Not long ago, we wrote a blog post on pampering your pooch while visiting the Island. Now we are going to make some suggestions as to how to pamper your other "dogs"...the ones you walk, dance and stand on.
For a tiny, tropical island, it is quite impressive that there are so many ways you can cater to your feet, making them feel and look better.
For a start, there are the various shoe shops on the Island, many of them unique.
Begin your shoe hunt at Footloose Sandals and Shoes, with a location on both Sanibel and Captiva. This one-stop island outfitter boasts the largest selection of fashion and functional footwear. Bring the family for a host of wonderful brands including Reef, Teva, Sperry, Crocs, NAOT and many more sought-after selections. They also carry a wide array of beach socks for shell seekers and beachcombers.
Are you more the Ugg type? Then you might want to take a look at Synergy, located in the Tahitian Gardens.
At Sanibel Sole, also in the Tahitian Gardens, you will find a wide variety of walking and beach wear, including the popular Chaco Sandals by Chaco, Inc. featuring the Devotee Gunnison, Enigma Yampa, Enigma Vibram Yampa, Irony and Irony. Yampa lines carry the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association. Chaco flip flops such as the Ecotread and the Flip Ecotread also provide good arch support. Chaco sandals feature soft polyester adjustable straps that maintain a consistent fit, providing durability and comfort in addition to arch support.
But our personal and emotional favorite of the many stores offering food wear is Rinaldis' Fashion Shoes on Palm Ridge Road. The merchandise is aesthetically appealing, as is the individualized attention from the owner. A variety of pretty sandals and casual foot wear can be found and tried on, many designs from Spain and Italy.
And speaking of personal favorites, though there are several nail salons and beauty parlors on the Island, there is one that has decidedly caught our imagination, though we have not yet tried it. Called the Spatini Teabar and located on Periwinkle Way, this trendy delicacy offers "Nail-tinis" ranging from "Man-tini's" to Teeny Winis. And all their enticing services include complimentary Iced Tea, hot tea, beer or wine.
Friday, April 27, 2012
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Water front dining on Sanibel? Absolutely!
For a small island that is largely a nature preserve, there is an abundance of places to eat on Sanibel Island. There is fine dining, casual dining and even fast dining. But on that last, there is really only one that qualifies as fast food, our local Dairy Queen, though no drive through!
But the one question we get most often is where can you eat on the water?
The answer is easy, but not obvious.
The Gulf of Mexico is not dotted with commercial enterprises as you might find in other vacation destinations. There are no direct waterfront public breakfast restaurants on the Sanibel-Captiva Islands corridor, so a beach breakfast picnic is a most scenic start to the day. There are some gulf front condo complexes, but restaurants, cafes, and shops are largely located in the interior of Sanibel and on neighboring Captiva. That keeps the Gulf a much more pristine environment, and throws the challenge to the visitor to find water front dining.
So we will take the mystery out of the search and list a few of the places you might want to consider for lunch or dinner with a brief description of what you will find at each:
Gramma Dots- This is one of the unique places you don't want to miss and it is open for lunch and dinner. This very casual restaurant is located in the middle of the docks at the Sanibel Marina. The sides of the restaurant are open, leaving just the screened walls between you and the boats. Known for excellent seafood. Has water views of the marina harbor and outdoor dining is available outside the screens. It's a little tricky to find because from Periwinkle you turn down a residential sidestreet, so check a map before you go! (and keep in mind, it is open for dinner but like most restaurants on Sanibel, dinner hour ends on the early side)
The Green Flash Restaurant- Cross the bridge joining Sanibel Island with Captiva Island, glide around the big curve on Captiva Drive, and visitors to the Sanibel-Captiva Islands are led straight into the The Green Flash Restaurant. Delicious lunch and dinner choices are offered in both indoor and outdoor dining areas with perfect waterfront views of the Roosevelt Channel and Pine Island Sound.
Traditions on the Beach has been completely renovated! They have added a full bar and lounge area. We also updated our menu and dining area. These updates are only enhanced further by Traditions on the Beach’s wonderful Gulf view. Dinner selections include fresh fish, choice meats and savory poultry prepared to delight the most discerning palates. Breakfast and dinner are open to the public. Dinner dress code is casual… after all, this is Sanibel.
Thistle Lodge at Casa Ybel Resort Arguably, the most elegant of the water front eateries,the Thistle Lodge http://thistlelodge.com/ is not a stand alone. It is the jewel in the crown of a water front resort. At the Thistle Lodge, delicious cuisine is served in a historical setting overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. Swaying palms and gently breaking waves further set the scene for romance.
