Hurricane Ike roared through the Gulf of Mrxico and slammed into Texas.  This massive storm changed the Texas coast and many inland communities forever !  We all watched the storm as it made it's way toward the Gulf and hoped it wouldnt become deadly.  Our prayers were with those in it's path !  You wouldn't wish a hurricane on anyone but you certainly are glad when it veers in another direction. Our island is a barrier island and with rare exception has been spared visits by these amazing storms.  While the storm was passing I went down to the beach for these pictures.  It is so strange that the storm is out there over the horizon but it is so calm and peaceful here.                                             This a beautiful classic beach cottage I use for an open house. Bill Gillhes... 09/15/2008

Do you know where on Fort Myers Beach this tree is ? Fort Myers Beach is a laid back place where you never know what you will discover around the next corner.  Our streets are filled with friendly people and their unique and creative talents.  The owners of the house where this tree is located had a very talented sculptor friend create this figure.  The tree is lit at night for a ghostly image.    For added effect they also hung decorative apples from it's branches !  The tree is a Ficus and so the apples were just to amuse those caught up in the wonder of it all !  You can see one of the fake apples slightly above and to the left of the bright yellow bird feeder.  The detail and striking glare of the sculpting are all in fun and welcome those sharp eyed visitors to our island paradise.... 09/15/2008

Our first dog, Red, was amazingly intelligent and intuitive.  She was tough as nails, also.  She was large and people were afraid of her.  She never bit anyone or attacked anyone, but she ruled this street, the Island of Fort Myers Beach, everywhere she went.  Mimi is more sociable than Red, not as intellectual as Red, but she's a puppy yet.  I think Mimi will get there.  My wife and I love dogs.  If we lived in the country, we'd have 10.  Fortunately, we reside on a family and dog friendly Island where you can enjoy a morning walk on the beach with your best friend. You often hear amazing stores concerning dogs, saving people, coming back home after being lost on vacation 1000 miles away.  Today, I read a story concerning a great dog.  Evidently, the owner of the dog suffered from seiz... 09/14/2008

If you are looking for a more Jimmy Buffet life style of slacking Fort Myers Beach is the place. The island also known as Estero Island is not trendy Captiva or Sanibel island, nor does it want to be.                        When my wife and I first moved from Old Town Naples, we were looking for an island which had more moderate prices and  had more down to earth quality and kept its heritage with its older cottages, its fishing with its largest commercial port in the area located along the narrow Matanza Pass  and its formidable Calusa Indian history.                          This Jimmy Buffet life style area filled with shops and countless restaurants and bars applies only to the downtown of Fort Myers Beach or Town Square.                          The rest of the island does not foll... 09/13/2008

  I first met Azi some four years ago when he moved near my home, to a triplex. He was saving as much as he could and finally in December 2006, he accomplished his dream. He opened "Going Wild," a Fort Myers Beach boutique located at the corner of Crescent street and Estero Boulevard. After a few obligatory years in the Israeli Army, he took a gamble and moved to Miami in his early 20's and learned about retail and professional painting from his uncle. Fort Myers Beach seemed the natural choice to start his new life.     Going Wild offers all sorts of fun beach and island wear, paint brushed shirts, Henna tattoos, glasses, towels, swim wear, summer skirts and shorts for the ladies (which I got once for the heck of it..I mean the Henna tatoo!) but mostly its a beach store with affordable... 09/08/2008

Video: A moment of Zen In Fort Myers Beach Fl        Like many I have a place of refuge and a place where we can have "fun" or refill my batteries. When I lived in large cities like New York I used to go to Central Park or stay on top of my building roof top and kick back and look at the Empire State Building. The noise of the city was always omnipresent and vibrant. When I moved to Fort Myers Beach of course I was looking for the feel of the sand under the feet and the salt in the air. But, what really drawn me, like so many, is the sound of the waves. Today very few were strolling along the beach, the sky was full with clouds and I found some peace there again. We can just look at the immense sea and smile. You heard that same sound many years ago, relentless and powerful and memorie... 09/03/2008

 Do you want to know where Fort Myers Beach locals eat ?  Are you hungry for home cooking ?   Read on !   Traveling down Estero Blvd on Fort Myers Beach it is easy to overlook the tiny little cottage which sets off the main drag on Mango St.  Unless you know it is there you will probably miss it as your eye is drawn to the surrounding sites or even to the puffy white clouds !  Heavenly Biscuits is the aptly named restaurant Fort Myers Beach residents and visitors alike are flocking to.  There is barely enough room for a few small tables and an adjoining porch for outside seating.  Why would you bother with this ?  Why would you search out this too small beach business ?  You are hungry, right ?  And you remember how mouth watering mom's cooking was, right ?   Heavenly Biscuits is worth ... 09/03/2008

