Below is the link for the State of Florida site devoted to the response to the spill in the Gulf of Mexico. The site has projected trajectories for the spill area and provides updates on the containment and clean-up efforts. Also - for Sanibel Island related updates please view www.mysanibel.com
As of today, Sanibel Island and Captiva Island are not in harms way. The City of Sanibel is keeping a close eye on the situation and has developed response efforts in the event they are necessary.
This information was published by the Captiva Erosion Control District as to the State of Florida's response to the Oil Spill on-going in the Gulf of Mexico. We can all agree that this is a tragedy in the making and the response of our Federal, State, County and City officials is key as is the volunteer response. Sanibel and Captiva are not in the state of emergency areas yet (Lee County). I will keep you posted on any updates to our local information.
Issues affecting our treasured coastlines
Beach Briefs - May 4, 2010
"MAGNITUDE OF SPILL IS DAUNTING"
That's how Florida's top environmental official, Mike Sole, characterized the task both to stop the oil gushing from the Deepwater Horizon and to clean up its disastrous results. As of May 3, 2010, Governor Charlie Crist has declared state of emergencies in the flowing counties: Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, Bay, Gulf, Franklin, Wakulla, Jefferson, Taylor, Dixie, Levy, Citrus, Hernando, Pasco, Pinellas, Hillsborough, Manatee and Sarasota
What is the State of Florida Doing?
The State Emergency Response Team, in support of the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) as the lead response agency for the state of Florida, is actively monitoring the Deepwater Horizon response.
·DEP has conducted water and sediment sampling to use as a baseline for ongoing monitoring.
·DEP is continuously monitoring air quality data. The current air quality is considered to be good statewide. The public is encouraged to monitor this data at http://www.airnow.gov/ or http://www.epa.gov/bpspill/.
·DEP, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), county governments, water management districts and several federal agencies continue to conduct pre-impact assessments, including sampling of water, fish, shellfish and habitats along the Florida coastline and into the Gulf of Mexico.
·Statewide monitoring is ongoing in coordination with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Panhandle-specific data is expected to be completed early this week. To view Florida's air quality data, visit http://www.airnow.gov/ or http://www.epa.gov/bpspill/.
·The State Emergency Response Team has representatives at the Unified Command at the U.S. Coast Guard's Sector Mobile, helping to coordinate the efforts to protect Florida's shoreline.
·Emergency Support Function 15, Volunteers and Donations, successfully spearheaded pre-impact beach cleanups over the weekend of May 1-2. More than 1,200 volunteers participated in cleanups in Escambia, Santa Rosa, and Wakulla counties to minimize the effect of the Deepwater Horizon incident. Volunteer Florida offers guidance for conducting safe pre-impact beach cleanups at www.volunteerflorida.org.
Volunteer Opportunities
The Governor's Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service is encouraging residents along the Florida Panhandle to participate in local beach cleanup events this weekend. For information on scheduled beach cleanups and other volunteer opportunities in your area, please visit www.VolunteerFlorida.org. Or, to request volunteer information call (866) 448-5816.
BP has established a volunteer program and set up a toll-free number for those interested in volunteering. When calling, interested parties should communicate what activities they are volunteering and locations in which they are available to work. In addition, potential volunteers may call this line to learn about the training that is required to work in oil spill clean-up operations. For information on assisting with the response efforts, contact BP's community information line at (866) 448-5816.
Important Phone Numbers
·Today, the Florida Emergency Information Line was activated in response to Deepwater Horizon accident. The hotline, which provides Floridians information regarding the Deepwater Horizon response, will operate from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. until further notice. The number for residents to call is: (800) 342-3557
·Environment/community hotline: to report oil on the beach or shoreline or other environment or community impacts and access the Rapid Response Team - (866) 448-5816.
·Wildlife: to report and access care for impacted, i.e., oiled, wildlife (866) 557-1401.
·Volunteers: to request volunteer information (866) 448-5816.
· Services: to register as consultant, contractor, vendor, or submit information on alternative response technology, services, products or suggestions (281) 366-5511
The Captiva Erosion Prevention District is comprised of 5 elected, upaid Commissioners dedicated to preserving and maintaining Captiva's beaches and shorelines. For more information on CEPD, visit our website or join our emailing list at: mycepd@gmail.com
My clients who are interested in Sanibel Island Houses for sale (vs. Sanibel Island Condos for sale) have asked me about the trend in prices and number of sales over the past 10 years. The findings are quite interesting.
