The action is really starting to heat up as the carvers are allowed to start the " pound up " for their creations.  The " pound up " as it is affectionately known is when the carvers, without any help, position their wooden forms ontheir designated plot of sand.  The sand is native to Fort Myers Beach and considered to be some of the best inthe world. Each wooden form is filled by shovel with sand for 3-4 inches.  Then water is poured in the form and the carver then " tamps " the mixture with a 15 pound tamper !  This is brutal, back breaking work which goes on for several hours.  As each form is filled to the top the carver then positions another on top of the first.  At this point shoveling sand and hoisting buckets of water become even more difficult as some of them are 3 or 4 forms ... 11/07/2009

Fort Myers Beach gardens always surprises me. A few years back I planted a citrus tree with my wife Karen. A lemon tree. The first year we got maybe six or so quite large lemons. Now on its third year these fruits are getting ridiculously large. Larger then an orange, as big as a medium grapefruit.  I wonder how big they will get next season? Nature never ceases to amaze me.         The real lemon is twice as large as this picture. And these citrus trees do not need much. Fort Myers Beach dirt is a sandy loam type of course. They taste good to. This fruit could garnish many gin or vodka tonics!   Fort Myers Beach garden       and welcome to Fort Myers Beach!   LLoyd Nichols Right Choice Realty LLCcell: 239-810-2980office: 239-463-5217Activerain Local Blog: http://localism.com/neighbor/l... 11/06/2009

The 2009 Fort Myers Beach 23rd Annual Sand Sculpting contest Day 3 was Thursday Nov 5, 2009.  The individual piles of sand are in place and ready for the carvers to begin !  This picture shows a contestant assembling the forms for her entry.  After the forms are in place the carver, without help from otherss ) starts filling the form with sand.  After filling several inches of sand the contestant pours water into the form and uses a 15 lb tamper to pack the water/sand mixture.  This is brutal work and gets even more difficult as the forms get higher and higher. The first sculpting involves creation of corporate logos for sponsors.  This is done free hand and often involves handing the carver a business card from which they must create an exact replica.  In this picture you can see a bus... 11/06/2009

The 2009 Fort Myers Beach 23rd Annual Sand Sculpting Contest  -  Day 2  photos.  Things are definitely heating up as world class sculptors converge on the beach in front of the Fort Myers Beach Holiday Inn to begin carving in earnest.  The first challenge is to turn what was a huge pile of beach sand into a collection of corporate logos !  These sand piles are the raw material for what will eventually be the finished sculptings.  The sand is from our beach and considered some of the best in the world for it's " carving, holding and finishing " characteristics. This huge pile of sand sits in front of the Holiday Inn and provides a terific public relations boost for the corporate sponsors.  All carving is done free hand with various tools and a whole lot of patience ! Carvers will complet... 11/05/2009

The annual Fort Myers Beach Sand Castle contest started Tuesday Nov 3, 2009.  This day is used for welcoming sculptors, layout for the various locations and preparing for the first carving event.  There are several significant changes in the event for 2009.  Rather than spread out between the Fort Myers Beach Holiday Inn and the Outrigger Resort this year will see a smaller footprint consisting of the main activities on the beach side of the Holiday Inn and the Point Estero building.  This should make it easier for visitors to see all of the entries. Shown here is the mound of sand destined for the corporate logos of sponsors.  Katie Corning, Site Director and accomplished sculptor, discusses the finer points of the sand found right here on Fort Myers Beach .  It is considered to be som... 11/04/2009

     Do you want to test your taste buds? Are you looking for a top Gourmet Market in Southwest Florida? Yes, the prices are higher then your run of the mill market but then its called gourmet for a reason. Be ready for a treat.        Are you looking for Fort Myers Beach market place which has its own restaurant and where you can find anything from fresh brewed coffee, chocolate mousse, crab cakes, prosciutto, chocolate cakes, collection of wines galore,        large selection of hand picked vegetables,tasty fruits, pick your take home diner at a yummy buffet, chicken put pie, smoked salmon,crab cakes, dozen and dozen of cheese selections from around the world and the US, want to make a fondue, or just want to kick back at the bar of the restaurant and enjoy some fresh deserts?        ... 11/03/2009

Fort Myers Beach foreclosures are rare. These Gulf front condos are even more rare. Along the North End of the island stands out one property at the Pink Shell resort. Build in 2004 this well designed plush 624 SF one bedroom one bath is listed at $299,900 and offers dramatic gulf views and numerous amenities.BBQ - Picnic, Beach - Private, Beach Access, Community Boat Dock, Community Boat Ramp, Community Boat Slip, Community Pool, Community Spa, Exercise Room, Fishing Pier, Internet Access, Marina, Play Area, Restaurant among others as concierge service, bars and live music. It is a Condo Hotel. Which means that you may rent it 365 days a year.A beauty.            Secondly another Fort Myers Beach Foreclosure. Located at the Carlos Pointe Beach Club another Fort Myers Beach Gulf front u... 10/26/2009

