Happy New Year!

Wishing you and your family a 

Happy and Blessed New Year!

~John Petel teampetel.com

River District to hold annual New Year’s Eve Downtown Countdown

The 2013 Fort Myers New Year's Eve Downtown Countdown is set for Monday, Dec. 31, from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. The event will offer entertainment for people of all ages in the River District at various stages and venues between Edwards Drive and Main Street.

The celebration includes live entertainment by 11 diverse and exciting musical acts, a DJ Tower with nonstop music, Florida's longest Conga line, food vendors, a craft beer garden, prizes, surprises and much more.

New this year will be a Kids Zone, sponsored by the Florida Everblades.

Southwest Florida's Famous Big Ball will drop at midnight to ring in the New Year, along with a spectacular fireworks show over the new river basin.

Admission is free. Also available are preferred viewing tickets for $10 and $15, and VIP tickets starting at $99 per person, which include special access, food and a champagne toast at midnight.

Tickets are available at www.fortmyersdowntowncountdown.com.

Entertainment will take place on five stages and includes the sounds of American Idol contestant Paige Miles; ZZ Top, Rolling Stones and Miami Sound Machine tribute bands; The Jewmaicans; Hands Up Music; Influential; and Son Salvaje.

Stage hosts include Univision's Jackie Figueroa, ABC-7 Meteorologist John Patrick, and dancing in the street with DJ Gentry Thomas.

The big bash is for people of all ages, including the little ones who will have a blast in the new Kids Zone complete with bounce houses, ball pits, obstacle course, giant slides, rock climbing wall, balloon typhoon, crafts and games. Plus, special activities sponsored by The Imaginarium, and Florida Repertory Theatre will present School House Rocks at 7 p.m. Tickets to the Kids Zone are free for children 6 and under, for ages 7 and above bracelets will be for sale at $12 for one, $20 for two and $25 for three.

The 2013 Fort Myers Downtown Countdown is brought to you by the River District Alliance, a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the Fort Myers Downtown River District through art and culture.

Additional sponsors include Jet Blue, Suncoast Beverage Sales, Chico's FAS, Inc. The Wilbur Smith Law Firm, and more than 35 other local businesses.

Visit the 2013 Fort Myers Downtown Countdown to New Year's Eve web site at www.FortMyersDowntownCountdown.com

Island Reported (December 12, 2012)

Travel Channel To Film Golf Cart Parade

A production crew from the Travel Channel  will be on Captiva on Saturday, December 9 to film the island’s annual Captiva Village Golf Cart Parade as part of a proposed show based on unique Christmas events across the United States.

“We have a research office that was looking for stores but not your typical Christmas festivals,” Travel Channel creative producer Nicole Dunn said. “We are looking to showcase the best of the best across America but wanted to get away from the typical stores like the Radio City Rockettes or the lighting of the Rockefeller Center tree in New York City.”

The show, which will also feature a festival in Jennings, Louisiana, a parade in New Mexico and Trappist monks in Missouri making fruitcakes for the holidays, has a tentative working title of Cross Country Christmas.

The Captiva segment will focus on the 3^rd annual Captiva Holiday Village Golf Cart Parade featuring the event’s history, organizers, judges, parade participants, including previous year’s winners, and participating resorts.

“This is such a great opportunity to bring our quirky island festivities to the world,” said Golf Cart parade chair Denice Beggs. “This is such a unique and fun event for locals to be involved in. the competition has really increased, and many participants plan their decorations a year in advance.”

“We’d love for as many people to come out to the even as possible,” Dunn said. “The segment will be filmed in the style of reality format as everyone is preparing for the event, decorating, watching and having fun. It will almost be like we weren’t there.”

Each year, Captiva locals try to outdo their neighbor by decorating their personal golf carts in lights, garland, hats and even plastic flamingos. Fun, festive and sometimes gaudy outfits go along with the tradition.

The three-weekend-long Captiva Holiday Village launched its 2012 spectacular the Friday after Thanksgiving with fireworks, tree lightings, holiday readings, and musical performance.

Each special-themed weekend is a fun-filled extravaganza of sight and sound set against the backdrop of the Gulf of Mexico and evening sunsets. In addition to the Golf Cart Parade, there will be the Lighted Boat Parade to Junkanoo and fire dancers, live music and even a marching Mullet Parade.

“Captiva is a remarkable island village known as a magnet for creative people,” said Paul McCarthy of Captiva Cruises. “It’s famous for its beautiful beaches, wildlife-filled waters, family-friendly atmosphere, and quirky, relaxed way of life. This island is a perfect place to unwind from holiday stress.”

All three weekends of events take place in Captiva’s village center, where its colorful restaurants and shops will be festively decorated.

As a highlight of this annual even, local hoteliers and restaurants have again teamed up to offer six free two-night Captiva Holiday Village weekends. Online entries are now being accepted at www.captivaholidayvillage.com

Capitva Island resorts, inns, cottages and vacation homes are also offering lodging specials in conjunction with this year’s event.

For a list of all vents and hotel packages, visit www.captivaholidayvillage.com

Island Sun (December 7, 2012)

Sanibel Luminary is Tonight!

It's that time of year again. Today, Friday December 7th is Sanibel Luminary night.

Be sure to join your friends and neighbors all along Periwinkle Way. Businesses and organizations will be hosting open houses with food, drink and entertainment. Partake in caroling and sightseeing!

We always have a wonderful time during Luminary, it just doesn't feel like Christmas without it!

Click Herewww.teampetel.com to visit our website!

Walk Through Bethlehem

Sanibel Community Church will present the Walk Through Bethlehem experience on Luminary Night, Friday, December 7 from 6 to 9 p.m. and on Sunday, December 9 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. They recreate the imagined strees of Bethlehem on the night of Jesus’ birth. Different shops, clothing and customs of that era will be presented with encounters with Roman guards and the infamous Innkeeper.

“We present Walk Through Bethlehem to holiday weary families to remind them of the true reason for the season of Christmas. That is the birth of Jesus Christ over 2,000 years ago. We strive to remain as true to historical data as possible,” said Elaine Donovan, chairwoman and wife of Senior Pastor Daryl Donovan. “This year, we have added Sunday as an additional viewing day. The Friday night performances, on Sanibel Luminary Night, always have long lines that people do not want to stand in.”

Sanibel Community Church was begun on Sanibel Island in the 1880s. It is a non-denominational church whose mission statement is: “That every  person would come into a life-changing relationship with the person of Jesus Christ.”

