Author: LeAneSUAREZGroup

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Southwest Florida Market Perspective: After three consecutive months when year-over-year declines were posted, closed sales for April were up 4%. This uptick for April held true, not just for the Southwest Florida market at large, but also for its largest market areas including Naples, Bonita-Estero, and Fort Myers. The Naples market posted the most significant year-over-year increase for April, at 8%. On a 12-month rolling basis, closed sales for Southwest Florida through April 30th were down 5.1%, an improvement compared to the past three months when year-over-year declines ranging from 8 to 10% were posted. New listings for April were up 16% year-over-year and up 13% on a 12-month rolling basis; however, from a longer-term perspective, new listings have not yet returned to their pre-pandemic pace. New listings over the 12 months ending April 30 were down 9% compared to the average for 2017 through 2019. Months of supply was 6.98 months as of April 30th, moving little year-to-date, and remaining within the 6–12-month range which reflects balanced market conditions. At $812,206 as of April 30th, the 12-month rolling average closed sale price rose 2% compared to the preceding 12 months.
A historically slow pace of new listings has offset much of the decline in sales that has occurred since the pandemic-driven surge, bringing our overall market back to a state of balance rather than shifting to a buyer’s market. Although market conditions remain strong for sellers, they need to bear in mind that there’s no longer a shortage of inventory. Buyers have the luxury of choice, and a seller’s pricing should be in line with the most recent, relevant closed sales and be competitive with other available listings. Homes priced in-line with today’s market are selling, and serious buyers need to be positioned to recognize properly priced homes and act quickly, before others. Localized market conditions can be tough to gauge and can vary considerably by neighborhood, product type, and price segment; making the expert knowledge of a skilled Realtor® critical to a successful outcome for both buyers and sellers.

Sanibel Island is known for its beautiful scenery and relaxed pace. Many visitors and residents choose to explore the island’s 26 miles of shared paths by bicycle, offering a scenic alternative to driving.

For those who don’t have their own bikes, rentals are readily available, with e-bikes becoming increasingly popular.

The City’s Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee is currently reviewing regulations regarding electric bicycles and scooters on shared paths. Currently, only Class 1 e-bikes, which require pedaling for electric assist and have a speed limit of 20 mph, are allowed.

The committee is exploring the possibility of expanding access to Class 2 e-bikes, which also have a lower top speed than the currently prohibited Class 3 e-bikes (30 mph).

Safety is a top priority. The committee is focused on education rather than implementing additional signage for the existing 20 mph speed limit. Additionally, they are considering lowering the minimum age for e-bike riders from 18 to 16, with further details to be determined.

The future of electric scooters and throttle-powered e-bikes on shared paths is also under consideration. The committee will be evaluating the safety implications of these micro-mobility devices.

While there have been some incidents on the shared paths in the past (167 reported since 2019), data shows a significant decrease this year (only 4 incidents).

Stay tuned for updates on the City Council’s decision in June regarding the committee’s recommendations for e-bikes and potential changes to shared path regulations on Sanibel Island.

Governor Ron DeSantis announced that Florida welcomed a record-breaking 40.6 million visitors in the first quarter of 2024, marking a new high for a single quarter. This impressive figure follows revised statistics for 2023, which indicated that 140.6 million people visited the state, reflecting a 2.3% increase from the previous year.

The details of the tourism surge in Q1 2024 are as follows:

• Domestic Visitation: Reached a record high with 37.2 million visitors.
• Overseas Visitation: Recorded at 2.1 million visitors.
• Canadian Visitation: Rose to 1.3 million visitors.

Additionally, enplanements at 19 Florida airports showed significant growth:

• Total Enplanements: Increased by 9.4%, reaching 30.2 million.
• Domestic Enplanements: Made up 81.6% of the total, slightly down from 82% in Q1 2023.

These figures highlight the growing popularity of Florida as a destination for both domestic and international travelers, showcasing the state’s appeal and the effectiveness of its tourism strategies.

