Month: May 2020

Captured by Flickr user dconvertini in waters off nearby Cape Coral.

“In this changing world, it’s harder than ever to find something extraordinary. 

But every once in a while, a symbol of hope breaks through.”

— Dolphin Tale

   » Read more

Photos from Florida Leatherbacks Inc.

As you may remember reading here, biologists with the Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation discovered a rare leatherback sea turtle on Sanibel Island last month.  Leatherbacks very rarely nest on Florida’s Gulf Coast and are typically found more often along Atlantic Ocean shorelines in Southeast Florida.

The team named her “Juniper” and worked with scientists from Florida Leatherbacks Inc.  » Read more

Cayo Costa State Park may soon acquire an important new designation, thanks to the efforts of some of its friends.

A group from Captiva Cruises and the Friends of Cayo Costa State Park are applying to have Cayo Costa State Park designated as an International Dark Sky Place through the International Dark-Sky Association.

The International Dark Sky Places conservation program recognizes and promotes excellent stewardship of the night sky.   » Read more

Many thanks to longtime guest Roy P. from Manalapan, NJ who sent us this photo of a Red-bellied Woodpecker he spotted on his trip to Ocean’s Reach earlier this year.

Crazy fact about this little fella?  A Red-bellied Woodpecker can stick out its tongue nearly 2 inches past the end of its beak.  The tip is barbed and the bird’s spit is sticky,  » Read more

Photo from Rookery Bay

Kids will love this!

They can now virtually get their hands wet while they check out the cool invertebrates in the touch tank at the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve in Naples.

They also have a huge selection of virtual educational activities that you can access here, perfect for your family’s budding marine biologist!  » Read more

Last week, Andy helped celebrate the 100th birthday of a very special neighbor, Doris Southerton.

More than 55 cars, and as many bikes, paraded by her home, singing “Happy Birthday” and honoring our island’s latest centennial.

For a “must see” local news segment of the celebration, click here and see if you can spot Andy!

FUN FACT:  Doris was an original owner at Ocean’s Reach before moving to the East Rocks neighborhood up the road!  » Read more

“Stillness and Grace” by Renee Chastant

While the Sanibel Community House may still be closed, you’re welcome to check out the virtual art exhibit they’ve launched on their website.

Instead of hanging paintings from island artists in the lobby entrance, work will be featured online for the public to view 24 hours a day at sanibelcommunityhouse.net.  For more information,  » Read more

Leave it to the folks at the IMAG History & Science Center in Fort Myers to come up with the idea of Virtual Birthday Celebrations for Adults, no kids allowed!

Celebrants can gather virtually with up to 15 guests for a unique experience using Zoom for a video and audio party connection.

IMAG offers various party themes, including “Beers & Gears,”  » Read more

Oh, to be back to some sense of normalcy!

Many thanks to longtime guest Joyce W. from Ithaca, NY for this wonderful collage photo from the 2020 Shell Festival that reminds us “this too shall pass” and that there is plenty to look forward to on Sanibel!

Each year, the Shell Festival is one of the island’s top events, with seasoned and beginning shell aficionados alike flocking to the Sanibel Community House to learn more about seashells and the amazing pieces of art that can be created from them.  » Read more

Stay in tune with Southwest Florida by listening to “Songs from the Sofa” virtual concerts!

Tonight’s concert will put the spotlight on live music, interviews and stories behind the songs from Sam James, a BMI singer-songwriter and star from the hit show, “The Voice.”  James recently performed his original song, “Shinedown” on NBC’s songwriting show, “Songland” and has written hit songs for such artists as Bebe Rehxa and Dolly Parton.  » Read more