Showing posts with label Captiva. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Captiva. Show all posts
Thursday, August 2, 2018
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
#Sanibel #Captiva Islands - Reserve your accommodations now!!
Build Your Perfect Island Vacation!!!
Beat the rush and reserve your choice of units while
availability lasts.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Sanibel pair publishes new book detailing everything Disney World has to offer
WDW insider tips from Mike and Julie Neal
Get to a park before it opens. The first two hours are precious, with short lines nearly everywhere.
Make your dining reservations early, a few days or more if possible. You can make reservations online at disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining or by calling 407-WDW-DINE.
Use the free Fastpass automated reservation system. It can save literally hours of time waiting in line. And Disney doesn't advertise it, but the end time for using your Fastpass is the end of the day, not the time of the hour window printed on your Fastpass.
Don't try to do everything. It's impossible. Relax and have fun!
After literally hundreds of trips and thousands of photographs, island residents Mike and Julie Neal know Walt Disney World inside and out.
In fact, they probably have more experience from their frequent visits to the Orlando theme park complex in researching the latest edition of their book, entitled "The Complete Walt Disney World 2010," than most of the cast members and Imagineers that work there!
Released earlier this year to book stores worldwide, the Neal's newest edition follows a successful run of guidebooks detailing the nearly 700 rides, attractions, restaurants, shops and hotels in an around the most visited park on the planet.
But what's the biggest difference between publishing a new book and publishing a new edition?
"The obvious answer is the amount of time it takes," Julie Neal said. "The first edition of the Disney book, which came out in 2007, took us a full five years to finish. Each new edition takes between four and six months to publish, although we do research and photography year-round. One of the best things about producing a yearly guidebook is that we can listen to feedback and make the book better each year."
However, coming up with a few new ideas for every book and keeping track with all of the changes that happen at Walt Disney World is not without its challenges.
"With Walt Disney World as our subject, keeping up with the myriad changes is a constant issue," she added. "We also have a hard time hitting our publishing deadline; we always want more time to tweak our writing or add another photo."
For the most part, Julie writes the text of the books while Mike is responsible for the photography. And with more than 550 full-color images included within the latest version of their guidebook, that keeps the Neals in the Orlando area almost as long as the time they spend on Sanibel.
As they have done in past editions, "The Complete Walt Disney World 2010" provides up-to-date information on new and refurbished attractions at the parks, Downtown Disney shopping area and partner hotels, which seem to change with every visit they make.
"One big change is the new emphasis on interactive experiences for guests," said Julie. "Disney is focusing more and more on having guests be a part of the show, such as in the street party attractions like Block Party Bash at Disney's Hollywood Studios and Move It! Shake It! Celebrate It! in Magic Kingdom. In both cases, guests are encouraged to join the characters and cast members in the street to dance."
Another example Neal noted is the Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure at Epcot, where guests use a cell-phone-like "Kimmunicator" to trigger hidden effects in a secret-agent scavenger hunt.
"Another change is the spotlight on Disney characters, with more and more opportunities for guests to meet their favorites and get autographs and photos," she added. "One of the newest characters, Tinker Bell, has her own meet-and-greet spot called Pixie Hollow, with wait times usually exceeding an hour."
So, what makes Walt Disney World such a great destination for residents of Sanibel and Captiva?
"Walt Disney World is perfect for island residents because it is so different from here," said Neal. "It's like a combination of the two places adds up to the ultimate experience. Islanders can go to Disney for a dose of the world's biggest and best choreographed fun, and then come back home to our peace and quiet. It's really the best of both worlds."
But having visited Walt Disney World several hundred times per year (including more than 1,400 visits total), Julie explained that the theme parks offer her something new nearly each time she has passed through the opening gates.
"I wondered if I would grow tired or bored with going to Walt Disney World after so many trips, but instead familiarity has made me appreciate the place more," she said. "It's like an old friend. And I keep discovering new little gems I hadn't noticed before."
