Around the Islands with Anne Mitchell

Pull Up A Chair At Pinocchio’s; Nanny’s Summer Sale Is On; Island Paws Has Your Dog Breed

Customers who already enjoy Pinocchio’s Homemade Italian Ice Cream can now kick back and have ice cream or a cool drink in comfort thanks to the new outdoor seating.

The owners have added brightly colored Adirondack-style chairs and small tables to the covered deck, where earlier this week the Wilson family from Dorsey, Illinois sampled their first taste

of the frozen dessert.

These chairs are comfortable,” said 11-year-old Andrew.

His mother, Theresa Wilson, said a friend who was on Sanibel two weeks ago told her Pinocchio’s was a must-visit so they stopped during their bike ride for four ice creams.

Pinocchio’s and its sister store, Gepetto’s Beach Foodies, are located at 362 Periwinkle Way on Sanibel’s east end, phone 472-6566.

Show your love of the island by sporting an I (HEART) Sanibel sticker on your vehicle. These decals are printed in green to indicate that 70 percent of the island is conservation lands. When you peel off the backing, underneath is information about Sanibel.

The stickers are available from Bailey’s General Store, Jerry’s Foods, MacIntosh Books, Sanibel

Recreation Center, Suncatcher’s Dream and Tuttle’s Sea Horse Shop.

Speaking of stickers, you can also display your favorite dog breed on your vehicle. Choose from a huge selection at Island Pawsthat proclaim, for example, My Cocker Spaniel (Loves) Sanibel Island. Just about every popular dog breed is represented.

Also depicting dog breeds is a collection of canvas totes. There are also large decorative signs – perhaps for your deck, patio or bar – from the Top Dog Inn, where “beerhounds” of many stripes are said to be welcome.

Island Paws may have a lot of fun stuff, but the owners take proper nutrition very seriously and as a customer, I know they research foods before they put them on the shelves. There are many choices of cereal-free, organic foods for dogs and cats, many with meats such as bison, venison, salmon and duck.

There is also a selection in the freezer of raw foods, which are growing in popularity.

You’ll also find nutrition supplements items such as glucosamine and chondroitin, which has worked wonders on my 12-year-old dog’s creaky joints, and organic coconut oil for healing.

Instead of giving your dog drugs for anxiety, try the Thunder Shirts that claim to help with fear of

noises, car rides, leash pulling and other issues.

Island Paws is in the Old House Shops at 630, Tarpon Bay Road, Sanibel, phone 395-1464.

Nanny’s children’s boutique is having its summer sale, offering 30 to 50 percent off this season’s

merchandise as the new fall collections start arriving. The sale includes clothing, swimwear and shoes.

Hurry in, because owner Jan Gabrielson is closing August 11 through September 7. And when

she returns, she has big plans for the old-style cottage that houses the store.

I am turning one entire room into a book room,” she said. “Also, I will have an infants’ boutique in the back room.”

Meanwhile, there are lots of cute children’s items in the store from ballet slippers to purses to T-shirts and dresses, watches, sun hats and toddler’s swim shorts with built-in diaper. Also check out the early fall arrivals for boys and girls.

Nanny’s is in Sanibel Square, 2340 Periwinkle Way, phone 472-0304.

Dine at The Old Captiva House at ‘Tween Waters Inn Sunday through Thursday and receive a free bottle of house wine (one per two entrees) or a free dessert with your meal. For reservations, call 472-5161 ext. 421.

Sister restaurant The Crow’s Nest, also at ‘Tween Waters Inn, offers a prime rib special for two on Tuesdays for $29.95, surf and turf on Wednesdays for $24.95, a fish fry on Fridays for $17.95, and barbecue Sunday for $17.75.

Play a round of golf at Beachview Golf & Tennis Club for a special price of $40 before 3 p.m. Play after 3 p.m. and it’s $35. Just present the advertisement from the Island Sun. Call 472-2626 for more information.

LIVE ON THE ISLANDS

The Crow’s Nest at ’Tween Waters Inn will feature The Sand Fleas on Friday and Saturday August 3 and 4, and Taylor Stokes on Tuesday and Wednesday from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Crab races are Mondays and Thursdays. 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. This week’s lineup includes: Friday, dancing to Joe McCormick and singer Barbara Smith; Saturday, Joe McCormick and singer Marvilla Marzan; 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 live entertainment as follows: Friday, Anthony Wayne; Wednesday, Bill Metts, folk guitar; and Thursday, Karaoke. 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.

