SANIBEL
["End" is our condo!]
Sanibel Island is readily accessible -- 30 minutes from SW Florida International Airport, even less from I-75). It is uniquely committed to preservation of ecologic ambience, and has:
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Over half its land area devoted to conservation.
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The large area shown in green is the J.D. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge. You'll see dozens of interesting birds in unspoiled, wilderness-like settings.
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The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation conducts guided hikes.
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All building and development is held to strict ecologic standards.
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Minimized impact of commerce, with no neon signs, very few franchise or chain stores and restaurants, no traffic lights.
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24 miles of bike trail, often leading through areas not reached by automobile.
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No high rise buildings. Maximum elevation of 42 feet.
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One of the best shelling beaches in the world.
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A world-class Shell Museum and events like the annual Shell Fair compliment the fabulous shelling beach.
Although preserving the Island ambience has priority, Sanibel provides most of the benefits of an upscale resort, including:
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55 restaurants, ranging from basic family style to super-gourmet.
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Countless individually owned shops, providing everything from T shirts to lovely jewelry. Many shops are located in open-air style malls with features like caged tropical birds, park-like walks with benches and gazebos, fountains and arched pedestrian bridges.
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Cultural resources, including Big Arts, live theatre, and an excellent library.
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Broad variety of sporting activities including fishing, canoeing, kayaking, windsurfing, sailing, golf, and tennis.
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Medical service available on the island, with sophisticated hospital and specialty services nearby in Fort Myers.
Another fabulous Sanibel attraction is its weather. Being surrounded by Gulf waters tempers the climate both winter and summer! And it's almost like Camelot (where "it only rains at night"): even during the "rainy season" it almost always remains sunny and nice until late afternoon brings brief but heavy showers. The natives never wear raincoats or carry umbrellas --- it's too easy to just wait for the rain to stop! Here are the numbers:
|
MONTH |
AV. HIGH |
AV. LOW |
AV. RAINFALL |
|
January |
74.4 |
53.2 |
1.84 |
|
February |
75.5 |
54.1 |
2.23 |
|
March |
80.0 |
58.7 |
3.07 |
|
April |
84.6 |
62.0 |
1.06 |
|
May |
88.8 |
67.6 |
3.87 |
|
June |
90.6 |
72.9 |
9.52 |
|
July |
91.4 |
74.6 |
8.26 |
|
August |
91.4 |
74.8 |
9.66 |
|
September |
90.0 |
74.2 |
7.82 |
|
October |
86.0 |
68.5 |
2.94 |
|
November |
80.7 |
60.9 |
1.57 |
|
December |
76.0 |
55.0 |
1.53 |