The experience of driving north over Blind Pass bridge, which connects Sanibel and Captiva, is like driving from one fantasy into another.  Sanibel and Captiva share many similarities, but it is their differences that are most striking.  Sanibel:  large land area, bulging shoreline, half-refuge, many residential communities.

Captiva:  sliver of land where one can see the bay and the Gulf at many points; one main street from which dirt roads lead to secluded tropical houses; a small laid-back "downtown" area full of cafes, restaurants and stores a coconut throw from the Gulf and bay; a world famous exclusive resort; and water, crystal blue water everywhere.
Blind Pass and Turner Beach
 Sanibel seems to change at its northern tip.  The Gulf becomes visible from the road at the little village of Blind Pass.  Then, you cross the Blind Pass bridge onto Captiva. People notice different things in the crossing.  The incredible clear Gulf water and Roosevelt Channel.  (Named for Teddy Roosevelt who was a frequent visitor to the island.)  Anglers hanging lines over the bridge for the water's spectacular snook.  Mounds of shells along the beach. The first Blind Pass bridge was built in 1918.  A county ferry crossed the pass in 1911.  Today, a new modern bridge built in the 1980's, spans the narrow pass.
Looking at History
Captiva is indeed captivating, and no more so than when unveiling it's folklore and historical tales - some of which may be true.  One of the most colorful, though most suspect, is the tale of pirate Jose Gaspar.  A Spanish nobleman gone bad, he allegedly captured and looted ships from the Gulf from his vantage point at nearby Boca Grande.  He took the fairest ladies captive to - where else - Captiva.  The fair ladies were held there until their ransoms could be paid in gold.  Legends continue that there is gold buried all over Captiva Island. Pirates did indeed use these islands as safe ports, but we may never know the complete truth about Gaspar or his gold.

Recent News     With the beach renourishment completed, our beaches are now bigger and better than ever.  Kudos to Allison Hagerup and the board of the CEPD for their tireless efforts.  Speed limits have been  lowered to 30 mph from  Blind Pass Bridge to the first "S" turn south of 'Tween Waters Inn and then to 25 mph to South Seas Resort.  Watch your speed!  

2005 Sales Statistics   
               
               
Prop.Type Location # Sold Total $old Avg.$  SP/LP Avg.DOM $ +/-
               
SF Bay 1 $2,255,000 $2,255,000 na na -$545,000
  Gulf 7 $27,562,500 $3,937,500 89% 215 -$162,175
  Near Beach 19 $30,100,000 $1,584,211 94% 325 $308,256
  Roosevelt 4 $11,685,000 $2,921,250 93% 307 -$48,750
Condo 1 Bdrm 15 $7,176,530 $478,435 97% 194 $101,704
  2 Bdrm 21 $17,812,381 $848,209 97% 60 $63,084
  3+ Bdrms 9 $13,875,000 $1,541,667 96% 42 $26,606
Commercial   2 $1,900,000 $950,000 84% 135 $950,000
               

Marcel Ventura, GRI
Toll Free: 877-7MARCEL
E-mail: Marcel@MarcelVentura.com

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