News, views and reviews of Sanibel Island

Some times our rental guests ask us what is new on Sanibel, frequently with a kind smile on their faces.  We know what they are implying.  Our tiny serene island can, indeed, give the impression that time stands still. 

Sure, winter traffic build up is a bit of a nuisance, but the clatter of construction, the multiple interruption of sirens blaring and other intrusions into a peaceful life are missing on Sanibel.

There are no highways, no traffic lights, no high rise buildings, no horns beeping, dogs barking or even children screaming.

It is easy to think that nothing is happening,  save the Gulf Coast flowing to the beach or bird wings flapping around the island.

But there really is a lot going on behind the scenes and around the Island.  Here are a few examples:

Transportation has improved for visitors coming by plane. The $103-million overpass into Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) is  officially open, providing direct access to the airport from the Alico Road and Daniels Parkway exits of I-75. The project, which took about two-and-a-half years to complete,  alleviates traffic into the airport, saves drivers time, and encourages businesses to ship and expand in the area.

Events are ongoing, particularly busy in the high season.  For example,  The Sanibel Sea School will be holding its most important fundraiser with its annual “Octifest on the Beach” event Saturday, March 28, on the Sanibel Causeway island, beginning at 6:30 p.m.   

Updating and renovating are also taking place unobtrusively. It's getting a little easier for families with younger children. The Children's Education Center of the Islands has added a new class for kids as young as 18 months at the island's oldest preschool. The school is also refacing its playground and the classrooms, replacing plastic with wood and fiber equipment, dumping bright walls for more muted colors, all to create a more natural setting, the school's director Cindy DeCosta said. "Sanibel is surrounded by wildlife and nature," she said. "They should only expect the same at their school."

Though not bricks and mortar, another on-going evolution is taking place in our beautiful shops.  Popular Sanibel blogger Pam Rambo had a debut of  her "Shellography Photography" at the Congress Jewelers on March 16.. Rambo's work complements the store's Sealife by Congress line of jewelry. Restive to share a passion for shelling and travel, Rambo started her iLoveShelling.com in 2009. The blog shares travel, shelling and photo details. It also attracts thousands of shelling enthusiasts, many posting shelling selfies and beach tips. The blog earned Rambo a profile in the New York Times.

And creativity continues.  Small in geography and population, Sanibel Island packs a powerful punch in modern literature. From heavyweights like Randy Wayne White to first-time novelists, a remarkable number of fictional books are based in or involve situations surrounding Sanibel, including Mr. White's first novel, "Sanibel Flats." He will release his newest novel, "Cuba Straits," in late March. Randy White, who lives in Sanibel, is regularly on best-seller lists.

So though you may not see them, and though we do not always brag about them, special changes are taking place daily on Sanibel!