For example, Neal explained, on Soarin' in Epcot, guests can faintly hear a voice that sounds like it's coming from another guest yelling out "Catch anything?" to a fisherman onscreen. Another example: On Pirates of the Caribbean in the Magic Kingdom, painted on the exit ramp's moving walkway, "shoeprints" that indicate where to step consist of a normal right shoe and a peg-leg left mark.
As for her favorite attractions at "The House of Mouse," Neal offered some definitive picks.
"At Magic Kingdom, I love PhilharMagic, which is Disney's best 3-D movie celebrating the best Disney songs. At Epcot is Soarin,' which replicates the sensation of flying. Disney's Hollywood Studios has the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, which always succeeds at being Disney's creepiest and most thrilling ride. And at Animal Kingdom - my favorite park - I love the animal trails and the Festival of the Lion King, Disney's best live show."
And if Walt Disney World weren't the happiest place on Earth, the Neals wouldn't keep on going and going and going.
"The Complete Walt Disney World 2010" ($24.95 MSRP) is available for purchase online at Amazon.com as well as at island and area book stores.
By JEFF LYSIAK
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Council approves purchase of lighthouse - City to buy landmark, property for $447.70
Council approves purchase of lighthouse
City to buy landmark, property for $447.70
After waiting more than five and a half years, the City of Sanibel has finally been given the opportunity to purchase the most recognizable landmark on the island.
And without hesitation, local leaders immediately opened up their wallets and bought the Sanibel Lighthouse - and the surrounding 44.7 acres of property - from the United States Department of the Interior for $10 per acre, or a total cost of $447.70.
"I'm hoping to see some good things from the lighthouse," councilman Jim Jennings said after the resolution to purchase the landmark was unanimously approved. "I think there are some good ideas in use around the country with other lighthouses."
On Feb. 5, the city received a letter from the Department of the Interior's Bureau of Land Management, which stated that the land on which the lighthouse sits has been classified suitable for use under the Recreation and Public Purposes Act of 1926.
"The Sanibel Lighthouse & Keeper's Quarters site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places," the letter states. "All future rehabilitation of buildings and/or structures on the site must be carried out in a manner that is compatible with their historic and architectural qualities and consistent with the recommended approaches for rehabilitation set forth in the Secretary of the Interior's Standards and Guidelines."
Among the conditions of approval for the sale, which must be completed within 30 days of the official notice, is requiring a licensed archaeologist to be present during any an all ground-disturbing activities and requiring revenue generated through usage fees or lease of the facility to be utilized in the management and maintenance of the properties.
According to City Manager Judie Zimomra, the city will now be able to apply for historical preservation grants to assist in the funding of repainting the Sanibel Lighthouse. The city is also working on developing a long-term master plan for the property and cottages at the site.
In other business, councilors continued their discussions of issued related to land development regulations which may affect redevelopment in the resort housing sector, which is expected to be handed over to the city's Planning Commission in the coming weeks.
"We're not going to go into grand detail about this," said Mayor Mick Denham. "I think we'd prefer to leave that to the Planning Commission to handle. I think what we are doing is painting a broad brushstroke of the issues."
The six primary issues brought up for debate included density, short-term occupancy, lot coverage of impermeable areas, setbacks, height limits and coastal construction.
Denham suggested that the city maintain the existing density for all hotels, motels, condominiums and resort properties, as long as the structures remained within their current 3-D footprint. Fellow councilor Peter Pappas offered that extending "grandfathered" policies to the owners of those properties might encourage investors to keep their short-term stay units the same.
"I think we're all in agreement that we don't want to see any density increases," added Marty Harrity.
One topic that will likely become an issue is maintaining the city's height restrictions for commercial properties. Since the release of the new Flood Insurance Maps in 2008, some properties - especially three- and four-floor structures - may require a variance to exceed the current 45-foot restriction.