Sanibel Community Church is located at 1740 Periwinkle Way, next to Jerry’s Market. For more information call 472-2684.

Island Sun (December 7, 2012)

Mortgage Rates Remain Near Record Lows

Rates on the average 15-year, fixed-rate mortgage hit a new low this week, falling to 2.66%, according to mortgage giant Freddie Mac.

The 15-year is particularly popular with homeowners who want to refinance their old mortgages to a lower rate and pay off their loan more quickly.

Interest rates on 30-year loans, which are popular among first-time homebuyers, averaged 3.37%, a single tick above the record low of 3.36% set two weeks earlier.

Rates have inched down about 0.2 percentage points since the Federal Reserve announced plans in September to buy as much as $40 billion a month of mortgage-backed securities until the economic recovery started gaining momentum.

That may be happening already, according to Keith Gumbinger, of mortgage information company HSH.com.

"If the economy continues to show signs of improvement this fall, mortgage rates could firm a little more," he said. "For that to occur though, we'll need a lot more evidence that forward momentum is building."

Frank Nothaft, Freddie Mac's chief economist, said rates remained unchanged this week as "home construction builds up steam."

He noted that construction on single-family homes continues to rise, as does homebuilder confidence, both of which point to an improving housing market.

CNNMoney (October 18, 2012)

CLICK HERE to view the Team Petel website.

Ready for the Holidays?

The holiday season is a fun, magical time on the islands of Sanibel & Captiva. Kicking off the holiday season, 'Tween Waters hosts a Tree Lighting ceremony with food, drinks, like music and fireworks! Don't miss the spectacular event this Friday, November 24th 5p-7p.

Luminary is December 7th and 8th this year with lights, music, goodies and great sales up and down Periwinkle Way!

Don't miss the Golf Cart Parade on Captiva on Saturday, December 8th.

CLICK HERE for more information.

CLICK HERE for the Team Petel website.

Here are some great pictures from Holidays 2011 from Team Petel team member Ann:

Christmas Trees Are Coming Soon

submitted by at Lion, Bob

The annual Sanibel-Captiva Lions Charities Christmas Tree sale will be open for business on Sunday, November 25 at 10 a.m. The sale will continue every day thereafter from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. until December 23 or sell out.

The sale is held at the Bailey’s Shopping Center between The Grog Shop and Island Cinema. These trees are all Fraser firs from the mountains of North Carolina. The trees range from five to 10 fee tall. At the time of purchase, the Lions will provide a fresh cut at the bottom of the trunk and trim off the lower branches so the tree can be placed in a stand. Delivery is available at an extra charge.

Customers are encouraged to shop early as longevity of a cut tree is best if the base is placed into water as soon as possible and kept out of the sun and wind.

All proceeds of the sale are used for the Lions charitable causes including help for the vision impaired and other local causes.

For more information about the Sanibel-Captiva Lions Club email alionbob@comcast.net

Island Sun (November 16, 2012)

Jingle Bell Walk Is Fun For A Good ‘Claus’

The Sanibel-Captiva Optimist Club invites you, your family, your friends and your leashed pet to walk/run on Sanibel’s Bowman’s Beach in the charity 5K Jingle Bell Walk to benefit local children’s needs. Start your walk anytime between 8 and 9 a.m. on Saturday, December 1.

Hey, kids! We hear that Santa will stop to see you at the beach. Bring the family with you to join in the fun.

Pre-registration is available online at www.sancapoptimist.org. Registration will also be at the beach starting at 7:30 a.m. Parking is free for participants as are T-shirts, water and refreshments. Registration donations are $20 per person while kids 10 and under and pets are free.

 Dogs that participated in past years’ Optimist’s Wave of Hope beach walks speak highly of the fun and are straining at their leashes to romp on the beautiful Sanibel beach, all for a great “claus.” People have fun, too.

Following the Jingle Bell Walk, the City of Sanibel Recreation Center will hold a free Block Party from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. open to everyone to celebrate the fifth anniversary of the Rec Center.

The city’s Rec Center has been a partner for the Optimists in the Junior Anglers (kids’ fishing) and the Youth Basketball League.

Island Sun (November 16, 2012)

Mortgage Delinquency Rates Fall In 42 States

by Jann Swanson

TransUnion, a big three national consumer credit reporting agency, says that mortgage delinquencies of 60 days or more duration declined in the third quarter to 5.41 percent from 5.49 percent in the second quarter.  This was the third consecutive month that the rate declined and it is now 8 percent lower than in the third quarter of 2011 when it was 5.88 percent.

Rates in 22 states improved from the second quarter and 42 states saw an annual decrease.  However, only 49 percent of metropolitan areas improved during the quarter; in each of the first two quarters of 2012 more than 70 percent of metropolitan areas showed improvement. 

"Continued declines in mortgage delinquency rates are a welcome sign and reflect that relatively more homeowners are able and willing to make their mortgage payments each month," said Tim Martin, group vice president of U.S. Housing in TransUnion's financial services business unit. "However, we still have a long way to go to reach more 'normal' conditions of a delinquency rate in the 1-2% range for the U.S. average." 

The greatest annual improvement in the delinquency rate occurred in two of the states most impacted by foreclosures, Arizona and California.  Since the third quarter of 2011 Arizona's rate has dropped nearly 25 percent to 5.62 percent and California's rates is down 24 percent to 5.56 percent.  The largest increase was in the District of Columbia where the rate jumped 11 percent to 6.10 from 5.57 percent one year earlier.  Eight states also experienced annual increases with New Jersey registering the largest, nearly 10 percent to 8.33 percent.  The highest rates in the country are in Florida at 13.09 percent and Nevada at 10.93 percent but both of these states did show an annual improvement.

TransUnion expects the mortgage delinquency rate to fall again in the 4^th quarter, but only slightly. "It's generally tough to expect improvement in delinquency rates in the fourth quarter of the year given the extra demands on household income that many experience during the holiday season," said Martin. "However, we saw some improvement in the housing market in the third quarter with regard to house prices, home sales and increased refinance activity, and we believe we will start to see these numbers reflected in improved mortgage delinquency next quarter. As such, we forecast the year-end delinquency rate to improve to something in the 5.25%-5.35% range."

mortgagenewsdaily.com (November 13, 2012)

Holly Ball Set For December

Plans are under way for the Holly Ball, scheduled for December 9 at The Sanctuary Golf Club. The Sanibel Captiva Trust Company is the master sponsor for this event that benefits CROW (Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife). Tickets are $125 and additional table sponsorships are available. The evening will feature cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, dinner and dancing.

