Posted by:  Ellie Penaranda - Naples, Bonita Springs & Fort Myers Beach Real Estate                         25th Annual Sand Sculpting Championship & Beach Festival                                  Thursday Nov. 2nd to Monday Nov. 6th, 2011 For more than 25 years, Fort Myers Beach has been the home to the American Sand Sculpting Championship and rightfully so with a wide beach of sugar sand that is regarded as some of the best in the world for sculpting.  This event brings the best artists from around the globe.  You will see some of the most elaborate and detailed sand castles that you will ever see and the artists imaginations run wild with sculpted dragons, life like statues, scenes, animals and monuments.  Amazin' Walter, a world renowned sand sculpting artist is noted for his incr... 10/21/2011

The Fort Myers Beach Annual Sandsculpting Championship Championship Festival is coming soon!  Mark your calendars for November 2 -6, 2011 and join the fun when the popular, family friendly event marks its 25th year on Estero Island.The Gullwing Beach Resort is the place, located at 6620 Estero Blvd at the southern end of the island, and over 50,000 attendees are anticipated to attend this five day event.What will attendees be able to see and experience? There will be sixteen of the world’s best Master Sculptors along with Amateur Sculptors, and they will all use the beautiful, white sandy beaches to create their magnificent, one-of-a-kind works of art.Individual and group competitions among the master sculptors and amateurs will be featured. Sandsculpting 101 will also be offered to tho... 10/19/2011

BEACH HOUSE DIRECTLY ON THE WHITE SANDS OF THE GULF OF MEXICO:   Large 3/2 UPSTAIRS WITH 2/1 rental unit considered legal downstairs. Metal Roof, granite countertops throughout kitchens and bathrooms, tile and wood flooring, large crown molding. Private elevator.Beautiful upstairs with balconys running the full length of the house. Private elevator. First floor is a legal rental unit or as part of the main house opening up to private beach area on the Gulf of Mexico. Granite countertops throughout the kitchens and bathrooms. Tile floors. 2690 square feet. First and second floor patios and balconies. Two car garage and half of garage for storage. Private beach directly in back of the house - as well as the Gulf of Mexico. Many Decks and Patios for entertaining. Where:  Fort Myers Beach, ... 10/11/2011

Wondeful place to live or Investment:  3 bedroom with a den and theater room could be 4th bedroom, 3 bath, upgraded kitchen, breakfast nook, wood flooring in formal dining room and living room. Also a guest house on property with a 2 bedroom 1200 sq ft home next door.  Nearly 5000 square feet in all.   Where:  Fort Myers Beach, Florida, just a short walk from the Beach. Fort Myers Beach is a favorite destination of many locals, snowbirds and vacationers. The island boasts miles of white, sandy beaches along the Gulf of Mexico, where the ocean floor slopes gently towards the horizon with no sudden drop-offs or big waves. These beaches are the perfect place to spend the day, and the breathtaking sunsets are known the world over.  The Town of Fort Myers Beach maintains 25 public beach acce... 09/30/2011

Short clip of nature in Fort Myers Beach, except for a bike. Can nature tell us something about ourselves? sure I stay confident that without going overboard, we will improve our planet. Sure there is along way to go. Like most I want the next generations to witness it and enjoy it as much as we do know. Estero island is as we speak is refurbishing the beach at the North End of the island. At   Bowditch Point . A 17 acres regional Park Click on the picture for video clip. Courte video de la nature a Fort Myers Beach. je reste confiant que nous allons ammeliorer notre planete. 09/26/2011

Activities are starting to pick up at the Beach, and October has some great events coming our way! Friday, October 1, 2011 there will be a book signing at Doc Fords, 708 Fishermans Wharf Drive, Ft Myers Beach Author and restaurant owner Randy Wayne White will be signing his books from  12-2pm and 4-6 pm. Books are available for purchase during the event. And, you won't want to miss the entertainment starting at 7pm by the Chicago Mob, incorporating everything from Rhythm & Blues to Funk, Soul and classic hits, this is fun danceable music...done "Chicago style" The 6th annual Pirate Festival is happening October 7 - 10, Columbus Day weekend. Lots of pirates on the streets, with music, vendors, activities for the entire family, and of course, plenty of good eats. Find out all the details ... 09/25/2011

So you want to see some pirates, damsels, dancing, a pirate ship...even mermaids? Look no further, mateys! Fort Myers Beach will celebrate it’s 6th Annual Pirate Festival October  7 - 10, 2011, with activities and events for kids and adults on this Columbus Day weekend.For the grownups (no little mateys at this shindig), the Pirate’s Ball will kick off the weekend events.   Nervous Nellies at Snug Harbor Marina is the place, $10 admission, from 7 to 11p.m. An Irish pirate band will provide the music and there will be lots of fun for sure, including some food and drink specials. Saturday and Sunday will offer many family friendly activities, including a treasure hunt, roving musicians, stage shows, pirate ‘skirmishes’ and a host of street vendors along Old San Carlos Blvd and under the S... 09/21/2011

