We all know the old adage of “location, location, location”. This is particularly true for those involved in the Sanibel Island real estate industry in any way. Of course, even Sanibel Island hotels, restaurants, and other industries are well aware of the value of the location as well. What happens when the location begins to lose some of its charm or value? For instance, what if storms and human activities like road building somehow begin to degrade the natural qualities of the location?

This is exactly what occurred in the Clam Bayou area of Sanibel and why volunteers of all kinds are required to help it regain its natural and tourism value. Fortunately, the City of Sanibel, along with a host of partners that include the Nature Conservancy and the SCCF Marine Lab, have pulled together to create an excellent program of restoration.

This program is a unique way to protect your professional interests through volunteerism. Now, this isn’t a simple or casual sort of volunteerism, and there will be no envelope stuffing or community socializing involved. Instead, you will be asked to help with reef building efforts that might include the installation of oyster shell bags, the planting of red mangroves and various sea grasses, and other generally labor-intensive efforts.

When done the area will be returned to its status as a living reef that provides nursery habitat for fish, shrimp, and crab. It will also begin to attract the birds, mammals, and other creatures that bring visitors to the region. Consider the significance of a healthy population of manatees, wood storks, and other endangered species to the entire area. Consider the value such noble creatures have for your business interests in Sanibel. The Community Based Oyster Restoration led by the Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation is an ongoing initiative that everyone interested in tourism and real estate should support.

When you stop to think about the primary recreational activities of the Sanibel Island area what are they? Generally they will include boating, swimming, and a host of other outdoor activities. Interestingly enough, a vast majority of Sanibel events will take place either on or near the water. This means that there is a definite need for specially trained professionals that always includes a lifeguard or two.

Fortunately, residents (both full and part-time) can benefit from this need by considering lifeguarding as a career. For example, the Sanibel Recreation Center is actively recruiting lifeguards and even offering official certification courses to help them get their training.

Imagine…getting a bit more healthy, improving your swimming skills, and getting certification and training for a rewarding career all at the same time. Not only that, but the City of Sanibel offers reimbursement to those who complete the course and work for a minimum of sixty days for the city in the capacity of a lifeguard. This is like tuition reimbursement from an employer, but it doesn’t require the months of college work and intensive studies.

Of course, lifeguarding in a recreational facility is different from lifeguarding at the beach, but the certification provided through Red Cross training is accepted everywhere. This means that someone who gets their certification now can head out to the beaches and locations which regularly require such specialized services.

This could be a great way to enjoy a part-time career that allows you to interact with the many families who frequently visit the Sanibel Island beaches for their annual vacations, and it might also be a great way to make sure your friends and neighbors are safe in the local swimming pools too. Obviously, training as a certified lifeguard is a wonderful opportunity to do a lot of good in the community.

Looking for the ideal destination location for your wedding? Have you considered a spot like Sanibel or Captiva FL? Here you could enjoy a simple ceremony on the beach or a full-blown weekend affair at one of the many country clubs, golf resorts, inns, or other fine wedding venues.

One of the truly wonderful things about a wedding in Sanibel or Captiva FL is the fact that it is so easy to get all of the “red tape” and paperwork taken care of. A simple visit to the Clerk of Courts office to purchase a marriage license is usually all it takes. If you are not a resident you won’t even have to wait for the traditional residential waiting period to pass. This means that you don’t have to head to the area a week or more in advance to take care of all the necessary documentation!

In fact, the area is such a popular choice for weddings that there is a comprehensive array of services and options available to those planning their event. Need a florist? There are a handful of full-service providers ready to create dreamy bouquets and full table arrangements. Looking for a photographer or videographer? The Sanibel and Captiva FL area is full of excellent professionals ready to record your wedding day. There are beauty salons, entertainers and bands, clothing and jewelry stores, and limousine or transportation companies too.

Of course, most people planning a destination wedding require accommodations for their guests, and this area also abounds with plenty of hotels, bed and breakfasts, inns, and lodgings of all kinds.

Finally, if you find you need to plan your event from a distance the area also offers a handful of wedding planners and professionals who can easily help you pull together your dream wedding day or even your full wedding weekend too.