Centruy 21 Tripower Realty on Fort Myers Beach is collecting used printer cartridges and cell phones to benefit the Easter Seals Florida.  These funds help children and adults with disabilities lead fuller, more independant lives. In addition, Tripower Broker Judy Haataja and agents encourage residents to participate in the program by dropping off used ink jet cartridges and cell phones at our office located at 2555 Estero Blvd.  Collectively the Century 21 system has been affiliated with Easter Seals since 1979 and has raised more than $91 million dollars for the people it serves.   07/25/2008

  Fort Myers Beach councilmen are going through another delicate issue: should the beach be re nourished? Should they use the opportunity to get a $10 million dollars fund from the government to help re nourish the beach? The citizens are divided and they have to make a decision before 2010.Otherwise they loose these funds.        Beach frontage owners are concerned, and you cannot blame them.If the island goes along the Federal funding, they will have to follow their rules.That may mean that many owners may loose some land, that is, the town will then own any re-nourished part of the beach even if its on someone property. Perhaps it is more of a fear then an actually fact but I have talked to quite a few beach property owners and they do believe they will loose some land towards the sh... 07/21/2008

    WOW ....... Today is a HOT (97 degrees) but beautiful day in Southwest Florida. We have relatives who just came into town from Spain. They will be staying with us for 6 weeks....Soooo, we will be doing a lot of traveling around the state with them during ths time. Today we took them down the coast starting at Bonita Beach and headed north to Ft. Myers Beach. The Beaches were extremely crowned today, which is unusual for summer.... Our busy season is during the winter months for tourists. While at Bonita Beach we had lunch at Doc's beach House. A great place to eat.               While we were sitting inside the restaurant, I saw something which I had never seen before and wish I had gotten a picture of .... A school of adult Manatees were swiming down the coast headed south. There ... 07/20/2008

PBS is often considered elitist, or boring, or both, but there's actually some hysterical programs.  For instance, Keeping UP Appearances.   The setting for the this show is a long way off, geographically as well as socially, from Fort Myers Beach, Florida.   This British comedy centers on Hyacinth Bucket, which she always pronounces as "Bouquet."  She's a middle ageed, middle class woman, who has three sisters, the poor Daisy, married to the boorish Onslow, who hasn't worked ever. the sexy Rose and Violet, the sister who married rich and in Hyacinth's words has a "Mercedes, Sauna and room for a pony".  Violet is unhappily married to the cross-dressing Bruce. Hyacinth will answer her phone saying: "The Bouquet residence, the lady of the house speaking", and from her shining kitchen to t... 07/19/2008

Many were gathered earlier on to see a majestic red orange  sunset along the shores of Fort Myers Beach,but its the moon which caught my attention at 11:01 pm. For these who want to know where Fort Myers Beach Florida is located here is its longitude and latitude. Boaters and pilots can recognize the following:  Latitude 26.27 N Longitude 81.57 W     I enjoy checking the weather channel for Fort Myers Beach. I still don't know how a friend of ours does not live without ac, nor cares to have ac. I suppose its a question of getting used to it. Its not like she cannot buy an ac system. I set my thermostat usually pretty high around 77, because I don't like the changes of temperature from the outside to the inside. We all have our tricks in the Tropics. Current Weather Conditions In Fort My... 07/18/2008

Fort Myers Beach parents of students attending Beach Elementary School  should stand up and give a big round of applause for our island public school !   The reason ?  Simple - for the 4th consecutive year the Florida Department of Education has evaluated Beach Elementary as an " A " school !  Principal Larry Wood and his talented and dedicated staff deserve our appreciation.  Parents are very involved with the progress of our kids and report that communication with teachers is ongoing and critical.  Congratulations to all involved ! 07/18/2008

This picture was taken after my wife Karen and Miss Mimi came back from a beach run In Fort Myers Beach.Mimi is very exuberant and full of energy and I can tell you from experience that she can run awfully fast.In fact to fast. Mimi is a rescue dog, part Rhodesian and I believe boxer. These 2 have been already been running 3 to 4 times a week for the last 3 months and they have created this bond one has after one has shared something special.By chance I caught them when they were saying something to each other. I run with her once in awhile but I have no intention of keeping up with her 6 mn mile speed. I could break my neck. Miss Mimi probably thinks its funny.                         Miss Mimi did start as my assistant this week and is already showing some talents. I think she already... 07/17/2008

