Sanibel Real Estate Sales - Homes, Condos, Commercial and Homesites on Sanibel and Captiva Islands Florida

Laurie Castaldo
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Windsurfing off of Sanibel Island

Lying just 15 miles to the southwest of Fort Myers are Sanibel and Captiva islands. Joined to the mainland by a causeway, these world renowned islands stretch for 20 miles along the beautiful blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico. With half of the island’s acreage permanently reserved as nature and wildlife sanctuaries, the unique ambiance they possess will remain for generations to come. These barrier islands have become one of the most sought-after resort and residential areas in the country.

Striking sunsets, spectacular shelling, and Historic lighthouse. These are quite possibly the first images one has of Southern Florida's Sanibel and Captiva Islands. Yet there are so many other pleasures to find here. Everything from nature hiking to shopping to just relaxing can be found on Sanibel and the twenty miles of pristine, white, sandy beaches On these "Seashell Islands," life is lush and taken at an easy, relaxed pace.

The City of Sanibel has a year round population of approximately 5,468 people, but during season it increases to about 18,000 - 20,000 people.

Historic Sanibel Lighthouse aerial view

Sanibel Island is approximately 13 miles long and 3 miles wide at it's widest point, which is Dixie Beach Boulevard, and sits east and west . About 50% of the island is the "Ding" Darling Wildlife Refuge named after J. Ding Darling, and ecologically oriented political satirist, who back in the 1920's was ahead of his time in being concerned about the ecology of this country. Ding Darling fell in love with Sanibel Island and used his influence to preserve it. There is an outstanding 5+ mile nature trail that runs through the Wildlife Refuge, along with several other smaller sanctuary areas throughout the island.
The City of Sanibel was incorporated in 1974 to protect itself from the massive development schemes which were then being carried out on much of the prime coastal areas of Lee County. After incorporating, the city fathers commissioned a study which led to the development of the Comprehensive Land Use Plan. It is one of the most stringent comprehensive land use plans in the United States and has served as a model for other small communities throughout the country. The plan is continuously being updated and reflects the experience and growth of the Island community.
Our land use plan lowered the density of development on the Island dramatically - e.g. from 18 units/acre to 5 units/acre, with build-out projection of approximately 9,000 dwelling units. In addition, the land use plan assigned every part of Sanibel an ecological zone, which was based primarily on the elevation above sea level.

Lee County Population

Close to 10 million people (three-quarters of Florida's population) reside within a 150-mile radius of Fort Myers. This will increase to more than 13 million by 2010.
Lee County and Southwest Florida sustained tremendous growth in population from 1990-2000, increasing 32 percent in Lee County and 39 percent in the region.
The fastest growing segment of Lee County's population from 1980 to 1997 was the 25-44 year group, growing by 119 percent. The 18-24 age group in Lee County is projected to grow 30 percent faster than Florida and 130 percent faster than United States rates.
Lee county, once recognized almost entirely as a resort and retirement community, has been undergoing exciting new changes in the 1980's and 1990's with the addition of new residents at the rate of 500 - 1,00 per month.
Fort Myers - Cape Coral was the 4th fastest growing metro area in the United States from 1980 to 1990. That growth has continued in the 1990's with Lee County remaining in the top 20 from 1990 to 2000, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Forecast magazine lists Fort Myers-Cape Coral 15th in its "Booming 25" ranking of the fastest growing metro areas through the year 2005. The magazine uses population projections from Woods & Pool Economics, Inc.
Demographics daily (www.Bizjournals.com) listed Fort Myers-Cape Coral a 5-star community for job growth, population growth and small business growth.

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Sanibel Island Florida 33957
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