middle; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" />
Let’s spotlight one of our favorite Local Businesses: Uhmazebowls. There is no better place in SWFL to enjoy açaí bowls, smoothies and our personal favorite the poke bowls!
We met owners Brad & Eden McIntyre at the Lakes Park Farmers Market where they got their start. This family has grown from farmers markets to opening now 2 restaurant locations (Fort Myers & Cape Coral).
Stop by this weekend if you haven’t been, and if you have been, something special you could do is to write them a great review on Facebook, google, yelp! I know all local businesses rely on reviews (just like us)! What is you favorite thing to order at UhmazeBowls?2021-01-28T21:25:00-07:002021-02-01T11:47:43-07:00Kasey Albrighttag:yourswfloridarealestate.com,2012-09-20:168022020 Buyers Homestead Exemption
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/421/image/Blog/Homestead-Exemption.png" width="600" height="338" alt="Homestead Exemption" title="Homestead Exemption" style="vertical-align: middle; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" />
FLORIDA HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION<br />OFFICIAL TIMELY FILING PERIOD JANUARY 1 – MARCH 1
LATE FILED APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED UP TO 25 DAYS AFTER THE MAILING OF THE TRUTH IN MILLAGE NOTICE (TRIM Notice) – If you believe you may qualify – apply immediately.
Florida law requires that application be made by March 1st (late filed accepted and processed in accordance with current Florida law) to be eligible for up to a $50,000 Homestead Exemption. Only new applicants or those who had a change of residence need apply. Automatic renewals are mailed in January each year.
What Is A Homestead Exemption?
Homestead Exemption is a constitutional benefit of up to a $50,000 exemption removed from the assessed value of your property. It is granted to those applicants who possess title to real property and are bona fide Florida residents living in the dwelling and making it their permanent home on January 1. Documentation that proves you were a resident at the homestead property is required.
Rental of the Homestead Property Property owners who receive the homestead exemption on their residence need to be aware that personally renting their property or renting through home-sharing or collaborative consumption companies may constitute abandonment and, therefore, loss of the homestead tax exemption. Renting typically means exclusive use by a tenant on a temporary, seasonal or annual basis. If you plan to rent, please contact the appropriate legal advisers to be sure that you do not jeopardize your homestead exemption. Relinquishing your homestead exemption will increase your property taxes.
Value Limitations (caps) Properties granted homestead exemption automatically receive the “Save Our Homes” benefit. This is a constitutional benefit approved by the Florida voters in 1992. It places a limitation of 3% on annual assessment increase on homestead properties beginning with the 1995 tax year. For properties granted homestead exemption in the prior years, that assessed value will be the base value for the implementation of “Save Our Homes". Thereafter, the assessed value will not increase more than 3% or the Consumer Price Index, whichever is less. Exceptions to that limitation include new additions or construction that escaped taxation in the past. When a homestead property sells, the assessed value returns to fair market value in the year following the sale. That value assessment then becomes the new owner/homestead applicant’s base value for “Save Our Homes” purposes.
INFORMATION/DOCUMENTATION IS REQUIRED IN ORDER TO FILE FOR ANY EXEMPTION - PERMANENT FLORIDA RESIDENCY, OWNERSHIP AND OCCUPANCY** OF THE PROPERTY AS YOUR PRIMARY HOMESTEAD PROPERTY IS REQUIRED AS OF JANUARY 1
You may file for your homestead exemption by mail, in person or on-line at <a href="https://www.leepa.org/Default.aspx">www.leepa.org</a>. If filing online, please read on-line filing instructions carefully to determine eligibility. If you are filing by mail, you may download an application form, complete same, attach required documentation and mail the form to our office. If you are not a registered voter and cannot provide a photocopy of your recorded Declaration of Domicile, you must visit the Appraiser’s office to complete this form for recording. Contact info: E-mail: <a href="mailto:Exemptions@leepa.org">Exemptions@leepa.org</a>, Phone: (888) 721-0510, physical location: Constitutional Complex, 2480 Thompson St, 4th floor, Fort Myers Florida 33901 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
To be eligible to receive the homestead exemption you must own the property (have legal title/interest) and permanently reside on/occupy the property. You must be able to document that you resided at your homestead property as of January 1 by providing proof of issuance of a Florida Driver’s license and Lee County Voter registration (both showing the homestead address as the residence address of record). Non-voters must complete a Declaration of Domicile (available in our office). Additional information is required and described below. Please review the following information carefully.