For further information, email info@crowclinic.org or call 395-0048.

Click Here to visit the Team Petel website!

Island Sun (November 16, 2012)

Taste of the Islands!

Taste of the Islands 2012 was another success! Team Petel member Ann enjoyed a beautiful November day with friends, eating, listening to live music and best of all supporting C.R.O.W. Click Here to learn more about C.R.O.W. Click Here to learn more about Taste of the Islands.

We had a great time listening to entertainment by Rocker and Stolen Fruit. We enjoyed cake from The Bubble Room, steak sandwiches and BBQ shrimp from Cip's, Steak Pita from Sea Star Cafe and BBQ Pork Sliders from Bailey's Catering. YUM! We're already looking forward to Taste of the Islands 2013.

There are many more upcoming activities to enjoy on Sanibel & Captiva! Including Captiva Holiday Village and Luminary! See you there!

Click Here to view the Team Petel website.

As part of the Captiva Holiday Village festivities, the Captiva Lighted Boat Parade committee is accepting registrations for participating vessels.Sponsored by the Sanibel Captiva Trust Company, the parade will take place at 6 p.m. on Saturday, December 1 just outside Roosevelt Channel, Marker #2. The route will follow Roosevelt Channel to ‘Tween Waters Inn and back. There is no entry fee for the boat parade, however, a minimum of 100 lights is required for entry (but more are encouraged).

Prizes will be given for the best-decorated vessels from any of three categories: powerboats 36 feet or more, powerboats 35 feet or less and sailboats of all sizes. First place prizes include the following: three-day and two-night stays at South Seas Island Resort, ‘Tween Waters Inn and Jensen’s Marina and Cottages; gift certificates from The Green Flash Waterfront Restaurant and the Old Captiva House; and a water-sports package from Best Boats & Carts. Runner up prizes include a $500 gift certificate from Offshore Sailing School, golf for four at The Sanctuary Golf Club, a private charter from Captiva

Cruises on the Adventure Sailing Catamaran, and kayak rentals from Captiva Kayak

Company.

An awards party will take place at Keylime Bistro on Andy Rosse Lane following the parade.

Special dockage rates for participating boats are available from South Seas Island Resort, ‘Tween Waters Inn, Jensen’s Marina and McCarthy’s Marina.

Captiva Cruises will also be offering passenger tickets for those without a boat to cruise in the parade and be part of the fun, or groups can arrange their own private charter on one of the Captiva Cruises boats. Contact Captiva Cruises at 472-5300 for reservations and more information.

Public viewing of the parade from land is available at The Green Flash Waterfront Restaurant, ‘Tween Waters Inn, Jensen’s Marina and McCarthy’s Marina.

Sponsored by hoteliers, merchants, attraction owners and restaurateurs of Captiva Island, the three-week-long Captiva Holiday Village spectacular launches the Friday after Thanksgiving with fireworks, tree lightings, holiday readings and musical performances.

Each special-themed weekend, beginning November 23 through December 9, will be a fun-filled extravaganza of sight and sound, set against the backdrop of the Gulf of Mexico and evening sunsets.

During the event weekends, visitors will enjoy everything from decorated golf cart and lighted boat parades to Junkanoo and fire dancers, live music and even a Marching Mullet Parade.

All three weekends of events take place in Captiva’s “village” center, where its colorful restaurants and shops will be festively decorated.

To register your boat to be in the parade, visit www.CaptivaHolidayVillage.com and download a registration form, or contact Brad Junghans at 472-5200 or visit www.CaptivaHolidayVillage.com

Island Sun (November 2, 2012)

Team Petel - Click Here for our team website

It’s Official! Sanibel Stoop Record Confirmed By Guinness Book Of Records

We are pleased to welcome you to the very select club of Guinness World Records title holders.” That was the message delivered in a letter to The Community House last week, confirming that last February’s assembly of islanders and visitors doing The Sanibel Stoop at Bowman’s Beach had been accepted as an official record.

The record attempt was staged by the Sanibel Community Association (SCA), which operates The Community House, as part of celebration surrounding the 75th anniversary of the Sanibel Shell Show & Fair. The Community House has been the longtime home of the Sanibel Shell Show and Fair, which

was first hosted in the 1920s by Hallie “Granny” Matthews in the lobby of The Matthews Hotel on the beach. Over the years, the Sanibel Shell Show & Fair has grown to become one of the world’s most prominent events in the shell collecting world.

The official tally of “stoopers” registered and confirmed for the event was 478, although an additional 300+ unregistered participants were also observed to be on hand. The record set was for the category of Largest Treasure Hunt Game. To be counted officially a participant had to identify themselves, sign

in, and participate in a treasure hunt for shells on the beach. Official participants at the event received a commemorative T-shirt sponsored by Congress Jewelers, and now that the record is official, The Community House has plans to create a new t-shirt proclaiming Sanibel’s championship status.

A diverse group of Island organizations and individuals supported and assisted the effort, which was captured by news cameras and succeeded in attracting significant national media attention. The Lee A diverse group of Island organizations and individuals supported and assisted the effort, which was captured by news cameras and succeeded in attracting significant national media attention. The Lee to commemorate the event.

“We wanted to do something special to call attention to the 75th Anniversary of the Shell Show & Fair, and to reinforce Sanibel’s position as a special place for shelling,” said Marge Meek, Sanibel Community Association President. “The Guinness Record attempt captured the idea that hunting for shells can be a lot of fun, and there’s no better place than Sanibel to do that.”

Island Sun (November 2, 2012)

Team Petel  - Click Here for our team website.

Sanibel Community Church To Dedicate New Facilities

This Sunday, November 4 at the annual reunion picnic at noon, the Sanibel Community Church is inviting the community of Sanibel and Captiva to a service of dedication of the new sanctuary, office buildings, youth center, children’s ministry center and adult education wing on the church campus. Even though the new sanctuary is not open, the gathering will be a celebration of songs and prayers, thanking God for the wonderful new facilities. The new youth and children’s areas will be open for tours.

As the $4,900,000 project comes to completion, the congregation is filled with gratitude and enthusiasm to serve the community of Sanibel and Captiva. A luncheon of hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken

strips and wonderful accompaniments will be served to all in the Fellowship Hall and courtyard, followed by a brief gathering at the cornerstone of the new 630-seat sanctuary for a time of prayer and singing. All are welcome to attend.