The Sunset Grill
Though not directly water front, the Sunset Grill does offer breakfast as well as lunch and dinner. And the breakfasts are no ordinary ham and eggs, to be sure. A look at the breakfast menu will have you craving for something special, like the Key Lime Pie French Toast: A thick sourdough bread, dipped in sweetened condensed milk and a fresh keylime egg wash, rolled in Graham cracker crumbs and grilled. Served with a creme of coconut sauce and fresh sliced strawberries. CRAB AND SPINACH Omelet: (All omelette's made with three eggs and served with hash browns and whole wheat toast) Blue crab meat with fresh spinach and Swiss cheese Extra special: The Sunset Grill is open 7 days a week.
And if the above is not sufficient, there are several water front restaurants on Captiva as well, including The Green Flash, The Mucky Duck and Old Captiva House.
But the one question we get most often is where can you eat on the water?
The answer is easy, but not obvious.
The Gulf of Mexico is not dotted with commercial enterprises as you might find in other vacation destinations. There are no direct waterfront public breakfast restaurants on the Sanibel-Captiva Islands corridor, so a beach breakfast picnic is a most scenic start to the day. There are some gulf front condo complexes, but restaurants, cafes, and shops are largely located in the interior of Sanibel and on neighboring Captiva. That keeps the Gulf a much more pristine environment, and throws the challenge to the visitor to find water front dining.
So we will take the mystery out of the search and list a few of the places you might want to consider for lunch or dinner with a brief description of what you will find at each:
Gramma Dots- This is one of the unique places you don't want to miss and it is open for lunch and dinner. This very casual restaurant is located in the middle of the docks at the Sanibel Marina. The sides of the restaurant are open, leaving just the screened walls between you and the boats. Known for excellent seafood. Has water views of the marina harbor and outdoor dining is available outside the screens. It's a little tricky to find because from Periwinkle you turn down a residential sidestreet, so check a map before you go! (and keep in mind, it is open for dinner but like most restaurants on Sanibel, dinner hour ends on the early side)
The Green Flash Restaurant- Cross the bridge joining Sanibel Island with Captiva Island, glide around the big curve on Captiva Drive, and visitors to the Sanibel-Captiva Islands are led straight into the The Green Flash Restaurant. Delicious lunch and dinner choices are offered in both indoor and outdoor dining areas with perfect waterfront views of the Roosevelt Channel and Pine Island Sound.
Traditions on the Beach has been completely renovated! They have added a full bar and lounge area. We also updated our menu and dining area. These updates are only enhanced further by Traditions on the Beach’s wonderful Gulf view. Dinner selections include fresh fish, choice meats and savory poultry prepared to delight the most discerning palates. Breakfast and dinner are open to the public. Dinner dress code is casual… after all, this is Sanibel.
Thistle Lodge at Casa Ybel Resort Arguably, the most elegant of the water front eateries,the Thistle Lodge http://thistlelodge.com/ is not a stand alone. It is the jewel in the crown of a water front resort. At the Thistle Lodge, delicious cuisine is served in a historical setting overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. Swaying palms and gently breaking waves further set the scene for romance.
The Sunset Grill
Though not directly water front, the Sunset Grill does offer breakfast as well as lunch and dinner. And the breakfasts are no ordinary ham and eggs, to be sure. A look at the breakfast menu will have you craving for something special, like the Key Lime Pie French Toast: A thick sourdough bread, dipped in sweetened condensed milk and a fresh keylime egg wash, rolled in Graham cracker crumbs and grilled. Served with a creme of coconut sauce and fresh sliced strawberries. CRAB AND SPINACH Omelet: (All omelette's made with three eggs and served with hash browns and whole wheat toast) Blue crab meat with fresh spinach and Swiss cheese Extra special: The Sunset Grill is open 7 days a week.
And if the above is not sufficient, there are several water front restaurants on Captiva as well, including The Green Flash, The Mucky Duck and Old Captiva House.
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
It's A Jungle Out There: A trip to the Zoo from Sanibel
Now a lot of people will ask, why travel off island to go to the Naples Zoo when there is so much wild life on Sanibel living, well, in the wild.
And certainly no one can contest the fact that an Island that is largely a nature preserve does not offer ample sightings of birds and other creatures.