Applicants must hold a valid Florida Driver’s License. If you apply in person, provide the original license at the time you make application. If filing by mail provide a photocopy in lieu of the original. You must provide a photocopy of the front and back of the license. Refer to F.S. <a href="http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0300-0399/0322/Sections/0322.19.html" target="_blank">322.19</a> for requirements for name/address changes associated with your driver’s license or Florida I.D. card. A Florida I.D. Card can be used ONLY if you do not hold a driver’s license in any other jurisdiction. (A “Valid in Florida ONLY” license is not acceptable).
Florida vehicle license plate (tag) number is required and must be registered in the name of each applicant. If you own multiple vehicles, at least one vehicle must be registered in Florida. Leased vehicles must be registered in Florida. Company owned vehicles do not require Florida registration (license tags).
If you ARE a U.S. Citizen – provide your Lee County Florida Voter’s Registration Card or – if you do not vote - you will be required to complete and record a Declaration of Domicile. Your voter ID address must be that of your new homestead address. If you have not already recorded a domicile, you may obtain the domicile form at the Appraiser’s Office. Non-voters are unable to file on-line.
Proof of U.S. Citizenship may be required. IF YOU ARE NOT A U.S. CITIZEN – you must possess a valid Permanent Resident Alien Card or proof that your card has been approved. Proof of asylum is also accepted. A Declaration of Domicile must be recorded in Florida. Temporary visas and work visas do not qualify. To apply by mail, you must submit a legible copy of the front and back of your permanent resident card and a copy of the recorded declaration of domicile. See Item #3 (above) for information on /recording the Declaration of Domicile. (Must be Issued as of 1/1)
Social Security Number is required for all applicants and the spouse of all applicants. If married, you must provide your spouse’s Social Security number even though the spouse is not an owner of the property and is not applying for exemption.
Date of birth for applicant(s).
Proof of ownership – copy of Lee County tax bill or recorded Deed to prove ownership of the property on which you are making exemption application. Ownership in Trust requires copy of Trust/Certificate of Trust/proof of applicant qualifications as stated in Trust. Trustees must sign the application as Trustee, i.e. John Doe, Trustee of John Doe Trust.
Proof that you (or your spouse) do not receive a residency based exemption or tax credit in another jurisdiction –You cannot claim a residency based homestead exemption, tax credit or rollback in any other state or county while receiving the homestead exemption in Lee County. In addition, if you are married, your spouse cannot receive exemption, tax credit or rollback in any other jurisdiction unless you have documentary evidence to prove a separation of the family unit. <a href="http://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Constitution#A7S06" target="_blank">Section 6 (b) Article VII, FL Constitution</a> states that not more than one exemption shall be allowed any individual or family unit. To document removal of any other exemptions, a statement from the jurisdiction indicating either there are no residency based benefits being applied, or if there were residency based tax credits or exemptions being applied they have been removed is required. You may use this document: <a href="http://leepa.org/webforms/Exemption/OutofStateExemptionRemoval.pdf">Out of State Exemption Removal Form</a> to comply with this requirement. You will be asked to sign an affidavit stating that you have been informed of the policy regarding multiple exemptions and that you are responsible for removing any other exemption in order to qualify in Lee County. Additional information may be required.
Upon qualifying for Florida Homestead exemption, any state tax returns filed in your name must be filed as a non-resident or part–time resident of that state in order to continue to qualify as a Florida resident. Contact your CPA or tax preparer for information on filing out of state tax returns once you become a Florida resident. Proof of filing a state return as a part –time or non-resident may be required when updating your exemption qualifications.
Who Is Eligible to File for an Exemption?
Those individuals whose names appear on the deed and who reside on the property as of Jan. 1 and who are bona fide Florida residents as of January 1 are eligible to file. Seasonal or temporary rental of the homestead may be considered abandonment of the homestead exemption – contact the PA Office for information.