Traders Store & Cafe features music by Chris Workman Wednesdays from 7 to 10 p.m. and Danny Morgan and Friends on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7 to 10 p.m. Traders is at 1551 Periwinkle Way, phone 472-7242.

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 lineup 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.

Island real estate market stays strong at halftime

By Jay Richter

                Real Estate customers are in the locker room. Now it’s the commentator’s turn. What just happened? What plays are working?

                Okay, let’s take a closer look and focus on the second quarter. Overall, sales remain strong and inventory continues to diminish.

                Sanibel had some big plays - $10 million sales (two over $4 million on the Gulf). John R. Wood Realtors recorded the largest bayfront sales in 2 ½ years.

                The go-to subdivision was the Dunes with eight sales. For Sanibel condos, sales prices under $800,000 lit up the scoreboard, up 48 percent over the second quarter last year. The number of Sanibel condo units that sold is the best in seven years.

                Captiva residential sales essentially are tied with last year, but condominium sales essentially are tied with last year, but condominium sales in South Seas achieved their best performance since 2005.

                Fort Myers shows a positive average price increase of 12.1 percent, which ranked it No. 1 in the top 12 cities where the home prices have risen the most. (Jan.12 Kiplingers Report)

                Wood’s brand in Naples reported five consecutive years of increases in second quarter sales in the MLS of Bonita-Naples. Sales of properties priced above $1,000,000 remained strong with 309 closings in just the second quarter, up 12 percent over last year.

                The Wall Street Journal reported in May: “If you’re thinking of buying a second home in the next five years, this might be your best opportunity.”

                In Southwest Florida, more and more neighborhoods and condo complexes are achieving a balanced market (a one-year supply), with a growing number moving into a shortage. Nationally, USA Today reported on May 25 that the number of homes in April hit a 6.6 month supply, down from 9.1 a year ago.

                Stable prices (for now, at least) along with low mortgages rates create a favorable environment for the astute buyer. Both buyers and sellers should seek specific information from real estate professionals on changing market conditions in areas which they have an interest.

Sanibel-Captiva Islander (August 3, 2012)

Bag Day marks the end of summer at Noah’S Ark

By Shannen Hayes

                Noah’s Ark Thrift Shop started on a front porch. Today it thrives in a large building behind the St. Michael & All Angels Episcopal Church, 2304 Periwinkle Way. Through generous donations the Ark has become a place where nearly any good-quality used items can be found – from clothing and household items to books and small furniture.

                “We have been very fortunate and received good donations this summer,” said volunteer Jane Adams.

                Customers come from both on and off island, including island visitors who make it part of their vacation, to shop at the thrift store. On Aug. 10, Noah’s Ark will celebrate the end of summer season with its annual bag day from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Customers will purchase marked bags for $3 in the parking lot and then fill them with items they choose from the store. Items that do not fit in the bag will receive an 80 percent off discount.

                “It’s over quickly,” said many of the volunteers about bag day. “There is a long line early and for the first hour it’s very busy.”

                While bag day shoppers nearly clear the shelves, any remaining items are bagged up and donated to other charities in need. The Ark is then closed for cleaning and repairs, which means donations will not be accepted until Sept. 1. Noah’s Ark will reopen for the winter season from 9:20 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Fridays beginning Oct. 2. In November, the thrift store will return to its regular schedule of 9:30 to 12:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and the first Saturday of each month.

                Noah’s Ark is run by the Episcopal Church Women’s (ECW) group at St. Michael & All Angels Church and staffed by volunteers from the church. Most of the store’s proceeds benefit those less fortunate – locally and globally. Local contributions include Brightest Horizon in Fort Myers, FISH of Sanibel, Harry Chapin Food Bank, Sanibel Sea School for a PACE scholarship and many other organizations.

                “We are hoping next season is just as good as this season,” said Adams.

Sanibel-Captiva Islander (August 3, 3012)

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John R Wood - Performance Counts! 2nd Quarter Info

An Update of Southwest Florida Real Estate

How do we determine whether we are in a Buyer’s, Seller’s or Balanced market? One of the best indicators is to calculate the average time it takes for a property to sell. We call this the Absorption rate: (It is the number of homes or condos on the market for sale at any time, versus the number of sales in the past year). We are reaching a balance market of about a 1 year supple. Overall, inventory of homes and condos is down considerable which has stabilized pricing and even shown some upwards movement. The Sanibel Board of Realtors showed a 6% increase in sales volume during the second quarter of 2012, while John R wood was up 16%. We also lead all other Real Estate companies on the islands by selling more of our own listings in-house than any other company.