During the public comment portion of the meeting, several members of the audience offered their suggestions on resort housing redevelopment. Resident Herb Rubin noted that the presence of swimming pools on a property may affect density but added, "I think this is a wonderful way to start."
Planning Commissioner Holly Smith also reiterated her request for a map indicating all properties affected by the upcoming discussions, and submitted an additional request for clarification on "redevelopment vs. modernization."
Lee Olsen, a Pointe Santo resident for the past 35 years, offered that the council should "think as broadly as you can."
"I appreciate your point of view," he added. "And I think you're right on the money."
Planning Department Director Jimmy Jordan told the council that his staff will consider the suggestions posed by the council and prepare a report in time for their next session, on Tuesday, March 2.
The council also unanimously approved the re-allocation of $65,000 from the city's Shared Use Path maintenance budget in order to extend Sanibel's bike path to Captiva, the final step in connecting the pathway between the adjoining islands.
An estimated $80,000 is required to complete the work, which will extend the path along Sanibel Captiva Road between Pine Avenue and the bridge at Blind Pass. The Sanibel Bicycle Club has agreed to pay the remaining $15,000 portion through its Trails In Motion fund.
On Jan. 28, Sanibel's Parks and Recreation Committee approved staff recommendations to move forward with the path extension due to safety concerns for people who use the roadway to travel from one island to the other.
By JEFF LYSIAK
City to buy landmark, property for $447.70
After waiting more than five and a half years, the City of Sanibel has finally been given the opportunity to purchase the most recognizable landmark on the island.
And without hesitation, local leaders immediately opened up their wallets and bought the Sanibel Lighthouse - and the surrounding 44.7 acres of property - from the United States Department of the Interior for $10 per acre, or a total cost of $447.70.
"I'm hoping to see some good things from the lighthouse," councilman Jim Jennings said after the resolution to purchase the landmark was unanimously approved. "I think there are some good ideas in use around the country with other lighthouses."
On Feb. 5, the city received a letter from the Department of the Interior's Bureau of Land Management, which stated that the land on which the lighthouse sits has been classified suitable for use under the Recreation and Public Purposes Act of 1926.
"The Sanibel Lighthouse & Keeper's Quarters site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places," the letter states. "All future rehabilitation of buildings and/or structures on the site must be carried out in a manner that is compatible with their historic and architectural qualities and consistent with the recommended approaches for rehabilitation set forth in the Secretary of the Interior's Standards and Guidelines."
Among the conditions of approval for the sale, which must be completed within 30 days of the official notice, is requiring a licensed archaeologist to be present during any an all ground-disturbing activities and requiring revenue generated through usage fees or lease of the facility to be utilized in the management and maintenance of the properties.
According to City Manager Judie Zimomra, the city will now be able to apply for historical preservation grants to assist in the funding of repainting the Sanibel Lighthouse. The city is also working on developing a long-term master plan for the property and cottages at the site.
In other business, councilors continued their discussions of issued related to land development regulations which may affect redevelopment in the resort housing sector, which is expected to be handed over to the city's Planning Commission in the coming weeks.
"We're not going to go into grand detail about this," said Mayor Mick Denham. "I think we'd prefer to leave that to the Planning Commission to handle. I think what we are doing is painting a broad brushstroke of the issues."
The six primary issues brought up for debate included density, short-term occupancy, lot coverage of impermeable areas, setbacks, height limits and coastal construction.
Denham suggested that the city maintain the existing density for all hotels, motels, condominiums and resort properties, as long as the structures remained within their current 3-D footprint. Fellow councilor Peter Pappas offered that extending "grandfathered" policies to the owners of those properties might encourage investors to keep their short-term stay units the same.
"I think we're all in agreement that we don't want to see any density increases," added Marty Harrity.
One topic that will likely become an issue is maintaining the city's height restrictions for commercial properties. Since the release of the new Flood Insurance Maps in 2008, some properties - especially three- and four-floor structures - may require a variance to exceed the current 45-foot restriction.
