It’s our favorite publication for the islanders about the islands. Every two months, “Times of the Islands” arrives on our doorstep for delivery to you! But they go fast…so cuddle up on your couch or lounge chair and then share with the next guest. For 15 years, “Times of the Islands” has captured the spirit of life throughout southwest Florida through its stories, photographs, reviews and special features. Read about the islanders and their way of life. Indulge yourself as you learn the importance of the local habitat, waterways, travel, tourism, business, cuisine, arts and attractions. The magazine, Sanibel born and bred, is an award-winning publication the celebrates the lifestyles along our coastline and the lives of our residents and visitors.

At the Sanibel Library you can view a shell collection on display and local artwork on the walls, access the internet, browse through hundreds of magazines and newspapers, check out a book and rock and read your favorite publication.

The back porch is a rocker’s delight overlooking native vegetation and pond.

Nothing fits the bill and fills your stomach as this new and improved salad bar does from Jerry’s Restaurant.  $5.99/pound will do it for take out.  Or find your Kiwanis coupon and dine in for approx. $7 for unlimited servings.  A smorgasbord of beets, greens, carrots, red peppers, broccoli and more good things will keep you trim and healthy.  Ahh!  Trim and healthy.  A good deal and good meal for you.  We heartily recommend it.

Jerry’s is at the intersection of Periwinkle Way and Casa Ybel Drive.

Most of us know Lorena, who is our condo cleaner supervisor, and yesterday we met her husband and daughter Jennifer. Today we are being introduced to the newest member of the family.

Young Jennifer is finally getting a little brother and boy is she excited! She asked, “Do you know what it is like to be an only child?”

Now we need your help. Jennifer, her mom (Lorena) and dad need to decide on a name for this new family member before the delivery in August.

What are your suggestions? We’ll submit them to the family and let you know what they decide. Mom and daughter must agree and father said he would go along with his girls’ decision.

Franko, Anthony, Bob?

The recycling center at Ocean’s Reach becomes a fund raising site for this young family. Meet three friends of ours who are very special to all at Ocean’s Reach: young Jennifer, mother Lorena and father Jesus’. Together they are collecting pop tabs for the Ronald McDonald House charity. Jennifer’s school class is collecting these as a student project. Mom and Dad help out after school.
Many of your recognize Lorena as our condo cleaner supervisor. She will gladly accept your pop tabs!

What bike ride is complete without a stare or stop at a mansion arising out of the sand and shells on Sanibel? This new home located on the west end of West Gulf Drive, along the beach, sits on the Gulf of Mexico with breathtaking views and near-private beach. The housing market has been very active this year!! Check out the Sanibel real estate market, including the condo market at Ocean’s Reach.

We’d love to have you, neighbor!

Wander down along West Gulf Drive, you can be amused or amazed at the beautiful and creative tropical styled mail boxes.
Nothing ordinary necessary for your mail delivery.

Or how about the Heron Express? Send us your pictures of unusual mail boxes to share!

The Bougainvillea (boo gan villia) are full grown and in full bloom all over Sanibel. See them at Ocean’s Reach and on beautiful West Gulf Drive.

Bougainvillea tend to flower all year round in equatorial regions. They grow best in somewhat dry, fertile soil and in very bright full sun. Enjoy!

An abundance of beach found objects assembled together, makes a bold statement. The beauty of it is truly in the eye of the beholder.

Can you identify the elements of this beach sculpture?

Be on the lookout for the nesting sites that are roped off and staked with educational signs along the beach. The Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation monitors the nests on Sanibel. In 2011 there were 12 snowy plover fledglings, which was up from the previous year’s 7. However, in recent years, there have been counts closer to 20. When a bird leaves a nest, it is said to “fledge” the nest.

The Snowy Plover is a state listed species and generally thought to be on the decline due to habitat loss and disturbance. The most recent estimates indicate that around 200 pairs remain along the west coast of Florida from the Panhandle through Cape Sable.