As you can see from the statistics below - the average price rose right through 2006, however the number of homes sold actually started to decline in that year. Prices have continued to pull back and we are heading back to 2003-2004 levels.
In 2010 so far we are seeing a pace that matches or exceeds (we have 20+ houses under contract) last year's volume however the prices are lower. The upper end of the market is very weak and what is currently selling is our $500K - $800K properties. We expect that this will continue through 2010 and that recovery in the upper price range won't be seen until 2011 - but we'll see. If you would like more information about Sanibel Island real estate and Captiva Island real estate sales trends - drop me an email or call me.
Yes, there are short sale properties available on Sanibel Island.
There are currently 10 houses and 4 Condos that are Short Sales being actively marketed on Sanibel Island at this time. There may be more however these are the active one. There is one multi-family house and 9 single family houses ranging from $350,000 to $3,295,000.
There are 4 - short sale condos that are being actively marketed, all two bedroom, two bath units ranging from $219,000 to $744,900.
If you have been waiting for "a deal" on Sanibel Island, now may be your time to buy!
I have just listed a classic, two bedroom, one bath cottage, down a dirt lane on the quiet west end of Sanibel Island - near Dinkins Bayou. This gem features an open floor plan, a screened porch, newer roof and appliances. It is only a short stroll to the neighborhood boat launch! A great get-away or condo alternative. Sanibel Island Real Estate at a great deal!
National Association of Realtors Chief Economist’s 2010 projections
Trying to predict how the Sanibel Island and Captiva Island Real Estate market will go in 2010 is not an easy task.The truth is that we have been seeing an increase in actual units under contract and the numbers of people who are making inquiries to me is about double of what it was last year at this time.
This being said, translating inquiries into people actually looking at properties to then making offers is not an exact science either.What I can report is that the NAR Chief Economist is predicting some improvements.He reports that existing home sales in 2009 rose to an estimated 5 million units – a 2% increase over 2008.For 2010, the forecast is for 5.7 million units or a 13.6% increase.
Additionally, because of the difficulty in obtaining jumbo financing, there was limited activity in the upper-end housing market.NAR forecasts improvement in 2010 in this end of the market as banks continue to ease their lending.
Many visitors to Sanibel Island visit the Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge to see the amazing birds, the abundant alligators and our infamous Croc. For those who know what I am talking about it is likely you saw her for yourself - 14 feet long and a gazillion teeth - she was one of the most amazing and scary creatures I have ever witnessed.
It was reported in the News Press today that she has died. She was found dead about a mile and a half from the refuge along the banks of the Sanibel River. It appears that she died from natural causes and the recent cold spell likely didn't help this amphibian.
We will all be a little sadder going through Ding and anticipating that perhaps around the next bend we would see her sunning herself, her mouth agape displaying all her hundreds of teeth. For the years that I have lived on Sanibel, the croc was distinctly Sanibel and a creature of awe in an awe-inspiring place. She will be missed.
2009saw the available inventory drop which bodes well for the prices holding steady.At the end of 2008 we had over 300 homes and 300 Condos for sale on Sanibel Island alone.This year the inventory is as follows:
Current Inventory on Sanibel Island January 1, 2010:
Homes – 263 priced $239,000 to $13,500,000
Condos – 262 priced $194,000 to $3,365,000
Lots – 115 priced $195,000 to $5,250,000
Current Inventory on Captiva Island January 1, 2010:
Homes – 78 priced $879.000 to $18,000,000
Condos – 73 priced $280,000 to $3,875,000
Lots – 12 priced $775,000 to $8,500,000
From 1/1/2010 thru 1/15/2010 there have been 8 properties that have closed on Sanibel and there are 34 properties under contract on both islands. If you would like more information about the current state of Island real estate, email me.
Wow! Has it really been a month since I last posted a blog entry???!!
Well, let's start with a brief look back on the Sanibel Island and Captiva Island Real Estate activity in 2009.