* Regardless of the type of tenancy, it is recommended that all persons whose names appear on the deed and reside on the property apply for the exemption to safeguard your benefits from ownership changes in the future due to death, divorce or other changes. Properties that are used as rental property (seasonal or annual) do not qualify as homestead property. Please contact the appraiser for more information on rentals.
Visit our website or contact our office for additional exemption information; you may be entitled to exemptions other than those listed below:
SENIOR EXEMPTION: All residents of Lee County, 65 years of age or older as of Jan 1, whose annual adjusted gross household income does not exceed mandated income limitation may qualify. Income limits are adjusted annually (<a href="https://www.leepa.org/Exemption/DownloadSeniorExemptionForms.aspx">Senior Instructions and download forms</a>). Information on the <a href="http://floridarevenue.com/property/Documents/AdditionalHomesteadExemptions.pdf" target="_blank">current income limit</a> for this exemption and more information on the <a href="https://floridarevenue.com/property/Documents/Save%20Our%20Homes.pdf" target="_blank">CPI</a> is available from the Department of Revenue.
$500 WIDOW/WIDOWER’S EXEMPTION - To file for Widow or Widower’s Exemption you must be a widow or widower prior to JANUARY 1st of the tax year and provide proof of your spouse’s death. Divorced persons do not qualify for this exemption.
$500 DISABILITY EXEMPTION – Veteran / Non Veteran – Florida residents who provide proof of total and permanent disability or proof of legal blindness may qualify. Certification from a Florida physician or a statement from the Division of Blind Services is required. Income verification is not required. (<a href="https://www.leepa.org/Exemption/NonVeteranDisability.aspx">Florida Physician’s Certification of Disability forms</a> are available in our office or can be downloaded from our website).
SURVIVING SPOUSE OF FIRST RESPONDER WHO DIED IN THE LINE OF DUTY EXEMPTION – Any real estate that is owned and used as a homestead by the surviving spouse of a first responder who died in the line of duty while employed by the state or any political subdivision of the state, including authorities and special districts, and for whom a letter from the state or appropriate political subdivision of the state, or other authority or special district, has been issued which legally recognizes and certifies that the first responder died in the line of duty while employed as a first responder is exempt from taxation if the first responder and his or her surviving spouse were permanent residents of this state on January 1 of the year in which the first responder died.
VETERAN $5,000 DISABILITY EXEMPTION – An honorably discharged ex-service member designated as 10 % through 99% disabled due to war-time or by service connected misfortune may qualify. The surviving spouse of the veteran may also qualify to receive this exemption. (Provide documentation from VA indicating percentage of service connected disability).
VETERAN – TOTAL AND PERMANENT DISABILITY EXEMPTION – An honorably discharged veteran with total and permanent service-connected disability may qualify for total exemption of ad-valorem taxes. (Provide documentation from VA stating service-connected total and permanent disability).
<a href="https://www.leepa.org/Exemption/VeteranExemptions.aspx">VETERAN EXEMPTIONS</a> - ADDITIONAL exemptions available to qualifying veterans over age 65 and to qualifying deployed military personnel – contact our office for more information.
TOTAL EXEMPTION OF HOMESTEAD PROPERTY FROM AD VALOREM TAXATION - Section <a href="http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0100-0199/0196/Sections/0196.101.html" target="_blank">196.101</a>, F.S. provides that real estate owned by any quadriplegic is exempt from taxation – there is no income limitation for quadriplegics. Paraplegic, hemiplegic, or other totally and permanently disabled persons, who must use a wheel chair for mobility, or are legally blind and produce certification of that fact shall be exempt from ad valorem taxation - Income limitation applies – proof of <a href="https://floridarevenue.com/property/Documents/DisabilityIncomeLimits.pdf" target="_blank">gross income</a> is required and or other official certification of disability is required. (<a href="https://www.leepa.org/Exemption/NonVeteranDisability.aspx">Florida Physician’s Certification of Disability forms</a> are available in our office or can be downloaded from our website).
