In a Flip-Flop State of Mind.

Photo from Key Lime Bistro on Captiva Island

Today is National Key Lime Day!

As local food critic Jean Le Bouef says, “In Florida we celebrate year-round. Ours is a state that lives and breathes Key limes. These tart little fruits infuse our cocktails, our doughnuts, our humidity-clogged pores.”  To read about nine of his favorite tangy tweets from Southwest Florida,  » Read more

Another gorgeous day at Ocean’s Reach!  » Read more

Our friends at The Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel know just how fascinating we find the many feathered friends that make their home along our shores.

In fact, they’ve made a list of the “Top Nine” birds you’re sure to spot in our area, which is home to countless species of native and migratory birds.

You don’t even have to grab your binoculars!   » Read more

The “Blessing of the Fleet” is a tradition that began centuries ago in Mediterranean fishing communities and is meant to ensure a safe and bountiful season.

The annual Blessing of the Stone Crab Fleet is planned for Saturday, September 28 at the Rod and Gun Club in Everglades City.  The boats tie up along the shore and rose petals are scattered on their decks by several of the fishermen’s daughters.   » Read more

 » Read more

The 12th annual Southwest Florida Peace Day celebration returns to the Alliance for the Arts tomorrow, September 22. The festival is held in conjunction with the International Day of Peace, a day celebrated worldwide each year today.

Peace Day will feature crafts, workshops, activities for kids of all ages, yoga and meditations, sing-alongs, education, key-note speakers and more. In addition, there will be food trucks offering delicious vegetarian,  » Read more

Know when the Sanibel lighthouse was built or when Bailey’s General Store first opened its doors?

If so, definitely plan to be part of this year’s Sanibel Sea School’s Flip Flop Family Scavenger Hunt. The family-friendly, all-ages event will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 5. All proceeds will support the nonprofit’s scholarship fund, which makes it possible for children and families in need to have meaningful ocean experiences.  » Read more

Photo by Amanda Inscore of the Fort Myers News-Press

There’s a scurry of activity with the squirrel population at C.R.O.W. these days.  In fact, late summer is often called “squirrel season” in wildlife rehabilitation circles.

Currently, there are over 40 squirrel patients residing at CROW.  The clinic has treated more than 240 squirrels so far this year.

One of four species of squirrels in Florida,  » Read more

“When the sun is setting,

leave whatever you are doing and watch it.” 

– Mehmet Murat Ildan

Should you have any photos you’d like to share, please email them to Dina@OceansReach.com.

Today’s Guest Photographer:  Sid Ely  » Read more

Billy and Salli Kirkland are celebrating two decades of business on the islands this year!

The Sanibel and Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce recently held a ribbon cutting at Billy’s Rentals on Periwinkle Way to mark the couple’s 20th anniversary in business. The Sanibel City Council also issued a proclamation at its monthly meeting in recognition of their milestone.

“I want to thank everybody who has helped us make it to where we are today,”  » Read more