But we do love the Naples Zoo for its wonderful work in helping to preserve species from around the world without taking them out of their natural habitat. The Zoo only takes in animals that other Zoos and wild life refuges can not care for. And the Zoo is dedicated to educating its human guests and treating its non human guests with great dignity.
So we do support the basic concept and premise of the Zoo, and we have to admit, we do enjoy its environment as well as 4 legged residents.
To begin with, only a 50 minute drive from Sanibel, the Zoo really does provide an atmosphere reminiscent of Tarzan movies. It is not a large zoo, but is beautifully landscaped complete with towering tropical flora and charming koi ponds that are crossed with wooden bridges. The feeling is lush and a bit wild.
And as one walks through the zoo, the calls of the big cats and black bears can be heard echoing through the "wilderness". It is always a treat to see the activity at feeding time and a delight when new babies join the adults. Such is the case with the lovely Fosas, a rare predator from Madagascar who now have some adorable and playful cubs. Come and watch them scamper through the trees and leap with the greatest of ease. And the Naples Zoo is the only Zoo in Florida where you can have the opportunity to view Fosas!
And while we love the big cats (lions, tigers, panthers and leopards alike), we greatly enjoyed watching the chimpanzees play on their own Island. Boats navigate a small lake that passes by the chimp island and the viewing is greatly entertaining.
But I must confess to a keen infatuation with a silent large animal that graces the Naples Zoo, the gentle and bashful giraffe. These long lashed beauties are so gentle, you can truly view them up close and personal. And now, for the first time ever in Naples, you can hand-feed the new herd of seven reticulated giraffe at Naples Zoo. You get an incredible view as the world’s tallest animals lean down to nibble fresh veggies out of your hand. For a $5 fee, you'll receive a serving of tasty giraffe treats from Wynn's Market. It's an experience you won't forget.
In fact, when you get right down to it, the Naples Zoo in its entirety is an experience you won't forget!
And certainly no one can contest the fact that an Island that is largely a nature preserve does not offer ample sightings of birds and other creatures.
But we do love the Naples Zoo for its wonderful work in helping to preserve species from around the world without taking them out of their natural habitat. The Zoo only takes in animals that other Zoos and wild life refuges can not care for. And the Zoo is dedicated to educating its human guests and treating its non human guests with great dignity.
So we do support the basic concept and premise of the Zoo, and we have to admit, we do enjoy its environment as well as 4 legged residents.
To begin with, only a 50 minute drive from Sanibel, the Zoo really does provide an atmosphere reminiscent of Tarzan movies. It is not a large zoo, but is beautifully landscaped complete with towering tropical flora and charming koi ponds that are crossed with wooden bridges. The feeling is lush and a bit wild.
And as one walks through the zoo, the calls of the big cats and black bears can be heard echoing through the "wilderness". It is always a treat to see the activity at feeding time and a delight when new babies join the adults. Such is the case with the lovely Fosas, a rare predator from Madagascar who now have some adorable and playful cubs. Come and watch them scamper through the trees and leap with the greatest of ease. And the Naples Zoo is the only Zoo in Florida where you can have the opportunity to view Fosas!
And while we love the big cats (lions, tigers, panthers and leopards alike), we greatly enjoyed watching the chimpanzees play on their own Island. Boats navigate a small lake that passes by the chimp island and the viewing is greatly entertaining.
But I must confess to a keen infatuation with a silent large animal that graces the Naples Zoo, the gentle and bashful giraffe. These long lashed beauties are so gentle, you can truly view them up close and personal. And now, for the first time ever in Naples, you can hand-feed the new herd of seven reticulated giraffe at Naples Zoo. You get an incredible view as the world’s tallest animals lean down to nibble fresh veggies out of your hand. For a $5 fee, you'll receive a serving of tasty giraffe treats from Wynn's Market. It's an experience you won't forget.
In fact, when you get right down to it, the Naples Zoo in its entirety is an experience you won't forget!
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
How to Pamper Your Pooch on Sanibel
Because Sanibel Island is such a friendly place, including to pets, we are frequently asked for pet friendly accommodations. And we have several to offer, ranging from smaller condos to larger houses. But when our guests, both 2 and 4 legged, arrive---- the lodging now taken care of----the next objective is to make the tail waggers as comfortable as possible.
