Sanibel-Captiva Daily

Ding Darling Tarpon Tournament Final Results and Pictures 

Tournament Day couldn’t have been better for tarpon fishing . . The day began with a stiff breeze, as 39 teams checked-in with the Diversified Yacht Services Tournament Boat. Spirits were high with whoops and hollers and “good lucks” all around. The winds lightened, seas calmed and the tarpon began to show why they are called the Silver King! A total of 39 Tarpon were called in as official catches with the first catch of theday by Team Windows Plus and Team Naplesandfishingtours.com at 7:45 . . Windows Plus did a DNA scrub, so they were in the lead. 

The calls kept coming in from different teams, Teams Sand Pebble and Doc Ford’s leading the way. There was a lull for about an hour from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., and the calls began coming in again until the last wire when four boats called with hook-ups just before the 4:00 p.m. deadline. 

It was neck and neck between Team Doc Ford’s and Team Sand Pebble with each team landing 5 fish and each doing a DNA scrub. Sand Pebble had caught their first fish before the other team, so it looked as if they would be the winning team . . . With approximately eight minutes before 4:00 p.m., Team Doc Ford’s called in with a hook-up and they landed that fish at 4:01 p.m., making them the winning team with a total of 6 official fish.

The top two teams were given a truth verification test (more effective than a polygraph) by TVS, Inc. and passed, making the final standings official .Congratulations to all the teams for being great sportsmen and women! 

A HUGE THANK YOU TO Birgit Vertesch, Executive director for Ding Darling Wildlife Society,  FOR DOING A GREAT JOB AT THE FIRST ANNUAL!  MANY LONG HOURS AND HARD WORK. YOU GO LADY! GREAT JOB! Working hard all the way to the end!  (photo Credit Kevin Stahl)  click below to see more and download for free. Enjoy! 

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DING DARLING TARPON TOURNAMENT PICTURES FORT MYERS CAPTAINS MEETING AT DOC FORD’S OF SANIBEL ISLAND TOO!

RANDY WHITE!

GREAT TEAM!

CLICK BELOW TO SEE ALL. (MORE TO COME) photo credit: Kevin Stahl

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Look what I woke up to in my backyard today.Thank you zoom lens. Click below to see more: (DO NOT FEED THE GATORS!)

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Ding Darling Tarpon Tournament.

Here is the Schedule: 

Tell them the Daily sent ya.

Yes, Sanibel-Captiva Island fishing season is in.

Sanibel Island-Captiva Island: The Gators On Sanibel Island-Captiva Island. There’s a lot of people who come to Sanibel Island and Captiva Island to see an alligator and don’t. So I thought I would get a picture of one I saw to show you all that they are here.

 Always remember: Don’t Feed The Alligators.

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Who loves Sea Turtles?? “Dining for Wildlife” are dishing out proceeds to support the care and rehabilitation of animals at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida Wildlife Clinic. On select dates in April and May, the restaurants will donate half of the proceeds from special “Dining for Wildlife” certificates to the Conservancy of Southwest Florida Wildlife Clinic.  Local restaurants participating in “Dining for Wildlife” are dishing out proceeds to support the care and rehabilitation of animals at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida Wildlife Clinic. On select dates in April and May, the restaurants will donate half of the proceeds from special “Dining for Wildlife” certificates to the Conservancy of Southwest Florida Wildlife Clinic.  The Clinic treats more than 2,400 injured, sick and orphaned animals are treated annually and approximately half of those animals treated are released back into their native habitats.

Patrons can choose from fixed-price meals at $40, $60 or $80 per person. The price includes a three course meal, non-alcoholic beverage and sales tax.  Alcoholic beverages and gratuity are not included.

Dining for Wildlife kicks off April 22 and runs through May 17. To participate, diners must visit www.conservancy.org/dining where they will choose the time period when they would like to dine, select from participating restaurants and price points, and purchase dining certificates. Once the certificate is purchased online, a copy will be sent via email. The diner must make a reservation at the restaurant accordingly and bring their printed certificate(s) to the restaurant. Additional terms and conditions are available online. For more information or questions, emailnikkied@conservancy.org or call the Dining for Wildlife Hotline at 239-325-2666.

Dining for Wildlife is sponsored by Naples Daily News. Participating restaurants include Alexander’s of Naples, Barbatella, Bayside Seafood Grill & Bar, Bistro 821, Bleu Provence, CaféLurcat, Campiello, ChezBoet, Ciao Ristorante, HB’s on the Gulf at The Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club, M Waterfront Grille, Pagelli’s Rustic Tuscan Grill, Preston’s Steakhouse, Ridgway Bar & Grill, Sam Sneads Oak Grill & Tavern at Lely Resort, Sea Salt, Season’s 52, St. George & the Dragon, The Bay House Restaurant, The Dock at Crayton Cove, The Real Macaw Restaurant, The Turtle Club and Vergina Restaurant.