A total of 281 properties sold on Sanibel and Captiva Islands in 2009.Sanibel saw the most activity with 143 Homes, 86 Condos and 11 Lots sold.Captiva continued it’s sluggish pace from 2008 with 16 Homes, 22 Condos and 3 Lots changing hands.
Prices continued to pull back in all segments on both islands in keeping with the economy in general.The good news is that the prices of homes and condos appear to have found a floor.
Property Sold On Sanibel Island in 2009:
Homes: Prices ranged from a low of $285,000 to a high of $3,900,000
Condos: Prices ranged from a low of $175,000 to a high of $3,200,000
Lots: Prices ranged from a low of $175,000 to a high of $750,000
Property Sold On Captiva Island in 2009:
Homes: Prices ranged from a low of $800,000 to a high of $7,250,000
Condos: Prices ranged from a low of $246,000 to a high of $2,175,000
Lots: Prices ranged from a low of $1,325,000 to a high of $2,900,000
If you would like more detail on these statistics, let me know. In my next post, I will take a look at 2010!
With the holidays just down the road, Sanibel Island and Captiva Island kick it off right with a two night Luminary festival. Tonight is Sanibel's turn with the entire length of Periwinkle Way lined with luminaria. It is breath-taking! All the shops on Sanibel will be open with refreshments and deals - many are offering Luminary night specials. It is fun for me because it really gets you into the holiday spirit - the decorations are great.
Tomorrow night is Captiva Island's night. While smaller, it is more intimate and just as lovely. The shops will be open as well and the refreshments flowing. The tree at Tween Waters is on and greeting all who come! If you have the chance, maybe not this year, the first weekend in December is our luminary festival and it really shouldn't be missed!
Has the Real Estate Market finally started rebounding?
Could be. I just closed on the sale of a Townhome in south Ft. Myers - near the Bell Tower and it closed 10% higher than the last sale of a comparable property there.
This is not exactly true as the sale prior to mine was a short sale. However, the sale that closed today was not a distressed sale and it was also a cash deal. This makes me think that perhaps some buyers out there are recognizing value and are willing to pay a bit more for the real sales at this time. All in all it was very encouraging to see a real sale of a really nice townhome. The buyer got a good deal and the seller got to make their move.
Hi - I just listed a great Sanibel Island lot for sale. It is in the Chateaux Sur Mer subdivision and is really close to the Gulf of Mexico. Best of all - it is just steps away from the deeded beach access to an absolutely gorgeous beach. Check it out by clicking Here!
This cleared, level lot is roughly 1/2 acre and can support a good size house and pool. If you have a dream about building your dream home on Sanibel Island, this is definitely worth checking out. And if you are thinking about building - don't forget to check out the"Build Green" section of my website. Sanibel real estate has never looked better!
Sanibel Island's Baileyfest has become an Island tradition. Each year, Sam and Francis Bailey - owners of Bailey's General Store, host a traditional Fall Festival complete with hayrides, games and live music - oh, and of course - food. In recent years it has really come into it's own with all the merchants of the Bailey's Center, where it takes place, joining in the fun.
As an added bonus this year, there is a raffle with prizes worth over $1700! It is quite something when the local businesses donate so much for a community party. Sanibel Island is and continues to be a unique place and Baileyfest demonstrates that it isn't just about the Sanibel Beaches and shells.
More than 40 different door prizes - valued at more than $1,700 - will be awarded at the 24th annual Baileyfest. This is a Sanibel Island event not to be missed.
Baileyfest 2009 will be held on Sunday, Oct. 25 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Bailey's Center, located on the corner of Periwinkle Way and Tarpon Bay Road.
All 14 merchants in the Bailey's Center Merchants' Association (BCMA) have donated prizes:
Bailey's General Store $100 gift card
Bailey's True Value Hardware $100 gift card
Biddles Bucket Four $25 gift certificates
The Grog Shop $100 case of wine
Nick's Frozen Yogurt $100 gift basket
Hillgate Communications $100 spa gift basket
Island Cleaners $100 gift package
Island Cinema 10 $10 gift certificates for concessions
Lily & Co. $495 jewelry set
Sanibel Barber Shop Four $25 gift certificates
Sanibel Beauty Salon $100 beauty gift basket
Sanibel Shell Automotive Four $25 gift certificates for parts or labor
Select Vacation Properties $100 BBQ gift basket
The Video Scene 12 double movie rental packages
Maybe it's time for you to check out Sanibel Island Real Estate and make it easier for you to enjoy Baileyfest year after year!
