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

Charming CBS Beach Cottage. Lowest Priced Single Family Home on Island. 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.  Where:  Fort Myers Beach, Florida.  Short walk to beach, shops, etc.  What can you say about a seven mile island filled with white crystalline sand?  That the view coming over the bridge onto the Island is not to be bested . . . .  that the sultry, tropical environment is perfect for artistic pursuits, athletic pursuits or just relaxing pursuits . . . . Terms:  $199,000. Lloyd Nichols Sandals Realty     Realtorlloydn@aol.com      LLoyd NicholsSandals Realtycell: 239-810-2980office: 239-463-5217realtorllo... 07/07/2011

Gulf Views: 2nd Floor condo has been recently updated with new carpet, paint and appliances and is move in ready. Outdoor heated pool. Corner unit with views of the Gulf of Mexico from the condo.  2 bedrooms and 1 bath, nearly 1000 square feet.  Fees are $960 quarterly and include water.  Pets allowed with approval. Where:  The Gulf West Winds.  Fort Myers Beach, Florida, the tucked away seven mile island located in Southwest Florida, between Fort Myers and Bonita.  Seven miles of white sand.  Close to grocery, shops and restaurants. Home to the historic Mound House.  Dog Friendly beach.  Family friendly Island.  Terms:  Foreclosure listed at $139,900. LLoyd NicholsRealtorlloydn@aol.com Sandals Realtycell: 239-810-2980office: 239-463-5217Active Rain Blog: http://activerain.com/lloydn We... 06/28/2011

If you are lucky enough to be on Fort Myers Beach today, Saturday, June 18, 2011 you might have noticed a delicious aroma in the air. That aroma is from the first annual " Smokin In The Mangroves " BBQ competition. The teams have been here since yesterday and most have their smokers going since then. This is a "Blind Judging " contest where everyone competes on a level playing field. The judges do not know which team made which entry ! Even a first timer can win with the best tasting entry.   The competition is being held at the Santini Plaza directly in front of the marina at the south end. Teams are here from all over the southland and many bring with them trophies and awards as proof of their prowess ! Smokers can prepare any type of meat they want but only chicken, ribs and pork wil... 06/18/2011

This artfully decorated waterfront home was featured in the Bayside Tour of Homes. 1344 square feet. All new windows with 2 1/2 in. Plantation Shutters, New A/C, New Fans, Newer Roofl New Wood Flooring in both Bedrooms with walk-in closets, New Bathrooms with 18 in. Tile. Popular circular kitchen has New Stove, Disposal and Tile Backsplash. Outside there's a Screened Lanai plus a Florida Room, Double Wide Carport with a Paver Walk to the Rear Deck & Dock with Boat Lift. On Gulf Access canal only minutes to the Gulf. This bright and cheery home is move-in ready - nothing needs to be done! Home Warranty Provided to Buyer. Where:  Just of Fort Myers Beach, Florida, on a gulf access canal, minutes to the Gulf of Mexico. Terms:  Listed at $279,000 Realtorlloydn@aol.com LLoyd NicholsSandals R... 06/02/2011

Beautifully remodeled 3 bedroom 4 bath home, 1742 square feet. Where:  Fort Myers, Beach, Florida Located on Estero Island, Fort Myers Beach is only seven miles long and you can virtually walk its entire length, from the fishing pier to the bridge that connects it to Lovers Key. The heart of Fort Myers Beach is Times Square, near the northern tip of the island. Here is where you will find shops, restaurants, nightlife, beachside bars and is the place you will want to sit and enjoy.  Throughout the year, Fort Myers Beach hosts festivals and entertainment all up and down the beach such as the annual American Sandsculpting Contest and Festival, Pirate Festival, Shrimp Festival, Offshore Grand Prix Boat Races, and an annual Holiday Boat Parade, to name but a few.  The Island is also home to... 05/31/2011

What's happening in Fort Myers Beach in June, 2011? Find out right here! Kid's 4th of July Fishing Tournament - June 25, 2011 Bonita Bill's Waterfront Café, 702 Fishermans Wharf Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931 (239) 463-6119       More than 150 kids ages 3 to 15 participate in this long-running event the weekend before the Fourth. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. Contact Bonita Bill's for more information Acoustic on the Beach Jam Sessions - Wednesday evenings from about 5pm 'til about 9pm The Beach Pub 1668 I Street, Fort Myers Beach, FL 239-765-6102 Be sure to drop by the Beach Pub Wednesday nights, as Lou and Tim have just kicked off Acoustic on the Beach jam sessions. Starting around 5 p.m. and ending around 9 p.m. every Wednesday, locals (and visitors, alike) are encouraged to bring the... 05/21/2011