About the Conservancy of Southwest Florida:

The Conservancy of Southwest Florida began in 1964 when community leaders came together to defeat a proposed “Road to Nowhere” and spearheaded the acquisition and protection of Rookery Bay. The Conservancy is a not-for-profit grassroots organization focused on the critical environmental issues of the Southwest Florida region with a mission to protect the region’s water, land and wildlife.  This is accomplished through the combined efforts of environmental education, science and research, policy and advocacy and wildlife rehabilitation. The Conservancy Wildlife  Clinic treats more than 2,400 injured, sick and orphaned animals each year and releases about half of them back into their native habitats. The Conservancy of Southwest Florida and Nature Center is located in Naples, Fla. at 1450 Merrihue Dr., off Goodlette-Frank Road at 14^th Avenue North. For information about the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, call 239-262-0304 or visit www.conservancy.org.

And they do sooooo much more: 

shareshare

Name that Sanibel Dog.Yes this is Boo……….do you know where he works?

Who loves Sanibel Island, Fl. Coupons?Here are just some of the fabu coupons available via the Daily.com

Enjoy! (If you’d like your coupon posted just email us or give us a call 239-822-6593)

Sanibel Sea School’s Octifest, a Good Cause on the Causeway

On Saturday March 31, Sanibel Sea School will celebrate six years on the islands of Sanibel and Captiva with their annual fundraising party – Octifest on the Beach in a tent on Causeway Island A.  Guests can look forward to a sunset that can’t be beat, a gourmet local and sustainable dinner, good music, good friends and a good cause.  Proceeds will benefit scholarships to Sanibel Sea School and the gap between tuition and the cost of the programs for all students who attend Sanibel Sea School programs.

Octifest sponsors recently gathered at Doc Ford’s Rum Bar and Grille to celebrate together and enjoy each other’s company, thanks to the generosity of Mark and Heidi Marinello and Doc Ford’s Rum Bar and Grille.

Principal corporate sponsors for the Octifest on the Beach are PURRE and Lily and Co. who will be the key ingredient of a grand prize adventure that involves floating coconuts, glow sticks, and bobbing wishes cast off into the ocean.  So, prepare for surprise.

Some highlights of the live auction will be:

•  A two-hour floating cocktail party aboard the Sanibel Thriller
• Doc Ford and Doc Bruce – a boat trip with Doc Bruce to lunch with Randy Wayne White at Doc Ford’s Rum Bar and Grille on the wharf at Fort Myers Beach
• The Sanibel Sea School Powerwashing Team: the scientist blasters will clean your house or dock
• And more!

There will be opportunities small and large to contribute and even more importantly, there will be opportunities to learn about Sanibel Sea School, a 501c3 dedicated to a world in which all people value, understand and care for the ocean.  For tickets to Octifest, call Dina at 472-8585.  To find out more about Sanibel Sea School, visit sanibelseaschool.org and take a look at what we do every day!

Sanibel/Captive Island: Even The Cattle Egrets Hang Out On Sanibel.

Photo Credit: Kevin Stahl

Cattle Egret

Scientific name: Bubulcus ibis
Family: Aredidae
Order: Ciconiiformes
Class: Aves

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS:

The cattle egret, also known as the buff-backed heron, is a white bird that ranges in length from 19 inches to 21 inches. They have a short, yellow bill. Their legs and feet are a light orange color. They have a medium-size length neck. When it is breeding season, the adult birds develop buff feathers on their heads, backs, and breasts. Their legs and bills also become brighter in color.

DISTRIBUTION and HABITAT:

Originally from Africa, the cattle egret is now distributed among six different continents: Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, North America, and South America. In the United States, the cattle egret can be found in every state except Indiana, New Hampshire, Washington, West Virginia, and Wyoming. The birds have also taken up a migratory pattern, which take them in the winter to Latin America and the Caribbean. The egrets habitat consist of fields, marshes, freshwater wetlands, pastures, livestock pens, swamps, and air strips. The cattle egret can be found near cattle because it eats the insects that associate with cattle.