That morning, at all three worship services in the Historical Chapel at 7:45, 9 and 11 a.m., there will be a brief video of the project, from first shovel to present, with a time of prayer and dedication. The picnic and outdoor dedication will follow immediately after the 11 a.m. service. 

Sanibel Community Church is located at 1740 Periwinkle Way (next to Jerry’s Market). For more information, call 472-2684 or visit www.sanibelchurch.com.

Island Sun (November 2, 2012)

Team Petel - click here for our team website

Taste Of The Islands Is Next Weekend

Taste of the Islands, presented by Edison National Bank/Bank of the Islands, is an annual fundraiser for

the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW). CROW not only benefits from the money raised but by helping attendees better understand the organization’s mission of saving wildlife through compassion, care and education.

“We are pleased that as a non-profit organization, we can host an event that draws a group from across all of Southwest Florida,” said Steve Greenstein, executive director of CROW.

This year’s Taste, on Sunday, November 11 from 12:30 to 5 p.m. at Sanibel Community Park, celebrates the 31st year of the tradition in which 20 restaurants from Sanibel and Captiva participate.

“We draw from the best local independent eateries in all of Florida and that is what makes the event so special,” said event chair Melissa Congress.

This year’s Taste features two acclaimed local bands, Rocker and Stolen Fruit, as well as face painting by Ms. Sylvia and specialty T-shirts with the Taste logo designed this year by Dave Drotleff.

The server competition run by the City of Sanibel’s Recreation Department has become a favorite in recent years, with relay teams sprinting to deliver drinks without spilling. Another popular recent addition is a silent auction offering a diversity of items from gift certificates for various fine jewelry stores to stays in nearby beach resorts, to services and even a year’s social membership at The

Dunes Golf & Tennis Club, or golf and tennis lessons

This annual treat is only possible through the support of sponsors like Edison National Bank/Bank of the Islands and the many other supporters including:

Gold – Adventures In Paradise, Coral Veterinary, Molnar Electric, Sam Galloway Ford, Warm Vanilla Sun

Friends – Brian Murty, realtor, Budweiser, Congress Jewelers, Donna and John Schubert, LCEC, Linda and

Wayne Boyd, RS Walsh Landscaping, Sanibel Gear, Sanibel Taxi, Veolia

Supporting – Barrier Island Title, Billy’s Bike & Rental, Caloosa Tent & Rental, Dan Hahn Custom Builders, Greenwood Consulting, Heidrick & Co. Insurance, Inns of Sanibel, John Gee & Co., Nave Plumbing, South Seas Island Resort, ‘Tween Waters Inn.

Media sponsors include the Island Sun, The River Weekly News and Times of the Islands.

For more information, visit TasteSanibelCaptiva.com.

Island Sun (November 2, 2012)

Team Petel - Click Here for our team website

Make your plans now to attend SCCF’s Wines In The Wild. Wine and food lovers will gather from 6 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, November 10 on the grounds of the SCCF Nature Center. This year’s theme, Toasting Our Good Nature, will feature a variety of wines that celebrate the natural world paired with a delicious array of foods. “We are looking forward to a fun evening that will benefit the many SCCF programs,” said event organizers Linda and Tom Uhler. “We are especially thankful for the individuals who have stepped up to help ensure the financial success of this fundraiser as a part of our Host Committee.” The Host Committee includes Linda and Wayne Boyd, Tory and Bill Burch, Leone and George Graham, Anne Haslem and Edward Wheeler, Janie Howland, Mike Kelly, Deborah and John LaGorce, Kay and John Morse, Roberta and Philip Puschel, Joyce and Don Rice, Nancy and Chip Roach, Robbie and Geoff Roepstorff, Lucy and Paul Roth, Donna and John Schubert, Nanelle Wehmann, and Martha and John Wolf. Wines In The Wild is sponsored by Bank of the Islands. Tickets are $75 per person. Reservations are requested in advance and can be made by calling SCCF at 472-2329.

Make your plans now to attend SCCF’s Wines In The Wild. Wine and food lovers will gather from 6 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, November 10 on the grounds of the SCCF Nature Center. This year’s theme, Toasting Our Good Nature, will feature a variety of wines that celebrate the natural world paired with a delicious

array of foods.

“We are looking forward to a fun evening that will benefit the many SCCF programs,” said event organizers Linda and Tom Uhler. “We are especially thankful for the individuals who have stepped up to

help ensure the financial success of this fundraiser as a part of our Host Committee.”

The Host Committee includes Linda and Wayne Boyd, Tory and Bill Burch, Leone and George Graham, Anne Haslem and Edward Wheeler, Janie Howland, Mike Kelly, Deborah and John LaGorce, Kay and John Morse, Roberta and Philip Puschel, Joyce and Don Rice, Nancy and Chip Roach, Robbie and Geoff Roepstorff, Lucy and Paul Roth, Donna and John Schubert, Nanelle Wehmann, and Martha and John Wolf.

Wines In The Wild is sponsored by Bank of the Islands. Tickets are $75 per person. Reservations are requested in advance and can be made by calling SCCF at 472-2329.

Island sun (October 26, 2012)

Team Petel - Click Here to visit our team website

NEW LISTING!

Rare Opportunity! 

Where on Sanibel can you relax on a beach right in front of your condo, look out your windows at an unobstructed view of the historic lighthouse, live alongside the natural flora and fauna of our island, and walk in less than 3 minutes to our popular fishing pier?

Have it all in this beautiful condo located at Lighthouse Point on Sanibel Island.

Call John today for more information and to schedule a showing 239-560-4960 or email at teampetel@msn.com

To view this home directly CLICK HERE

To view the Team Petel website CLICK HERE

Price Reduction!

BEST SANIBEL DIRECT ACCESS CANAL HOME VALUE!

Great opportunity to make this nice home on a great direct access canal your Island dream home. 1516 Angel Drive has been reduced by $100,000 to $799,000 until remodel starts in early December. Currently offering 3 Bedrooms 2 Full Baths, updated kitchen with granite and stainless, pool, dock and boat lift! Take advantage of this reduced price and use the savings to create your own Island dream home.

Call John today for more information or to schedule a showing at 239-560-4960 or email him at teampetel@msn.com

To view this home directly CLICK HERE.

To view the Team Petel website CLICK HERE.

Sanibel Captiva Third Quarter Market Update

It's time to JUMP IN to your dream home in Southwest Florida! Call John Petel at John R Wood today!

www.teampetel.com

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Visit SW Florida!! - The Best and Worst U.S. Cities for Travel Taxes

by Scott McCartney

In Chicago, the tax on a case of Miller Lite beer runs about 9%. That pales in comparison with the 16.4% tax on a hotel room and the 23% tax on car rentals at O'Hare International Airport.