Feng Shui NYC consultant visits the Fort Myers Beaches in Florida! Fort Myers Beaches in Florida, small town leading to the beach For a full week Laura Cerrano Feng Shui New York consultant visited various parts Florida to take a break from the hustle and bustle of NYC.   Fort Myers Beaches Florida was beautiful filled with fun shops, cafe's, restaurants, and people.  Beaches were packed, due to 80 degree heat! The Fort Myers Beaches are located in Lee county Florida and run along the Gulf Coast.  The Gulf water was so warm and inviting! When exploring Florida, you have options for the type of activities you can do.  For many, they may choose just to relax on the beach and get that great tan. For others, like Laura Cerrano, they may choose to be more active on the beach by, swimming, ri... 04/09/2011

Fort Myers Beach " Art on the Boulevard "  Sunday April 3 from noon to 4 PM   The Fort Myers Beach Art Association is holding an " Art on the Boulevard " at Century 21 Tripower located at 2001 Estero Boulevard.  The local artists are hanging their best works as I write this and the public is invited to enjoy the show Sunday April 3 from noon to 4 PM.  Works included in this show highlight local island life and scenes !  The paintings are being hung on the walls and aisles of the real estate office.  Tripower has long supported the local art community and is thrilled to host the show and invited public.  Most of the works are for sale and the artists will be on hand to answer your questions.  Hope to see you here !!!         04/02/2011

Want to know what's happening in Fort Myers Beach this month? Well, here you are! April 3, 2011 - Stop by Century 21 TriPower at 2001 Estero Blvd on Sunday, April 3rd from 12:00 until 4:00 pm, to see the Art Show and Sale. You’ll love the beautiful watercolors and other art created by local artists of beautiful local scenes.March 30th  through April 3, 2011 is the Sand Bash, where you'll have the opportunity to see eighteen of the best "Master" sand sculptors from all across the country create wonderful works of art from piles of sand and enjoy many other festival activities. Located at the Holiday Inn at Fort Myers Beach, 6890 Estero Blvd.More Info: www.sandbash.com   Easter Egg Hunt and Easter Coloring Contest….Saturday, April 23, 2011 The Easter Egg Hunt will be held at 9:00 am on Ap... 04/01/2011

Fort Myers Beach Sand Bash is here and runs through Sunday April 3, 2011.   Our island and amazing beaches is lucky enough to have two sand sculpting events !  The newest event is called the Fort Myers Beach Sand Bash and is in its first year.  Headquartered at the Fort Myers Beach Holiday Inn the event is open to visitors daily until the final judging on April 3, 2011.  This event is different in that there will be nine 2 man/woman  teams working on carvings over two stories in height and over 400 square feet at the base.  A $10,000 purse is helping attract mastor carvers from all over. Event organizers promise to have about double the number of shuttles as for past events.  Admission is $8 / day for adults with kids under 5 admitted free.  Four day passes are $20 for adults.  Fun, gam... 03/27/2011

  The Cincinnati Firemen did what they do best...in Fort Myers Beach, that is. They put on a great show for charity, just like they've been doing for the past 20 years. This year they performed on a stage created at the Lani Kai Resort, and that made it ever so much easier to see the firemen as they danced, mimed and yes, did a little bit of grinding, and wowed the crowd. Some very nice ladies were walking around throughout the performance, collecting donations in their fireman's boot, for a charity selected by the Firemen for 2011. These hard working guys put on a show 5 out of 7 days for two weeks every year. This year's final performance will be Thursday, March 24, 2011. If you are going to be in the Fort Myers Beach area the week of March 21, 2011, be sure to set aside an hour or s... 03/20/2011