It is the responsibility of every taxpayer to annually verify their exemption / SOH portability status and notify the Appraiser of any corrections. The Notice of Proposed Taxes (TRIM Notice) mailed each year in mid-August documents your exemption and SOH status. Review your exemption and/or portability status on the Notice of Proposed taxes. If your exempt status is not documented on the Notice, contact our office immediately. Failure to provide all qualifying documentation no later than the deadline stated on the TRIM Notice will result in the loss of your exemption / SOH benefit for the current tax year. Exemptions are not granted retroactively and are not automatically transferred to your new homestead. You must apply for exemption and portability of the SOH benefit (if applicable) any time you purchase and relocate to a new residence. Please govern yourself accordingly. ** The “Date of Occupancy” is required and is used to determine eligibility. Date of occupancy isn’t necessarily determined by closing date on your new property or sale date of your prior residence or the date you make application for exemption. Date of occupancy is the date you reside on the property and consider the property to be your permanent and primary residence; issuance of your driver’s license and voter registration at the homestead address also prove your physical presence as of a specific date and are used in determining your eligibility.
Where (How) to File for Homestead?
<a href="https://www.leepa.org/webforms/exemption/DR501-2018.pdf" target="LCPAForms">Download the Original Application for Homestead and Related Tax Exemptions form, Instructions For Filing and Affidavit</a>
<a href="https://www.leepa.org/webforms/exemption/HEXV%20Application.pdf" target="LCPAForms">Download the Request Benefit of Save Our Homes on Parcel Contiguous to Homestead Property form</a>
<a href="http://floridarevenue.com/property/Documents/dr501t.pdf" target="LCPAForms">Download the Portability Application form (DR 501T)</a>
<a href="https://www.leepa.org/webforms/exemption/RemoveHexNoYear.pdf" target="LCPAForms">Download the Homestead Exemption Removal Request form</a>
To file in person, bring your completed application and any supporting documentation to our main office location:
Lee County Property Appraiser's Office<br />Constitutional Complex<br />4th Floor<br />2480 Thompson Street<br />Fort Myers, FL 33901<br />Monday - Friday 8:30AM - 5:00PM
Please be sure that you have all the required documentation/information with you when you visit our office to apply. Hours of operation are 8:30 A.M to 5:00 P.M, Monday through Friday. The Office of the Property Appraiser is closed in observance of scheduled holidays as per the Board of Lee County Board of County Commissioners. Please refer to our “List of Observed Holidays” on the home page of the website at <a href="https://www.leepa.org/Default.aspx">www.leepa.org</a>.
You may also mail your completed application and any supporting documentation to: <br />Lee County Property Appraiser<br />Attn: Homestead Exemptions<br />P.O. Box 1546<br />Fort Myers, FL 33902
Be sure to include all required documentation and information at the time you mail your application. Incomplete applications cannot be processed and will be returned to you for completion. Timely filed applications must be postmarked no later than midnight, March 1, of the year in which you qualify for exemption. You may late file applications which will be processed in accordance with Florida Statutes. If you believe you may qualify, please file your application immediately.
PENALTY
Any person who knowingly and willfully gives false information for the purpose of claiming homestead exemption is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by up to one (1) year in prison and/or a $5,000 fine. <a href="http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0100-0199/0196/Sections/0196.131.html" target="_blank">196.131</a>, F.S.
Send exemption questions to <a href="mailto:exemptions@leepa.org">Exemptions@leepa.org</a>2021-01-22T12:43:00-07:002021-01-22T14:02:32-07:00Kasey Albrighttag:yourswfloridarealestate.com,2012-09-20:16790Sanctuary Golf Club Cooking Demo RecipesThe Sanctuary Golf Club on Sanibel Island hosted a Ladies Lunch Bunch Cooking Demo on January 21st, 2021. Executive Chef Derek Bryner demonstrated how he prepares some of the Sanctuary's most popular dishes. I have included the recipes below for you to try at home!