Every year, we strive to grow a perfect pumpkin in the garden to celebrate the warm autumn days and the Halloween holiday.  This year, we are extremely proud of our efforts. Meanwhile, on Fort Myers Beach, the 1st Annual Fort Myers Beach Art and Pumpkin Festival is taking place at Bay Walk Place on San Carlos Blvd between 3rd Street and the Harbor on Fort Myers Beach, Florida, Oct. 24-Oct. 25, 2009. Festival hours are: Sat., Oct. 24 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m and Sun., Oct. 25, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Bay Walk Group, which includes the Yucatan Beach Stand Bar & Grill, Smokin' Oyster Brewery, Snug Harbor Restaurant, Matanzas Inn and Restaurant, and Shipwreck Treasures expects 6,000 Festival goers to enjoy a memorable experience with a special display of sand artists in the Shipwreck Pirate P... 10/25/2009

. . . . .  a Tropical Beach Wedding.  November is a bit of a secret in Florida.  It's one of the best times to live here.  The weather is simply wonderful, bright, sunny days with temps reaching the high 70's or low 80's and sultry evening.  And, we're not yet crowded with visitors from cold northern places.  November is a time for us locals to enjoy our beaches and the beauty of the tropics.  It's also the time for a tropical wedding on the beach at sunset.  I've presided over such an event on Fort Myers Beach, Florida.  I specialize in the "Romantic Ceremony."  Just as the sun begins its descent into the greenish ocean and the colors of the rainbow appear for decoration, I begin the ceremony with a poem that brings together a timeless ritual with timeless beauty: Light the first light... 10/19/2009

Built directly on the sand, this beach house contains 3 bedrooms and 2 baths, 1080 square feet.  Open kitchen overlooks the dining/living area with sliding door to the open porch lanai. Tile and wood flooring. Deck.  Built in desk.  Wet Bar.  This is a foreclosure.  The asking price is $886,900.  A single family home, direct beachfront, for well under a million dollars.  The ultimate, of course, in living the tropical life on Fort Myers Beach, Florida. LLoyd Nichols Realtorlloydn@aol.comRight Choice Realty LLCcell: 239-810-2980office: 239-463-5217Activerain Local Blog: http://localism.com/neighbor/lloydnActive Rain Blog: http://activerain.com/lloydn Website: http://www.mlsouthwestfloridahomes.comSearch the MLS in Southwest FloridaListingbook: http://lloydnswfloridahomes.listingbook.com/ 10/19/2009

After a hot Florida summer, we Floridians are all looking forward to a Florida winter.  It begins tomorrow.  During the day tomorrow, the humidity is predicted to dissipate and instead of 90's, the high will only reach 87 and tomorrow night, the temps will fall in the 60's.  My wife has already purchased the champagne and checked out her jeans to be sure that they still fit.  It's been a long time.  Sunday, the high temperature will only be 81.  Both of us are looking forward to shutting off the the AC and opening up the windows.  Dinner on the deck overlooking the gardens that are always in bloom.    A walk along the Bay or beach after . . . there's nothing to match a Florida Winter.  And, this year on Fort Myers Beach, Florida, it begins tomorrow. LLoyd Nichols Realtorlloydn@aol.com R... 10/15/2009

  For many years I have enjoyed walking, biking or jogging the shore of Fort Myers Beach. There is always something new. It is a moveable feast as Hemingway would say. That morning I did see that our brown pelicans looked bigger and well fed. At that time the sun bounces off the tip of the waves and it blinds you a bit. A bit surreal but tranquil,and powerful. the island is 7 miles plus long. same for the length of the beach. Plenty to explore.        There is always something to learn. Further away I saw some dolphins playing peek –a-boo but couldn’t get a clear shot. It didn’t matter. I’ll get them another time with my camera. I will be ready with the sports settings. All is pretty calm except for some power walkers and joggers sweating along the shore. Its a good way to start the day... 10/14/2009

This home located in Fort Myers Beach used to have river rocks or crushed stones for its driveway. I think that one of the reason it sold this year is because the previous owner changed the driveway to cobble stones.The attractive type with rounded edges. From the street the home has now more elegance.     I am not saying that it was the only reason it sold but it attracted the new owner to take a closer look. It is now a rental property. A very good one. For more information here is the website link: ByTheSeaRental        Want to know more about Fort Myers Beach vacation rentals? Call Karen at 239-849-3064 Want to know more about Fort Myers Beach homes for sale? Fort Myers Beach income properties ? Call Lloyd at 239-810-2980 With homes still at  low prices Fort Myers Beach is becoming ... 10/14/2009