During the public comment portion of the meeting, several members of the audience offered their suggestions on resort housing redevelopment. Resident Herb Rubin noted that the presence of swimming pools on a property may affect density but added, "I think this is a wonderful way to start."
Planning Commissioner Holly Smith also reiterated her request for a map indicating all properties affected by the upcoming discussions, and submitted an additional request for clarification on "redevelopment vs. modernization."
Lee Olsen, a Pointe Santo resident for the past 35 years, offered that the council should "think as broadly as you can."
"I appreciate your point of view," he added. "And I think you're right on the money."
Planning Department Director Jimmy Jordan told the council that his staff will consider the suggestions posed by the council and prepare a report in time for their next session, on Tuesday, March 2.
The council also unanimously approved the re-allocation of $65,000 from the city's Shared Use Path maintenance budget in order to extend Sanibel's bike path to Captiva, the final step in connecting the pathway between the adjoining islands.
An estimated $80,000 is required to complete the work, which will extend the path along Sanibel Captiva Road between Pine Avenue and the bridge at Blind Pass. The Sanibel Bicycle Club has agreed to pay the remaining $15,000 portion through its Trails In Motion fund.
On Jan. 28, Sanibel's Parks and Recreation Committee approved staff recommendations to move forward with the path extension due to safety concerns for people who use the roadway to travel from one island to the other.
By JEFF LYSIAK
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Only dress rehearsal tickets remain for Dancing with the Islands’ Stars
With all tickets sold for the first annual Dancing with the Islands Stars, the committee chair has made the decision to have dress rehearsal night added to this exciting fundraising event.
Dress rehearsal night will be held Friday, Jan. 22 at 6:30 p.m. at the Sanibel Community House as an additional opportunity to watch the event in a dress rehearsal setting. Marge Meek, event chair has said "This event has been so well received, we are pleased to offer an additional attendance night and please don't forget to support your favorite dancer and vote (donate)."
This fundraising event is becoming more fun and more competitive and your votes are essential in supporting your favorite islands' star dancer. The proceeds from this fundraiser will go towards much needed facility improvements and programs for the Sanibel Community House. Visit one of the blue boxes for voting (donating) located around the islands: Bank of the Islands, Bailey's General Store, Billy's Rentals, Head To Toes by Tina, Lily & Co., Sanibel Captiva Community Bank, Sanibel Captiva Trust Company, The Mucky Duck, VIP Realty and the Sanibel Community House.
The six islands star dancers preparing to dance for you are Craig Albert, Karen Bell, Liddy Johnson, Billy Kirkland, Linda Naton and Susan Scott. The dancers and their professional dance partners from Fred Astaire Studios, emcee Richard Johnson, judges Rick Zurbriggen, Marjorie Nordstrom and Bobby Logue, videographer Rusty Farst, hostess Evette Zurbriggen and DJ Frederick Sunde will all be part of the dress rehearsal night.
Drinks will be available for purchase and dress rehearsal night tickets are available for $25 each. Call 472-2155 or come in to the Sanibel Community House, located at 2173 Periwinkle Way.
Thanks to the event sponsor, the Sanibel Captiva Trust Company, for making this event possible.
Submitted by KIMBERLY LA BAR
Dress rehearsal night will be held Friday, Jan. 22 at 6:30 p.m. at the Sanibel Community House as an additional opportunity to watch the event in a dress rehearsal setting. Marge Meek, event chair has said "This event has been so well received, we are pleased to offer an additional attendance night and please don't forget to support your favorite dancer and vote (donate)."
This fundraising event is becoming more fun and more competitive and your votes are essential in supporting your favorite islands' star dancer. The proceeds from this fundraiser will go towards much needed facility improvements and programs for the Sanibel Community House. Visit one of the blue boxes for voting (donating) located around the islands: Bank of the Islands, Bailey's General Store, Billy's Rentals, Head To Toes by Tina, Lily & Co., Sanibel Captiva Community Bank, Sanibel Captiva Trust Company, The Mucky Duck, VIP Realty and the Sanibel Community House.
