Exciting news!! Trip Advisor begins trading today as an independent public company on NASDAQ
TripAdvisor, World's Largest Travel Site, began trading today as an independent public company on the NASDAQ Stock Market under the ticker symbol "TRIP" following the completion of its spin-off from Expedia, Inc. TripAdvisor has also recently been added to the S&P 500.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/PressCenter-i4931-c1-Press_Releases.html
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
| List Of Restaurants open for Christmas From the CHAMBER OF COMMERCE (Sanibel and Captiva) Name |
Christmas Eve | Christmas Day |
| Bailey's General Store | Closes at 6pm | Closed |
| Blue Giraffe | Closes at 6pm | Closed |
| Bubble Room Restaurant | Open | Closed |
| Cantina Captiva | ||
| Captiva Pizza | Open | Open |
| Cheeburger Cheeburger | Closes at 3pm | Closed |
| Cip's Place | Closes at 9:30pm | Closed |
| Courtney's on Sanibel | Open | Open |
| Doc Ford's Sanibel Rum Bar & Grille | Closes 8:30pm | Closed |
| Dunes Neighborhood Grill | Open | Food at Bar Only-Closes 12noon |
| George & Wendy's Corner Grill | Open | Closed |
| Gramma Dot's | Open | Closed |
| Green Flash Restaurant | Open | Closed |
| Greenhouse Grill | Open | Open |
| Holy Smoke Heavenly Barbecue | ||
| Hungry Heron | Closes at 4pm | Closed |
| Huxter's Market & Deli | Open | Open |
| IL TESORO Inc. | Open | Open |
| Island Cow, The | Open | Open |
| Island Pizza Company | Open | Open |
| Jacaranda Restaurant | Open | Open 4pm-9pm |
| Jerry's Foods of Sanibel | Closes at 4pm | Closed |
| Key Lime Bistro | Open | Open |
| Lazy Flamingo (Blind Pass) | Closes at 6pm | Closed |
| Lazy Flamingo II (Sanibel) | Breakfast / Lunch Only | Closed |
| Lighthouse Cafe (Sanibel) | Breakfast / Lunch Only | Closed |
| Lighthouse Waterfront Restaurant, The | Open | Open |
| Matzaluna's | ||
| Mucky Duck Restaurant | Open | Closed |
| Old Captiva House | Open | Open - Buffet 11:30am-8pm |
| Over Easy Café | Open | Closed |
| Pinocchio's Original Italian Ice Cream | Closes at 6pm | Closed |
| PocoLoco Sanibel | Open | Closed |
| RC Otters | Open | Open Breakfast / Lunch only |
| Sanibel Café | ||
| Sanibel Deli & Coffee Factory | Open | Closed |
| Sanibel Grill | Open | Open |
| Sanibel Steakhouse | ||
| Schnapper's Hots, Inc. | Closes at 4pm | Closed |
| Sea Star Café & Bar | Open | Open |
| Sharky's | ||
| Starbuck's Coffee | Open | Open |
| Stone Crab | Open | Closed |
| Subway | Closes at 4pm | Closed |
| Sunset Grill | Open | Closed |
| Sunshine Seafood Café | ||
| Sweet Melissa's | Open | Closed |
| Thistle Lodge Restaurant | Open | Open - Buffet |
| Timbers Restaurant | Open | Open |
| Traders | Closed | Closed |
| Traditions on the Beach | Open | Open at 4pm |
| Twilight Restaurant Wine Bar | Open | Closed |
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Sanibel and Captiva Islands Luminary Festival
December 2nd
and 3rd are the annual Luminary Festival Dates
For Sanibel and Captiva Islands
Trolleys will be
available to drive you to the Luminary Trail where you
Will find various
local businesses welcoming you to enjoy free drinks
And snacks and
entertainment. Sanibel begins at 5:30pm on Dec. 2nd
And Captiva begins
at 5:30pm on Dec. 3rd.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Annual Sanibel Thanksgiving Celebration
The annual Sanibel Thanksgiving Celebration service will take place
on Sunday, November 20, at The Community House on Periwinkle Way at
6:45 p.m. Everyone is invited to join this non-denominational service, which is a
celebration of Thanksgiving in words and song. The event is free and promises to
be both fun and uplifting.The mayor, the city manager and
representatives of all the island churches will take part, and there will be music and
song from the BIG ARTS Community Chorus, the LOGOS children from
Sanibel Community Church and several other island performers. Fellowship over
cookies, donated by Jerry’s Supermarket, and cider donated by Bailey’s, will follow
the Sanibel Celebration of Thanks.