Travel is one of the most heavily taxed activities in the U.S., even though most cities and towns try hard to encourage visitors and tourism. Travelers don't vote where they travel, so cash-strapped cities and states continue to push fees and taxes onto hotel rooms, rental cars and airports. Cigarettes are about the only thing taxed more heavily among consumer purchases.

Often the money is used not only to build and run facilities for travelers, such as convention centers and airports, but also to help finance general coffers and pay for sports stadiums and youth ball fields. In some cities, taxes on visitors help fund arts facilities and school systems, according to a study published last month by the Global Business Travel Association, a trade and lobbying group for corporate travel managers.

The impact can be significant: GBTA said travelers pay taxes that total, on average, 57% more than if they just paid the normal general sales tax.

Car-rental companies and airlines say heavy taxes on their services damp demand. With rental cars, some consumers, particularly leisure travelers, are discouraged from travel or opt for smaller cars to hold down the price of a rental, where taxes can sometimes exceed the car cost.

"Taxes clearly have an impact on consumer behavior," said Richard Broome, spokesman for Hertz Corp.

A survey last year by the U.S. Travel Association, a nonprofit industry group, found 49% of respondents had altered plans because of high travel taxes, such as by staying in less-expensive hotels and spending less on shopping and entertainment. Ten percent of people surveyed said they had changed city choices for trips because of taxes.

Travelers in some destinations can reduce some of the tax outlay by booking hotels outside of city centers, renting cars at non-airport locations and taking meals away from airports and hotel restaurants. However, the savings would usually be marginal and more trouble than they are worth.

Among major destinations, the tax on a day's travel spending can range from as little as $22.21 in Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers and West Palm Beach, Fla., to as much as $40.31 in Chicago, GBTA found. That is calculated by keeping the cost of hotels, car rentals and meals the same in each city so the difference reflects the tax structure, not higher or lower travel costs. Some cities that depend heavily on tourists, such as Honolulu and Orlando, avoid imposing too many taxes on visitors.

Car-rental companies have fought local proposals to raise taxes on rentals, narrowly losing an effort in June to stop an 11% increase on car rentals in San Mateo County, Calif., at the San Francisco International Airport. "It seems like increasing travel taxes is one of the first places local politicians go when they need revenue," said Mr. Broome.

Airlines say taxes have a significant impact on air travel because they raise ticket prices so substantially. High prices deter buying and airline tickets are taxed at levels similar to alcohol and cigarettes, where the government imposes taxes to discourage use.

There are a total of 17 potential different taxes and fees levied by the federal government and airports on airline tickets. Passengers pay a federal excise tax to help fund the Federal Aviation Administration, a security fee to help fund the Transportation Security Administration, various fees for international inspections and fees charged by airports for passing through terminals.

On a typical $300 domestic ticket with one connection, the airline fare is really $238.88 and taxes and airport fees are $61.12—more than 20% of the $300 cost comprises taxes and government fees. By comparison, a pack of cigarettes that costs roughly $12 in Chicago has $5.67 in federal, state, county and city taxes, or about 47% of the cost.

This year the Department of Transportation began forcing airlines to include taxes in any price quote for airline tickets. Under pressure from consumers to show full prices, rental-car companies began including taxes prominently when people book reservations, showing an estimated total price for each rental. Hotel companies are starting to display taxes more clearly: Marriott includes taxes in hotel price quotes when customers are asked for name, address and credit card.

Yet hotel companies say higher taxes don't have a big effect on bookings. That is one reason the taxes keep coming: Cities, counties and states have so far been able to raise more money without crimping business or angering local voters.

"We really don't see an impact on business due to hotel taxes," said Marriott spokeswoman Laurie Goldstein.

When Chicago raised its portion of the hotel tax to 4.5% from 3.5% earlier this year, Mayor Rahm Emanuel predicted continued increases in tourism—and so far he appears to be correct. Chicago hotel occupancy rates are up slightly so far this year, according to Smith Travel Research. The tax increase "will help increase revenue that supports tourism, not deters it," the mayor said in a statement at the time. The city didn't respond to requests for additional comment.

The hotel-tax increase in Chicago, which had the highest total tax burden for travelers of any city in the survey, raised the total hotel levy there to 16.4%. That includes a 2% tax to help pay for the Chicago White Sox stadium, 2.5% to help pay for the McCormick Place convention center and state taxes as well. Chicago's rental-car tax is even higher. The tax on a $56, one-day car rental at the airport raises the cost by 23%.

Mortgage Rates Hit Record Low Again

by Emily Jane Fox

NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- Mortgage rates fell to a new record low after the Federal Reserve's decision to buy billions in home loans continued to ease costs for home owners and buyers.

The average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage fell to an all-time low of 3.36%, according to a weekly survey by mortgage finance backer Freddie Mac. The rate dropped from 3.40% the previous week.

The fixed-rate 15-year mortgage also hit a new record low of 2.69% from 2.73% a week earlier.

Rates have been falling to news lows since the Fed announced last month that it would buy $40 billion in mortgage-backed securities each month. The central bank hopes that keeping interest rates low through this policy, known as quantitative easing, will fuel home buying, which will lead to more spending, and eventually more hiring.

Economists are betting that low mortgage rates would give home buyers the confidence to pay more for homes. Already, home prices have rebounded to the same level they were nine years ago.

There's also been a pick-up in sales of existing homes, a leap in new home sales prices , and an increase in home construction, all of which have invigorated the housing market.

Economists surveyed by CNNMoney said they are encouraged by the reports and believe that the nation's housing market has finally turned a corner.

Of the 14 economists who answered questions about home prices in the survey, nine believed that prices have already turned higher or will make that turn later this year. Only three months ago, half of the economists surveyed by CNNMoney believed a turnaround in prices would not take place until 2013 or later. 

October 4, 2012 (money.cnn.com)

Periwinkle Way Gets A Facelift!

Perwinkle way is under some reconstruction with new paving. Daytime and nighttime street resurfacing work that began in August continues to make progress over its 45-day contract. Several residential side streets have been repaved, including the long-debated Nerita Street that now wears its first and only layer of asphalt.

Sections of Periwinkle Way and Causeway Boulevard, some of the city’s busiest roadways, got new asphalt this week over several nights with a minimum disruption to traffic.

