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Sanibel Island is a beautiful tropical island located off Florida's southwestern coast, in the Gulf of Mexico. Sanibel is about 150 miles south of Tampa, the closest city is Fort Myers. The year round population is about 5,700 people, this number grows to more than 20, 000 during the winter season, the island's prime tourist season. The small island measures about 12 miles long and only about 3 miles wide. The weather is mostly warm all year long. Average winter temperature range from 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The summer months can be extremely hot and humid with temperature averaging in the high 90's.
This island is untouched by neon signs and stop lights. There are no golden arches or large department stores. Sanibel's residents and its government are dedicated to preserving the natural environment of the island, over half of the island, about 6500 acres, is a wildlife preservation. J.N. "Ding" Darling is the name of the wildlife preservation that inhabits over half of the island's land. It is home to thousands of birds, as well as otters, racoons, bobcats, alligators and other wildlife. J.N. "Ding" Darling's Wildlife Preservation may be toured by car, bike, foot or canoe. The Wildlife Preservation draws photographers, naturalists and bird-watchers from all over the world.
Sanibel is famous all over the world for the fabulous shelling on its beaches. The island's location in the Gulf of Mexico, lying east to west, instead of the normal north to south, makes it a prime spot for shells to wash ashore. The island acts as a scoop, catching numerous shells as the tides shift. There are 17 miles of beaches for shelling, swimming or basking in the warm Florida sun. In the waters of Sanibel, you are likely to see dolphins, manatees, and numerous varieties of seashells including starfish and sand dollars. The dolphins are so plentiful on the island, that many swimmers have reportedly swam along aside of the dolphins. Adhering to the island's preservation principles, removal of live seashells, including living starfish and sand dollars, are prohibited.
The Sanibel Lighthouse is a popular attraction. Built in 1884, the 98-foot-tall lighthouse is the island's oldest standing structure. The lighthouse sits on a popular beach spot, appropriately called "Lighthouse Beach" by the locals. The lighthouse is surrounded by white sandy beaches, clear waters and a plethora of seashells. The lighthouse keeper's cottages are now used by the J.N. Ding Darling Wildlife Preserve's employees. It is the last lighthouse to be seen while heading south, until you reach the Dry Tortugas, 130 miles further south.
In addition to the sun, beaches and wildlife, Sanibel's relaxed atmosphere is its most admirable asset. The absence of stop lights, high-rises, neon signs, fast food restaurants or shopping malls gives the tropical island an old time feeling that is hard to find in most areas. The speed limit rarely exceeds 30 miles per hour, and in place of stop lights, the local policeman can be seen directing traffic to keep it moving along. The yesteryear feeling is perfect for families looking for a relaxing vacation or for couples looking to spend quiet time together.
There is a saying on the island that goes something like this, "Once you get the sands of Sanibel in your shoes, you will always come back for more." And you will.
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