Mary Bondurant, this year’s co-coordinator of the celebration, said, “We would
like everyone to join our Thanksgiving
celebration this year; sharing your blessings with those less fortunate makes
Thanksgiving more meaningful.” She also
encouraged guests to bring food or monetary donations for FISH, who will have a
representative there to speak of the continuing needs of islanders.
For more information, contact
Mary Bondurant on email Mary@
BondurantRealtyGroup.com or by phone,839-3633.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Rare wild flamingos spotted in SW Florida
They may be an unofficial Florida mascot, but wild-born flamingos have all but disappeared from the Sunshine State. Spotting one in these parts is "rarer than rare" says naturalist Vince McGrath, which is why area birders are abuzz about several recent sightings of the graceful creatures in Lee County.
A group of Alva Elementary School fourth-graders on a field trip to Bunche Beach near the Sanibel Causeway last week watched a lone flamingo feeding, preening and resting in the shallows before it took flight. The bird's feathers had only traces of the characteristic coral pink, which leads McGrath to believe it's a youngster.
Other birders have seen flamingos elsewhere in the region. Nine flew north past Barefoot Beach near Bonita Springs last week, says Gayle Sheets, who volunteers with Lee County Bird Patrol (birdpatrol.org), a group that monitors birds throughout Lee County.
It's a common misconception flamingos aren't native to Florida. Actually, before much of the state was replumbed and its wetlands drained, they were common here.
"Blame the (U.S.) Army Corps of Engineers," McGrath laughed.
Occasionally, captive flamingos escape from zoos and tourist attractions, especially after hurricanes. And judging by the behavior of the the young Bunche Beach bird, that may be the case, McGrath says.
"It let people get pretty close," he says, "and it didn't seem too bothered by them."
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Media release from Edison Ford Winter Estates
Edison & Ford Winter Estates Programs
– November 2011
 Fort Myers, Florida (October 25, 2011) –November at
the Edison & Ford Winter Estates is highlighted with the return of the
Edison Annual Garden Market and Boat Tours
from Captiva Island and “The Past in Paintings: Edison &
Ford Era” exhibit opening as well as a variety of other special
programs and activities throughout the month. The November schedule of programs
and events include:
NEW - Emerging Inventors Early Learning Class, November
3–The Wheels on the Ford… and November 17,
Gobble Gobble, 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
The Edison &
Ford Winter Estates newest education program series is a child and parent
learning class for children ages 1 - 3 years and their parents to involve
children and families in informal learning at the world famous historical site.
Grandparents and caregivers are invited and neighborhood groups are also
encouraged to attend. The classes are theme based and combine science,
invention, story book reading and hands-on activities as well as immersion into
the historic gardens, buildings and museum. The Early Learning Class continues
twice a month throughout the year. Cost: Edison Ford Members $5, non members
$15 each class. Registration is required by calling 239-334-7419.
Etiquette at Edison Ford: Mina & Mimi’s Manners,
November 5, 11 a.m.
Mina Edison, wife of Thomas Edison, was a gracious
hostess and interested in the well being of children and the community.
Following in this tradition, Etiquette at the Edison Ford includes one day (two
hour) lessons in etiquette and social skills. Children will learn proper
introductions, handshakes and dining etiquette during a three course meal.
Class will be taught by Suzanne Willis who has taught similar classes at the
Ritz-Carlton hotels throughout the nation. Registration required. Edison Ford
Members $40; non members $50.
Monthly Volunteer Meeting and New Volunteer Orientation,
November 8, 9:30 a.m.
Join Edison Ford volunteer staff and Charles Sobczak
author of Living Sanibel – A Nature Guide to Sanibel & Captiva Islands and
The Living Gulf Coast – A Nature Guide to Southwest Florida. Sobczak will
present “The Nature of Southwest Florida,” chronicling the beauty of the region
and state of the area’s natural environment. This is a regular monthly volunteer
meeting and mandatory training for all new Edison Ford volunteers but potential
volunteers are also welcome.
FREE Admission to Veterans and their Families, November
11
The Edison Ford is offering free admission to United States Veterans and
their families on November 11th. Free admission includes a tour of the historic
homes, botanical gardens, the Estates Museum and the Edison Research Lab.
Veterans must present a VA identification card or their DD214 papers to receive
free admission.
|
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Center 4 Life
Expanded Fitness Class Schedule Starts Monday, October 31st
Expanded aerobics
classes will be available at the Center 4 Life starting Monday, October 31st.
Weekly
Fitness Class Schedule - Effective Monday, October
31st
Mondays
8:00a Happy Hour
Fitness
9:30a Essential Total Fitness
9:30a Essential Total Fitness
Tuesdays
8:00a Power Hour
Fitness
9:30a Gentle Yoga
9:30a Gentle Yoga
Wednesdays
8:00a Happy Hour
Fitness
9:30a Essential Total Fitness
9:30a Essential Total Fitness
Thursdays
8:00a Power Hour
Fitness
9:30a Gentle Yoga
9:30a Gentle Yoga
Fridays
8:00a Happy Hour
Fitness
9:30a Essential Total Fitness
9:30a Essential Total Fitness
To view the Center 4
Life Newsletter, click here. The Center 4
Life is located at 2401 Library Way. For more information please call (239)
472-5743.