Ever wonder what Sanibel Island was like after hearing so much about it?
Well, I have talked to so many folks who have never been here and wondered "What is it like there?" that I decided to try to answer their questions in video as well as words.
On my website - www.sanibelislandsensations.com you can now click on the link on the homepage to the first of my Island videos. I started on the East end of Sanibel Island. The two videos bring you across the Causeway and show you the Sanibel Marina, the Sanibel Island Fishing Pier, the Sanibel Island Lighthouse and, of course, some of the great Real Estate on that end of the island. I take you around and show you Sanibel Island Canal Homes and Gulf Front Condo complexes as well as "the island within the island" - Kinzie Island on Sanibel Island. Take a look at these two fun videos and let me know what you think. Over the next couple of months I will be adding to the video collection so you will get a sense of Sanibel Island and then it's on to Captiva Island.
Wow - it has been a while since my last Blog entry - I have been really busy settling into Royal Shell Preferred Properties. Moving is a good deal of work when you want to ensure that your clients don't miss a beat when it comes to Sanibel Island real estate and Captiva Island real estate! Click Here to read more about my exciting new company.
On Thursday I was taking a little break and went on this fantastic bike ride through Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge. It was the first day of October and a cool front had passed through the day before so it was dry and glorious here on Sanibel Island.
The birds seemed to think life was pretty good on Sanibel as well. There were a dozen Roseate Spoonbills, about 40 Great White Herons, and too-many-to-count Snowy Egrets. The best part was that they were in the trees, wading in the water and flying all around - it looked like they were having a party!
Sanibel Island is a truly special place. To really enjoy it, you need to take the time to see it and experience it. I feel so fortunate that I live in such a wonderful place.
The big news of my week is that I have moved over to Royal Shell Preferred Properties. I am really excited about the move (well not the physical and logistical move actually it's kind of a pain, short term pain however). What is exciting is the new opportunity to work with some terrific people in an organization that will support me fully in my efforts to service you, my clients.
My office is on Captiva Island and I have use and access to the Sanibel office as well. This gives me a great opportunity to service all clients in convenient locations. Royal Shell Sales is also very closely tied to Royal Shell Rentals - the largest rental company on Sanibel and Captiva Islands. This is very convenient for you who purchase investment properties to start getting that property to work for you.
I would love to answer any questions that you have about the move or the services of Royal Shell. Email me or call, I always love to hear from you. Let me know when you will be here so I can show you the new digs!
Think of Sanibel Island and you think FISHING - at least many do. For those Sanibel Island lovers, please be advised that the City of Sanibel will be doing some repairs to the pier from 9/21 - 10/5. It is important to keep this treasure in good form. The official notice from the City of Sanibel is below.
"On Monday, September 21, 2009 the City of Sanibel will begin repair work to the City Fishing Pier and construction will continue through October 5, 2009. The City Fishing Pier will not be available for use during this construction project. We apologize for any inconvenience you may experience while this important public improvement project is completed."
The project involves the removal and replacement of wood decking, hand rails, and other miscellaneous items. The City of Sanibel has contracted with Bridge Masters Construction, LLC to perform this work. The Lee County Tourist Development Council (TDC) is providing funding for this project.
Anyone with questions regarding the City Fishing Pier Repair Project is invited to contact the City of Sanibel Public Works Department at (239) 472-6397. You can also check the Sanibel Government Website for more information.
There are some interesting statistics about Lee County Florida real estate activity. The number of closed house sales, year-to-date, through 8/17/09 is 50% higher than the same period in 2008. There have been over 10,000 properties sold in Lee County thus far this year! Only 25% of these were traditional sales with over half being foreclosures and the rest being short sales
The number of closed condo sales in Lee County thus far in 2009 has also jumped 33% over 2008. That brings it to close to 2500 condos sold so far in 2009! Just about 1/3rd of these were foreclosed properties.
It is great that these foreclosed and short sale properties are moving off the market. The sooner this happens, the sooner the market will start returning to some sort of normalcy.