          Investors, potential buyers from the USA, Canada and Europe often ask me if there are any single homes short sales in Fort Myers Beach. There are not many. The following are six of the few available as of July 17,2008.                                   The prices range from a low for the beach of $229K to an upscale home at $674,900. Lately, even lenders as Wells Fargo and Contrywide have change their tune and are more willing to "negotiate:.Its about time. Ppurchasinga short sale home is not as complicated as it used to be only some 6 months ago. Some lenders have cut down the short sale package drastically and low and behold, even will tell you what their bottom line price will be with an offer. About time! Either way, if you are working with an agent who has done them befor... 07/17/2008

I didn't run until I moved to Florida.  I didn't run for awhile after we came to Florida.  Then, I reached that age, 30 something, and to my great surprise, this thin body was gaining some unwanted weight.  I joined a gym and was told by many fitness experts that there was nothing like running to shed those pounds and to become and stay fit and healthy.  So, I bought myself a pair of running shoes and hit the beach.  I remember the first time that I ran.  I managed about a block.  Then, I fell down into the sand, totally winded.  I'm a smoker.  And, at that time, I was out of shape.  I didn't quit, however.  I continued to run and the next day, I managed two blocks.  Now, I can run a few miles.   I've run in 5K races.  I still smoke, but how much better to smoke and run instead of still... 07/15/2008

         Which one is stronger and why are so many 2 story homes in Lee County so affordable?  Colonial houses in  Fort Myers, Bonita Springs and Cape Coral have also been hit by the market. No surprise there. The answer is more of a question if they were build pre or post 1992 when new codes were imposed on builders.( Post Andrew ) It became law in Florida.                             True concrete block home in Fort Myers Beach area  After that, for ex.  special hurricane strapping on the rafters, stronger windows, stronger roofs were the law. The ones you saw were cheap for many reasons. They may be short sales or foreclosures or they need to be brought up to 1992 codes and were build before. There is another reason. Some people don't specially like the up and down walk. So its more ... 07/11/2008

     From the coast Kennybunkport Maine, to Hyannis MA to the coasts of Florida along Fort Myers Beach you will meet avid supporters of both contructions.One thing we do know is that most homes which are made of concrete blocks have something in common with frame homes. They usually both have framed roofs.But which one holds better against the weight of the snow,a tropical storm or a hurricane?                                                  Fort Myers Beach CBS homeMy homes was build in 1937, is a frame home on concrete pilings, and didn't get one bruise during Hurricane Charley.Were we just lucky? What about termites? They attack both but if you have a frame home it will depend on what type of wood you have. Hard woods and treated woods should slow them down nicely .Concrete or CBS h... 07/11/2008

My nneighbor, Bonnie, a naturalist, has an amazing way with plants and flowers.  She literally left on my Fort Myers Beach doorstep a type of cow post fertilizer with instructions to place it in a covered white bucket for two weeks.  The two weeks are almost up and it's nearly ready to be spread about.  I can't wait.  I had hinted around for her to give me some of her magic formula.  My gardens are going fine, but with all the raid we are currently receiving along with the fertilizer, I am expecting great growth this summer.     07/11/2008

WE all need to take a breather. I can walk a few minutes from my house and immerse myself in the immense and overwhelming beauty of the sea and forget the mondane or the pressure from work. There are few others places that I rather be,Walking accross San Carlos Bld I can already anticipate the beach access which open towards the Gulf Of Mexico.                                  It may be a moment to just meditate and take a step back. The Sea has always been a source of inspiration for many. Some 4000 years ago The Calusa Indians were fishing sea shells and building religious mounds along the coast. I wonder how their lives was then.They say they may have links to The Mexican Indians and perhaps even the Mayas. They had much in common. It was a feudal civilization who were both feared wa... 07/09/2008

One of the joys I have when I want to kick back and know more about what is going on in Fort Myers Beach is to open our local paper "The Island Sand Paper". According to  The  Mondo members, it is one of the most entertaining and one of the best local American Media outlet. There is nothing like it. They get the inside scoop and more.                                 Their  ""By Islanders, For Islanders"motto is well known among regular visitors, residents or snow birds. AT the helm is maverick Editor/ Publisher Carl Conley.At times controversial and spicy, the Editor of The Island Sand Paper, is also the winner of the Golden Dozen Award in recognition for his editorial excellence, an award given by the  The International Society of Weekly Newspaper Editors for his journalist work as a E... 07/09/2008