Coastal Watch extends its gratitude to the snowbirds who have returned their mangrove seedlings. Those who have not yet returned their plantings can drop them off at the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation’s headquarters, located at 3333 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel. Full-time residents are welcome to wait until Coastal Watch’s next Adoption Day in the fall. For more information, please contact kmcneal@sccf.org. Coastal Watch is a proud member of the SCCF family

What could make a wine tasting more fun and memorable? Imagine sipping fine wines as dolphins play in the waves and the sun sets over the horizon. Guests are cordially invited to the next wine tasting cruise on Wednesday, May 22nd, in partnership with Captiva Cruises.

Due to popular demand, the sold-out wine cruises will continue this summer, providing a perfect way to beat the heat. The relaxed atmosphere of the cruise is the ideal setting to feature ready-to-drink wines at reasonable prices. This time, there’s an exciting new offering: charcuterie platters from Green Flash’s new catering service, perfectly paired with the wines.

Participants will experience the enchanting combination of delicious wines, delectable food, playful dolphins, and a breathtaking sunset. Those interested in joining can follow the link below to purchase “Special Event” tickets directly through Captiva Cruises:

Click here for Captiva Cruises Special Event Tickets

This unforgettable evening on the water promises to be an exceptional adventure!

The SanCap Chamber of Commerce celebrated the return of a beloved island treasure with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Suncatchers’ Dream on May 10th.

The popular jewelry and gift shop suffered significant damage during Hurricane Ian, but the team never gave up. They held a soft opening in March alongside their neighbor, Over Easy Cafe, and continued to offer their unique products to loyal customers throughout the rebuilding process.

“We basically had to start over,” said owner Daniel Thompson. “But we’re bringing back everything you love, along with exciting new items to refresh the store. It will have my signature touch, but with a modern gallery vibe. I’ll always be grateful to Rachel Pierce for creating a temporary marketplace for us during those tough times. It allowed us to stay connected to our community.”

Originally located at Periwinkle Place, Suncatchers’ Dream has been a Sanibel staple since 2005. They’re known for their whimsical selection of handmade gifts from small businesses, including their popular Dune Jewelry line and a vast array of greeting cards.

Thompson is overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from the community throughout the recovery process.

“From the moment we reopened, people were eager to see us again, offering hugs and words of encouragement,” he shared. “The Chamber has been incredible, supporting us not just as a business, but also as a part of the island family. We all live and work here, and they had our backs the entire time. We’re especially grateful for their ongoing fight to improve water quality after Hurricane Ian.”

“Suncatchers’ Dream is an essential part of the Sanibel shopping experience,” said John Lai, President and CEO of the SanCap Chamber of Commerce. “With Daniel and his island-inspired shop back in place, we feel like our community is finally whole again. A visit to Suncatchers’ Dream before or after grabbing a bite at Over Easy Cafe is a must-do for any Sanibel visitor.”

You can find Suncatchers’ Dream at their new location: 630 Tarpon Bay Road, Sanibel.

As we approach the upcoming storm season, Sanibel and Captiva islands are implementing new 2024 hurricane passes. Sanibel Police Chief William Dalton recently announced that passes from 2021 and 2022 will no longer be valid.

As of today, May 14, the new passes are not yet available. The city will notify the community once the 2024 passes are ready for distribution.

Application Details:

Who Needs a Pass?
Property owners, residents, and businesses on Sanibel and Captiva islands must apply for the Hurricane Reentry Pass Program. These passes ensure authorized individuals can access their properties quickly and securely after an evacuation order.
Pass Limits:
Residents: One pass per address.
Businesses: One to two passes per address.
Discard Old Passes:
Please dispose of any old hurricane passes, as they are no longer valid.

Re-Entry Zones:
Sanibel and Captiva are divided into several re-entry zones, numbered starting from the Sanibel Causeway. Re-entry may be conducted zone by zone or as an all-zone re-entry, depending on the situation.

Re-Entry Requirements:

With a Pass:
Present your hurricane pass and a photo ID at the toll booth.
Without a Pass:
Provide a valid photo ID with an island address (P.O. Boxes are not accepted) and proof of island property ownership, such as a utility bill.
Application Process:
Applying for a pass requires a short application and specific documentation.

For more information and to apply, visit mysanibel.com.