On Sanibel Island we have not seen the same type of activity. There are many fewer properties in general and many fewer foreclosed properties. We have actually seen a 21% decline in house sales and a 20% decline in condo sales in 2009 vs. 2008. Because the great deals are not there, we have not had the activity that Ft. Myers, Lehigh and Cape Coral have seen. Sanibel prices too, while they have pulled back, we haven't seen the severe drop in prices that other parts of Lee county have experienced.
Check out my new page on the www.sanibelislandsensations.com website that features the Loggerhead Cay Condo community. http://www.sanibelislandsensations.com/loggerhead_cay1 Over time we will post additional information and add pages featuring additional condos. Let me know what other information you would like to see.
Sanibel Island real estate is still active and condos on Sanibel Island are at some very attractive prices. Is it time for you to get your piece of paradise?
The first quarter of 2009 was slow for Sanibel Island Real Estate Sales. A total of 34 homes and condos sold during this time on Sanibel Island. Otherwise known as not that many!
The second quarter of 2009 saw dramatic rise in sales as a total of 75 homes and condos were sold on Sanibel Island. Home sales continue to show strength in the first 1/2 of the 3rd quarter. If they stay on track, will match Q2's volume. Interest in condos appears to be declining for now. Some of this is likely due to the continued difficulty in financing condos. Many lenders are reluctant to finance investment condos or they require a larger deposit.
Blind Pass was not scheduled to be opened for another week. However, Mother Nature took matters into her own hand on Friday and opened it herself. While the dredging and debris removal is not complete, there is water flowing from the Gulf to the Bay for the first time in years. May the pass remain open for a very long time! This YouTube video was shot by the first boat through. Note: They don't want boat traffic yet as they aren't done removing old bridge pilings, however this powered canoe owner (video below) just couldn't help themselves!
The Sanibel Bayous Preserve issued this update concerning the opening of Blind Pass.
The Construction may conclude as early as Wednesday, July 29th pending weather. Current forecasts are favorable through Thursday but do not look good for Friday and Saturday.
The opening of Blind Pass, or removal of the last sheetpile wall, could occur as early as August 1. The opening will not occur prior to completion of the dredging in the Gulf or prior to marking the Pole & Troll zone in Wulfert Flats.
Lee County is considering authorizing additional dredging in the Gulf after the pass is ‘opened’ to extend the dredging as long as October. The additional work stems from infilling expected to occur immediately after the sheetpile wall is removed.
The Contractor is expected to continue working 24 hours per day until the initial work is completed in the Gulf.
Lee County will be removing up to 20 of the old bridge timber pilings that were found in the channel prior to removal of the sheetpile wall. The total number of pilings still in place from the old bridge is not known.
This is very exciting news for all the bayous home owners. The water quality, which is very good right now, will get even better!. Sanibel Island real Estate on the north end should see a boost in values as the water is even better and there will now be a shorter trip to access the Gulf of Mexico. Check out the photo below of Blind Pass from an offshore prospective. You can see the large cranes at work.
Wow! If it isn't tough enough these days to bring a buyer and seller of a great piece of Sanibel Island Real Estate together, the appraisal process these days isn't helping. As many know, the rules were changed a couple of months back prohibiting any possible interference in the appraisal process by Mortgage Banks and Realtors. The feeling was that part of the cause of our housing meltdown throughout the country was overly inflated appraisals that then allowed the banks to lend more money on a property than it was actually worth. The resulting rules have brought the Real Estate market, across the country, to a virtual standstill.
Here on Sanibel Island we have had numerous "appraisal incidents" that have grossly under valued properties, the most agregious being when a direct access canal home was compared (or comped) to a lake front inland property. This lack of understanding of the local real estate market has created a big headache for buyers, sellers, bankers and Realtors. Take a look at this USA Today article for a full accounting of the issues and the move to correct the situation.
Sanibel Island is known for sun, shells, lots of conservation property, bobcats and alligators. A group of interested citizens are now working to make it known for something else - being leaders in the uses of renewable resources.
I am chairing Sanibel Alliance for Renewable Resources (S.A.R.R.) and hoping that as many Sanibel residents and interested parties will join us as possible. This make sense not only for the environment but also for the value of our property and the island. It is totally in keeping with what makes the island special.