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/421/image/Blog/Sanctuary-Cooking-Demo.png" width="600" height="338" alt="Sanctuary Cooking Demo" title="Sanctuary Cooking Demo" style="vertical-align: middle; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" />
Local Organic Garden Winter Salad
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/421/image/Blog/Winter-Salad.png" width="600" height="338" alt="Winter Salad Recipe" title="Winter Salad Recipe" style="vertical-align: middle; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" />
<a href="https://eastforkcreek.com" title="East Fork Creek" target="_blank">East Fork Creek Organic Greens</a>, Vanilla Poached Pears, Blueberries, Blue Cheese Candied Pecans, Picked Onion, Apple Cider Vinaigrette
Apple Cider Vinaigrette
Ingredients:<br />Apple Cider - 1 Quart<br />Apple Cider Vinegar - 3 oz<br />Sauteed Shallots - 1 Each<br />Dijon Mustard - 1 Tbsp<br />Sunflower Oil - 1 Pint
Start by reducing the apple cider from 1 quart down to 8-10 ounces, to strenghthen the flavor and improve the viscosity. While the cider reduction cools, saute the shallot on medium-low until aromatic and translucent. Once those two items have cooled, add all ingredients to your blender except for the oil. Make sure your blender is on low with the lid on. Start blending your ingredients on low, work up to medium and eventually on high. Slowly add your sunflower oil with the blender running on high. Once the oil is gone, keep it running for a few seconds to be sure the oil is well incorporated.
Vanilla Poached Pears
Ingredients:<br />White Wine - 1 Pint<br />Water - 1 Pint<br />Sugar - 10 oz<br />Cinnamon Stick - 1 Each<br />Vanilla Bean (Halved and Scraped) - 1 Each<br />Ripe Pears - 4 Each
Place all the ingredients except the pears in a stainless-steel saucepan. Do not turn on the heat. Peel the pears, then add them to the pan. Place them onto the stove and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook the pears carefully.
Once cooked, remove the pan from the heat and allow the pears to cool in the sugar syrup. To check if they are cooked, take a paring knife, and push it into the middle of the fruit. If the pears feel soft, they are cooked. They can be served hot or cold.
Candied Pecan
Ingredients:<br />Pecan Halves - 16 Each<br />Brown Sugar - 2 oz<br />Egg Whites Whisked - 2 Each
Whisk egg whites until frothy and turn slightly white. Add pecans, sugar and pinch of salt and pepper, then toss. Place on baking sheet and cook at 350 for 10-11 minutes.
Sole French
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/421/image/Blog/Sole-French.png" width="600" height="338" alt="Sole French" title="Sole French" style="vertical-align: middle; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" />
Saffron Potato, Nicoise Olive, Crispy Haricot Vert, Capers, Heirpool Tomatoes, Citrus Beurre Blanc
Saffron Tea
Ingredients:<br />Saffron Threads - 1 Pinch<br />Bay Leaf - 2 Each<br />Black Peppercorn - 6 Each<br />Corriander - 10 Seeds<br />Kosher Salt - 3 oz<br />Simmering Water - 1 Quart
Add all ingredients to a small pot and bring to a simmer, then shut off. Let sit overnight if possible.
Saffron Potatoes
Ingredients:<br />Peeled Yukon Gold Potatoes - 4 Each
Using a melon baller scoop out potatoes, enough for 3 or 5 pieces per person. Strain all ingredients out of the tea. Bring saffron tea up to a simmer with potatoes in it, simmer potatoes for 4-5 minutes. Turn off heat and let potatoes sit for 10 minutes.
Citrus Beuree Blanc
Ingredients:<br />White Wine - 12 oz<br />Kaffir Lime Leaf - 4 Each<br />Shallot (sliced) - 1 Each<br />Black Peppercorn - 4 Each<br />Butter - 16 oz<br />Lemon Zest and Juice - 2 Each
Add first 4 ingredients to a small sauce pot and reduce until most all liquid is gone. Once you have reduced it to 1-2 ounces, turn the heat down to very low and start slowing wisking in your butter 2 ounces at a time. Once all butter is incorporated, strain and stir in lemon juice, zest and a pinch of salt. Reserve in a warm place like the corner of the stove top.