The Sanibel
Recreation Center is located at 3880 Sanibel-Captiva Road. Daily, weekly and
annual memberships are available. For more information call the Sanibel
Recreation Center at (239) 472-0345 or visit our web site at www.mysanibel.com.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Ding Darling Days to Start Oct 16th
Only 4 days until the start of Ding Darling Days. Family fun Day is SUNDAY OCT 16th
from 10:30am - 4pm. FREE. First 500 get free goody bags, live animal shows,
recycled arts and crafts, exhibitors, butterfly tent, touch tank, trams, hotdogs and
more...
Ding Darling Days
from 10:30am - 4pm. FREE. First 500 get free goody bags, live animal shows,
recycled arts and crafts, exhibitors, butterfly tent, touch tank, trams, hotdogs and
more...
Ding Darling Days
Sanibel Island - Periwinkle Place
Not to stereotype, but what woman on vacation doesn't want to include a little recreational shopping?
Periwinkle Place is the "granddaddy" of Sanibel Shopping. More than two dozen shops - the only national chain is Chico's, which had its first store here. The rest are locally owned stores with the kind of island eclectic merchandise you wom't find on the mainland.
The grounds are 1400 acres of boardwalks, paths, greenery, and a playground for kids. Plenty of shopping too., in the front off of the Periwinkle Way entrance and in the back. If shopping is on your agenda, Periwinkle Place is pleasant place to do it.
Periwinkle Place was selected by the Lee County Visitors and Convention Bureau as both Sanibel’s top shopping destination, and as one of Lee County's top attractions. Trip Advisor
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
E-books now available at Sanibel Public Library
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Sanibel Farmer's Market
Sanibel Farmer's Market - Opening Day for the market is Sunday
November 6 !!
Location - 800 Dunlop Road, Sanibel FL 33957
November 6 !!
Location - 800 Dunlop Road, Sanibel FL 33957
Halloween Party - Loggerhead Cay
- HALLOWEEN PARTY -
Calling all Loggerhead ghosts, witches, goblins, mummies,
etc.–
Plans are under way for a fun and ghoulish Halloween
dinner party in the Loggerhead Recreation Building
on Sunday night, October 30th, at 6 p.m.
Owners and renters are invited to attend, but
everyone needs to bring a creatively named dish to
share (plan for it to serve a minimum of 10) such as bat
wings, buzzard droppings, spider cupcakes with black
widow icing, bloodshot eyeballs, witches fingers, etc.
(Get creative!)
Non-alcoholic Witches Brew and Brain Wash will be
served. Please BYOB if you wish.
Costumes encouraged, but not mandatory...and, of
course, Halloween treats for all!
Come one! Come ALL!!! It's going to be a Ghostly
night! Join us...if you dare....!
Please RSVP by Friday, 10/28, to
Loggerheadmgmt@comcast.net
Gulfside Place 110
Enjoy all that Gulfside Place has to offer from this ideal location within the complex featuring gorgeous direct gulf views, situated next to the pool with a private staircase allowing for easy access to miles of shell strewn beaches. No other complex on the islands compares to Gulfside in that it sits on a ¼ mile of beach totaling 10 acres with low density of only 84 units, 2 pools, clubhouse, fitness center, 6 tennis courts, storage, ample parking under bldg, and onsite mgmt. This lovingly maintained unit flows beautifully with a den that can be utilized as a third bedroom, large kitchen with gulf views and expansive lanai focusing on the great view
ONE MONTH MINIMUM RENTAL
Available for Winter Rental - Call for availability, this one won't last long.
Enjoy all that Gulfside Place has to offer from this ideal location within the complex featuring gorgeous direct gulf views, situated next to the pool with a private staircase allowing for easy access to miles of shell strewn beaches. No other complex on the islands compares to Gulfside in that it sits on a ¼ mile of beach totaling 10 acres with low density of only 84 units, 2 pools, clubhouse, fitness center, 6 tennis courts, storage, ample parking under bldg, and onsite mgmt. This lovingly maintained unit flows beautifully with a den that can be utilized as a third bedroom, large kitchen with gulf views and expansive lanai focusing on the great view
ONE MONTH MINIMUM RENTAL
Available for Winter Rental - Call for availability, this one won't last long.