The first initiative of the group is to educate and encourage the use of Solar Hot Water heating systems. We feel that with all the sun energy available for free - this makes sense for the island. Providers of these systems, including Advance Solar - are working with us to make this as affordable as possible, likely under $2,000 per system! There are State grants and Federal Tax Credits available at this time to help the equation. If you would like more information about the Alliance or would like to join us, please visit www.sanibelenergy.com. To see our press release see Page 5 of the Island Sun
Sanibel Island's Lighthouse Beach has been selected as the top Family beach on the Gulf Coast by Men's Journal. In their recent edition, Men's Journal ranked the 20 best beaches in America by location and best amenities. They also categorized the beaches and Sanibel Island got the number one ranking in the Family Beach category.
Anyone who has ever wanted a beach vacation knows that what makes a great beach is the sand, the water and the density. Well, Sanibel Island is top of class in all of these. This is also what makes Sanibel Island Real Estate a solid performer over the long haul. There isn't anymore beach being made so the fact that Sanibel Island has such long stretches of uninterrupted beach makes it special.
Sanibel Island and Captiva Island are marking the days until Blind Pass is officially opened. The current schedule is for the pass to be open July 25!. On September 25th there will be a ribbon cutting to mark this historic event. Be sure to mark your calendar!
Opening of Blind Pass Draws Near
Blind Pass Restoration project engineers and contractors are hoping for calm weather and seas as they complete interior dredging of the pass and move dredge "Nate" into the Gulf of Mexico. Only one of the original four sheet pile walls remains in place parallel to the gulf coast. Dredging near the gulf is normally more difficult than interior dredging due to the coarser sand. But gulf waves make it impossible to use the small dredge. To take advantage of days when weather cooperates, work may continue throughout the evenings.
Completion of the project is expected in July. (Fingers crossed.) Please join Lee County, the City of Sanibel and the CEPD for a commemorative ribbon cutting on Friday, September 25 at 10:00am. Preparations for a special Captiva celebration are underway. As we reunite for the season we will hold a grand family event including a small boat flotilla, food and fun. Get your boats ready!
It is definately Summer on Sanibel Island! The temperatures are climbing and the buzz is all about July 4th. As many know - Sanibel Island hosts a real July 4th Parade filled with great floats and the streets lined with kids picking up candy thrown from the floats. It is a real treat and something quite unique. The entire community comes out. This year's theme of the parade is "Going Green" It will be very interesting to see what the parade entrants come up with.
What is new is that after the parade, in Bailey's Plaza, they are hosting "Bailey's Backyard Bar-B-Q" from 10 - 2 on Saturday the 4th. This I am sure will prove to be a real hoot!. There will be lots of fun for everyone and the food and beverage will be outstanding. So - if you are in the area and looking for something to do - come see the parade and stop by Baileys.
Please excuse the long Blog message however this is important and timely! The economic impact of not ensuring clean water here is huge! Read on and see what you can do. Thanks, Sarah
Newsletter - Bayous Preservation Association - June 14, 2009
WE NEED YOUR HELP BEFORE WEDNESDAY!
The BPA, working with the SCCF, is doing water quality monitoring at the four sites on Sanibel and Captiva where we have been testing for two years prior to the opening of Blind Pass. We will continue and are funded for water quality testing in the same four sites for a full year following the opening of the pass.
HOWEVER--the Lee County Tourist Development Council's Beach and Shoreline Fund, which has previously funded similar water quality monitoring on Captiva, at the Sanibel Caloosahatchee Water Quality Observatory and Sanibel Water Quality Monitoring--San Carlos Bay, has asked the Lee County Commission to pick up the tab this year.
In view of of the many increasing threats to the quality of our surrounding waters--due to factors such as runoff, fertilizers, algae, and bacterial pollutants--the support of all concerned BPA members is needed to encourage the Lee County Board of County Commissioners to fully fund in FY 2009-2010 these three important water quality projects.
The issue of funding will be discussed at a budget workshop on Wednesday, June 17 (no public input planned), and the commissioners need to hear from us.
WE'VE ALREADY PAID THE TAXES FOR THIS, SO ENCOURAGE THE COMMISSIONERS TO SPEND IT FOR THE PROTECTION OF OUR WATERS.
