Sanibel Island Red Tide?
 

We will be visiting Sanibel Island in Feb. '08. I have heard of red tide problems there in previous years. Is there a red tide problem this year? I hope a local or a recent visitor can answer this.
Thanks,

Bob

Bob, there has been no problem for awhile now. You should be fine in Sanibel next month, so far as anyone can predict. I don't think there's been a Red Tide problem for several months now. Have a wonderful time there. Here's a link to a site where you can find Red Tide updates every Tuesday and Friday.

http://www.floridamarine.org/feature...e.asp?id=12373

Thanks for the good news.

Bob

Bob, where are you staying on Sanibel? Have you been before? I've had two nice vacations there the last couple of years (last one in September), and I look forward to going back again soon!

This is my first trip to Sanibel. We are trying to decide where to stay. Do you have any recommendations for places in the $200 range?

Bob

Bob, the first time, we stayed at the little Palm View Motel, ( palmviewsanibel.com ) about a block off the beach near the Holiday Inn. We were there for just three nights, and they accepted pets, and we needed something at the last minute. The units were very cute, very clean. There is no pool, and you have no outside seating area ... but it was fine for those days as we were out all the time anyway. By the way, that website has not been updated, rate-wise, for a few years so I'm sure rates are higher than shown now.

This last time, we were at The West Wind Inn ( westwindinn.com ) Just fabulous, and it would cost you around $250 for a room IF you can get one now (maybe get AAA/some other discount?) February thru April 15 is HIGH season, and I think they're all booked for February but you could try. It's right on the best shelling beach, wonderful pool, just a great old Florida style place.

I haven't been to Island Inn but hear good things about it, and the rates are more reasonable for Sanibel. ( islandinnsanibel.com ) If you plan to go, better reserve something soon as it's a busy time of year. Good luck!

Thanks for the info.
Bob