Month: February 2021

One of our Ocean’s Reach owners — Robert M. from Carmel, IN — sent us this photo of “a friend by the pool.”

Woodpeckers are indeed colorful and beautiful birds, and a bit addictive to watch.

Did you know?  Between feeding, excavating nest cavities and drumming, woodpeckers can peck up to 20 times per second, or a total of 8,000 –  » Read more

Members of the Sanibel-Captiva Shell Club recently participated in a quarry dig to assist University of Florida scientists and representatives from the UF Natural History Museum.

The field research, completed at a quarry south of Arcadia that is closed to visitors, yielded a noteworthy collection of shell fossils, including an amazing find of a fossil junonia.

Over three days,  » Read more

Photo of Sheena Brook courtesy of SoundCloud.com

Watch our tropical sun setting and enjoy some wonderful acoustic music as the Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel welcome Sheena Brook to the first Songs from the Sand virtual concert series  on Thursday, Feb. 18 at 8 p.m. (EST).

Inspired from the popular Songs from the Sofa online concerts on Instagram Live,  » Read more

Photo by David Shipper

While Florida is host to many year-round resident birds, we also enjoy welcoming our “true” snowbirds!

Southwest Florida is a popular winter destination for migratory Ruby–throated Hummingbirds (Archilochus colubris).

Did you know these fun facts about hummingbirds?

1. They are the smallest migrating bird. They don’t migrate in flocks like other species,  » Read more

“There’s nothing more beautiful

than the way the ocean refuses

to stop kissing the shoreline

no matter how many times it’s sent away.”

–  » Read more

Another new program to enjoy, courtesy of the pandemic!

Private guided tours are now available at the Edison and Ford Winter Estates, offering families an ideal way to ensure that they will not be on a tour with other tourists.

Two tour focus options are available, including the Historian-led Private Guided Tour and the Private Garden Tour with a Horticulturist. Masks are required on all guided tours.  » Read more

Photos from Adventures in Paradise

Set sail for love Sanibel-style aboard the Valentine’s Day Sunset Dolphin Cruise!

The Adventures in Paradise “Valentine’s Day Sunset Dolphin Cruise” includes cupcakes, complimentary soft drinks and bottled water (you’re also welcome to bring your own “no glass” beverages).

On board, you’ll listen to tropical music as you cruise the tranquil waters of San Carlos Bay along the coastline of Sanibel.   » Read more

The “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge (DDWS) had hoped to toast the 75th Anniversary of the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge last December with a privately labeled pilsner beer in partnership with Fort Myers Brewing Company.

However, aluminum shortages due to COVID-19 have pushed that brand unveiling to late 2021, when profits from sales of the new Wild Daze Pilsner will benefit wildlife research,  » Read more

Renowned for handcrafted artisanal chocolates, Fort Myers-based Norman Love Confections has unveiled “Date Night 2021,” created exclusively for Valentine’s Day.

The limited-edition collection features 10 heart-shaped dark, white and milk chocolates, including bananas Foster, chocolate strawberry, devil’s-food cake, pink Champagne, pinot noir, carajillo, honey lavender, spicy dark, passion cheesecake and tropical hazelnut.

Available through Feb. 14, the collection may be purchased at the Norman Love Chocolate &  » Read more

Photo of Fort Myers Beach Pier by C Paola Cll

“Twilight fell:

The sky turned to a light dusky purple

littered with tiny silver stars.”

– J.K. Rowling  » Read more