If you support the continuation of water quality monitoring on the islands, PLEASE SEND AN E-MAIL to the commissioners before Wednesday morning. Their e-mail addresses are listed below, as are some bullet points you can use to craft your individual message in support of this effort. Your email can be simple and to the point.
We in the BPA are lucky that, thanks to generous grants, donations, and memberships, we are able to continue our water quality monitoring program. Let's help these other areas, which are as critical to the water quality of the Blind Pass ecosystem as the opening of the pass, to get the funding they need.
I urge you to support full county funding in FY 2009-2010 for three important water quality projects previously funded by the Tourist Development Council:
1.Captiva Water Quality Monitoring, Year 2 at $99,294.
2.Sanibel Caloosahatchee Water Quality Observatory at $67,689.
3.Sanibel Water Quality Monitoring -- San Carlos Bay at $30,000.
Water quality is an essential issue for Lee County, for both environmental and economic reasons. Healthy water is the basis for a healthy environment, a crucial building block to maintain ecological balance in the face of competing pressures and pollution sources.
The value of healthy water and beaches for the county's economy cannot be overstated: to bring visitors here to enjoy our coastlines and waterways, to keep residents drawn here by the many water-based resources available to them and to support the industries that rely on healthy water.
In a county that promotes its miles of white sandy beaches, its kayak trails, its abundant water-based recreational options and its commitment to preserve a fragile environment that has drawn people to this area for decades, protecting water quality is paramount.
In a county that brings in millions of dollars thanks to its environmental assets, spending thousands of dollars to ensure its waters stay healthy and its beaches stay open is a prudent investment for the future.
Water quality requires a more stable funding source to ensure this vital effort is adequately supported in years to come.
We understand financial times are tough and dollars are tight, but this is simply too important and timely an issue to wait until it's convenient. By then, it could be too late.
Be sure to include your name and Lee County address in your email.
There is a move afoot by the Lee County Commissioners and Lee County Department of Transportation to raise the tolls on the Sanibel Island Causeway. To the casual visitor or day tripper, the proposal is for the toll to remain the same $6.00. The increase comes to those residents and employees on the island who use the transponder discount program. The proposal is to raise these rates to $3.00 per trip. This is going to place a huge burden on all our island businesses, not to mention all the residents who have kids in school off island, residents with doctors off island or any other errands that occur off island. Check out The News-Press article from today's paper for more detail on this issue. http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009906110321
Hi - I would like to introduce you to a new section of my website - SanibelGreen. Having just received my National Association of Realtors (NAR) Green Designation, I wanted to share some of the extremely useful resources that were shared with me. What the site pages attempt to do is to be a source for the resources.
Most of Sanibel and Captiva Island homes and condos were built before any discussion of Green. That does not, by any means mean that they don't possess elements that conserve electricity and water - key elements of being Green. It also doesn't mean that there couldn't be cost effective modifications to the property that would make it less expensive to operate and be beneficial to the enviromnent.
I am by no means an expert on Green Building, I am however more aware of what makes a property more friendly to the environment and usually, less expensive to operate. I will be using this blog space and my other ways of reaching out to my colleagues and clients to bring greater awareness of things we can all do to conserve our resources.
If you while visiting the site have suggestions for additional resources, let me know. Over time, I will be adding sections and new links to bring even more helpful information on making your house or condo more Green! In the mean time - click on the Sanibel Green button on my home page or go directly to www.SanibelGreen.com!
The news through May of 2009 about real estate sales on Sanibel is mixed.
We are looking somewhat similar to last year in number of sales. This year so far, 48 homes have closed which averages roughly 10 per month or 120 for the year. In 2008, 146 house were sold so we are down in the house category. In the Condo category, thus far 48 condos have closed which averages roughly 10 or 120 for the year. In 2008, 95 condos sold so we are up in the Condo sales category. We have 30 homes and 24 condos that are under contract to close so things are definitely moving. We also have many people here looking so my belief is that things will continue to be busy for the next 6 weeks or so.
What is also true however, and good news for buyers, is that the average sales price of both homes and condos is off by about 15 - 20 percent. There continue to be some great values out there so what are you waiting for?