Along another paving line, council approved a request from the Sanibel Captiva Chamber of Commerce to be allowed to install pavers on the city owned lot adjacent to the Chamber’s visitors parking lot to improve the image and reduce maintenance associated with the unpaved lot. All at Chamber’s expense.

“This is another example of working with partners for a win-win situation,” said Mayor Ruane.

Source: Island Reporter

Restaurants Named For Taste Of The Islands

With only five weeks remaining until the event, 20 restaurants are confirmed for the much

anticipated 31st annual CROW Taste of the Islands, presented by Edison National Bank/Bank of the Islands.

“This is the earliest that we have confirmed the restaurants,” said Melissa Congress, chairperson for the annual event which the proceeds benefit the wildlife hospital on Sanibel by offering  delectable treats in a fun-filled open air setting.

The Bubble Room, Cip’s Place, Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille, Island BBQ, Matzaluna’s Fun Italian Restaurant, Sanibel Deli & Coffee Factory, Sea Star Café, Timbers Seafood Market, Trader’s, Over

Easy Café, The Jacaranda, Old Captiva House at ‘Tween Waters Inn, George & Wendy’s Seafood Grille, Pinocchio’s Original Italian Ice Cream, Catering@Bailey’s, Sanibel Oasis Café (formerly East End Deli), Gramma Dot’s, Blue Giraffe, Chip’s Sanibel Steakhouse and Sanibel Fish House have filled the spots in this year’s event. The food items will range from $1 to $5 offerings, with most restaurants preparing at least two samples.

Taste of the Islands, to be held on Sunday, November 11 from 12:30 to 5 p.m., features live music, face painting, server competitions and celebrity judges for the best of categories.

Other sponsors who help make this event possible are Edison National Bank/Bank of the Islands, Warm Vanilla Sun, Adventures In Paradise, Galloway Family Dealerships, Sanibel Taxi, Congress Jewelers, LCEC, SunCoast Beverage, Veolia, Donna and John Schubert, Molnar Electric, Sanibel Gear, Brian Murty Realtor, Jim Greenwood Consulting, Heidrick & Co. Insurance, John Gee & Company, ‘Tween Waters

Inn, South Seas Island Resort, Inns of Sanibel, Nave Plumbing, Coral Veterinary and Caloosa Tent & Rental.

Sponsorship opportunities are available and include tickets to the event, parking passes, event T-shirts, food and beverage tickets, and admittance to the sponsor tent. Individuals or companies can become a VIP sponsor for an entry level of $500. For more information, contact info@crowclinic.org attention

Melissa Congress or Chris Heidrick.

Bald Eagle Nesting Season Is Beginning

 by Mark ‘Bird’ Westall

It is now October and Sanibel’s bald eagles will start laying eggs before long. I will be watching one particular nest with an “eagle eye,” so-to-speak. Last spring, in the middle of nesting season, I worked in cooperation with the staff at the SanibelCaptiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) and the Lee County Electric Cooperative (LCEC) to erect an artificial platform specifically designed to attract the eagle pair at SCCF’s West Sanibel River Preserve.

This pair has had a tough time of it lately. Their original nest tree had been accidently killed several years ago because when the habitat crews went onto the preserve to poison the invasive Australian pines on the property, they saw no nest in the nest tree and did their job.

Unfortunately, large eagle nests fall out of Australian pines quite often because this species of tree makes a terrible place for an eagle nest. These exotic “pine”trees satisfy the height criteria that the

eagle pair is looking for, but the shape of an Australian pine is not usually conducive for the nest to survive very long. The next time you get a chance, compare the shape of an Australian pine to that of a

slash pine and you’ll see what I mean. Therefore, the birds are always having to rebuild their nests if their first choice is an Australian pine.

After realizing their honest mistake, the staff at SCCF immediately called me to see if I would be interested in building an artificial nest in the dying tree, one that would be able to stay together as long as the nest tree itself remained standing. Of course, I agreed to do the project and was proud to say that, even though the nest tree was no longer alive, the nest looked completely natural.

The artificial nest was approximately 70 feet up in the air and it was quite exciting putting it together. The day of the construction was slightly breezy and every once in a while, I had to wait for several seconds to work on the nest as the wind would drift the cherry picker and tree too far apart for me to reach the nest.

Thus built, this artificial nest in the dead Australian pine was successfully used for several years. Unfortunately, the dead tree finally fell during a fall cold front last year and the birds have been trying to

find a suitable new site ever since.

When I first began serving on Lee County’s Bald Eagle Technical Advisory Committee (ETAC) way back in the mid-1980s, there were still many people sometimes even from the scientific community) who did not believe it was possible to get bald eagles to utilize artificial sites.

I said “Hogwash!”

The problem was that people have a difficult time thinking like an eagle. It was easier for people to accept the idea that ospreys would nest at artificial sites because humans accidently were building

structures that satisfied the needs of the ospreys. We put up utility poles, nice, big houses with beautiful, high chimneys, etc. The ospreys would look at these developments of man and say, “I always

wondered why humans existed; now I know. It’s to build wonderful nesting sites for us!”

I have been asked many times by owners of an osprey nest on their chimney, “Why don’t they nest out in the mangroves of the refuge? There are plenty of trees there. Isn’t that where they’d

rather be?” Today, because of Hurricane Charley, there actually are a lot of potential nesting sites in the mangroves since the upper half of the canopy was mutilated and many snags perfect for nest

building were left standing. But before Charley, the canopy of the mangroves was fairly uniform and nesting sites were limited.

Just because there are lots of trees, does not necessarily translate into suitable habitat for the wildlife. Once the ospreys showed us that they would nest on manmade structures, we were then able to

use our intelligence to purposefully build nest structures to satisfy that need.

The situation for bald eagles is different, however. We do not “accidently” build human-oriented structures that satisfy the needs of that species. Eagles want to have their nest at – or above – the

surrounding canopy, just like ospreys. But in Florida, eagles prefer to have plenty of shade over the nest to protect the young from the searing heat. Ospreys do not usually need this shade because

the female osprey stays on the nest and uses her body to create shade. With bald eagles, both parents habitually leave the nest and forage for food, leaving the young chicks vulnerable to heat exhaustion.

I noticed these criteria in bald eagle nest site selection in Florida and have been successful in getting seven pairs now in Lee County to use artificial nests. Granted, most of those artificial nests where situated in natural trees, but one nest on Hogan Key, up near Boca Grande, was a totally free-standing structure.