As of September 1st 2008, over 200 condos with gulf frontage are available for sale in Fort Myers Beach.I picked only these with a minimum of 1200 square feet and 2 bedrooms and 2 baths. There are 52 available with price ranging from $299,000 to $1,200,000 with Gulf of Mexico frontage in Fort Myers Beach.                           As a full time Realtor and resident of Fort Myers Beach since 1999 I can advise you and provide you with more personal information on any community on the island.If you have any questions regarding properties in Fort Myers Beach feel free to call me or e-mail me at realtorLLoyd@aol.com. For a list of smaller recent available listings, and lower asking prices,  on the Gulf with a smaller square footage or a list of the latest available condos with Gulf Access s... 09/01/2008

                Fort Myers Beach is a barrier island located in Southwest Florida along the Gulf Of Mexico.It has been our home for about nine years. It is located some 26 miles North of Naples and it has city limits with Both Fort Myers and Bonita Springs.                               It boast some 7 mile beach which is also the length of the island. It is well know for its shrimp fishing, numerous canals with access to the Gulf Of Mexico, and its lay back life style and friendly though at times eccentric residents.It is part of Lee County but is separate from Fort Myers and is its own municipality with 5 councilmen with the mayor, a vice mayor,and three elected councilmen.                                                                    Single homes range from low $200's to above $... 08/31/2008

I want to thank Mike and John for allowing me to represent them in the sale of the Fort Myers Beach home !  This is a tough market with not a lot of buyers.  You gave me an immaculate home which had been fully upgraded inside and out and you priced it at the true market value !  We saw many nice listings sit on the market with no interest because they were overpriced !  In this buyer's market it has to be as nice as anything on the market and it has to be priced correctly. Thanks Mike and John.  Absolutely gorgeous home, priced right .  You have been outstanding to work with !  Wherever your jopurney takes you I hope our paths cross again ! 08/31/2008

How was that possible? A clay specialist winning on grass? There are two major reasons:  The grass at Wimbledon is not as fast as before, and secondly:  Rafa has improved his serve dramatically and added a nasty sliced backhand to his now enormous talent. Oh yea I forgot, the guy can run!                                                                           Tennis fascinates me, epecially,the mental aspect of it . Its amazing how much you learn about people just by playing a few sets against them.When I was 16 I went pretty high in a few tournaments in France in a para-professinal league.  One year later, I knew I was not going to make it as a professional.  A friend of mine, some guy called Roger Vasselin I grew up with and fought against on the red clay, went on to the semis at Ro... 08/30/2008

With gas prices high and the environment precious, to be able to bike to work is more than fun and a great way to stay fit.  Of course, this isn't often possible with Realtors. There is often several houses miles from each other that the clients wishes to see.  The weather may be problem, espcially for those Realtors outside the great State of Florida.  But, I live on a small Island, Fort Myers Beach, seven miles long.  For Realtors living on this Island or in a simialr situation, one beautfiul day, try biking to that Open House.  Instead of showing off your stylish car, try showing off your stylish (or rusty old) bike.  Your clients may even be impressed, and jealous that you ride to work on your bike.  If so, next showing, tell them to bring their bikes. 08/30/2008

Congrats on the purchase of your Estero Beach & Tennis condo on Fort Myers Beach!  You did your homework, looked at several very nice units and then made a decision to write an offer.  Before coming back to our island you had worked out the details with your bank, knew the price range which worked for you and had requested a set of active listings.  Like most of my buyers you wanted a deal yet you also knew pretty much where the market was and what it would take to be successful The result:  Your contract closed yesterday and you are the newest owner in Estero Beach & Tennis.  Your eleventh floor unit has incredible views, an excellent rental history and is move in ready.  In fact, your first tenant moved in this morning ( I went there to welcome them and make sure they were enjoying th... 08/30/2008

Short sales are a challenge. No doubt about it. With a huge inventory of deals and short sales,foreclosures in Southwest Florida, Cape Coral, Fort Myers, in Fort Myers Beach and also Estero and many in San Carlos, Bonita Springs, buyers are of course attracted to these deals. They may even be waterfront homes. In the video are a few tips on buying short sales and deals but I do inderline that these tips are not a full guaranty that you will get an acceptance from the lender, but they will increase your chances to succeed and enjoy living or investing in this great part of Southwest Florida. Note to my Fellow AR members: this is my first clip so take it easy lol LLoyd Nichols Right Choice Realty LLC 6360 Presidential Court, Suite 4 Fort Myers, FL 33919 cell: 239-810-2980 Fax: 239-463-48... 08/25/2008

