There are certain areas in America where you can feel the history of the land, the spirit of the residents and the energy of the natural beauty. Sanibel and Captiva Islands are one of those special places with rich history and present day balance between man and nature. These barrier islands are as unique and resilient as the shells that line the white sandy beaches.
Crossing the three mile causeway from Fort Myers to Sanibel Island is like stepping back to a simpler time. The offshore sand bar that became the backbone of Sanibel and Captiva began emerging about 5000 years ago as sand sediment pushed out to sea. This deposit of sand and shell eventually formed the one square mile of Captiva and the 20 square miles of Sanibel.
What makes the islands so unique is that Sanibel is Southwest Florida’s only barrier island with significant southern exposure. With its south facing shores, the currents of the Gulf of Mexico deposit countless shells onto the sandy white beaches. Another thing that makes Sanibel unique is that it is a double barrier island. This means that because of two major sets of ridges that capture freshwater the island has an interior freshwater system.
With a subtropical climate, temperate winters, freshwater and an abundance of birds, reptiles, mammals and aquatic life there has been human occupation in the area for over 12000 years. Calusa Indian shell mounds once dotted the bay as reported by early Spanish explorers.
Around 1880 the first settlers of Sanibel and Captiva relied mainly on farming as their primary income. Numerous storms and over washes soon turn the soil salty and farming was abandoned. Tourism hunting and fishing soon became the main form of income for the few inhabitants of Sanibel Island.
In the 1930 the first conservation efforts were put into motion by a seasonal resident Jay Norwood Darling who was known as “Ding”. His local leadership rallied residents and visitors to get Sanibel and Captiva declared as Sanctuary Islands. Hunting of ducks, alligators, otters and other wildlife would no longer be permitted. The official refuge came into being in 1945 due to the persistence of Darling.
In 1963 the first causeway was completed under much controversy and the original toll was $5.00 per vehicle. More controversy was to follow with developed knocking on the door of Sanibel and Captiva and its prime real estate. As development pressure intensified the community came together and voted with two thirds of the voters embracing home rule and incorporating the City of Sanibel in 1974. This gives the City of Sanibel the rights in planning and development of the island. Sanibel learned from the mistakes of other coastal communities and has resulted in a more orderly development with the preservation of natural resources receiving high priority.
Sanibel Island Facts and Figures
Square miles 17.5 sq. mi.
Island Shoreline 24.5 mi
Mangrove Frontage 9.0 mi
Conservation Lands 7,200 acres
J.N. “Ding” Darling Refuge 5,400 acres
Resident Population 2008-6,347
Median Age 200 60.5 years
Dwelling Units as of March 2009
Total 8,299
Single Family Homes 3,981
Condominiums 3,115
Sanibel School K-8 377 Students
Fact and Figures provided by the Sanibel MLS