  Quote Wordless Monday: island life Why are so many drawn to islands? Perhaps we just want to be away from cities? That is one of the reasons why Fort Myers Beach  has been my home for nearly ten years.We also call it Estero Island. I call it home.  Its just a hop on Sky Bridge to Fort Myers. You can smell the salt in the air. Water is everywhere. It embraces your life and makes you smile.                                For more information regarding Fort Myers Beach properties contact LLoyd. LLoyd Nichols Right Choice Realty LLCcell: 239-810-2980office: 239-463-5217Activerain Local Blog: http://localism.com/neighbor/lloydnActive Rain Blog: http://activerain.com/lloydnWebsite: http://www.mlsouthwestfloridahomes.comSearch the MLS in Southwest FloridaListingbook: http://lloydnswfloridaho... 10/05/2009

  Fort Myers Beach has attracted many and for good reasons. Located along the Gulf Of Mexico, the island of Fort Myers Beach  or Estero island is one of the renowned jewel of Southwest Florida. This small 7 miles plus barrier island packs a solid punch. In this buyers market the island has seen a strong jump in property sales. For good reasons.        Home investors, first time buyers and these relocating understand that Fort Myers Beach Real Estate is a good investment. Europeans and Canadians among others also know about Fort Myers Beach tropical allure. One of the major reasons, besides the obvious with its 7 mile white sand beach, canals, marinas, lively downtown and night life is that there are no bad areas in Fort Myers Beach.Because of its narrow width, any property is close to t... 10/04/2009

I'm not one of those fascinated by the lives of celebrities.  I'm far too busy, and in any case, celebrities make me yawn. I'm far more interested in the goings on of the people involved in my own life and what is happening on Fort Myers Beach, Florida.  Still, once in awhile, a headline will capture my attention.  So, David Letterman goes on his show and announces that someone is trying to extort money from him by threatening to reveal that good old Dave has had affairs with female staff members.  The media was quick to point out that good old Dave was not married at the time.  He was living with his current wife at the time, however.  And how totally embarrassed she must be.  I learned a of lot from the media blitz that is still following this story.  I learned of the criteria of good... 10/04/2009

As one drives from Fort Myers on San Carlos Boulevard you will be offered a treat. Little by little, as your car climbs Sky Bridge,  you will be able to get a full view of Fort Myers Beach. Yesterday, I decided to take a few shots from the very top of the bridge. This time I walked. One can take their time and enjoy a panoramic view of Fort Myers Beach and its canals fingering  the island with salt water  all the way towards Estero Boulevard, which runs parallel to the Gulf  and, beyond, the Gulf Of Mexico.     Fort Myers Beach Homes                                          Fort Myers Beach Sky Bridge                                          Estero Bay Fort Myers Beach                                               Bonita Bills Fort Myers Beach – a fun restaurant below Sky Bridge along M... 10/02/2009

Fort Myers Beach Florida offers fun for the whole family.  We often look to Fort Myers Beach for a fun get away close to our home in Cape Coral Florida.  From Cape Coral Florida, Fort Myers Beach is only about 15 to 20 minutes away.  The best part of living here in Southwest Florida is that the beaches belong to the residence on off season.  During May through September or even a little longer, the Beaches are pretty easy to get to.  During Spring break time, the traffic is a bit heavier and parking more difficult.  Fort Myers Beachhas many amenities that make a day or a weekend trip enjoyable for the whole family.  The picture above shows the local fishing pier.   This is the Fort Myers Beach play ground.  My kids love to come and play her at the Fort Myers Beachplay ground.  We will o... 09/23/2009

Voici une courte video d'une partie de la plage a Fort Myers Beach en Floride. Cliquez sur le lien pour qq ex de maisons a vendre sur l'Ile de Fort Myers Beach. Si vous avez des questions n'hesitez pas. J'habite sur L'Ile elle-meme et cela fait plus de 18 ans que ma femme et moi appreciont la vie dans les Tropiques et plus de dix ans comme agent immobiler sur cette Ile. Un endroit surperbe pour investir en Floride dans l'immobiler.La prochaine fois nous parleront d'autres parties du Sud-Ouest, comme Sanibel, Cape Coral, Bonita Springs, Naples et Fort Myers qui ont aussi leurs charmes particupliers et ont de nombreux choix immobiliers. ventes: maisons, villas Fort Myers Beach LLoyd Nichols Right Choice Realty LLCcell: 239-810-2980office: 239-463-5217Activerain Local Blog: http://localism... 09/08/2009

Renseignements et infos d’affaires immobilières en Floride: Fort Myers Beach. Les prix sont bas en Floride. L'euro et le dollar canadien sont forts. C’est un excellent moment pour investir en Floride et, en particulier, à Fort Myers Beach et Cape Coral, qui sont deux destinations qui attirent les Canadiens et les Français . Pourquoi? Le climat, le mode de vie, le choix de villas et de propriétées en generale, de plages, le charme de la Floride et le tempérament décontracté de ses résidents. Un peu comme  sur la Côte d'Azur avec de meilleurs prix! Bonne mère!   A partir d'un pied-à-terre à une villa en bord de mer, nous avons tous les choix possibles. Vous aurez la satisfaction de faire un investissement solide pour votre avenir. Pour cela il est recommandé d'utiliser un Agent Immobilier... 09/05/2009