The six islands star dancers preparing to dance for you are Craig Albert, Karen Bell, Liddy Johnson, Billy Kirkland, Linda Naton and Susan Scott. The dancers and their professional dance partners from Fred Astaire Studios, emcee Richard Johnson, judges Rick Zurbriggen, Marjorie Nordstrom and Bobby Logue, videographer Rusty Farst, hostess Evette Zurbriggen and DJ Frederick Sunde will all be part of the dress rehearsal night.
Drinks will be available for purchase and dress rehearsal night tickets are available for $25 each. Call 472-2155 or come in to the Sanibel Community House, located at 2173 Periwinkle Way.
Thanks to the event sponsor, the Sanibel Captiva Trust Company, for making this event possible.
Submitted by KIMBERLY LA BAR
Thursday, December 3, 2009
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!"
"It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!"
Some folks may have noticed an increased amount of red and green around the islands of late, a handful of wreaths, ribbons and bunting, plus an assortment of inflatable decorations featuring shapes and faces familiar to both young and old.
Looks like the holidays have arrived!
Residences and businesses have joined forces in welcoming the Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa season to Sanibel and Captiva, with the return of the traditional Lions Club tree lot to Bailey's Center, scores of characters - Santa Claus and his elves, Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and the sort - adorning lawns and storefronts, plus twinkling lights of all colors and styles wrapped around the trunks of palm trees.
The Sanibel Historical Museum & Village is all decked out for the holidays, too, after a group of spirited volunteers spent two days decorating each building in The Village.
"They're all volunteers, and they'll be decorating each of the seven buildings within the museum," Blair Wyatt, coordinator of the decorating committee, said on Monday. "They are simple decorations like the ones that might have been seen on early Sanibel."
Many decades ago, Brazilian peppers, Spanish moss, shells and garland made from paper were used in holiday decor, Wyatt noted.
The Village Christmas tree, located in the Old Bailey General Store, is a seven-foot Douglas fir, again donated this year by the Sanibel Lions Club.
In keeping with the holiday season, the museum is selling an exclusive Luc Century etched glass Sanibel Lighthouse ornament/suncatcher as well as beautiful, handcrafted shell wreaths fabricated by Joan Emilius and Peggy Henward.
"There are only about 30 wreaths, and they completely sold out in minutes last year," Wyatt added.
This Friday, Dec. 4, the Museum & Village will offer a free tour to those who purchase an ornament ($45) or wreath (priced from $60 to $75). The Village Gift Shop is in the Bailey Store; shoppers may go directly to the store without paying museum admission.
The Sanibel Historical Museum & Village, Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and sharing Sanibel history, is located at 950 Dunlop Road and open on Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. For more information, call 472-4648 during normal business hours.
Also on Friday, Sanibel Mayor Mick Denham, Vice Mayor Kevin Ruane and members of City Council will officiate at the Bailey's Center tree lighting starting at 6:30 p.m. The tree lighting ceremony will take place during the Bailey's Center Merchants' Association (BCMA) "Silver Luminary Celebration" at the corner of Periwinkle Way and Tarpon Bay Road.
Live music will be performed throughout the evening. Santa will be at the Bailey's Center from 5:30 to 5:45 p.m. to take photos with children and families. Complimentary hors d'oeuvres and drinks will also be served while many BCMA merchants will be welcoming their customers, clients and guests with extra festivities to mark the occasion.
In honor of the 25th anniversary of the Luminary Festival of the Islands, guests are invited to wear their finest silver attire and accessories. All are welcome to attend this free community event.
Other Luminary Festival details (SUBHEAD - BOLD)
The 25th Annual Luminary Festival is an islands-wide holiday event that brings together residents, visitors, businesses and organizations, promoting goodwill and community spirit.