The 2011 Fort Myers Beach Shrimp Festival happens this weekend: March 12 & 13.  It started off Saturday with a 5K Run followed by the 53rd Annual Shrimp festival parade.  The parade route runs along Estero Blvd which is the north south drag for Fort Myers Beach.  The parade started at 10 am and this year lasted untill 11:20.  Seems like the parade gets bigger and better every year !  Local bands, civic and community groups, fire & EMS units, local buisinesses, Shrimp Queen contestants, motorized vihicles and just about anyone who wants to be part of a fun parade joins in !  One float handed out ice cold water to our visitors, some wore goofy costumes, everyone had a great time.  Family friendly fun, great weather, smiling crowds.  Fort Myers Beach - I love this place !!!  The festival c... 03/13/2011

The 53 rd Annual Fort Myers Beach Shrimp Festival will begin on Saturday March 12, 2011 with our Shrimp Parade.  The festival began in 1959 as a very local celebration for the local shrimpers, crabbers and fisherman.  Today it boasts a terrific parade, crowning of a Shrimp Festival Princess, food & crafts expo and the Blessing of the Fleet.  The festival kicks off with the 10 am parade.  The parade route begins at the island elementary school and ends at Lynn Hall Park. Important reminder:  The bridge to Fort Myers Beach will close at 9 am and remain closed until noon !!! If you need to get on or off Fort Myers Beach from the north end you must do so prior to the bridge closing.  Don't chance missing a flight by not observing the bridge closure times. Best viewing is along Estero Blvd. ... 03/10/2011

Fort Myers Beach garage sale to help Homeless Pets  If you are an animal lover like our family you should plan to attend the garage sale to benefit homeless pets on Saturday, March 19, 2011.  Please consider donating items for the sale.  Drop off donated items at: 7875 Buccaneer Dr or 7901 Buccaneer Dr. on the south end of the island.  You can also drop off sale items or baked goods at Century 21 Tripower's office at 2001 Estero Blvd. and I will make sure they get to the sale !    There will be a bake sale at the same time to help raise additional money for our homeless friends. This is our " pound rescue " which we named " Pepper " .  Get it ?   Black _____  !!!   She adopted us as a puppy while my oldest daughter, Jamie, was voluntering at the local animal shelter.  When the family jo... 03/10/2011

Fort Myers Beach " Taste of Santini & Art Fair " was held Saturday Feb 26, 2011.  It was held in the parking lot of the Santini Plaza shopping area.  Now in its' second year the fair well attended.  Having a great location mid-island and plenty of sunshine doesn't hurt.  Intended to showcase the local restaurants and businesses within the Santini Plaza by having the restaurants provide limited menus and house specialties available for event goers.  Along with the tastings were local businesses and service providers to the island.  The event started at 9 AM and continued until 4 PM.  Crowds were excellent and spanned the entire day.  Attendees were encouraged to donate canned goods for local charities rather than an entry fee.  Don't you just love these local community events !  Here we ... 02/27/2011

March 2011 Fort Myers Beach events & activities are what it’s all about at the Beach, if you’re a Spring Breaker, that is!  The beach is hoppin’ day and night at this time of year. The weather has been beautiful and continues to provide the perfect backdrop for seasonal activities.If you are planning on vacationing in Fort Myers Beach this month, just know that there are people everywhere. Plan on slow drive times (get a tan while you wait) and long lines. It’s peak season on the beach.  And it is tons of fun!The 53rd Annual Shrimp Festival begins on March 4, 2011 with the Princess Ball. There is fun, food, dance and entertainment.Plus,  meet all the Shrimp Festival Princesses in the running for this years 53rd Festival Queen! Location: 5601 williams Drive, Fort Myers Beach, FL, United ... 02/27/2011

FT MYERS BEACH RESORT LIVING BACKBAY LOCATION WITH GULF ACCESS, 2 bedrooms and 2 baths, nearly 1100 square feet.  Great Living and/or Great Investment. Where:  Fort Myers Beach, Florida, at the Santa Maria.  Santa Maria Condominiums are located on the quiet, sound end of Estero Island, a short walk to shops, restaurants, or the beach. Or, hop on the trolley for a quick ride to Times Square. The private pool, one of the largest on Fort Myers Beach, has two spas and plenty of seating. There is a public golf course within walking distance. Terms:  Foreclosure listed at $174,000. LLoyd Nichols Realtorlloydn@aol.comSandals Realtycell: 239-810-2980office: 239-463-5217Active Rain Blog: http://activerain.com/lloydn Website: http://www.mlsouthwestfloridahomes.comListingbook: http://lloydnswflori... 02/25/2011