Thursday, March 31, 2011
Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation?s 19th Annual Tennis Tournament on April 8-9-10
It’s that time of year again when great tennis comes to Sanibel Island at the Dunes! The 19th Annual SCCF Tennis Tournament begins on Saturday, April 9th and runs through Sunday, April 10th with an opening reception on Friday night, April 8th. Men’s, Women’s and Mixed Doubles are the categories and the deadline for entries [...]
Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel Island Offer Incredible Sunsets and So Much More
Fort Myers is not only a city steeped in history it is also a great example of Old Florida By Old Florida I mean the neighborhoods have many of the typical Florida style one level homes with the hurricane shutters on them and the streets are lined with trees covered in Spanish Moss hanging almost to the blacktop in some places
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Savor Sarasota Restaurant Week
10-day dining event, Savor Sarasota will showcase Sarasota's chefs and dining establishments. Patrons will be able to enjoy multi-course meals at participating restaurants
(PRWeb May 07, 2007)
Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/sarasota/savor/prweb524479.htm
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
The Marching Mullet Band, Jensen?s Fishing Captiva
The Marching Mullet Band, Jensen’s Fishing Captiva
Amelia Island Birds
Sunset with Amelia's Birds Join the naturalists at the Omni Amelia Island Plantation and enjoy the spectacular view of the sun setting over the marsh. Guests will travel around the natural surroundings, spotting egrets, herons, waterfowl, and maybe even a bald eagle feeding and roosting. The cost is $10 per person and binoculars are provided for the event. Additional information is available at www.omniameliaislandplantation.com or by calling (904) 321-5082.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Florida strawberries in season
Winter in the Sunshine State means harvest time for fresh Florida strawberries. Strawberry season lasts from November through May, with the peak period in the months of February and March. Local grocery stores are currently stocked up with strawberries from Plant City, Florida, so the fruit stays fresh much longer than strawberries that are shipped in from California.Plant City is located in Hillsborough County, just a few miles outside of Tampa off of Interstate 4. Ninety percent of Florida's strawberry crop comes from Hillsborough County, and the celebration of Florida's most famous non-citrus fruit culminates in February or March with the annual Florida Strawberry Festival in Plant City. The event draws thousands of visitors who wish to enjoy fresh strawberries in a state fair atmosphere.
A handful of pick-your-own strawberry patches are available in Central Florida as well, although the largest farms sell directly to grocery store chains. Strawberry lovers will taste a noticeable difference with the freshly picked strawberries, whether they pick them on their own or buy them by the box at the Strawberry Festival.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Sanibel Island Orchid Show. What is your Favorite Orchid?
Sanibel Island Orchid Show.Sanibel Island Orchid Show. What is your Favorite Orchid? Check out these beautiful flowers. If you love color this is for you. Enjoy! �Thank you, Judy Hicks. For more Info: call 239-472-4784 Photo Credit Max Soto
Sanibel Island Through A Child's Eyes
Though I am kind of embarrassed to have left this blog sit idle for so very long, I really had to write this post.
For several years, I have been gifting books about Sanibel to the little boy of my second cousin.
He is an adorable little boy, precocious and precious and, like his mom, very fascinated by animals and nature. He is not yet in school, but as articulate as a first grader and as good a reader as well.
So I have given him the wonderfully educational book put out by C.R.O.W, the calendars with extraordinary photos of the birds of Sanibel and, most recently, the book DILLO which tells the tale of a baby Armadillo living on the island.
His mom has told me that every night for the past year, he insisted that she read him some pages from DILLO before going to sleep. He now knows what comes next, and like those fans of cult movies, can recite the words out loud simultaneously with the reading.
When his birthday was coming up, mommy and daddy offered a trip to Disney World as his gift, having taken him to the various natural museums on previous trips. He (remember we are talking smart young child here) said he wouldn't mind going to Disney World but that he would like to get to the Bailey Tract on Sanibel where much of DILLO takes place. In fact, truth be told, he stated that if he had to choose, he would prefer Sanibel Island over Disney World.
Well mom and dad are no fools and it was an easy choice for them. Why deal with the crowds in Disney World when the beach beckons and Sanibel is not yet inundated with winter warriors and snow birds? And so the 3 of them came to Sanibel.
And they walked the Bailey Tract, rode their bikes through Ding Darling, got up with the sun to gather shells on the beach and rejoiced in the calm, gentle waters of the sea green Gulf. They visited C.R.O.W. and the Periwinkle Campground Zoo, marveled at the tropical birds at Jerry's, went canoeing and took a boat cruise to see the dolphins dance.
Each night they ate out or in and then told stories on the lanai about adventures taken and imagined.
In short, it was a magical experience, for all 3 but especially for my precious little third cousin.
Weeks have gone by, and when ever and where ever he can, the little guy expounds on his experience with Sanibel. Ask any question...."what birthday gift did you like the best?", "where would you like to go?", "where would you like to live?", "what would you like to do next year?" and the answer is always the same.
Sanibel Island.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
NEED A CHANGE? Looking for a career that is fun? We are looking for you!
