Is it better to stay on Sanibel Island or Fort Myers?

Is it better to stay on Sanibel Island or Fort Myers? Sanibel Island is a bit more low-key than Fort Myers Beach and perfect for those seeking a slightly less scheduled vacation. The main attraction on Sanibel Island is, of course, it's white sand beaches, but more than just that, shelling is a popular pastime.

How many people are left on Sanibel Island?

Sanibel is an island and city in Lee County, Florida, United States. The population was 6,382 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Cape Coral-Fort Myers, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Did anyone stay on Sanibel?

Officials also said they had at least 200 households that remained on the island during the storm, with the possibility of multiple people at each home. Those who stayed self-reported after officials asked in the days prior to the storm.

Is the ocean water clear in Sanibel Island?

As you move up Sanibel, the water often gets quite clear and it's usually clear from Bowman's Beach on up to the north end of Captiva. Keep in mind, all waters get 'murky' with rain and run off.

What is the 50 rule for Sanibel Island?

The FEMA 50% rule is a minimum requirement for participation in the NFIP. It limits the cost of improvements (additions, alterations, and/or repairs) to non-conforming structures to less than 50% of the “market value” of structure prior to the start of work.

Is it worth going to Sanibel Island?

Located about 3 miles off the coast of Fort Myers, Sanibel Island and Captiva Island, Florida is the perfect getaway vacation destination. Whether it's a family vacation, romantic adventure or an escape to the beautiful beaches, there's no other place to escape to than Sanibel and Captiva Islands.

Is Captiva and Sanibel the same place?

Sanibel and Captiva are sister islands. Sometimes they are even joined when the narrow waterway of Blind Pass that separates them fills in and the two islands actually connect, though a concerted effort is underway to keep the pass open to improve the health of the bayous on the bay side.

Is Sanibel Island a wealthy town?

The per capita income in Sanibel in 2018 was $107,950, which is wealthy relative to Florida and the nation. This equates to an annual income of $431,800 for a family of four.

Is anyone still living on Sanibel Island?

An estimated 6,400 people lived in the City of Sanibel as of April 2021, according to the US Census Bureau. The island is also home to a number of hotels and resorts and sees a significant amount of tourists each year.

Is Captiva nicer than Sanibel?

Captiva's beach is far better for simply lounging on the powdery sand. The depth of beach space changes too. Aside from Bowman and Blind Pass beach areas, Sanibel's beaches are far more narrow than Captiva's. Narrow beaches mixed with more beachgoers creates a recipe for crowded beaches.

Is it illegal to take shells from Sanibel Island?

All Sanibel beaches and nearshore waters to one-half mile from shore are protected by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection Rule 46-26. This rule prohibits the harvest and possession of live shellfish. Sand dollars, sea stars (starfish), and sea urchins are also protected.

What happened to Sanibel Island?

Sanibel's worst storm since 1926, Ian blew in with winds of over 130 miles per hour and a surge of up to 12 feet. Giant power poles snapped like toothpicks, buildings were inundated, and parts of the causeway bridge washed out, cutting off car traffic to the island.

Are Sanibel beaches crowded?

Compared to other popular tourist locations in Florida, Sanibel doesn't get extremely crowded, even during the busy season.

Is Fort Myers or Naples better?

Both cities ranked high on the U.S. World News Report Best Places to Retire (Fort Myers #2 and Naples #4), and in 2020, Fort Myers was ranked as the #1 Fastest-Growing City in the U.S. by WalletHub. While the two cities are located close to each other, each location has its pros and cons.