The City of Sanibel has a year round population of approximately 5,800 people, but during the winter season, it increases to about 20,000+. Sanibel Island is shaped somewhat like a boomerang and is approximately 12 miles long and 5 miles wide at its’ widest point, which is Dixie Beach Boulevard. The Southern half of the Island sits east and west in the water and the Northern half runs North and South. Over 65% of Sanibel is “Green Space” with about 50% of the Island being the “Ding Darling” National Wildlife Refuge named after J. Ding Darling an ecologically oriented political cartoonist, who in the 20’s, was ahead of his time in being concerned about the ecology of this country. Ding Darling fell in love with Sanibel Island and used his influence to preserve it. There is a 5+mile nature trail that runs through the Wildlife Refuge, which is truly outstanding. If you have an opportunity, try to see it early in the morning or late afternoon when the birds are returning to the estuary. There are several other small sanctuary areas throughout the island, such as the Bailey Tract on Tarpon Bay Road, and the Sanibel-Captiva conservation Foundation property on Sanibel-Captiva Road.
The City of Sanibel incorporated in 1974 to protect itself from the massive development schemes which were then being carried out on much of the prime coastal areas of Lee County. After incorporating, the city fathers commissioned a study which led to the development of the Comprehensive Land Use Plan. It is one of the most stringent comprehensive land use plans in the United States and has served as a model for other small communities throughout the country. The plan is continuously being updated and reflects the experience and growth of this island community.
|
|
Our Land Use Plan lowered the density of development on the Island dramatically. As an example, multi-family density decreased from 18 units per acre to (5) units/acre. The overall build out projection is approximately 9,000 dwelling units and includes motel rooms, condominiums and homes. As of December 1994, 7,341 housing units existed island wide. In addition, the land use plan assigned every part of Sanibel an ecological zone, which was based primarily on the height above sea level.
|
|
Captiva Island is about 6 miles long and very narrow, the widest point being 1/3 mile wide. It’s part of unincorporated Lee County. While it is not covered by the laws governing the City of Sanibel, it is tightly regulated through its own special controls. Captiva, like most barrier islands, suffers beach erosion because the natural flow of the currents from the Gulf of Mexico is from North to South and Captiva sits North and South.
The Captiva Erosion Prevention District (CEPD) has implemented an ongoing beach re-nourishment program which taxes property owners on a pro-rated basis. This, together with county, state and federal money, has funded the beach renourishment. Sanibel beaches, by the large, are stable although there is erosion in some areas. |
Captiva is essentially three different areas: the Southern third has estate- zoning whereby the property sizes must be at least an acre of land or more; the middle third is a mixture of resorts, including “Tween Waters Inn, the “Village”, some condominiums and single family dwellings. Then the Northern third is South Seas Resort, which is a facility covering 330 acres. It has a nine hole golf course, deep water marina, several restaurants, general store, shopping, trolley, convention facilities, etc. It is considered a world class resort.
|
|
Sanibel-Captiva is a desirable living area offering quality amenities not found anywhere else in this area. An exquisite lifestyle awaits you. Don’t hesitate; call Robert Pailes and The Bell Team at 239-472-7800 ext. 288 or toll free, 866-472-7800 ext. 288, to obtain more specific information!
In conclusion Sanibel and Captiva offer a wide variety of island homes for either vacation or full time living. Some communities include grounds maintenance as part of their common elements and in many ways resemble a condominium lifestyle. There are two styles of island homes: the CBS (concrete/block/stucco) predominantly constructed prior 1979, and the piling or elevated home. The elevation of properties (depending on island location), became necessary for obtaining National Flood Insurance after 1979, hence the resulting elevated “Olde Florida” homes. |
| Thank you for visiting our tropical paradise we call Sanibel and Captiva Islands. If there is anything we can do for you pertaining to buying and selling real estate, please don’t hesitate to call. |
|
|
