- Population:6,064
- Median Home Value: $392,400
Lying just 15 miles to the southwest of Fort Myers are the sister islands
of Sanibel and Captiva. Joined to the mainland by a three-mile toll
bridge ($3.00 one way) and causeway, these world renowned islands stretch
for 20 miles along the beautiful blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
With half of the island’s acreage permanently reserved as nature
and wildlife sanctuaries, the unique ambiance they possess will remain
for generations to come. These barrier islands have become one of
the most sought-after resort and residential areas in the country.
Striking sunsets, spectacular shelling, and looming lighthouses.
These are quite possibly the first images one has of Southern Florida's
Sanibel and Captiva Islands. Yet there are so many unexpected pleasures
to find here. Everything from nature hiking to shopping to just plain
relaxing can be found on Sanibel and the twenty miles of pristine,
white, sandy beaches that comprise its shore. On these "Seashell
Islands," life is lush and taken at an easy, relaxed pace.
The City of Sanibel has a year round population of approximately
5,468 people, but during season it increases to about 18,000 - 20,000
people.
Sanibel Island is shaped somewhat like a boomerang and is approximately
13 miles long and 3 miles wide at it's widest point, which is Dixie
Beach Boulevard, and sits east and west in the water. About 50% of
the island is the "Ding" Darling Wildlife Refuge named after
J. Ding Darling, and ecologically oriented political satirist, who
back in the 1920's was ahead of his time in being concerned about
the ecology of this country. Ding Darling fell in love with Sanibel
Island and used his influence to preserve it. There is an outstanding
5+ mile nature trail that runs through the Wildlife Refuge, along
with several other smaller sanctuary areas throughout the island.
The City of Sanibel was incorporated in 1974 to protect itself from
the massive development schemes that were then being carried out on
much of the prime coastal areas of Lee County. After incorporating,
the city fathers commissioned a study that led to the development
of the Comprehensive Land Use Plan. It is one of the most stringent
comprehensive land use plans in the United States and has served as
a model for other small communities throughout the country. The plan
is continuously being updated and reflects the experience and growth
of the Island community.
Our land use plan lowered the density of development on the Island
dramatically - e.g. from 18 units/acre to 5 units/acre, with build-out
projection of approximately 9,000 dwelling units. In addition, the
land use plan assigned every part of Sanibel an ecological zone, which
was based primarily on the elevation above sea level.