Cold on Sanibel Island?

Well this has been quite a month for weather, wouldn’t you say?

I don’t ever remember it being this cold down here… and one group that is not liking these frigid temps at all are the fish, particularly snook!

We are seeing huge numbers of dead fish floating onto shore, and even floating dead in some of the canals, which our marine biologists tell us is due to the fish becoming “dormant” when their water turns so cold and then forgetting to eat and therefore, they die… well, that doesn’t happen to me, I eat more when I get cold!  🙂

But, one positive note in the “circle of life” is that the birds are having a feast on the dead fish, which is also thought to be keeping them alive in these chilly temps by eating more.  And so life goes…

It turns out that this is happening all over Southwest Florida, but it’s particularly disturbing when it starts affecting local “treasures” such as the probable death due to freezing temps of our 30+ year old female American Crocodile.  Really sad!  At 12-ft long and 300 pounds, she was found dead on a trail along the Sanibel River.

Well, I’m just glad that things are starting to warm up again and getting somewhat “back to normal”… this truly has been a strange winter “weather-wise” for everyone it seems…

What are your thoughts?  How are you staying warm?

Have a great weekend,

Sandy and Rob

p.s.  Got some great deals over at SanCap One Source Realty… no, seriously, some really great deals!  🙂

Dancing With Sanibel Island’s Stars!!

The hottest ticket on the island is “Dancing with the Island’s Stars”!

So did you grab your tickets before they sold-out?

The official event is tomorrow night, Saturday, January 23rd, but the dress rehearsal is also selling (cheaper) tickets for tonight, if there are still any available…

The purpose of this star-studded event is to raise funds for the renovation and update of the  “Meeting Place on Sanibel Island”, which is, of course, The Sanibel Community House!

So, your vote counts!!

Hope you can make it to the event 🙂

Have a great weekend!

Sandy and Rob

p.s.  Don’t forget to check out our latest listings at SanCap One Source Realty, they will knock your socks off!

Lighthouse Beach Recovery Project – Sanibel Island

When you cross over the Sanibel Causeway and swing a hard left heading east on Periwinkle Way, you can’t help but reach the parking lot behind the Lighthouse on the most eastern point of Sanibel Island.

The beach in front of this 120-year-old towering beauty is pristine and “active”… lots of tourists, lots of turtles (during turtle season), lots of birds, lots of cross currents from the Gulf (NOT a swimmer’s beach) and a little less sand each and every year.

Since Hurricane Wilma in 2005, Lighthouse Beach has been gradually eroding away and after years of trying to get permits and budgeting to replace the sand that has been lost, it was finally approved!

They are in the midst of the project, as we speak, hauling in 5000 cubic yards of sand to replace the quarter-mile of beach that has eroded and should finish the job at the end of January.

Great news for tourists and locals alike because this truly is one of the most unique spots on the island and we certainly don’t want it to “wither away”…

Be sure to stop by anytime after the first week of February to see the finished product!

You can read more details here:  Lighthouse Beach Restoration Project

Have a great weekend,

Sandy and Rob

p.s.  We’re starting the New Year off with a bang over at SanCap One Source Realty, how ’bout you?

Cold Winter Weekend Ahead on Sanibel and Captiva Beaches!

Brrrr!

We are still in Florida, right?  So it seems… however, we are to expect 30 degree Fahrenheit night lows for the next 5 days… Wow!

As the whole nation goes through a deep freeze, Florida is no exception and obviously, there are real concerns out there for citrus crops, people not prepared for the cold weather and of course, our natural habitat, animals included.

Even our beloved Manatees are swimming for their survival to warmer waters!

Here is a snippet from the City of Sanibel’s website:

The City of Sanibel encourages you to take the following cold weather precautions this weekend:

• Bring pets inside a covered area
• Bring potted plants inside and cover outdoor plants
• Do not use charcoal or gas grills inside; they produce deadly carbon monoxide fumes
• Check on your neighbors, friends, and relatives to make sure that they are prepared for the colder weather
• Do not use extension cords if you are using electric heaters and be sure to keep the heaters away from curtains and other flammable items
• Dress warmly in layers, if you will be outside for extended periods
• Monitor local media to stay current with weather conditions

Source: City of Sanibel

So, bundle up and stay warm this weekend!

Everything will be fine, we are supposed to start warming up again mid-next week, so hang tight!

Until next week, have a great one!

Sandy and Rob