BEHAVIOR:

Cattle egrets live in colonies and are very sociable. Colonies can consist of several hundreds of birds living in one big tree. They also nest with other types of birds. Cattle egret travel daily to foraging areas singly or in flocks. The egrets follow cattle, wild or domesticated feeding on the insects that are disturbed by the cattle. These birds are very adaptable to the new environments.

DIET:

The diet of cattle egrets consists of insects particularly grasshoppers and they avoid bumble bees, wasps, and yellow jackets. They expend less energy in catching their food by following cattle and farm machinery and catching the insects that are flushed. In aquatic habitats they eat frogs and fish. Captive egrets in zoos are given smelt, mealworms, and crickets to eat.

BREEDING:

During the mating season the adult birds start to display their buff plumes upon their head, breast, and back. The male bird collects materials for a nest; the female then creates the nest. The pair mate while on their nest. About 2-6 eggs are laid. The eggs are incubated for about 18-30 days. The mother gives an additional amount of male hormones to the first eggs that are laid. This supplement makes these chicks more aggressive. This may be the mothers way to give an extra push for the survival of the first born chicks. The first born chick may kill the younger ones when competing for food.

Cattle egrets are not endangered or threatened species. In fact, they are highly successful because they feed around large grazing animals. These birds are common. Since the late 1800s these birds have expanded across half the world. The cattle egret was introduced to Hawaii in 1959 and they may be accountable for the decrease in native wetland birds because of their increasing competition for food and nest areas, and directly preying upon young birds.

HAPPY ST. PATTY’S DAY

Sanibel Island Florida: The Gathering Of The Cormorant’s. Sanibel Island Birds.

How would you like to be a bird on Sanibel Island?

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National Marine Sanctuaries Director to talk at Sanibel Community House Sanibel Sea School will host An Evening with Billy Causey on Monday, March 19 at 7:00 p.m. at the Sanibel Community House. Dr. Causey will be speaking about the value of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) to recreational fisheries.

As the Southeast Regional Director for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, Dr. Causey has instrumental in the development of the management plan for the 2,900 square nautical mile Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, which is the third largest marine protected area in the United States. Dr. Causey’s has been observing and documenting the impacts of climate change on coral reefs in the Florida Keys since 1979.

He has participated in and presented at numerous workshops focused on the impacts of climate change to coral reefs, and most recently, has become engaged in ocean acidification issues, as they relate to climate change. Dr. Causey has received numerous awards for his work in coral reef conservation, but is probably most highly recognized for his experience in marine protected area management and policy development.

He was responsible for establishing the first comprehensive marine zoning plan for the United States. Please join Sanibel Sea School in welcoming Billy Causey into our community. Together, we can spark a sea change that will allow enjoyment of our oceans for generations to come. Monday, March 19, 2012 7:00 p.m.

Sanibel Community House, 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel

Please call Sanibel Sea School at 239-472-8585

CHECK OUT OUR NEW FAN PAGE SANIBEL ISLAND FLORIDA AND YOU CAN WIN $250 SHOPPING SPREE . YEE HAW……….SPREAD THE WORDCHECK OUT OUR NEW FAN PAGE SANIBEL AT : https://www.facebook.com/SanibelCaptivaDaily FOR ALL YOUR NEEDS.

A BIRDS EYE VIEW OF SANIBEL ISLAND

Another great day on Sanibel Island and Captiva Island Florida

Sanibel Island: The Early Bird Gets The Worm.

And the early sheller gets the shells.

So come on and be one of those Sanibel Island early birds and find the shell your looking for.

Sanibel Island: The Early Bird Gets The Worm

You must love a Captiva Island Florida SunsetYou must love a Captiva Island Florida Sunset

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Sanibel Island Shelling: The Sanibel StoopSanibel Island Shelling: The Sanibel Stoop

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A Good Day For A Game Of Golf. Look Out For The Birdie.

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J.N. Ding Darling Is One Wild Life Adventure That Sanibel Island Has To Offer.J.N. Ding Darling is a wonderful place to see Floridas wild life. There are all kinds of  birds to see, river otters to watch, and much, much more. Just taking a walk though J.N. Ding Darling is enjoyable. Before or after you see the sights of  what J.N. Ding Darling has to offer your minds eye. You can go check out the J.N. Ding Darling Education Center. The J.N Ding Darling Education Center is a wonderful place to educate yourself on Floridas wild life. Click on more photos to see what my minds eye saw along with my camera while I was at J.N.Ding Darling.

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Please Respect The Law, Wildlife, and Waterways.

You never know who’s watching.