Of course, all the beaches on Sanibel are dog friendly, though Fido must be kept on a leash. Leashed dogs may frolic along any Sanibel beach, but Bowman's Beach stands out because anyone can park at its lot for 75 cents an hour. Most other beach-access parking lots are limited to cars bearing residential permits. For anyone sleeping in nearby Captiva Island, this is the nearest public beach that gives visiting dogs the green light.
Another of the many pet friendly beaches of Sanibel Island, Algiers Beach makes a great escape for you and Fido since it's located adjacent to a portion of a nature preserve. Dogs are allowed on a leash, and owner's must clean up after their pets. There are picnic tables and restrooms available, and an hourly parking fee is charged between the hours of 7 am to 7 pm (free after 7 pm).
One nice thing to do for your best friend is to take the fellow or gal to Island Paws for a refreshing grooming. Although Island Paws caters to both dogs and cats in their merchandise, the bathing facilities are strictly canine. There are two kinds of dog wash options at Island Paws:
Of course, all the beaches on Sanibel are dog friendly, though Fido must be kept on a leash. Leashed dogs may frolic along any Sanibel beach, but Bowman's Beach stands out because anyone can park at its lot for 75 cents an hour. Most other beach-access parking lots are limited to cars bearing residential permits. For anyone sleeping in nearby Captiva Island, this is the nearest public beach that gives visiting dogs the green light.
Another of the many pet friendly beaches of Sanibel Island, Algiers Beach makes a great escape for you and Fido since it's located adjacent to a portion of a nature preserve. Dogs are allowed on a leash, and owner's must clean up after their pets. There are picnic tables and restrooms available, and an hourly parking fee is charged between the hours of 7 am to 7 pm (free after 7 pm).
One nice thing to do for your best friend is to take the fellow or gal to Island Paws for a refreshing grooming. Although Island Paws caters to both dogs and cats in their merchandise, the bathing facilities are strictly canine. There are two kinds of dog wash options at Island Paws:
Self-Serve Dog Wash
Includes raised tubs, professional sprayers, all natural shampoos, towels, professional grooming tables, brushes, combs, toenail clippers and forced-air (unheated) dryers. All you need is a dirty dog!
Full-Service WashFor those occasions when you'd like to have someone else do it, Island Paws will be more than happy to wash your dog. Best to make an appointment, but drop-ins are also welcome.
And if you find that you will be tied up one day (or more) and not able to walk your own pooch, there are services on Island that will ensure that your pup gets its exercise. One of these is Doggone Walkin, a dog walking as well as pet sitting, one woman operation. According to Doggone Walkin's website: "Whether the owner is going on vacation, taking a trip off-island, working long hours or just physically incapable of taking care of their pet's needs I am here to help! Big or small dogs, I take them all. (Big dogs are actually my specialty.) Administering medications, feeding, helping with behaviour problems are all included in my one low price. No added charges for holidays or extra pets within one household."
And while no one wants to think their furry friend might get ill on vacation, should that happen, there are clinical veterinary services on the Island that also provide the following: Animal Boarding, Animal Daycare, Animal Flea Control, Animal Microchipping, Bird Vet, Exotic Animal Vet, Holistic Veterinary Medicine, Reptile Vet, Small Animal Vet, Spaying/Neutering, Veterinarians, Veterinary Dentistry, Veterinary Docking, Veterinary Euthanasia, Veterinary Medical Specialties, Veterinary Surgery. The Coral Veterinary Clinic is conveniently located on Periwinkle Way and is open from 9 to 4, Mondays through Fridays with week-end coverage off Island.
In fact, when it comes to your pampered pet, Sanibel does, indeed, have you covered!
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Heads Up on Sanibel Rentals
It happened again today.
In fact it's been happening all week.
Well to be honest, the trend is at least 2 months old.
Sanibel Island is getting sold out.
Yes, we are serious about this, and it's not just the week of March 31 which gets pretty much booked solid every year.
We also have properties that are booked for the whole summer. And our pet friendly houses for winter 2013 are just about G-O-N-E. At this moment, we have one pet friendly home open for March. All the others are booked for both February and March 2013 and with little availability for either January or April.
As a result of this heavy, non stop booking trend, we are finding a fair amount of frustration on the part of rental guests. They find that not only are they not able to find any "bargains" , they are not able to find any vacancies at all.
Now you may be thinking that this is little bit of hype to get you to plan early and book soon, and certainly that is the intention, but we are speaking the honest truth. And, to be totally honest, it does not matter that much (if at all) to our bottom line whether you book a year in advance or a day in advance.
