Doing some research on Sanibel/Captiva.

Looks like there's no public transportation there, which is a very likely deal breaker for me right off.

Also saw that there's an issue with no-seeums and mosquitoes. Question: are they bad year-round, or is there a time of year when they're not a problem?

I've been in Sanibel frequently in January through early April and don't remember bugs, but these were mostly day trips. In my Florida experience -- dating back to 1952 -- biting insects tend to be out early in the morning and at dusk beginning in May.

On our recent stay on Sanibel we noticed the gnats at dusk and they noticed our insect repellent and left us alone.

I'm staying for the first time in May and we are renting only bikes for the week. We will be in early, however, since we have kids so riding in the pitch dark not an issue for us.

I'm dreading the bugs.....

WHY are you dreading them when there is a pretty easy way to keep them away from you?

Bug spray is your freind. I'd rather have a gnat than a big old horsefly.

I'm dreading it because reapplying picardin on myself and my 2 toddlers every few hours from morning to night is a chore. Forgetting to do so at the wrong time can mean dozens of noseeum bites on just our lower legs so forgetting or skipping even once isn't an option.

But If this trip turns out the way I hope it does, Sanibel will be an annual destination for us. I love the sound of the laid-back and bike-friendly town where we can gaze at stars in the evening after wandering from beach to pool all day. The food sounds pretty good too!