   With all the stress we all go through in our business, we all need to get away from the daily grind. Work can be exciting. These days, I have been showing a lot of homes in Cape Coral and Fort Myers and my clients are easy going and fun to work with, but taking a little break can be revitalizing.  As I have not been invited to participate in Dancing with the Stars this year, I have settled for photography as my outlet of choice. Just wondering along the streets of Fort Myers Beach. It actually has been of interest to me for many years.  Windows Live Spaces   LLoyd NicholsRight Choice Realty LLC6360 Presidential Court, Suite 4Fort Myers, FL 33919cell: 239-810-2980Fax: 239-463-4826home office: 239-463-5217Active Rain Blog: http://activerain.com/lloydn Website: http://www.mlsouthwestflo... 08/25/2008

Sunday August 24, 2008,  9:30 AM     Reduced $50k Come see this absolutely immaculate 2/2 direct Gulf front condo.  Very well maintained friendly building.  Located in the Gateway Villas, 3rd floor, north corner ( sunset view ) on the preferred north end of Fort Myers Beach.  Newly pavered parking area, newly redone pool and located on one of the nicest stretches of white sandy beach our island has to offer !  Only occupied during winter months.  Rentals in this building produce $25k +.  Sold furnished.  Direct Gulf view, master has ( 2nd ) lanai with Gulf and bay views. Come visit us for a getaway or stay for a lifetime.  We've been waiting for you !     If you are on the island stop by and say " HI".  For more terrific lsitings on Fort Myers Beach go to www.BillSellsFortMyersBeach.com... 08/23/2008

    Hello Folks, In 2005, 2006, 2007 and most recently for 2008 Smuggler's Cove was voted the #1 Golf Course in the state Florida. We had the pleasure of playing this 18 hole golf course for the second time this evening and had an awesome time. The best part of this mini-golf course is feeding the baby alligators. YES !!!!!! ... This is one of the few places in Florida where it is LEGAL to feed alligators. The owner said they have close to 30 baby gators ranging in size from 18 inches to 24 inches.         Like any baby animal, they are quite cute, but not cuddly. When you pay for your round of golf you can also buy a small bag of food for the gators and feed them individually using a small cane fishing pole an dputting the meat on the end of the line. Instead of having a "hook" they u... 08/20/2008

              We all have seen the small signs on the lawn: it shows pets with a bar over them with the words Warning!. As I commend the owners and the lawn care services to warn owners of pets.Lately I have been looking for pet friendly organic lawn fertilizers and care.  Lawn herbesides are the number one killer of pets in the USA and it makes me sad and mad to know that some owners in Fort Myers Beach do not try at least  to respect human life. Most do care.                                         There are a few good products such as http://www.ecochem.com/t_sitemap.html ECOCHEM.   "EcoChem Natural Organic products lawn care products are highly efficient, have no adverse affect on the environment and are NOT harmful to animals, plants, humans, aquatic life, honeybees, earthworms, be... 08/20/2008

So, where was I? Oh, yes, the woman was sloshing down pills with her vodka. By this time, I am a little taken aback and my husband has come into the room and has taken in the scene, also. She then smiles and asks us if we want to smoke some pot. I say no, we don't smoke pot. She shrugs and asks us if we minds if she indulges. I say yes, I do mind, that I don't want it in my house. She then stands and says she'll smoke it in the yard. I tell her that I don't want it on my property. She then says that she'll go to her car and smoke it. I don't say anything to this and she goes. My husband and I then quickly confer and agree that we'll have to stay up all night to make sure she doesn't try to burn down the house or something else of that nature. I make it an early night, as you can imagine... 08/19/2008

A couple of years ago for Christmas, I wished to give my husband a special present. I was having trouble fitting his clothes in the closets and the bureaus in the bedroom because of my clothes, so I decided to purchase for him an armoire for his office, the old fashioned type where you can hang shirts and also with drawers. We both love art deco so I bid on an original 1930's art deco armoire on ebay and I won it at a great price. Before I bid on it, I had called shippers and they gave me a price of $250.00 for shipping it from New York to me in Florida. The seller lived in Queens. It had belonged to his grandmother. Well, after I won it, the shipper gave me a different story. The price of $250.00 was for shipping business to business. To go pick up something from a residential neighbor... 08/19/2008