Sole French
Ingredients:<br />Sole Filet - 4 Each<br />Corn Starch - 1 Box<br />Whisked Egg - 6 Egg<br />Heirloom Grape Tomatoes - 16 Each Halved<br />Nicoise Olives - 20 Each<br />Haircot Vert - 12 Each (blanced and halved)<br />Capers - 2 Tbsp
Season the trimmed sole filet, lightly dust in corn starch, then dip and coat in whisked eggs. Place nonstick saute pan on medium heat, add 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil and saute the sole until golden. Flip and repeat. Place pan with fish still inside into a 325-degree oven, and cook for 9-10 minutes until fish reaches 145 degrees interal temperature.
To Plate:<br />Add your tomatoes, capers, olives, haircot vert, and saffron potatoes to your beuree blanc and bring up to temperature on medium-low to get all ingredients warm. Place sole in center of plate and randomly place all your vegetables around the fish, garnish with parmesan cheese, chopped parsley and chive. Enjoy!
Creme Brulee
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/421/image/Blog/CremeBrulee.png" width="600" height="338" alt="Creme Brûlée" title="Creme Brûlée" style="vertical-align: middle; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" />
Amaretto and Vanilla Bean Custard, Carmelized Sugar
Vanilla Custard
Ingredients:<br />Heavy Whipping Cream - 2 cups<br />Amaretto Liqueur - 2 Tbsp<br />Almond Extract - 1/2 tsp<br />Egg Yolks - 6 Each<br />Vanilla Beach (split and scrapped)<br />Sugar - 1/2 cup + 4-6 Tbsp for topping
Preheat over to 350 degrees.
In a saucepan, bring cream, Amaretto, Vanilla Bean, and almond extract to a boil. Scold the cream.
Meanwhile, whisk egg yolks with 1/2 cup granulated sugar. Slowly whisk the hot cream into the egg yolk mixture until well blended, gradually adding the hot liquid so the eggs don't cook.
Place 4-5 shallow individual 6 to 8-ounce baking dishes in a large baking or roasting pan. Pour cream mixture into the baking dishes. Pour boiling water into the baking dish to about halfway up the small baking dishes.
Carefully place the pan in the oven. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the centers barely move. You may have to adjust the baking time, depending on the size/depth of the baking dishes. Cool the creme brulee, then chill overnight.
Sprinkle each creme brulee with 2-3 teaspoons of sugar. Carefully torch to melt the sugar, moving and taking care not to burn. Move in a circular motion, about 1 1/2 to 2 minutes.
Garnish with whipped cream and fresh berries.2021-01-21T15:11:00-07:002021-06-29T10:21:42-07:00Kasey Albrighttag:yourswfloridarealestate.com,2012-09-20:16563Fresh Year, Fresh Start: Cleaning Out Your Home for the New Year<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/421/image/Blog/Cleaning-Your-Home.png" width="600" height="338" alt="Cleaning Your Home" title="Cleaning Your Home" style="vertical-align: middle; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" />
Many of us could not wait to close the door on 2020 and usher in the new year– and all the positive karma we hope comes with it! As you look forward to 2021 you may have spent some time thinking about your intentions for the coming year, whether for personal or professional growth, health and fitness, or family goals. Let’s face it, 2020 was stressful, and while many people look to each new year to freshen up their lives, this year more than ever people are looking inward to reexamine what is important to them. But one thing that is just as important as setting intentions for your behaviors or habits is creating a peaceful and joyful place in which to practice your intentions.
If you, like most Americans, spent a record amount of time inside your home last year due to the pandemic, you may have accumulated more stuff than you have in previous years. Many people acquired new hobbies to pass the time at home, started – and maybe even finished – home improvement projects, or simply went a little overboard with boredom-induced online shopping. If this sounds familiar, it may be time for a decluttering session.
Living with too much stuff can cause stress, anxiety, and depression. People with too much clutter in their environment also tend to suffer from relationship issues, sleep problems, and chronic allergies or asthma.
So, before you pack a suitcase and hop on a flight for that vacation that got cancelled last year, take some time to clean out your home for the new year. Here are a few strategies recommended by professional organizers.
1. One category at a time: This method is used by Marie Kondo, author of the bestselling book The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, and TV show, Tidying Up with Marie Kondo. She advocates for decluttering items by category: clothes, books, papers, miscellaneous items, and sentimental items, in that order.
