In a Flip-Flop State of Mind.

The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum is still putting the finishing touches on its major renovation, but is now open to all visitors!

They tell us that they have more programs, exhibits and activities then ever before, including the new “Coral Reefs: Nurseries of the Sea” exhibit.

The final element of their renovation — the new Living Collection Gallery (aquarium) — will open in March,  » Read more

A 48-pound boy caught a 100-pound sandbar shark last week on Captiva Island.

“When the fight was over, I was screaming, running on the beach,” Steele Floyd, 8, of Sanibel Island told WINK-Channel 11.

Steele made the catch within about 10 minutes last Wednesday with a little help from his father, Captain C.J. Floyd of Catchin’ Jiants Charter of Captiva Island,  » Read more

Named the “No. 1 R&B/Hip Hop Artists of All Time,” The Temptations are truly a national treasure.

Otis Williams, the sole surviving original Temptation, Ron Tyson, a lead vocalist with the group for 37 years, Terry Weeks, a lead vocalist for 23 years, and Willie Greene, Jr., base vocalist with the group for four years, are still serenading fans with their soulful voices, lighting up stages with their famous Temptations’ Walk,  » Read more

Photo found on Pinterest

Thanks to our friends at the Island Reporter for this info!

A new choir is being introduced to Southwest Florida this month for those who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and dementia, as well as for their partners.

Jan Ackley Malecha is the Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers Intermezzo Choir coordinator who has worked as a Board Certified Neurologic Music Therapist in Minnesota for Music for Life.  » Read more

When is it worth a drive off island to go to dinner?  When you’re headed to Tino’s Southwest Kitchen, created by two very special friends from Cip’s Place!

It’s already Lisa’s favorite new restaurant, and many seem to agree.  Tino’s recently made the “Top 10 Dining Experiences of the Year” list from Florida Weekly, where they stated:

Alison Dry and Blaine Dry,  » Read more

Black skimmers at San Carlos/Bunche Beach Preserve.  Photo by Chelle Koster Walton.

From our friends at Florida Weekly:

2020 has dawned with a clean slate upon which to draw a new healthier you. One direction toward better living waits right outside the door, where fresh air, vitamin sunshine and exercise make communing with nature a step in the right direction.  » Read more

Talk about vivid imagery!

Take a quick read through this Orlando Sentinel article entitled “Relax, You’re on (Sanibel) Island Time“:

“It’s no small wonder an untold number of artists have used the color-drenched sunsets of Southwest Florida’s coast for inspiration. Orange, yellow and red pop in the sky over this slice of paradise almost every night, while palm trees sway in the salty breeze amid the soothing sounds of the waves crashing on warm,  » Read more

“Pelican Roosting” by Ikki Matsumoto

“Deep Sea Ballet” by Ikki Matsumoto

“Fish Tale” by Ikki Matsumoto

“Snow Dance” by Ikki Matsumoto

The Tower Gallery will highlight the work of artist Ikki Matsumoto at a reception tonight from 5 – 8pm.

Celebrating Ikki and Polly Matsumoto’s lives of art-making,  » Read more

Inspired by the indigenous Calusa, the Great Calusa Blueway paddling trail encompasses three distinct regions of the Gulf of Mexico coast. The first portion of the trail meanders through Estero Bay, while the second segment centers on Pine Island and Matlacha Pass. A third leg of the trail takes paddlers inland to the Caloosahatchee and its tributaries.  » Read more