But we do want each and every one of our guests to have the best experience possible while visiting Sanibel. That objective is best achieved when the guest gets to choose the kind of place where they want to spend their holiday, rather than just having to accept what ever is left when the dust of bookings settles.
OK, nuff said. Just a word to the wise....
In fact it's been happening all week.
Well to be honest, the trend is at least 2 months old.
Sanibel Island is getting sold out.
Yes, we are serious about this, and it's not just the week of March 31 which gets pretty much booked solid every year.
We also have properties that are booked for the whole summer. And our pet friendly houses for winter 2013 are just about G-O-N-E. At this moment, we have one pet friendly home open for March. All the others are booked for both February and March 2013 and with little availability for either January or April.
As a result of this heavy, non stop booking trend, we are finding a fair amount of frustration on the part of rental guests. They find that not only are they not able to find any "bargains" , they are not able to find any vacancies at all.
Now you may be thinking that this is little bit of hype to get you to plan early and book soon, and certainly that is the intention, but we are speaking the honest truth. And, to be totally honest, it does not matter that much (if at all) to our bottom line whether you book a year in advance or a day in advance.
But we do want each and every one of our guests to have the best experience possible while visiting Sanibel. That objective is best achieved when the guest gets to choose the kind of place where they want to spend their holiday, rather than just having to accept what ever is left when the dust of bookings settles.
OK, nuff said. Just a word to the wise....
Thursday, March 15, 2012
LIONS and F.I.S.H. make Sanibel Rich
Sanibel Island, for its size and population numbers, (low even in busy high season when snowbirds return to their tropical nests), is one of the most generous locations in all of Florida.
There is formalized giving and just impromptu generosity as well. There are large gifts from the bank and small gifts from the hands. But all gifts are gifts from the heart.
We have highlighted a couple of organizations in the past for the good work that they perform and would like to focus on two others in this post.
Chartered in 1967, the Sanibel Captiva Lions club is a small group with a big reach.
Other events include Christmas Tree sales and Fish fry parties.
And speaking of fish, we want to give a strong nod of approval to another group on Island who definitely cast about to throw their lines of assistance far and wide.
Friends In Service Here (F.I.S.H.) was established to lend a helping hand to those in need who live, work or visit Sanibel and Captiva by providing free services such as transportation, food pantry, meal delivery, health equipment, and emergency financial assistance through a group of volunteers who care about enhancing the quality of life for all those who request help.
The F.I.S.H. Walk-In Center is now a designated United Way House and can offer enhanced services to clients. Several United Way agencies in Lee County are working with F.I.S.H. of Sanibel to develop more effective, cost-efficient social service programs.
If you want a closer, more personal look at how F.I.S.H. lends a helping hand and to whom they extend their assistance, there is a page at their website that provides a brief bio of some of their clients.
We applaud the LIONS and the F.I.S.H. organizations for all they do and the many other groups on Sanibel that tap into volunteers to help both the humans and animals who live on or visit our beautiful Island Paradise.
There is formalized giving and just impromptu generosity as well. There are large gifts from the bank and small gifts from the hands. But all gifts are gifts from the heart.
We have highlighted a couple of organizations in the past for the good work that they perform and would like to focus on two others in this post.
Chartered in 1967, the Sanibel Captiva Lions club is a small group with a big reach.
Service to people who are visually impaired or totally blind has always been one of their most significant programs. For example, Lions operate the vast majority of eye banks throughout the world with three right here in Florida.
An all volunteer organization under an International Association of over 1,309,600 members, where they enjoy fellowship with other Lions, plus developing their skills and service capabilities. Last year Lions contributed over $600 million to charities and over 30 million hours of volunteer service.
Other events include Christmas Tree sales and Fish fry parties.
And speaking of fish, we want to give a strong nod of approval to another group on Island who definitely cast about to throw their lines of assistance far and wide.
Friends In Service Here (F.I.S.H.) was established to lend a helping hand to those in need who live, work or visit Sanibel and Captiva by providing free services such as transportation, food pantry, meal delivery, health equipment, and emergency financial assistance through a group of volunteers who care about enhancing the quality of life for all those who request help.