2. One room at a time: Another method is to focus on one area at a time. It could be a room, the garage, or the attic. If that amount of space is still overwhelming to you, break it down to one closet, one cabinet, or one drawer at a time.
3. Arrange keep, sell, and donate spaces. As you progress through your decluttering, it will save time and energy if you have already designated areas to accumulate items that are to be kept, sold, or donated. Then you can deal with each group of items once you have everything separated.
Once you have cleaned out your home, you might adopt some of these habits for preventing clutter from piling up again:
1. Set a rule where you don’t purchase a new piece of clothing, toy, book, or gadget without getting rid of something you are no longer using.
2. Get into the habit of always putting everything back in its place. This will keep you from purchasing items you already have but can’t find or forgot about.
3. To prevent clothes from piling up, try choosing your outfits for the coming week every Sunday, and don’t let clean laundry sit unfolded.
4. Look through your refrigerator and pantry before shopping and shop with a list of needed items.
5. Live by the rule that if you haven’t used it or worn it in the past year, chances are you don’t need it.2021-01-19T12:12:00-07:002021-01-04T09:05:53-07:00Kasey Albrighttag:yourswfloridarealestate.com,2012-09-20:16575New Reservation System and COVID-19 Vaccine Site Announced
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/421/image/Blog/Covid-19-Vaccine-Reservation.jpg" width="600" height="455" alt="Covid-19 Vaccine Reservation" title="Covid-19 Vaccine Reservation" style="vertical-align: middle; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" />
New reservation system and COVID-19 vaccine site announced. FDOH-Lee and Lee County announced a walk-up vaccination site for this week that will be taking reservations (for those 65 and older, or frontline healthcare workers) beginning at noon TODAY, Jan. 4 by calling 833-618-2001.
VACCINATION DATES AND TIMES:<br />Tuesday, January 5, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.<br />Wednesday, January 6, 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.<br />Thursday, January 7, 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
LOCATION:<br />Chamberlin Parkway North parking lot<br />SWFL Intl. Airport, 16000 Chamberlin Pkwy<br />Fort Myers, FL 33913
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/421/image/Blog/Covid-19-Vaccine-Reservation-Site.jpg" width="600" height="461" alt="Covid-19 Vaccine Reservation Site" title="Covid-19 Vaccine Reservation Site" style="vertical-align: middle; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" />
To save time, fill out the vaccine consent form here <a class="oajrlxb2 g5ia77u1 qu0x051f esr5mh6w e9989ue4 r7d6kgcz rq0escxv nhd2j8a9 nc684nl6 p7hjln8o kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x jb3vyjys rz4wbd8a qt6c0cv9 a8nywdso i1ao9s8h esuyzwwr f1sip0of lzcic4wl py34i1dx gpro0wi8" href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fow.ly%2FIcUU50CYQpK%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR3nRINXg9hvD3VZnx965K8hwWIv_KzHARmprhq0byVs2aJh6krMk3alKp4&h=AT3zp9UTdpmwZvpI6fpr2bHkhjkIr7b7e4d0oaYjyPlJLrt4dovjT-CBgIadrxBfOejYothepbRyEVzayZV1kdQeOLQ3zqDpdAX0u0S3RCcWOd6B6UxlUsIqaW9r_CQgdGBZxXo&__tn__=-UK-R&c[0]=AT3A06FR8NKSXErj6OIc9EUpeDTzKfBszDAn1GMRylOsB-kJh9utdPdqC2cvPpyzCDkz3R_Lv2P3zfZvL75DqGt7O7rjSvN68Q11GpTQsQGoc_zDpkdcj_7wPpcf3NawEzAZw9fLVD5O09qe6pyN8Rjt7d5UN5joawWzr4bVkYcYYLn0unmILWcETPvqrgzWhv1oQOKK80eaoXb80PXaoj4" rel="nofollow noopener" role="link" tabindex="0" target="_blank">http://ow.ly/IcUU50CYQpK</a>.