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| lanai |
 |
| kitchen |
 |
| living room |
 |
| master bedroom |
 |
| dining room |
 |
| living room |
 |
| breakfast bar |
Taste of the Islands - November 13th
Taste of The Islands - November 13th! Don't miss it.
On Sunday, Nov. 13, the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) will present the 30th Annual Taste of the Islands, with 20 participating island restaurants.
Pizzas, specialty salads, gourmet hot dogs, sinfully delicious desserts, pastries, beef delicacies and a wonderful variety of drinks will tempt all palates. Live music, provided by Marty Stokes and The Captiva Band, will add to the fun and enjoyment.
The Taste of the Islands is always a good place to sample some unusual offerings from the islands' best. Last year's winner for "Best Appetizer" was Chef Melissa Talmadge of Sweet Melissa's. This year she says, "I choose the crepes and grilled octopus salad because they are two of my favorite items on the menu and I wanted to do something out of the ordinary."
"Out of the ordinary" is a good description of the Taste - a wonderful chance for some new taste adventures.
Participating restaurants include:
Blue Giraffe
Bubble Room Restaurant
Chip's Sanibel Steakhouse
Cip's Place
Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grille
East End Deli
George & Wendy's Corner Grill
Gramma Dot's
Il Tesoro
Island Pizza
Jacaranda
Matzaluna
Over Easy Cafe
Pinocchio's Original Italian Ice Cream
Sanibel Deli & Coffee Factory
Sea Star Cafe & Bar
Sunshine Seafood Cafe
Sweet Melissa's Cafe
Timbers Restaurant
Traders
Activities also include server relay races, a chef challenge, celebrity judges and the highly-coveted People's Choice Award, as voted by attendees of the Taste.
., Island Reporter, Captiva Current, Sanibel-Captiva Islander
For more information, visit www.tastesanibelcaptiva.com.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Do you Like SANIBEL?
If you Like SANIBEL? - try our VIP Vacation Rental FACEBOOK Page and LIKE US!!!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/VIP-Vacation-Rental/111850613699
http://www.facebook.com/pages/VIP-Vacation-Rental/111850613699
Compass Pointe 181 - Sanibel Island, FL
Compass Pointe 181 **** Gulf Front 3 bedroom 3 bath condo on Sanibel Island!!
Call VIP Vacation Rentals for more information about rentals 800 237 7526 or visit our website
http://www.vip-vacationrentals.com/sanibel.aspx
The upscale condo is beautifully decorated with 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms with den and an attached cabana offering additional sleeping arrangements. The cabana opens up to a white sandy beach just steps away. Enjoy the view of the Gulf of Mexico from the large lanai.http://www.vip-vacationrentals.com/rns/search/PropertyDetail.aspx?ID=1608
Compass Pointe 181 Sanibel Island Florida - VIP Vacation Rentals
Call VIP Vacation Rentals for more information about rentals 800 237 7526 or visit our website
http://www.vip-vacationrentals.com/sanibel.aspx
The upscale condo is beautifully decorated with 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms with den and an attached cabana offering additional sleeping arrangements. The cabana opens up to a white sandy beach just steps away. Enjoy the view of the Gulf of Mexico from the large lanai.http://www.vip-vacationrentals.com/rns/search/PropertyDetail.aspx?ID=1608
Ding Darling Days - Sanibel Island Oct.16-22, 2011
22nd Annual J.N. “Ding” Darling Days, Sanibel Island
Oct 16-22 2011
239 472 1100Ding Darling Days - Sanibel Island October 2011
Ding Darling Days include a week of eco-activities with free
refuge tram tours, live wildlife presentations, kid’s activities, federal Duck
Stamp artist presentation, art day, family day and more. Birding and kayaking
tours, environmental speakers, a nature photography contest, and Junior Duck
Stamp Awards will fill the week with environmental activities for all ages. The
festival celebrates the birthday of the refuge’s namesake, conservationist and Pulitzer
Prize-winning political cartoonist Jay N. “Ding” Darling.
Sanibel completing bike path to Captiva
SANIBEL ISLAND, FL -
http://www.abc-7.com/story/15454364/2011/09/13/sanibel-completing-bike-path-to-captiva
Work began on Sanibel to complete its bike paths all the way to Captiva. Right now, bikers and pedestrians need to share the road with cars from Pine Avenue to Blind Pass.
"You're in the roadway. (You're an) easy target," Fabienne Hegedus of Captiva said. "You have to watch where you're going and watch for bikes, motorcycles, especially the trucks, because if you're walking with a bush in front of you, they can't see you."
The remaining several blocks of the 15-mile bike path will connect Sanibel with Captiva.
"It's a real selling point for those visitors seeking to come to Sanibel for their vacation," said Sanibel City Manager Judy Zimomra on Tuesday. "This fills that very important safety link between two islands."