A garden is more than decoration or staging or investment.  There is a saying:  A bottle of wine will bring you happiness for an hour.  Marriage will bring you happiness for a year.  And, a garden will bring you happiness for a lifetime.  I don't particuarly agree with the first two statements.  A bottle of wine will make me happy for more than an hour and my marriage has been happy for all these years.  However, the last statement is certainly true.  A garden is a place of pleasure. For the most part, I stay with indiginous or tropical flowers and plants, but once in awhile I experiment.  The soil on may be a bit salty for my current charge, but I am hoping for the best.  In March, I planted a small Magnolia root.  If my transplant is successful and it adapts to our hot Florida sun, I ... 07/09/2008

Last post I offered a Bikini,  This is for those who that will just not do... This is for the equal oppourtunity bathing preference...LOL Dear Investor Client: Featured Listing: MLS #: 2008330104770 Estero Blvd, Ft. Myers Beach, FL 33931 Click on the image to see the Virtual Tour INVESTORS... THIS IS THE TIME TO BUY THIS UPDATED CONDO THAT IS ONE OF THE TOP INCOME PRODUCING UNITS IN SEASIDE. YOU CANNOT IMAGINE THE BEAUTIFUL VIEWS. IT IS HAS PROJECTED RENTAL INCOME OF $30,000 TO $40,000 PER YEAR (rentals in place for 2009, many repeat renters). ON SITE RENTAL OFFICE MAKES ABSENTEE OWNERSHIP A BREEZE. This end unit has breathtaking 180 degree views of the beach and pool. King bed in master bedroom, queen bed in guest bedroom, and living room sofa is a queen sleeper. The unit will sleep si... 07/08/2008

I have looked for awhile for a solid real estate assistant, someone who has an exuberant personality, high energy and can attract new clients. I require someone who is a go getter and Mimi is that (especially if you put a piece of steak in front of her). She does have good social skills, although I wish she that didn't she exhibit her jumping abilities quite so often on potential clients, although most of them take it in good natured stride.   Since I've mentioned this possibility to her, Mimi has become very excited and has even scheduled an appointment tomorrow at Four Paws for a manicure. Mimi is a popular girl here on Fort Myers Beach and possesses many of the qualities that I am seeking in an assistant.  But, is she mature enough to take on such responsibility?                     ... 07/07/2008

The Conservancy of Southwest Florida Sea Turtle Monitoring and protection Program, now in its 26th year, wants all residents and visitors to help during the nesting season by turning off or shielding lights which can be seen from the beach.  Young hatchlings naturally crawl toward the light and thereby not make it to the waters of the Gulf.  Experts estimate that only 1 hatchling out of 1,000  ( some say as high as 10,000 ) reach adulthood.  This species are protected by the Federal Endangered Species Act which makes it a crime to touch or disturb nesting sea turtles, hatchlings or nests.  The Florida turtle nesting season runs from May 1 through Oct 31.  Adults may reach 350 pounds, eat shellfish, horseshoe crabs, clams, mussels and other invertebrates.  Fishing, coastal development, p... 07/06/2008

The first ever Fourth of July parade on Fort Myers Beach was a fun little show, consisting primarily of floats from the various local businesses.  Beads and candy were thrown from the floats to the delight of the crowd on Estero Boulevard. Not as well attended as the Shrimp Festival Parade, but a popular place to be, nonetheless, as all of the locals and some visitors stood on either side of Estero enjoying this first ever event.  The parade commenced about 10:00 in the morning and was over around noon.  My one suggestion to the Town Council would be to change the time of the parade next year for the following reasons:  The fireworks on the Beach do not take place until 9:00 PM.  That is a lot of hours for visiting families between events on a hot, humid day, and a lot of cranky kids an... 07/06/2008

Fourth of July represents freedom, of course, and the day is always filled with symbols of freedom.  In much of the world, people are not free and if nothing else, Iraq has taught us that there are no easy answers to solving the problems that exist in this world.   None who have always been free can understand the terrible fascinating power of the hope of freedom to those who are not free.   - Pearl S. Buck Symbols of Freedom on Fort Myers Beach, Florida/July 4, 2008     07/05/2008