Corner unit with views of the Gulf from the condo. 2 bedrooms and 1 bath, nearly 1000 square feet. Where:  Fort Myers Beach, Florida, located in Gulf West with an outdoor heated pool. Terms:  Foreclosure listed at $139,900. Fort Myers Beach has long been a favorite of locals, snowbirds and vacationers. The moment you cross over the north Matanzas Pass Bridge onto the island, you will find yourself in Times Square, the heart of Fort Myers Beach. There are over a dozen restaurants and beach bars within walking distance of this town center. Many are right on the beach, as well as shops and lodging, so no need to worry about driving.  If you arrive at the beach by boat, you can find a spot on the inland waterway on the north side of the island to tie it up. For larger boats, cruise on into... 09/20/2011

Gulf Access Canal:  Remodeled Key West Style Cottage, 2 bedrooms and 1 bath plus efficiency with bath. Covered boat dock with lift and 2 decks. Where:   Fort Myers Beach, Florida Terms:  $349,900 Fort Myers Beach History The Calusa Indians were the first inhabitants of the present day town of Fort Myers Beach. The territory was under British and Spanish control from the the late 17th to the mid 19th century. In the mid 18th century, the Calusa Indians were displaced, and the Cuba, Ranchos, and Creek Indians took control of the region. Following the Homestead Act of 1862, American settlements were established. William Case established a cottage rental industry on the island in the early 1900s. Estero Island, where Fort Myers Beach is located, was known at that time as "Crescent Beach". D... 09/16/2011

                     Joe Kendall, Broker Associate with Sandals Realty, the Waterfront, Residential Communities, Short Sale Expert and Author of over 1,300 posts about the real estate and the lifestyle of Southwest Florida ( Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel Island ) writes:   Southwest Florida offers some of the best sunsets you may ever see !! We normally get a afternoon brief shower or thunderstorm in the late afternoon hours almost everyday which some people call "Liquid Sunshine"! These rain clouds help produce some of the amazing shows of color you may ever see in southwest Florida.   Living near the gulf coast in the communities of Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Fort Myers Beach and on Sanibel Island as each day comes to an end here in southwest Florida it results in... 09/01/2011

Fort Myers Beach, Florida, the intimate seven Mile Island situated between Fort Myers and Bonita Springs. Charming CBS Beach Cottage. Best priced single home in Fort Myers Beach over 1000 SF.Great room with recent floor tiles, 3 Bedroom home, laundry room. Recently finished room or 'bonus room not included in the under air living area sf. Was formerly a lanai that has glass screen doors,with modern windows leading to the fenced backyard.Could be used as an office or 4 th bedroom.Needs window unit or ac duct extension. Roof about 9 years old, AC about 5 years top brand.Lots of Possibilities. Quiet residential area close to the bay and short walk to the beach, grocery, restaurants, et. CBS home. Terms:  Listing Price:  $161,000   Also small CBS home, 3 bedrooms and 2 baths. Terms:  Forecl... 08/14/2011

The philosophy of Estero Island of Fort Myers Beach has not changed that much in the last ten years since we relocated on the island from Naples. Sure they renovated the downtown area of Town Square with cobbles stones, fancy European like street lights, palm trees, benches and embellished Old San Carlos Blvd towards Estero Bay and the streets along it are wider with shade from overhangs from newer restaurants and stores.There is a beautiful fountain at the end of Old San Carlos Blvd next to tasteful 3 story condos towards Bay walk Cafe. One of the other favorites is Matanzas Inn and Resort Restaurants http://matanzas.com/restaurant/photo-tour/ south just on the the other side of the bridge. Great view of the Harbor and Estero Bay. It offers local sea food..ribs..chicken salad. Yummy.  ... 08/08/2011

3 bedroom/2 bath CBS Home/850 square feet. Where:  Fort Myers Beach, Florida Once upon a time, this intimate seven mile island Estero Island was accessible only by boat.  Then came the contruction of the first bridge, which allowed easy access from the mainland.  Then came the famous "swinging wooden bridge" which I still hear about from neighbors who have been living on The Island for over 30 years.   Boating, sailing, fishing, relaxing on the white sand by the Gulf of Mexico has made this Island a dreamed of place to reside and a favorite desitnation for vacationers.  This home below needs work but is a very low Fort Myers Beach Foreclosure. The potentials are there. It is located 2 mn to the beach and 2 mn to Estero Bay.  Nightlife gleams along the northern tip of the island around s... 08/08/2011