To access a list of frequently asked questions, please visit <a class="oajrlxb2 g5ia77u1 qu0x051f esr5mh6w e9989ue4 r7d6kgcz rq0escxv nhd2j8a9 nc684nl6 p7hjln8o kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x jb3vyjys rz4wbd8a qt6c0cv9 a8nywdso i1ao9s8h esuyzwwr f1sip0of lzcic4wl py34i1dx gpro0wi8" href="https://www.leegov.com/covid-19/vaccine?fbclid=IwAR0lCE89HxTK5rrjYW5mng7elmysGn_POCal6RefPGZCXQXjNepPzx5wL9E" rel="nofollow noopener" role="link" tabindex="0" target="_blank">https://www.leegov.com/covid-19/vaccine...</a>.
The United Way 2-1-1 line for vaccine questions is staffed 24/7. Dial 2-1-1 or 239-433-3900.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/421/image/Blog/Covid-19-Vaccine-Reservation-Number.jpg" width="600" height="605" alt="Covid-19 Vaccine Reservation Number" title="Covid-19 Vaccine Reservation Number" style="vertical-align: middle; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" />
2021-01-04T09:05:00-07:002021-01-04T09:43:19-07:00Kasey Albrighttag:yourswfloridarealestate.com,2012-09-20:16562The Do’s and Don’ts for Investing in Real Estate<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/421/image/Blog/Real-Estate-Investing.png" width="600" alt="The Do’s and Don’ts for Investing in Real Estate" title="The Do’s and Don’ts for Investing in Real Estate" style="vertical-align: middle; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" height="338" />
Are you thinking about investing in real estate in 2021? It may be the perfect year to purchase a rental property, a vacation home, or to flip houses. We would be happy to help you find the perfect investment property, and we’ve put together this list of tips to help you get the best return on your investment.
First, consider what type of investment property is best for you and your family.
If you are thinking about a rental property, such as a vacation condo or rental home, consider how much time will be needed for things like maintenance, managing a website or rental company fees.
Is a family vacation property more to your liking? Make sure you read any and all rules pertaining to owners and guests, as well as rules on renting your property out when you are not using it, if that is something you plan to do.
For new house flippers, you want to find out what return you can expect to get in your market area and talk to contractors and suppliers to get realistic estimates on renovations, both in terms of price and time to completion.
Here are some additional Do’s and Don’ts for investing in real estate:
Do aim for at least a 15% return on investment.
Do look for homes priced in the low end of the median price range.
Do look for 3-bedroom, 2-bath single family homes for rentals or flipping.
Do focus on one neighborhood or area.
Do purchase rental properties close to your home if you plan to manage them yourself.
Do use one real estate agent to help with all your buying and selling needs.
Don’t purchase a second property until the first is earning revenue.
Don’t buy properties that you wouldn’t want to manage, even if you plan to use a property manager.
Don’t buy a home that you cannot afford to carry for several months in case of a slow market.
Don’t buy a home or condo without having inspections performed.
Don’t buy without title insurance.
Don’t buy more properties than you are able to manage.
As we said, we can help you search for investment properties. Sometimes buyers make the mistake of searching on their own and contacting the sellers or listing agents directly. Working with several different people wastes your time and increases the chances that you will miss out on a deal. Also, working with a team allows that team to learn your tastes, needs, and parameters, so we can be out looking for the right property while you are busy doing other things.2021-01-02T11:20:00-07:002021-01-02T12:07:41-07:00Kasey Albrighttag:yourswfloridarealestate.com,2012-09-20:16558Buying a Home in 2021 To-Do List<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/421/image/Blog/Buying-a-Home-in-2021.png" width="600" height="338" alt="Buying a Home in 2021" title="Buying a Home in 2021" style="vertical-align: middle; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" />
Happy New Year, friends! Got any resolutions this year? If one is to buy a new home, here are some things to consider that'll help get you there ASAP: ⁣<br />⁣<br />• Work towards paying down existing debt⁣<br />• Hold off on large purchases made on credit (cars, boats, appliances)⁣<br />• Save what you can for a down payment⁣<br />• Stay put in your current job⁣<br />• Get pre-approved for a mortgage ⁣<br />⁣<br />And last but definitely not least, reach out. Shoot us a message or give us a call—we'd love to help you prepare, find, and buy a new home in 2021!2020-12-31T14:28:00-07:002020-12-31T14:53:13-07:00Kasey Albright