In March of this year, we erected the new, totally artificial-looking platform and, hopefully, it will eventually serve as a more permanent home for the eagles. But before we could erect the new platform, and after several attempts to find a suitable natural nest site in the area, the eagles began putting sticks in another dead Australian pine not too far away from where the new platform eventually was erected. From this new natural site, they watched as the platform was erected.

Bald eagles, like ospreys, are pretty tenacious about sticking with a nest site once a choice has been made; though they may have a few backup sites. Something usually has to happen to that nest site before the pair will move to another potential nest site in the nesting territory. Possible disturbances include nests falling out of the tree, great-horned owls commandeering the nest, human disturbances, etc.

Therefore, I suspect the eagles will continue putting new sticks in the recently chosen dead Australian pine. Unfortunately, this nest site is just as unstable as the other sites that were experimented with last fall and winter. So far, the nest is only partially built and I suspect that a fully developed nest will not

survive. All we can do now is watch and hope. At least, if the current natural nest falls apart, the eagles will have something more solid to move to this time.

Let’s keep our fingers crossed!

A former city council member and mayor, Mark “Bird” Westall has owned and operated Canoe Adventures, Inc. on Sanibel for over 33 years. Visit www.canoewithbirdwestall.com for more information.

Around the Island with Anne

Jerry’s Boosts Its Organic Produce Section; Il Cielo Prepares To Re-Open Later This Fall

by Anne Mitchell

Catering to an increased demand for organic produce, Jerry’s Foods has recently expanded its fruits and vegetables department.

Produce manager Steve Radakovic said the organic selection has gone from a small presence to an eight-foot display cabinet. This week, it contained tomatoes, berries, tofu, apples, onions and several varieties of potato, including Russian banana potatoes and French fingerlings.

There was also Coco Libre organic coconut water, which has become very popular of late.

Radakovic said he wants to hear from customers if there are any particular products they want to see in the department. “We want to know what people want, so tell us,” he said.

The rest of the produce department has a new look too, with new inserts that better display the items and provide more space for increased variety. “The prices are easier to read and it’s easy to see where (the produce) came from,” he said.

I checked out the various displays and noticed a nice selection of fresh herbs, tomatillos, four colors of large peppers, fresh salsas, whole coconuts, papayas and some of the biggest grapes I have ever seen, red and green seedless varieties.

Jerry’s Foods is at 1700 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, phone 472-9300.

Every week there are more and signs that the snowbirds are returning to their winter roosts on the islands and that businesses are gearing up to welcome them back, with spruced up interiors, refreshed landscaping and, in some cases, opening their doors after a slow-season break.

Il Cielo Italian restaurant will reopen later this fall with a new menu and is currently hiring “dynamic servers and bartenders,” according to John Boler, principal investor in the restaurant. Il Cielo will serve dinner seven nights a week, and the re-opening is planned for late November or early December.

Patrons will see a new casual, fine dining eclectic menu, Boler noted, along with fine wine offerings.

Melinda Isley, a spokeswoman for the owners, said the new menu will be “not exclusively Italian” as it was before, and there will be a more casual menu in the bar/lounge. She added that interior renovations will be made prior to opening.

Job applicants may apply at Il Cielo, 1244 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. They may also submit resumes to BDRONTY1@yahoo.com.

The Timbers Restaurant & Fish Market is celebrating “34 years of fresh fish.” For diners that means there will be select entrees all month long, priced at two for $34. Offerings include baked, stuffed shrimp, crabczkes, crab-stuffed tilapia, seafood Alfredo, baked New England haddock, Scottish salmon and Timbers sirloin.

In addition, every 34th customer will receive a free gift certificate.

The Timbers is at 703 Tarpon Bay Road, Sanibel, phone 472-3128. The fish market opens at 11 a.m. and the restaurant is open from 5 to 9:30 p.m.

Sister restaurant, The Sanibel Grill, right next door, is one of the island’s favorite football hangouts. It boasts 10 satellites and 17 TVs. On weekends, the grill opens at 11:30 a.m. featuring $2 Bloody Marys, $2 Screwdrivers and a new football menu.

George & Wendy’s Sanibel Seafood Grille also features NFL and college football games with food and drink specials and is home to Chicago Bears and Buffalo Bills fan clubs. The grille has all day happy hour every day. The restaurant is at 2499 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, phone 395-1263.

Sanibel Deli & Coffee Factory is now offering soft serve frozen yogurt, along with its popular sandwiches made with Boar’s Head meats, breakfast dishes and – until the end of the month – one large 16-inch cheese pizza and 10 wings for $15.99. Free delivery is available. The deli is in Palm Ridge Place, phone

472-2555.

Chip’s Sanibel Steakhouse is offering a Summer’s End Prix Fixe Experience daily from 5 p.m. to close

until October 31. The three course menu is $35 per person and includes a choice of appetizer, main course and dessert. Chip’s is at 1473 Periwinkle Way, phone 472-5700 or make a reservation online at chipssanibelsteakhouse.com.

LIVE ON THE ISLANDS

The Crow’s Nest at ’Tween Waters Inn will feature The Sand Fleas on Friday and Saturday, October

12 and 13, from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Crab races are Mondays and Thursdays with an early family show and a later show for adults. The Crow’s Nest is at 15951 Captiva Drive, phone 472-5161.

Traditions on the Beach at the Island Inn has live entertainment most nights starting at 7 p.m. This week’s lineup includes: Friday, dancing to Joe McCormick and singer Barbara Smith; Saturday, Joe McCormick and singer Marvilla Marzan; Sunday, closed; Wednesday and Thursday, dancing to Joe McCormick with popular favorites and smooth vocal stylings, R&B, jazz and pop. Traditions is at 3111 West Gulf Drive, phone 472-4559.

Sweet Melissa’s Café features Michael David playing light acoustic background music Wednesday through Saturday from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Sweet Melissa’s is at 1625 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, phone 472-1956.

George & Wendy’s Sanibel Seafood Grille has karaoke every Wednesday. On Friday, there will be live entertainment with Anthony Wayne, guitar and vocals. The restaurant is at 2499 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, phone 395-1263.

The Jacaranda has entertainment nightly from 7 to 11 p.m. On Friday and Saturday, various artists are featured. On Sunday, it’s Jamaica “Dave” & Co., reggae and dance; Monday, Renata, jazz, contemporary music and dance; Tuesday, Steve “Scooter” Reynolds, accoustic guitar, contemporary music and dance; Wednesday, Buckeye Ken, contemporary, Top 40 and blues; Thursday, 2 Hot, contemporary, reggae and dance. The Jacaranda is at 1223 Periwinkle Way, phone 472-1771.