If you would like more detail on the current market and how this affects your Island real estate decisions to buy or sell, contact me. It's a sensational day in paradise.
After 10 days with rain dominating all or part of the day - it is great to see the sun shining again on Sanibel Island. And the outlook for the weekend is sunny! This is true both actually and metaphorically.
It is true that it has been raining for most of the past 10 days - we desperately needed the rain so we are grateful. An unusually early 'tropical wave' and stalled low pressure system were the cause.
What is also true is that the sun is shining on Sanibel Island Real Estate at this time. There have been many people visiting here and bringing their check books. Contracts are being written and properties are selling again. It seems as though the cloud has lifted slightly and the folks that have always wanted to own on Sanibel Island are coming back. May 2009 (through the 22nd) are outpacing the previous 4 months. We have had 16 homes and condos close already and the number of properties under contract is growing. With the prices as relatively low as they are and the interest rates being at such low rates, it is truly a great time to buy.
A very exciting announcement came out about Sanibel Island's first GREEN residential development. As most know, there is very little property remaining on Sanibel Island that is able to be developed. Over 65% of Sanibel is under conservation restrictions so any building of multiple units is big news.
This project is a collaborative arrangement between Benchmark Construction, the Florida Community Design Center and the University of Florida School of Architecture that will bring forth a cluster of 12 single family homes on a 12 acre parcel along Periwinkle Way. The project will be located on the previous site of the Old Schoolhouse Theater. The mission of the project is "to create and optimize a sustainable, environmentally sensitive design that could become a model for future development of coastal communities in our region."
The objective of any GREEN development is to create a more sustainable situation for the environment. This is done, for example, through the use of cluster housing - less impact on the environment, building materials that are energy efficient, renewable and kind to the environment, building systems that conserve water and power.
This is totally in keeping with Sanibel Island and I am really looking forward to seeing where it goes. I'll keep you posted. For more info
Continuing with my recent discussion about where Sanibel Island Real Estate is at this time - Condos are our topic today. This isn’t pretty so hold on. In 2006, the median sales price of a condo on Sanibel was $768,000 and was on the market for an average of 119 days. In 2008 - the median condo price had dropped to $612,500 or down 20.23% and the days on market had climbed to 223 days. WOW - a world of difference. In 2009 we are continuing to see prices fall some - not as in a Ft. Myers fall but still a fall. Sanibel Island Real Estate continues to hold better than many markets but it is still not pretty. Until next time
Sanibel Island Real Estate is moving. There is no doubt about it, the showings are up and the contracts being written are up. As in most years, the more serious buyers come back after Easter to do their looking. This is for a couple of reasons. 1. It is easier to get into properties after season, the occupancy is lower and 2. They aren't trying to combine a vacation with a property search. It usually works better. Anyway, the folks are here and they are looking to pick up a well priced piece of Sanibel real estate. I think we may be seeing our low.
Ok - I admit it - I am a Sanibel Island Realtor and I am always optomistic! There, I said it - I am optomistic. This time it is about some of the signs we are seeing, nationally and locally about the state of Sanibel Island Real Estate.
On the national scene, the stock market has been posting fairly consistant gains and yesterday we saw all the indices rise with some good news about retailing and even - banking! It is commonly believed that the stock market begins to rise about 6 months before an economic turnaround so, given that we have about 5 more months to go. The interest rates continue to be low and the credit, that has been strangling the most credit worthy of folks, is finally loosening just a bit! The employment data is really the big wild card. With so many jobs being shed it will dampen any uptick in the retail improvements - but time will tell. Having been a victim of the 1991 recession, being laid off, I can only tell you that things do improve and businesses respond in healthy ways
Locally - our tourist season on Sanibel has been healthy. Most businesses are reporting the same if not a bit improved figures over last year. And in Real Estate - we are seeing deals coming together. After one of the slowest starts in a very long time, we are now finally seeing properties go under contract. Since the beginning of the year, the low end is where the activity has been and now it is moving to the middle and high end. It is quite exciting to see. Personally I have a number of clients looking at coming down in May and June to look in earnest. There is a ground swell of opinion that the bottom, of the Sanibel Real Estate market, may at last be in sight. So maybe I'm not the only one who is optomistic!
http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=20101290375