The project costs $80,196.80, according to Sanibel city officials. It is expected to be finished by the end of the month.
. Sanibel completing Bike Path to Captiva http://www.abc-7.com/story/15454364/2011/09/13/sanibel-completing-bike-path-to-captiva
Monday, September 19, 2011
Sanibel and Captiva Islands rank in Trip Advisors Top 25 Beaches
SANIBEL and Captiva ISLANDS, FL (Money Magazine) - Suggesting Florida for the family's winter getaway probably won't garner you a reputation as a discriminating traveler -- until, that is, you mention the islands of Sanibel and Captiva.
Sanibel and Captiva Islands rank in Trip Advisors Top 25 Beaches
Sanibel and Captiva Islands rank in Trip Advisors Top 25 Beaches
Located on the Gulf Coast, just 45 minutes from Fort Myers airport via a narrow three-mile causeway, Sanibel and its smaller sister Captiva are not unknown -- the islands have long been considered one of the best places in the world for shelling -- but news of their tranquil beauty, pristine white sand beaches and laid-back charm has spread primarily by word of mouth.
Sanibel and Captiva are a beach lover's paradise. And thanks to visionary land-use regulations -- no building along Sanibel's coast can be taller than a palm tree, and half of the land is a federal wildlife reserve -- it might just stay that way. Together the islands offer 17 miles of public beaches and an endless array of activities. Among the most popular: cruising Sanibel's 26 miles of paved bike paths and J.N. "Ding" Darlings' Wildlife Drive ($1 per bike, $5 per car), a five-mile loop that winds through the refuge's 7,000 acres of mangrove forest. You can see more than 50 species of birds in the winter. And there's a new $3.3 million wildlife education center with interactive exhibits that all but ensures your kids will enjoy learning about what they see.
The islands are also dotted with art galleries and studios that lend themselves to browsing. If you're more interested in trying a new sport, go windsurfing atCauseway Beach
If you rent a place from VIP, as most visitors do, stop at Bailey's or Jerrys, just over the causeway on Sanibel. Folks in the know say they are the best places to stock up on groceries and all of your island needs.
2012 'Shellabration!' and 75th Annual Show
The islands of Sanibel and Captiva will be going "shell crazy" in 2012 with the arrival of the 75th Annual Shell Fair & Show and "Shellabration!" scheduled to take place from Feb. 26 through March 4.
Because of the barrier islands unique boomerang shape and east-west orientation rather than the usual north-south positioning, the islands stick out in the Gulf of Mexico and act like a giant scoop for shells.
Shell collecting has been a favorite pastime for the residents and visitors to these islands for many decades and 75 years ago the first Shell Fair was held by winter residents to display their beautiful collections.
Every year since, the annual Shell Fair & Show has continued to draw visitors, shell collectors and shell crafters together from around the world to display and admire shell collections and shell art.
As a tribute to the 75th Annual Shell Fair & Show, the entire community of Sanibel and Captiva is planning events and promotions that are shell-orientated, including:
Shell Couture - A fashion show "Project Runway"-style, with shell couture, at The Sanctuary Golf Club
The Sanibel Stoop - A gathering of shell seekers (or anyone who wants to have fun) at the beach doing the "Sanibel Stoop" to set a Guinness World Record. Event will be staged on Feb. 17.
Mollusk dining at local restaurants, including Traditions on the Beach (host of the opening gala on Feb. 26)
Shell book author receptions and signings
Shelling trips to remote island beaches
A special collector's edition shell-oriented fine jewelry
Collect-a-Bead shell necklaces
http://www.captivasanibel.com/page/content.detail/id/517716/Details--activities-announced-for-2012--Shellabration---and-75th-Annual-Show.html?nav=5060Sanibel Shellabration
‘Ding’ Darling celebrates debut of new stamp
On Sept. 24, the entire nation will participate in National Public Land's Day including Sanibel Island's J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge. As the nation's largest, single day volunteer event for public lands, the event calls for people of all ages to connect to America's great outdoors and care for the country's public lands.
"National Public Lands Day is a day for us all to celebrate conservation lands that are preserved for all of us to enjoy," said Supervisory Refuge Ranger Toni Westland. "Here at 'Ding' Darling Refuge visitors can come out to the refuge free of charge, attend a program and enjoy their public land."
"Bring your smart phone to get started by a ranger on the new trail," said Westland. "Meet the ranger in the education center to caravan out to the trail."
To honor the debut of "Save the Vanishing Species" stamp featuring the Amur tiger cub, J.N. "Ding" Darling is partnering with Sanibel (A) Postmaster Debbie Howard to raise awareness of the fund-raising postage stamp.
http://www.captivasanibel.com/page/content.detail/id/517741/-Ding--Darling-celebrates-National-Public-Lands-Day--debut-of-new-stamp.html?nav=5051Ding Darling Stamp debutDing Darling Debuts new Stamp
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Chamber announces dates of Luminary Festival
The Chamber of Commerce has announced the dates for the Luminary Festival.
