If you are a Sanibel or Captiva Island homeowner that is just beginning the efforts to restore your home on one of the islands, you may be relieved to find out that the government officials of Lee County decided to lessen the timeframe of the reach back part of the FEMA 50% rule. 

The new change to the FEMA 50% rule will help several homeowners on the island to restore their properties without the stress of requirements to bring properties up to current hurricane building codes. This may help many Sanibel and Captiva Island homeowners still on the fence about whether they should try to restore their property or try to sell it. 

The FEMA...

For the many people that love Sanibel Island whether they live here year-round and call it their first home, own a vacation home here, or come back frequently to visit, the island is a place of fond memories. One of the best memories many people have here is of their time on the beaches. 

The beaches of Sanibel Island have been closed since Hurricane Ian hit in September 2022. Though the island has made tremendous progress in its restoration efforts there are some long-awaited milestones for getting back to normal. One of the most anticipated is to be able to visit the beaches again. 

There is Good News for Sanibel Island Beach Lovers!

For...

After a natural disaster has struck a home the majority of people depend on a homeowners insurance policy to help get them back to where they were before the storm hit. With the right knowledge of how to communicate with your insurance company in making a claim, you can shrink the time between disaster and full recovery. It is a good idea to glean as much knowledge as possible on how to effectively communicate with your insurance company post-disaster.

Helpful information for contacting your insurance company after a natural disaster

Contact your insurance company as soon as possible...

Here is the latest helpful and important information for Sanibel Island straight from city officials. Including the latest curfew restrictions in place, information about financial assistance for city clean-up efforts, and returning to properties. 

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Please take the time to watch this helpful information so you are aware of safety measures and what is going on from a government perspective and what you can do to receive help as well as be able to help out if you are able. 

Shortly after Hurricane Ian came crashing into Sanibel, Captiva, and Fort Myers government officials stepped up to announce how people may receive help in their recovery efforts from the storm

President Biden just hours after Hurricane Ian hit Florida declared much of the state a major disaster area. This official presidential declaration enables anyone who has been affected by Hurricane Ian to apply for financial assistance from the federal government. This assistance can be applied for online, over the phone, or in person at a federal processing center.

The recent emergency declaration gives authority to the Federal Emergency Management Agency...

Celebrities in Sanibel and Captiva Island

Visitors are likely to wander past some of the biggest celebrity names as Captiva is historically a popular destination for A-list visits. Captiva is approximately 5 miles long and half a mile wide and is accessible by road from Sanibel. The island’s only road, Captiva Drive, which runs the length of the island, is lined with spectacular multi-million dollar properties, stretching the width of the island. There are no eye sores here with Captiva developments fitting into the lush, tropical scenery with nothing built higher than the tallest palm tree.

Visitors in Captiva can relax on the islands pristine beaches, which have the world’s best shelling, and go fishing, snorkelling, kayaking and exploring.

Stephen King...

Of course, winter and spring constitute a high season in Southwest Florida, and Sanibel and Captiva Island fall into that mold. Yet there’s something about summer on the islands. Something more intimate and personal. Something more authentically Floridian. Summer is a great time to have your Sanibel Island vacation for many reasons. While less busy than the spring, Summer visits to Sanibel offer unique and almost private experiences you're sure to enjoy! June, July, and August often hold temperatures of 90 degrees or more, and it's common to see a mid-afternoon storm blow through. Don't fret though, these storms typically pass through quickly, so sit back and relax...

Whether you’re looking for breakfast, lunch, or dinner recommendations, Sanibel and Captiva Islands have plenty of fresh and delicious choices. In spite of the relatively small size of the area, abundant seafood and the perfect climate for fruits and vegetables make this a paradise for health-conscious travelers.

Gramma Dot's Seaside Saloon at the Sanibel Marina

The setting...

The Islands of Sanibel and Captiva

The islands of Sanibel and Captiva are one of the Gulf coast destinations you will always remember. These two breathtakingly beautiful islands offer world-famous shelling, wildlife in abundance, notable shopping and fine dining with seafood.

Sanibel is larger and offers more shops, hotels and sights, Captiva is quaint with  beaches and Florida charm. Captiva Island's parent island is Sanibel. The two were once a single island, along with North Captiva Island, until separated by a storm at Blind Pass.

While Captiva is noted for its quaintness and quietude, Sanibel is where you can find a little more action. Nestled among the tropical landscape, there are plenty of fine dining and shopping choices, many of which...