The Mucky Duck on Andy Rosse Lane, Captiva, features music by Mark Dupuy on Mondays; Rich Lancaster, Wednesdays; Gene Federico, Thursdays and Saturdays; and Buckeye Ken, Fridays.

The Island Cow on Periwinkle Way has live entertainment on Friday with Dan Confrey; Saturday, Diana Lynn; and Sunday, Buckeye Ken. Phone 472-0606.

RC Otter’s, 11506 Andy Rosse Lane, Captiva, has live music daily with dining inside and out, phone 395-1142.

Keylime Bistro features live music days and nights seven days a week. New to the line-up is Ken Limeri playing jazz sax from 6 to 10 p.m. every Tuesday. The bistro is at 11509 Andy Rosse Lane, Captiva,

phone 395-4000.

Shore Haven Transported To New Home At Historical Museum

By Jeff Lysiak

A journey of just over three miles took nearly 12 hours to complete, but in the end, the Sanibel Historical Museum & Village welcomed its latest addition with open arms. There were a few temporarily relocated signs and light fixtures along the way.

Beginning at 10 p.m. on October 2, crews began the task of moving the two-story Shore Haven house

– a Sears & Roebuck Honor Bilt kit home constructed on Sanibel in 1924 – from a small plot of land on San Carlos Bay Drive, near the end of Dixie Beach Boulevard. Workers from Flint & Doyle Structural Movers transported Shore Haven slowly up Periwinkle Way through the night, finally reaching the home’s new address on Dunlop Road in the wee hours of Wednesday morning.

“Immediately, this becomes one of the highlights of the museum,” said Alex Werner, president of the Sanibel Historical Museum & Village, as Shore Haven was carefully moved across the parking lot adjacent to BIG ARTS and the museum.

On September 28, the 1,500-square-foot structure was moved by barge from its original location – a picturesque bayside lot on Bird Lane – to an empty parcel two miles away with the assistance of

crews from Flint & Doyle as well as SteMic Marine Construction.

Once all of the logistics involved with moving the building onto the Dunlop Road site had been finalized, which included coordinating electrical and cable/Internet outages along the 3.25-mile route, Shore Haven joined the nine historic structures – including the recently relocated Caretaker’s Cottage, which housed AfricanAmerican workers employed at Shore Haven through the 1940s – within the museum’s village.

According to museum manager Emilie Alfino, the Dutch Colonial-style building will be used to

welcome guests, display artifacts, artwork and rotating collections as well as provide additional storage for museum inventory. In addition, it will allow the museum to host catered events.

“We are very excited because now we will be able to have catered events on site,” said Alfino. “Every museum has one modern building where people check-in, watch video presentations, something that is used as a welcome facility. And now, we are going to have that.”

Shortly after 10 a.m. on October 3, Shore Haven squeezed past the trees – and temporarily removed welcome signs for BIG ARTS and the Sanibel Historical Museum & Village – at the entrance of the parking lot off Dunlop Road. One of the museum’s light fixtures was taken down as the building was carried to its final resting place, next to the 1913 Rutland House on the eastern portion of the property.

While Shore Haven was donated to the museum, the total costs involved with moving the historic structure are approximately $171,400. By contrast, the expense of moving the two-room Caretaker’s Cottage last month cost $21,000.

“Eugene Gavin, who is the authority of African-American history on the islands, suggested that the Caretaker’s Cottage be moved here. I have to give him credit for that,” said Werner. “Truly, it is our final opportunity to preserve the history of the original black families who lived on Sanibel.”

The foundations for both new buildings are expected to be completed before the museum reopens to the public on Wednesday, November 7. For additional information, visit www.sanibelmuseum.org.

Island Sun (October 12, 2012)

Chamber Announces Dates For Luminary 2012

The Sanibel-Captiva Chamber of Commerce announced that the 2012 Luminary Weekend festivities will take place on Sanibel on Friday, December 7 and on Captiva on Saturday, December 8. Visitors and residents are invited to mark their calendars for this very special event.

For more than two decades, island businesses, organizations, residents and visitors have gathered for one of Sanibel and Captiva’s most treasured annual events – the Luminary Festival. The complimentary trolley service brings guests to various shopping centers, island businesses and galleries, where they

can enjoy refreshments, music, holiday activities and most importantly, connect with the community.

“We are expecting a great Luminary weekend this year,” said Ric Base, chamber president. “Already, we have received inquiries about the exact dates for Luminary from tourists, many who are planning to fly in especially for this traditional special event on Sanibel and Captiva.”

“The Chamber of Commerce will be working with more than 100 island volunteers this year to ensure that Luminary 2012 will be the best ever,” he added. “We expect to have more live music and

entertainment and more trolley stops this year – don’t miss it!” 

Island Sun (September 28, 2012)

Frozen Yogurt Store Gets Warm Reception

by Anne Mitchell

With the owners of a planned frozen yogurt shop in Bailey’s Shopping Center agreeing to all conditions imposed by city planners, the only real question left was, “When will you open?”

Planning commissioner Chuck Ketteman said he was asking that question “as a potential customer.” Applicant Jeremy Kane replied that the goal was to open in time for Sanibel’s annual early December Luminary Trail, but certainly for the peak tourist season.

The business, Zebra Frozen Yogurt, will occupy a 1,435-square-foot commercial unit in the center and will have 20 indoor seats as well as carryout service. It will also be eligible for some bonus outdoor seating.

The space was recently occupied by KOR Island Provisions – a furniture store – and prior to that by the Sanibel Beauty Shop.

Until a year ago, there was a frozen yogurt take-out store in Bailey’s Shopping Center. A city memo calls such a store “apopular community benefit.”

Although the new yogurt shop will be larger, it remains consistent with the requirements for a conditional use permit, said Benjamin Popple, city planner.

Zebra Frozen Yogurt will sell frozen yogurt and ice cream with accompanying toppings, smoothies, soft drinks and other hot and cold non-alcoholic beverages. Because it involves on-site food

preparation, conditional use review and approval is required by the planning commission.

Bailey’s Shopping Center operates under a PUD (planned unit development) agreement, having its own set of city approved rules.

A review of parking by JMB Transportation Engineering indicates that Bailey’s has more than enough parking to meet its peak season demand, even with the new store.

One possible stumbling block was that Bailey’s had to relocate its Tarpon Bay Road driveway to comply with an update to its master plan. Popple said, “That permit has been issued.

Island Sun (September 28, 2012)