Sanibel is Dec. 2 (Friday) and Captiva is Dec.3 (Sat)
Sanibel is Dec. 2 (Friday) and Captiva is Dec.3 (Sat)
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Plan a Fall Vacation to Sanibel Island-great air fare and accommodations!
This is a great time to make plans for a Fall Vacation
to SANIBEL ISLAND!
Check out great fares with Southwest Airlines and Accommodations
with VIP Vacation Rentals....800 237 7526
http://www.vip-vacationrentals.com/sanibel.aspx
Check out great fares with SOUTHWEST !!
to SANIBEL ISLAND!
Check out great fares with Southwest Airlines and Accommodations
with VIP Vacation Rentals....800 237 7526
http://www.vip-vacationrentals.com/sanibel.aspx
Check out great fares with SOUTHWEST !!
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Sanibel & Captiva Coupons
Save With These Local Coupons |
| Sanibel and Captiva Guide coupons are conveniently divided up into three categories: Dining, Shopping & Activities. The Coupon listings below show what vacation coupons are available to download. Select a category to output or simply print them all! |
http://sunnydayguide.com/sanibel_captiva/sc_coupons.php
Wildlife officials decide to relocate Sanibel Island bear
Sanibel’s most wanted fugitive is still at large.
Last Thursday, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologists set a trap to catch a Florida black bear that had taken up residence on the island sometime in June; as of Wednesday, the bear had not taken the bait.
The first evidence of the island’s first documented bear was a photograph taken June 27 by a motion-activated infrared camera on the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge’s Bailey Tract.
Wildlife officials decided to capture and relocate the male bear, which is believed to be about 1.5 years old and to weigh 60 to 80 pounds, because it raided a beekeeper’s beehives last week.
“It was a joint decision by FWC biologists, our staff and city staff that, for the safety of the bear, it would be better off relocated somewhere else,” Ding Darling biologist Tara Wertz said.
“Once a bear starts getting into trouble, all of a sudden, this innocent animal becomes a problem animal.”
Although Ding Darling staff received 15 citizen reports about the bear in July, last week’s raid on the beehives has been the animal’s only nuisance behavior.
Good swimmers
Bears on barrier islands are not uncommon, said Mike Orlando, FWC’s assistant bear program coordinator. They are good swimmers and often travel to barrier islands in search of food, particularly berries.
What is uncommon is for a bear to pick a populated barrier island such as Sanibel.
When the bear arrived on Sanibel in June, wildlife officials decided not to trap and relocate it.
“The general policy is, if the bear got itself there, it’s better at getting itself out of there than we are,” Orlando said. “We have to catch it, drug it, relocate it. That’s time-intensive and expensive. Most times, a bear will leave on its own with little fanfare.”
Trapping a bear costs about $800 a week in wages — this includes travel time, meetings and time checking the trap — and relocation costs vary depending on how far away the relocation site is, Wertz said.
While Orlando wasn’t surprised that the bear showed up on Sanibel, he was surprised that it has stayed this long because the island doesn’t provide much natural food for a bear.
Another thing that didn’t surprise Orlando was that the bear’s first foray into a human-related food source was beehives.
But, contrary to popular belief, honey is not a bear’s objective in a beehive.
Not after honey
“Everybody thinks, ‘Oh, it’s like Winnie the Pooh,’” Orlando said. “But bears go for the bees and larvae. Those provide a lot of protein. The honey is the icing on the cake.”
Wildlife officials will not reveal the location of the trap or what it’s baited with. If island residents know what makes good bait, they might try to attract the bear themselves.
If the bear is not captured today, wildlife officials will try to lure it to the area where the trap is, Wertz said.
“Bears are very attuned to smells,” she said. “They forage through their noses. We try to bait them with something that smells really good to bears. FWC has concocted a really smelly mixture that we’ll put high up in a tree so the odor is carried by the wind, and the bear can key in on it.”
are opportunistic feeders and look for easy meals, including garbage and pet food left outside, but bears in developed areas don’t always seek out human food Bears sources, Orlando said.
“We have bears in areas where you think, ‘Oh, gosh, something bad is going to happen,’ and then it doesn’t,” he said. “Bears are individuals. You can never tell which one is going to get into trouble.
