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Sanibel Island
Contributing Writer Phaidra McDermo
ush tropical palm trees frame Sanibel Island beaches. e pink hue of the sand is a result of millions of pastel-colored sea
shells that line the shore. Sanibel Island is a natural sanctuar y to all who visit and reside there, including the more than 230
species of birds who share the same water, sun and sand.
Sanibel Island is a contemporar y paradise with just enough "Old Town" charm to add to its character and appeal. A famed
original lighthouse from the 1800s keeps watch over Sanibel and remains lit to this day. As folk lore suggests, the island
is believed to have been frequented by pirate Jose Gasper, who is thought to have buried his treasure on Sanibel Island in
1884 before plunging to his death. This often repeated pirate lore adds to the island 's allure and its natural bounty.
Many mid-centur y explorers and modern day travel gurus refer to the island as "my Sanibel " such as writer A rthur
Froomer, who listed Sanibel and its sister island Captiva as his #1 favorite place of all time. Both are noted on ... Continued
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