In a heartwarming collaboration, the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) and the Peace River Wildlife Center successfully released a great horned owl back into its natural habitat on May 12 at Rosen Park in Cape Coral.

The owl was found in distress and severely emaciated in a North Fort Myers backyard on April 16. CROW’s veterinarian, Dr. Robin Bast, explained, “Once the owl was stabilized, an X-ray revealed a pellet lodged in its shoulder. The pellet was safely removed while the owl was sedated.”

After a few days of rest and supportive care, the owl began to respond positively to treatment. Eleven days later, it was transferred to the Peace River Wildlife Center in Punta Gorda for additional care in one of its large outdoor enclosures, as CROW’s rehabilitation enclosures are currently under construction.

“We are incredibly fortunate to have such dedicated partners supporting us during our recovery efforts following Hurricane Ian,” said CROW’s Executive Director Alison Charney Hussey. “As we work to rebuild our outdoor enclosures, our partners, like the Peace River Wildlife Center, are crucial in the final stages of our patients’ rehabilitation journey. Our commitment to providing the best possible care ensures that every step of the rehabilitation process is carefully managed, culminating in the owl’s return to the wild.”

Peace River Wildlife Center’s Executive Director Tricia LaPointe added, “Throughout its rehabilitation, the great horned owl showed continuous progress, steadily regaining its strength and vitality. Regular assessments and monitoring allowed our team to adjust the treatment plan as needed, ensuring the best outcomes for the owl’s health and well-being.”

This successful release highlights the importance of collaboration and dedication in wildlife rehabilitation, ensuring that injured animals receive the care they need to return to their natural habitats.

Get ready to tantalize your taste buds, Captiva Island! Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille Captiva is hosting a sizzling contest in honor of National Yucatan Shrimp Day.

Calling all home chefs! Doc Ford’s is searching for the most mouthwatering Yucatan sauce recipes. Do you have a tangy marinade that elevates shrimp to new heights? A zesty dipping sauce that adds a perfect beachside kick? Or perhaps a spicy cocktail to complete the entire Yucatan experience? Doc Ford’s wants to see your culinary creations!

Here’s how to join the fun:

1. Whip up your most delicious Yucatan sauce recipe.
2. Post a picture or video of your creation on social media. Let everyone see your sizzling skills!
3. Tag Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille Captiva in your post and use the hashtag #YucatanShrimpDay!
   Click here for their Social media page

The lucky winner will snag a FREE bottle of Doc Ford’s authentic Yucatan sauce, bringing a taste of the Caribbean straight to your kitchen!

Mark your calendars! Winners will be announced on May 24th. So, get saucy and share your creations!

Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille Captiva can’t wait to see what you cook up! Let’s celebrate National Yucatan Shrimp Day in true island style. Show us how YOU Yuca!

South Seas is thrilled to announce the premiere of its Tarpon Tournament, set to take place from May 16 to May 17, 2024, on the picturesque shores of Captiva Island, nestled along Florida’s Gulf Coast. This exciting new event proudly supports Folds of Honor, a noble organization committed to providing scholarships to the families of fallen and disabled American military members and first responders. By merging the passion for sportfishing with the commitment to honor and support these brave families, the tournament ensures that all sponsorship proceeds will directly benefit Folds of Honor scholarship recipients in Lee County.

The tournament offers participants an opportunity to enjoy a fantastic day of fishing while making a meaningful impact on the lives of deserving individuals in the community. The event promises not only competitive fishing but also a celebratory reception featuring delicious food, exciting prizes, and live entertainment.

Tournament Details:

• May 16, 2024: Captain’s Meeting, where participants will gather vital information and strategies.
• May 17, 2024: The main event unfolds with a day of competitive fishing followed by a dinner and an awards ceremony where winners will be celebrated.

Interested parties can register in teams of four, with an entry fee of $1,000 per team. It’s important to note that each team is allowed only one captain. The entirety of the entry fees collected will be distributed as prizes to the tournament winners. Adding to the excitement, the tournament will be featured on the popular fishing show, “Reel Animals,” hosted by the renowned Capt. Mike Anderson.

Those eager to reel in excitement and make a difference can register and find more information at southseas.com/tarpon