“Now that this one has caused mischief, it’s our responsibility to relocate him. That
Written by
Kevin Lollar
news-press.c
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Crow Picture Show
The CROW Picture Show offers an insider’s look at why critters come to CROW, and features photos of
the wild animals who wind up there.Last year, Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife, Southwest Florida’s only wildlife hospital, cared for 4,111 sick, injured, and orphaned animals. Of the more than
200 different species, 54 percent were birds, 38 percent were mammals, and
eight percent were reptiles/amphibians/ invertebrates.
Due to restrictions imposed by governmental agencies, CROW cannot allow visitors to view patients in person. But in this 30-minute presentation visitors can see photos of current and past patients,
with commentary by Claudia Burns, a veteran clinic volunteer.
The CROW Picture Show is presented each Friday at 11 a.m. in the CROW Healing Winds Visitor Education Center at 3883 Sanibel-Captiva Road, across from The Sanibel School. Admission for
adults is $5, teens, $3, and free for members and children 12 and under. Admission includes the presentation, plus the opportunity to explore CROW’s hands-on educational facility and become
familiar with its efforts to save wildlife through compassion, care and education.
For more information, call 472-3644, ext. 231. To learn more about CROW,
visit www.crowclinic.org From the Island Sun
the wild animals who wind up there.Last year, Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife, Southwest Florida’s only wildlife hospital, cared for 4,111 sick, injured, and orphaned animals. Of the more than
200 different species, 54 percent were birds, 38 percent were mammals, and
eight percent were reptiles/amphibians/ invertebrates.
Due to restrictions imposed by governmental agencies, CROW cannot allow visitors to view patients in person. But in this 30-minute presentation visitors can see photos of current and past patients,
with commentary by Claudia Burns, a veteran clinic volunteer.
The CROW Picture Show is presented each Friday at 11 a.m. in the CROW Healing Winds Visitor Education Center at 3883 Sanibel-Captiva Road, across from The Sanibel School. Admission for
adults is $5, teens, $3, and free for members and children 12 and under. Admission includes the presentation, plus the opportunity to explore CROW’s hands-on educational facility and become
familiar with its efforts to save wildlife through compassion, care and education.
For more information, call 472-3644, ext. 231. To learn more about CROW,
visit www.crowclinic.org From the Island Sun
#Sanibel - August Tide Chart
August 2011 Tides - Sanibel Lighthouse - Point Ybel
Day High Tide Height Sunrise Moon Time % Moon
/Low Time Feet Sunset Visible
M 1 High 2:36 AM 2.1 6:53 AM Rise 8:49 AM 1
1 Low 8:02 AM 1.2 8:15 PM Set 9:32 PM
1 High 1:46 PM 3.3
1 Low 9:30 PM 0.2
Tu 2 High 2:57 AM 2.2 6:54 AM Rise 9:53 AM 5
2 Low 9:00 AM 1.0 8:15 PM Set 10:12 PM
2 High 2:39 PM 3.0
2 Low 10:01 PM 0.5
W 3 High 3:23 AM 2.4 6:54 AM Rise 10:57 AM 12
3 Low 10:02 AM 0.8 8:14 PM Set 10:51 PM
3 High 3:37 PM 2.7
3 Low 10:31 PM 0.8
Th 4 High 3:55 AM 2.7 6:55 AM Rise 12:00 PM 21