NEED A CHANGE? Looking for a career that is fun? We are looking for you!NEED A CHANGE? Looking for a career that is fun? We are looking for you! The www.SanibelCaptivaDaily.com is looking for Account representatives in the following territories: Sanibel/Captiva Islands Fl., Fort Myers/Cape Coral Fl., Sarasota Fl., Naples Fl., Fort Lauderdale Fl., and [...]
Friday, March 25, 2011
Vacations in Florida During the Winter
During those cold winter months you find yourself bundling up on a daily basis As you walk out of the door the cold wind seems to pierce through the all of the clothing that you have layered onto your body stinging your skin
Money and Sanibel Vacation Rentals: Five Reasons Your Offer Won't Work This April
In a much earlier blog post, I wrote about the difference between a seat on a plane and a vacation rental. The key factor is that a plane will fly with few people because it is a scheduled flight. A vacation rental can remain passive...and empty. There is no reason it must be rented or occupied.
With a rash of inquiries for April weeks, still high season on Sanibel Island because of the late Easter week, I find myself with the last 3 weeks still vacant. The obvious reason is that rental guests are seeking significant discounts, sometimes as much as 50% off the list price. As a rule, I do not discount at all until 3 weeks out of an arrival date, and then not usually deeply.
When I politely refuse these offers of 20 to 50 percent off my posted rate, many guests will ask why I won't take their offer. After all, wouldn't I rather have some money than no money?
I respond always and succinctly in most instances that I hope I will get my price since so many people are looking for those weeks. I also suggest that they should contact me in a couple of months if they have not found anything that they like better than my own properties.
But I don't usually have the time to give them the real reasons why I prefer not to rent for less than what I post as my rates. And here they are:
1. High season on Sanibel Island, when I and other owners make most of our money, only lasts 3 months at best. The rest of the year, shoulder or low season, the rate is significantly less and even half price. My opportunity to get my maximum rental is short lived.
2. Having people in a property always has a cost. Utilities, commissions, cleanings and the infrequent but still real damage that occurs are all deducted from the rent. It is the price of doing business, but a low ball rental offer is no incentive to take on the cost or the risk.
3. The rental property has a value. When the value is diminished with a very or even somewhat under market offer, I might do better swapping the property for a home exchange with another rental of equal or even greater value. A week in the Caribbean or the French country side is infinitely more appealing than the money being offered.
4. Because I don't even discount for repeat guests in almost all instances, I find it most discomfiting to discount for someone who has never been in the property. Additionally, I would not want a guest who paid full freight to know that another guest came in with a low ball offer. I would understand if my full paying guest did not appreciate the situation and I would prefer not to create it.
5. I work hard at keeping my properties inviting and up to date. I don't want to be perceived as a bargain basement owner and would not want anyone expecting next year what they got this year in the way of a discounted rate. So better not to even open up the door to possibility on that one.
By and large I love our guests and am particularly happy when they have a good time and tell me about it or celebrate a special event in our rentals. But this is a business and I endeavor to keep it a business. Accepting low ball offers this far in advance flies in the face of every business principle I know.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Amelia Island Birds
Sunset with Amelia's Birds Join the naturalists at the Omni Amelia Island Plantation and enjoy the spectacular view of the sun setting over the marsh. Guests will travel around the natural surroundings, spotting egrets, herons, waterfowl, and maybe even a bald eagle feeding and roosting. The cost is $10 per person and binoculars are provided for the event. Additional information is available at www.omniameliaislandplantation.com or by calling (904) 321-5082.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
ZZ Top to headline Rock Legends Cruise in December
I like the logic of one of my really smart�colleagues, who thinks you should pick a music-themed cruise by your tolerance for the type of fans that will be on board. After all, you’ll be hanging out with them more than the musicians, right?
Well, Classic Rock types will be the target demo for this cruise [...]
Well, Classic Rock types will be the target demo for this cruise [...]
For a great Lilly gallery: check out these beautiful pink pictures
For a great Lilly gallery: check out these beautiful pink pictures, as you know we love our pink and green and these are just stunning! Send your pictures to us!
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Sanibel Jewelry Party hosted by Gaither Deluca. Girls just wanna have fun! (and jewelry) :)
Sanibel Jewelry Party hosted by Gaither Deluca. Girls just wanna have fun! (and jewelry) Sanibel Jewelry Party hosted by Gaither Deluca. Girls just wanna have fun! (and jewelry) The party was hosted by Gaither Deluca and put on by Peggy Hay of Premier Designs Jewelers. Food was catered by Leslie Adams. (yummy). We all had [...]
Monday, March 21, 2011
Sanibel Island Through A Child's Eyes
Though I am kind of embarrassed to have left this blog sit idle for so very long, I really had to write this post.
For several years, I have been gifting books about Sanibel to the little boy of my second cousin.
He is an adorable little boy, precocious and precious and, like his mom, very fascinated by animals and nature. He is not yet in school, but as articulate as a first grader and as good a reader as well.