As participants "travel the trail," look for several fun and festive places to stop and enjoy. Once again, there will be complimentary trolley service, visits and photos with Santa, a live nativity scene, music and activities for the entire family.
On Sanibel, Luminary Festival participants include:
East End/Seahorse Shops - Reggae band and refreshments
Sanibel Island Book Shop - Book signing, music and refreshments
Jerry's Center - Pictures with Santa and refreshments
Sanibel Community Church - Live nativity, music and refreshments
Tahitian Gardens - Cracker Blues Band and refreshments
Forever Green - Refreshments
Periwinkle Place - Pictures with Santa, entertainment and refreshments
Sanibel Congregational Church - Boutique, music and refreshments
Sanibel Community House - Santa's Workshop, Cypress Lakes Choir and cookie decorating
The Village Shops - Guitarist Michael David and refreshments
Hungry Heron Plaza - Refreshments
Tower Gallery - Refreshments
Olde Sanibel Shoppes - The Sanibel School Choir and refreshments
Bailey's Center - Gospel choir, music and refreshments
Participants on Captiva will include South Seas Island Resort, R.C. Otters, Keylime Bistro, Cantina Captiva, The Bubble Room, The Mucky Duck, Island Store, Royal Shell, Captiva Pizza & Yogurt and The Green Flash.
There will be 13 trolley stops along the trail, including East End/Seahorse Shops, Jerry's Center, Tahitian Gardens, The Herb Strauss Schoolhouse Theater/Sanibel Community House, The Village Shops, Hungry Heron Plaza, Tower Gallery, Olde Sanibel Shoppes and Bailey's Center. Trolleys will operate from 5:30 to 9 p.m.
Sponsors and special contributors for this year's Luminary Festival include ShopOnSanibel.com, SandCastles, The Cedar Chest, CROW, the City of Sanibel, Waste Pro, Sanibel Fire Rescue District, Kiwanis, Lions, Rotary, ABWA, Zonta, Tarpon Bay Explorers, Adventures In Paradise, South Seas Island Resort, Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum, Hillgate Communications, Sanibel Community Church, Sanibel Congregational Church, St. Michael & All Angels Episcopal Church, 'Tween Waters Inn, Giggles, Sanibel Air Conditioning, Sanctuary Island Electric, chamber staff, ambassadors and volunteers as well as Mr. and Mrs. Claus.
For additional information, call the Islands of Sanibel & Captiva Chamber of Commerce at 472-1966 or visit http://www.sanibel-captiva.org/.
By JEFF LYSIAK, jlysiak@breezenewspapers.com
2010 ABC Sale t-shirts have arrived at the CCA
"The artwork was done by Lauri Kaihlanen. He's a very popular artist here on Captiva. Lauri did a really nice job of incorporating Captiva landmarks - the Island store, the fishhouse, the Chapel-by-the-Sea, the CCA office and Lauri's painted mailbox at the post office," said Sharon Brace of the CCA.
Captivans interested in purchasing a t-shirt will have their choice of white and yellow haze, a kind of pale yellow.
Sizes range from youth small to adult double extra large. Each shirt costs $20.
"If people want to get one before Christmas they can get them at the office here weekday mornings between 10 a.m. and noon. It's helpful if they call first, 472-2111," Brace said.
After Jan. 1, the ABC Sale t-shirts will be available in front of the Captiva post office, though a sale schedule is yet to be determined.
The 2010 ABC Sale will take place on Saturday, March 6.
The Captiva Civic Association is located at 11550 Chapin Lane.
By JANE BRICKLEY, jbrickley@breezenewspapers.com
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Sandrift 1073 - 3bedroom 3bath on Gulf of Mexico
Gulf of Mexico within South Seas Plantation. Sandrift is a small 4 unit complex. It offers an indoor elevator from the ground floor to the third floor bedrooms, garage parking under the unit, tennis and one of the greatest views of the Gulf of Mexico.
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