In 2011 F.I.S.H. served over 750 clients on Sanibel and Captiva, and with their 200 FISH volunteers they delivered the following services:
- Provided transportation for almost 300 medical related appointments
- Delivered 2,650 hot meals to 39 clients
- Loaned 371 pieces of medical/health equipment
- Made 901 daily reassurance phone calls
- Regularly visited 11 housebound clients
- Encouraged 295 participants to our monthly Friendly Faces Luncheon
- Provided 174 holiday meals
- Assisted 33 elderly or disabled clients with Hurricane Preparedness
- Helped 32 young people with Youth Summer Scholarships
- Had 121 families use our Food Pantry
- Provided $176,227 of emergency financial assistance and client support
- Provided 46 children with weekend food through our Backpack Program
The F.I.S.H. Walk-In Center is now a designated United Way House and can offer enhanced services to clients. Several United Way agencies in Lee County are working with F.I.S.H. of Sanibel to develop more effective, cost-efficient social service programs.
If you want a closer, more personal look at how F.I.S.H. lends a helping hand and to whom they extend their assistance, there is a page at their website that provides a brief bio of some of their clients.
We applaud the LIONS and the F.I.S.H. organizations for all they do and the many other groups on Sanibel that tap into volunteers to help both the humans and animals who live on or visit our beautiful Island Paradise.
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Sanibel Island School Ranked Highest in State
The claim for years has been that small classrooms provide more quality. On the issue of student performances, less is more.
Now that formula appears to be the case for the overall performance of a school.
The Sanibel School, certainly one of the smaller schools in Florida, is the best place to get an elementary/middle school education in the state, according to Florida’s first-ever school rankings released recently.
The state Department of Education posted its best-to-worst special ranking of Florida’s 3,078 public schools, and the Sanibel Island school was the only Lee and Collier County institution to get a top-10 ranking.
Sanibel was the top-ranked combination school for elementary and middle school students.
The state ranked the schools based on the number of school grade points they received for the 2010-11 school year as part of the state’s school grading formula.For elementary, middle and combination schools, points are earned based solely on the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test, with points given for the percentages of students scoring at grade level or better on the FCAT or making learning gains.
For high schools, FCAT points are added into scores on non-FCAT components, such as graduation rates and participating in advanced classes.The state is touting the new rankings as an easy-to-read list that lets parents, taxpayers and others know how well their school or district is performing.
While this is all great news for anyone considering living on Island and sending their kids to the Sanibel school, the advantages go well beyond that.
A good school system is a benefit to the town where it is located. Of course it makes the area more desirable, but it makes it more livable as well.
When parents are intent on living where their children get the best education possible, they are often activists in their community, helping to build the town's infrastructure to be safe and child friendly. Better schools help to drive better libraries, as one example, and the Sanibel library is one of the highest rated in the state. And better schools more often than not create a school population that is curious about and helpful toward the area.
All of these factors enhance even a vacation rental guest's stay.
Sanibel is an island, but it is not an Island onto itself. It is involved in the greater community surrounding it and taking in all those aspects of society that create the most hospitable environment possible.
Now that formula appears to be the case for the overall performance of a school.
The Sanibel School, certainly one of the smaller schools in Florida, is the best place to get an elementary/middle school education in the state, according to Florida’s first-ever school rankings released recently.
The state Department of Education posted its best-to-worst special ranking of Florida’s 3,078 public schools, and the Sanibel Island school was the only Lee and Collier County institution to get a top-10 ranking.
Sanibel was the top-ranked combination school for elementary and middle school students.
The state ranked the schools based on the number of school grade points they received for the 2010-11 school year as part of the state’s school grading formula.For elementary, middle and combination schools, points are earned based solely on the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test, with points given for the percentages of students scoring at grade level or better on the FCAT or making learning gains.
For high schools, FCAT points are added into scores on non-FCAT components, such as graduation rates and participating in advanced classes.The state is touting the new rankings as an easy-to-read list that lets parents, taxpayers and others know how well their school or district is performing.
While this is all great news for anyone considering living on Island and sending their kids to the Sanibel school, the advantages go well beyond that.
A good school system is a benefit to the town where it is located. Of course it makes the area more desirable, but it makes it more livable as well.
When parents are intent on living where their children get the best education possible, they are often activists in their community, helping to build the town's infrastructure to be safe and child friendly. Better schools help to drive better libraries, as one example, and the Sanibel library is one of the highest rated in the state. And better schools more often than not create a school population that is curious about and helpful toward the area.
All of these factors enhance even a vacation rental guest's stay.
Sanibel is an island, but it is not an Island onto itself. It is involved in the greater community surrounding it and taking in all those aspects of society that create the most hospitable environment possible.
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