4 Low 11:11 AM 0.7 8:13 PM Set 11:33 PM
4 High 4:45 PM 2.3
4 Low 11:00 PM 1.2
F 5 High 4:32 AM 2.9 6:55 AM Rise 1:05 PM 32
5 Low 12:29 PM 0.6 8:13 PM
5 High 6:14 PM 1.9
5 Low 11:26 PM 1.5
Sa 6 High 5:18 AM 3.0 6:56 AM Set 12:17 AM 43
6 Low 1:57 PM 0.5 8:12 PM Rise 2:09 PM
6 High 8:29 PM 1.7
6 Low 11:46 PM 1.6
Su 7 High 6:15 AM 3.1 6:56 AM Set 1:06 AM 54
7 Low 3:27 PM 0.4 8:11 PM Rise 3:11 PM
M 8 High 7:25 AM 3.1 6:57 AM Set 1:59 AM 65
8 Low 4:45 PM 0.1 8:11 PM Rise 4:11 PM
Tu 9 High 8:42 AM 3.1 6:57 AM Set 2:55 AM 75
9 Low 5:47 PM 0.0 8:10 PM Rise 5:06 PM
W 10 High 9:53 AM 3.3 6:58 AM Set 3:54 AM 84
10 Low 6:35 PM 0.0 8:09 PM Rise 5:56 PM
Th 11 High 1:16 AM 1.9 6:58 AM Set 4:53 AM 91
11 Low 4:45 AM 1.8 8:08 PM Rise 6:40 PM
11 High 10:53 AM 3.3
11 Low 7:14 PM 0.1
F 12 High 1:30 AM 1.9 6:59 AM Set 5:51 AM 96
12 Low 5:48 AM 1.7 8:07 PM Rise 7:20 PM
12 High 11:43 AM 3.3
12 Low 7:46 PM 0.1
Sa 13 High 1:43 AM 2.1 6:59 AM Set 6:48 AM 99
13 Low 6:39 AM 1.5 8:07 PM Rise 7:56 PM
13 High 12:25 PM 3.1
13 Low 8:12 PM 0.4
Su 14 High 1:54 AM 2.2 7:00 AM Set 7:42 AM 99
14 Low 7:23 AM 1.3 8:06 PM Rise 8:30 PM
14 High 1:04 PM 3.0
14 Low 8:36 PM 0.5
M 15 High 2:05 AM 2.3 7:00 AM Set 8:35 AM 98
15 Low 8:06 AM 1.1 8:05 PM Rise 9:02 PM
15 High 1:42 PM 2.9
15 Low 8:57 PM 0.7
Tu 16 High 2:19 AM 2.4 7:01 AM Set 9:27 AM 95
16 Low 8:48 AM 1.0 8:04 PM Rise 9:33 PM
16 High 2:21 PM 2.8
16 Low 9:19 PM 0.8
W 17 High 2:37 AM 2.5 7:01 AM Set 10:18 AM 91
17 Low 9:31 AM 0.8 8:03 PM Rise 10:06 PM
17 High 3:03 PM 2.5
17 Low 9:41 PM 1.1
Th 18 High 3:00 AM 2.7 7:02 AM Set 11:09 AM 84
18 Low 10:18 AM 0.8 8:02 PM Rise 10:39 PM
18 High 3:49 PM 2.3
18 Low 10:05 PM 1.2
F 19 High 3:29 AM 2.8 7:02 AM Set 12:02 PM 77
19 Low 11:12 AM 0.7 8:01 PM Rise 11:16 PM
19 High 4:45 PM 2.1
19 Low 10:28 PM 1.5
Sa 20 High 4:04 AM 2.9 7:03 AM Set 12:55 PM 69
20 Low 12:15 PM 0.7 8:00 PM Rise 11:55 PM
20 High 5:59 PM 1.9
20 Low 10:52 PM 1.6
Su 21 High 4:46 AM 2.9 7:03 AM Set 1:48 PM 60
21 Low 1:32 PM 0.7 7:59 PM
21 High 8:01 PM 1.8
21 Low 11:10 PM 1.7
M 22 High 5:40 AM 2.9 7:03 AM Rise 12:39 AM 50
22 Low 2:55 PM 0.6 7:58 PM Set 2:42 PM
Tu 23 High 6:49 AM 2.9 7:04 AM Rise 1:28 AM 40
23 Low 4:10 PM 0.5 7:57 PM Set 3:35 PM
W 24 High 8:07 AM 3.0 7:04 AM Rise 2:22 AM 31
24 Low 5:09 PM 0.4 7:56 PM Set 4:26 PM
Th 25 High 12:09 AM 1.9 7:05 AM Rise 3:20 AM 21
25 Low 3:15 AM 1.8 7:55 PM Set 5:15 PM
25 High 9:20 AM 3.1
25 Low 5:57 PM 0.2
F 26 High 12:23 AM 2.1 7:05 AM Rise 4:21 AM 13
26 Low 4:31 AM 1.8 7:54 PM Set 6:01 PM
26 High 10:22 AM 3.3
26 Low 6:38 PM 0.1
Sa 27 High 12:38 AM 2.1 7:06 AM Rise 5:25 AM 6
27 Low 5:30 AM 1.6 7:53 PM Set 6:44 PM
27 High 11:18 AM 3.4
27 Low 7:14 PM 0.2
Su 28 High 12:54 AM 2.2 7:06 AM Rise 6:30 AM 2
28 Low 6:23 AM 1.3 7:52 PM Set 7:26 PM
28 High 12:10 PM 3.4
28 Low 7:47 PM 0.4
M 29 High 1:11 AM 2.3 7:07 AM Rise 7:35 AM 0
29 Low 7:14 AM 1.0 7:51 PM Set 8:06 PM
29 High 1:01 PM 3.3
29 Low 8:18 PM 0.6
Tu 30 High 1:30 AM 2.5 7:07 AM Rise 8:40 AM 0
30 Low 8:05 AM 0.7 7:50 PM Set 8:47 PM
30 High 1:53 PM 3.1
30 Low 8:47 PM 0.8
W 31 High 1:54 AM 2.8 7:07 AM Rise 9:46 AM 4
31 Low 8:58 AM 0.5 7:49 PM Set 9:29 PM
31 High 2:48 PM 2.8
31 Low 9:14 PM 1.2
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