The Schuldenfrei Report

WE HAVE A WINNER
We have another accolade for our island paradise; Parents Magazine has honored South Seas Island Resort as one of the top ten best beach resorts for families! They reviewed beach resorts throughout the US and Caribbean to find top spots for price-conscious families. South Seas ranked 3rd among 75 contenders in the total area covered and 1st in the US . Rankings were based on the range of activities, the quality and uniqueness of supervised children’s programs, size and quality of rooms, safety factors, fun features for parents and the overall value. Nice to hear. When you’re good you’re good!

MORE GOOD NEWS
You might remember that we reported several letters ago that Captiva Island had been awarded the National Weather Service Storm Ready designation. The island community was the first barrier island in Florida to receive the designation but they must continue its planning and vigilance to maintain it. The Captiva Hurricane Preparation and Response Committee is doing just that. They’ll do two things this year – visit the NOAA facility in Ruskin and conduct a SkyWarn training on the island. All Captivans can participate in the SkyWarn training. For more info go to www.mycaptiva.info

ANOTHER TOP 10 FOR SANIBEL
It’s recognized by Barrons Magazine as one of the top 10 places in the US for a second home. How about that? Actually it ranked 8^th with Palm Beach the only place in Florida that ranked higher – and they were ranked 7^th. The places that came before us were Maui, Kiawah Island, The Hamptons, Park City (Utah), Aspen and Pebble Beach. Not bad company. And what makes this information so great is that it comes from local brokers, homeowners and others – the people who really know. So you folks out there who are considering a second home come see us and talk to David.

FOR YOU FRESH FOOD FOLKS
Did you know that there is a farmers market on Sanibel? Well there is. It’s in place every Sunday on Dunlop Road between Big Arts and the library from 8AM to 1PM, and there is plenty of parking. This is like a return to the past since Sanibel was an agricultural community in its early days. Now you can go to the Sanibel Farm Market and relive history. You will find vendors that offer a wide variety of goods – fresh fruits and vegetables, fresh seafood, fresh pasta, honey, breads and pastries and lots more. The market is now on hiatus, but will restart in the fall.

BUDGET WOES
Federal budget cuts over the past five years have weakened the national refuge system. Programs and staff have both been impacted. Our own Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge has been affected and that means it affects us. The refuge is a major attraction for the islands attracting over 700,000 visitors a year. The Ding Darling Wildlife Society (DDWS), a volunteer non-profit group that supports activities that produce revenue for refuge programs, have partnered with island rental properties in a guest contribution program whereby guests have the option of contributing $1.00 per night to support the refuge. Most of the major rental companies are participating in this important program, and we thank them for that. If you would like to learn more about this you can go to the web sites for the Society (www.dingdarlingsociety.org) or the refuge (www.fws.gov/dingdarling).

ISLAND STUFF TO DO
We are approaching the quiet time for this island paradise but that sure doesn’t mean that the islands shut down. After you have visited with David and discussed your real estate needs there are all sorts of things to do in addition to the regular things such as the beach, golf, boating, fishing, restaurants, theatres, shopping or nature meanderings. Here are some of the specific things you might enjoy.

--- Captiva Cruises have some new ones in addition to their standards. The Science at Sea cruise and the Sailing Under the Stars cruise. Both are pretty nice. (www.captivacruises.com)

--- SCCF has a lot of activities involving butterflies, turtles, native plants and other indigenous things and activities. One of their new ones is the Caloosahatchee Oxbow & Riverlore Cruise. It will take you back in time. (www.sccf.org)

--- BigArts always has something going on that’s enjoyable and worthwhile. Your best bet is to go to their website at www.bigarts.org and click on calendar.

--- Biking is always a joy on Sanibel. The island has miles of trails that are safe and interesting.

This is just a smattering of some of the interesting and engaging things you can do while staying here on paradise. Enjoy yourself