These two are a couple. Charley is the female and is usually in charge, she is the tiger cat.We adopted her some 2 years ago and then one year ago we adopted Jake. We have the papers on Jake. They are outside cats in Fort Myers Beach and when its raining or to hot they may go under the house where there is an old sofa. Sometimes Jakes takes off for a few hours, probably to get away from Charley's strong control and honey doo's.They fight a bit, mostly in a playful way, then they may kick back in the shade after the meals together. They can't be inside, because our dog, Miss Mimi, will not have that. Charley is a sort of general of the property. She knows everything that is going on. Fort Myers Beach is pet friendly. Dogs are allowed on Estero Island’s beach  as long as they are on a lea... 08/06/2011

Beach House, directly on the sand by the Gulf of Mexico.  Renovated.  2 bedrooms and 2 baths. Where:  Fort Myers Beach, Florida.  Seven miles of white sugary sand.  Walk the length of the beach or bike it. There are a couple of parks on the north end of Fort Myers Beach.  Bowditch Point Regional Park has picnic tables, grills, restrooms, hiking trails, and of course, beaches.  Lynn Hall Memorial Park is another excellent park with covered picnic areas, restrooms, a playground for kids, a fishing pier, good parking, nearby shops and restaurants.  And the newest park, Crescent Beach. There are also many quiet areas of the Beach also, where you can just relax with a book and the only sound the surf. Terms:  Short Sale listed at $499,900. LLoyd NicholsSandals Realtycell: 239-810-2980office:... 08/03/2011

Joe Kendall Broker Associate with Sandals Realty writes: Many people do not understand what qualifies you for a short sale. To easily understand how you could be approved for a short sale by reading my guidelines for writting a hardship letter.   I would like to give you some tips on how to write a hardship letter to your mortgage lender: Remember you are composing the "hardship letter" for your bank or your mortgage servicing company, do not write a book because most likely it will not get the attention of an over worked loss mitigation employee and they will look at it as your trying to build up a case that you may not have in their minds from the start. The person that is going to read this is not an English major, but someone that understands general information that is factual. Pl... 07/28/2011

What's happening in Fort Myers Beach in August, 2011?  Well. it's plenty warm, sunny and typically  there is an afternoon shower. The seasonal crowds are absent but you'll always find some vacationing folks as well as the locals strolling the beaches and streets. As you might expect, events on the beach are also  quieter during the summer, but if you enjoy soccer, here's an event for you! Soccer on the Beach - August 5-7 2011 Soccer on the Beach is the original beach soccer organization in the United States. Founded in 1991 by former Premier League goalkeeper, Peter Mellor, after visiting Copacabana, “Soccer on the Beach” is a family-oriented, boys, girls, and co-ed soccer tournament held on the sunny beaches of south Florida. Adults, children and families can look forward to enjoying t... 07/24/2011

Yes I am bias. Its been over ten years when we moved to Fort Myers Beach or Estero island. Sometimes I try to stop the time from flying and look again at our island with new eyes. The last 2 years or so I have witnessed a strong flux of visitors and buyers from Europe and Canada. For these of you who are contemplating purchasing in Fort Myers Beach, Sanibel, Fort Myers, Bonita Springs or Cape Coral, let me assist you and make the whole experience easier. En Francais si cela facilite votre experience. With the Euro so strong and the canadian dollar holding its own, plus prices still at bargain levels, it is the perfect storm for foreign buyers.We welcome you. South West Florida is part of an International real estate. It's a fact. L'Immobilier dans le Sud-Ouest de la Floride, l'immobilie... 07/19/2011

Just tied the knot?  Uncle sam might be very pleased because he'll have his hooks into $50,000 more of your income this year.How can this be, isn’t marriage and family supposed to reduce tax liability, especially among the middle-class.  Not so.  Here’s how it works.  As a single tax payer you have up to a $25,000 passive activity loss that can be taken against rental properties which can offset your regular income from another job.   This passive activity loss can include all the regular repairs, taxes, depreciation, mortgage interest and other allowable losses that most investors rely upon.This passive activity loss offsets standard income dollar for dollar.  So for instance if you work at a real-estate firm and earn a paycheck for $75,000 per year and have $25,000 in losses on your i... 07/14/2011

If you ever dreamed of lliving on a small Florida Island  . . . . . Fort Myers Beach, Florida: Lowest Priced Beachfront House:  Listed at $839,000.  2 bedrooms/2 baths.  Located right on the gulf with a stretch of private beach flanked on both sides by sea oats. The water is warm, and the front and sides of the house are completely windowed with a panaoramic view. Lowest Priced House on Island: Listed at $199,000.    2 Bedroom home with large den/office which is used as a large and private third bedroom and another finished room or 'bonus room that was formerly a lanai that has glass screen doors leading to the fenced backyard.Could be used as an office or 4 th bedroom. Short walk to beach, shops, etc. Lowest Priced Beachfront 2 bedroom Condo: Listed at $269,000, Low maintenance fees. R... 07/14/2011