So I have given him the wonderfully educational book put out by C.R.O.W, the calendars with extraordinary photos of the birds of Sanibel and, most recently, the book DILLO which tells the tale of a baby Armadillo living on the island.
His mom has told me that every night for the past year, he insisted that she read him some pages from DILLO before going to sleep. He now knows what comes next, and like those fans of cult movies, can recite the words out loud simultaneously with the reading.
When his birthday was coming up, mommy and daddy offered a trip to Disney World as his gift, having taken him to the various natural museums on previous trips. He (remember we are talking smart young child here) said he wouldn't mind going to Disney World but that he would like to get to the Bailey Tract on Sanibel where much of DILLO takes place. In fact, truth be told, he stated that if he had to choose, he would prefer Sanibel Island over Disney World.
Well mom and dad are no fools and it was an easy choice for them. Why deal with the crowds in Disney World when the beach beckons and Sanibel is not yet inundated with winter warriors and snow birds? And so the 3 of them came to Sanibel.
And they walked the Bailey Tract, rode their bikes through Ding Darling, got up with the sun to gather shells on the beach and rejoiced in the calm, gentle waters of the sea green Gulf. They visited C.R.O.W. and the Periwinkle Campground Zoo, marveled at the tropical birds at Jerry's, went canoeing and took a boat cruise to see the dolphins dance.
Each night they ate out or in and then told stories on the lanai about adventures taken and imagined.
In short, it was a magical experience, for all 3 but especially for my precious little third cousin.
Weeks have gone by, and when ever and where ever he can, the little guy expounds on his experience with Sanibel. Ask any question...."what birthday gift did you like the best?", "where would you like to go?", "where would you like to live?", "what would you like to do next year?" and the answer is always the same.
Sanibel Island.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Anna Maria Island's Tradewinds Resort Recognized for its "White Glove" Award
Tradewinds Resort, managed by ResortQuest Southwest Florida, receives nomination for the 2006 Golden Glove Award recognizing the Resorts' exemplary professional housekeeping.
(PRWeb February 21, 2007)
Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/tradewinds/resort/prweb506167.htm
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Beach camping for beginners: Gearing up.
Barbra StuterWelcome! If you have landed on this page, you've decided to try your hand at camping. Before we start, let me assure you I am not a novice camper and you are in capable hands. I have been backpacking and tent camping since I was old enough to walk...July 03, 2009
Friday, March 18, 2011
New Hot Spot: Cip?s Place Island Restaurant helps out OPERATION RAIN BARREL Sanibel Island
New Hot spot: Cip’s helps out OPERATION RAIN BARREL Sanibel Island The SW Florida Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) Foundation, Inc., ��Sanibel-Captiva Chapter is planning a fundraising project — Operation Rain Barrel.� This project, which involves the silent auction of rain barrels painted by local artists, has a goal of raising �$25,000 to buy equipment and [...]
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Orlando - One Place, Two Theme Parks
No matter if you have come to Florida to escape the cold and stay warm, or just to enjoy the cool breezes; the time of year to visit Florida is not always relevant due to it’s relatively close temperatures all year round, which makes perfect for places like the beach or theme parks. Well skip [...]
Sanibel-Captiva Island is a lovers paradise
Sanibel-Captiva Island is a lovers paradise .Sanibel-Captiva Island is a lovers paradise and perfect for any wedding setting. Come enjoy a romantic getaway. Photo Credit: Trevor Borchelt
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
TODAY! HOURS AGO: Sanibel-Captiva Fishing team Santiva Fishing Native Guides fishing Charters. HUGE Sanibel-Captiva Fishing!
Sanibel-Captiva Fishing team Santiva Fishing Native Guides fishing Charters.Sanibel-Captiva Fishing team Santiva Fishing Native Guides fishing Charters. Sandbar shark 9ft 225lbs, yup hot off the media:.catch and release of the day. This is super cool. Who loves Sharks? This some serious fishing! �Book you charter NOW, obviously they are getting booked out. This is a [...]
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Tide Charts
Now featuring monthly tide charts for Sanibel and Captiva Islands up to 1 year in advance, calculated to Point Ybel (Lighthouse Point). Includes sunrise/sunset times and moon phases to help on your shelling quests
My Garum Day Talk, ?Selling Yourself?
(Post updated on February 23, 2011) I was in Basque country from Feb 14 – 22, 2011, giving a talk at Garum Day on Feb 16, 2011, in Bilbao. My talk was called (with slight irony) ?Selling Yourself,? and it had to do with various ways in which we try to make money by selling [...]
Monday, March 14, 2011
SunPass Addresses and Phone Numbers
Florida 's Turnpike Enterprise
SunPass Program
(General Mailing Address and Enrollments)
PO Box 880029
Boca Raton, FL 33488-0029
or
7941 Glades Road
Boca Raton, FL 33434-3115(TOLL-BY-PLATE Invoice)
PO Box 880089
Boca Raton, FL 33488-0089(Replenishments)
PO Box 880049
Boca Raton, FL 33488-0049(Violations)
PO Box 880069
Boca Raton, FL 33488-0069
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