In a Flip-Flop State of Mind.

Scouting is all about adventure, family and fun, so what better place than Sanibel for your child to earn those next few merit badges?

On Nov. 17, the  J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island will host its first Merit Badge University for registered Boy Scouts of America.

Scouts from around the nation will have the opportunity to earn up to two out of six badges being offered that day.  » Read more

Photo by James Schwabel, Alamy

The “Let’s Get Outside” Day will kick off this year’s weekend-long “Ding” Darling Days on Friday, Oct. 12 at the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel, and what a line-up they’ll be featuring!

Wildlife Drive is normally closed on Fridays, but the refuge is offering free admission to cyclists and hikers from 7:30 a.m.  » Read more

The Ocean Tribe Paddlers Club hosts monthly meet-ups to enjoy group paddles on beautiful San Carlos Bay.  The next meet-up is scheduled for October 9th, where participants are invited to meet on the west side of Causeway Island A at 4:45 p.m.  Paddlers will then depart to enjoy about an hour on the water together.

“Our meet-ups are designed to give paddling enthusiasts an opportunity to hang out,  » Read more

Creative Theater Workshop, a nonprofit children’s theater based on Sanibel, held its first rehearsals for the upcoming production of Willy Wonka Jr., coming to the Herb Strauss Theater in October.

“We have 50 kids representing over 23 Lee County schools,” said Michelle Hamstra, artistic director for Creative Theater Workshop. “We would love to see this beautiful theater continue to serve the community for years to come.”

Willy Wonka Jr.  » Read more

“And the turtles of course …

all the turtles are free.

As turtles, and maybe,

all creatures should be.” 

— Dr. Seuss

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

… or your “Daily Beach Therapy from Ocean’s Reach” as we like to say!   

Corresponding with the debut of our new website — CLICK HERE! — we’re delighted to also introduce a new look for our daily blog.

So many of our guests comment on how much they enjoy a little taste of Sanibel each morning, and we’re pleased to continue the tradition of sharing favorite tidbits from our little corner of the world.    » Read more

The James Beard Foundation’s Celebrity Chef Tour brings a taste of what happens at the James Beard House in New York City to more than 20 cities across the country each year.

IL Cielo will welcome the JBF tour again to Southwest Florida on Nov. 29 at 6:30 p.m.

Hosted by Il Cielo’s Chef Melissa Akin, the dinner will begin with a cocktail reception featuring Tito’s Vodka and hors d’oeuvres from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.  » Read more

Collier-Lee Honor Flight, an organization whose mission is to transport local veterans to Washington, DC to visit memorials and honor their service, invites the public to attend the welcome home celebration at Southwest Florida International Airport on Saturday, September 29 from 9 to 10:30 p.m. 

More than 2,000 family members, local service members, law enforcement and well-wishers are expected at the welcome home ceremony for the veterans on the American Airlines flight returning from Washington,  » Read more

Golisano Children’s Hospital, just across the causeway from Sanibel, was recently selected the most beautiful hospital in the country, according to Soliant Health’s 2018 list of the 20 Most Beautiful Hospitals in the U.S.

Soliant Health, an Atlanta-based healthcare staffing company, conducted a month-long national poll of medical facilities across the United States. After all 262,613 votes were tallied, Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida appeared at the top of the annual ranking with 68,146 votes.  » Read more

Yep, it’s our old friend Don P. from Farmington Hills, MI again!  He sent us this doozy that we thought we’d share just for the halibut. 

For more “Signs of the Times,” click here.    » Read more