Sanibel & Captiva Islands

·         10 million dollar plus sales with two sales of gulf front homes sold at over $ million.

·         Condo sales of those priced under $800,000 were up 48% year to year in the 2^nd quarter.

·         The number of condominiums sold in the second quarter was the highest in 7 years!

·         While Captiva single family homes were about the same as last year, South Seas Resort condo sales were the best since 2005.

Fort Myers and Southwest Florida

·         Fort Myers pricing increased 12% year to year according to the Kiplinger Report.

·         Greater Fort Myers led the nation in cities where home prices increased the most.

·         309 Sales priced above $1 million in the Naples/Bonita market equaled a 12% gain.

Choose a Realtor who works with the best! Choose John Petel with John R. Wood. 

Call John at 239-560-4960 or visit our website at www.teampetel.com

Bank Again Sponsors Taste of the Islands

The Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) announced that Bank of the Islands/Edison National Bank will again be the presenting sponsor for the Taste of the Island on Nov 11.

This is the third year in a row that the bank has led the sponsorship of the major fund-raising event for CROW.

Rob Lisenbee, vice president and office manager of the Bank of the Island on Sanibel said, “The Officers and Staff of bank of the Islands/Edison National Bank are pleased and excited to be the presenting sponsor again this year of CROWs Taste of the Islands. We have enjoyed partnering and participating in the Taste of the Island for the past 13 years. We encourage everyone to be involved with this worthwhile event.

Over the years, the bank’s support has been both important and creative for the Taste. Among the man helpful elements was providing RV trailers to secure and count the money for the event when it was held at Algiers Park. Since that time, the bank developed the idea of “CROW bucks,” the currency now used at the Taste. Additionally, the bank arranges for the printing and accounting of that currency.

Taste of the Islands is a critical part of the CROW’s fund-raising each year to pursue its mission of saving wildlife through compassion, care and education. It also is a much anticipated event of great food, wonderful music and good fun running from noon to 5 p.m. at the Sanibel Community Park.

Beach Boxes to Saucy Barbecue – Island BBQ Company Offers It All

The Island BBQ Company opened its doors June 22 in the former Island Pizza Company located at Palm Ridge Road.

Menu items include pulled pork and chicken, chopped brisket, smoked chicken, beef brisket and baby back ribs. The Island Pizza Co., with a location still on Periwinkle Way, teamed up with Island BBQ to create barbecue pizzas that are topped with some of the meat and sauce choices.

Executive chef and general manager Jason Joyce prepares each of the five sauces – Island Sauce, a sweet tomato-based sauce spiked with rum and pineapple; Smokey Sauce, a smokey tomato-based sauce that’s great on ribs; Sweet Vinegar Sauce, Carolina style with a bite; Mustard Sauce, a bit sweet, this honey mustard sauce is great on pulled chicken; and Spicy Orange, intense orange with a bit of spice.

“People like options,” said Joyce about his variety of sauces. “I like to mix it up with the familiar and unfamiliar.”

A graduate of the Cooking and Hospitality Institute of Chicago, Joyce uses a three-day smoking process on the meats and most of the menu items, from the pies to the pasta, are made fresh daily. Beach-goers can grab a beach box, which includes choices of meats and two sides – mac and cheese, baked beans, mashed potatoes, cole slaw, mixed vegetables, corn on the cob, cornbread, Texas toast or a Kaiser roll.

“My favorite meal is the hickory smoked chicken with mac and cheese,” said Joyce, whose creations are often inspired by his work in the Virgin Islands. “That has helped me feel more connected to (Sanibel) island.”

Island BBQ also offers gluten-free options and no fried foods are on the menu. In its banquet hall at Beachview Golf Club, Island BBQ can cater a party for up to 184 people. Ask about the “take and bake” meals, too.

The Island BBQ Company is open from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and closed on Sundays during the summer season. It is take-out or delivery only. Call 472-3010 or 472-1023 to place an order or just walk in at 2496 Palm Ridge Road.