Might even be me watching you

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Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge

A trip to Sanibel Island lighthouse and beachPeople come from all over the world to see this, make sure to stop by Tuttle’s and the Lighthouse Cafe on your way out. See more pictures below: 

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God Bless Sanibel

FUNDRAISER FOR KEVIN JOE STAHL was sadly injured at C.R.O.W. Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife, Inc Sanibel Island Florida, while working. The Fundraiser will be held at MATZALUNA’S.

New Auction Items Announced for Kevin Joe Stahl Fundraiser

A benefit fundraiser for Kevin Joe Stahl, to be held on Saturday, January 21 from 2 to 4 PM at Sanibel’s Matzaluna Restaurant, will have an abundance of valuable auction items offered to those who bid. These include a New York Jets game ball signed by Head Coach Rex Ryan. The authentic game ball has been donated by 2nd Head Coach Mike Westoff. It joins other recently donated items such as gift baskets, jewelry, fine art from Sanibel and Captiva Island artists and galleries, and much more from South Seas Resort, The Bait Box, Bailey’s, Grog Shop, Tuttle’s, Lily & Co, JB Designs and artists such as Alan Maltz, Richard Sullivan, Katie Gardenia, Sheila Hoen. Restaurant also are represented, with Il Tesoro, Sweet Melissa’s, The Mucky Duck, The Lighthouse Restaurant, The Green Flash, Island Pizza and more.

Kevin Joe Stahl, has been the Sexton at St. Michael’s & All Angels Episcopal Church on Sanibel, and an employee at Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW), which treats and cares for injured wildlife during their recovery. Now, it is Stahl’s turn to be in recovery after corrective surgery for a recent injury damaging four discs in his lower back. During this recovery he is unable to do heavy work associated with his employment.

Sandy Kostick, organizer of the fundraiser, advised that proceeds will  assist Stahl with living expenses while he is unable to work. Kostick added, “We are thrilled at the response from Sanibel and CaptivaIsland friends of Kevin’s. The outpouring of contributions for the silent and live auctions is very gratifying. We look forward to a large turnout Matzaluna on Saturday.

A light buffet and beverages will be served at the event, which will also include live entertainment by Robbie Hutto.  A $10 per person contribution will be collected at the door. There will also be a cash bar. Please come and help out this fundraiser as 

Those unable to attend the event are requested to send donation checks, payable to Kevin Stahl, c/o Reverend Ellen Sloan, St. Michael & All Angels Episcopal Church, 2304 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, Florida 33957.  Kevin stated” I am overwhelmed by the out reach of the community. I so wish to get better quickly and give back to all that have given to me. I look forward to seeing you all Saturday  and I really can’t find the words to say THANK YOU enough for your support.  Please come and join us. You learn very quickly who your friends are when times go bad. I am so blessed to all locals. Especially:  Rev. Ellen Sloan, Matt Asen, Mark Blust, Rex Ryan, Mike Westoff,  Sandy Kostick, Mr. & Mrs Hart, Richard and Bonnie McCurry, Matt Hall, Joanne and Buzzie Murphy, Bill Waites, Denny Toll, Jean Avre and so many more.” 

The event is being supported by friends and acquaintances of Kevin and the following local businesses:www.prawnbroker.com/floridawest/Matzaluna/index.php, Sanibel www.sanibelCaptivaDaily.com
Online PR News.com, Native American Jewelry.com

For questions and more information, please contact: Sandy Kostick @ 239-822-6593 

CHECK OUT SOME OF THE WONDERFUL ITEMS AT AT THE AUCTION: FUNDRAISER FOR KEVIN JOE STAHL was sadly injured at C.R.O.W. Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife, Inc Sanibel Island Florida, while working. The Fundraiser will be held at MATZALUNA’S. Be sure to get there early. Silent auction starts at 2 sharp ends at 3:30, when live auction will begin.

Click here to see Lisa in action with her Bee’s  BEAUTIFUL! http://www.sanibelcaptivadaily.com/2011/09/30/bees-on-sanibel-only-with-bee-lisa-yummy-honey-too/

Happy New Years Eve to all

We wish you health, wealth and happiness. May you have much gratitude.

Tuttle’s Seahorse store….SUPER COOL STORE ON SANIBEL EAST END!

Check out what I got for Christmas from way cool Tuttle’s: http://www.tuttlesseahorse.com/

Season Greetings And to all: a good night , love bear………..xoxoxox

Coming soon. Behind the scenes of the www.SanibelCaptivadaily.com

How it started, what we do, late hours……..goofy real pictures of us working to bring it to you…………stay tuned. Almost 5 years now. Some of these pictures are old. That is what makes them so funny.  WOW! This is just a taste. LOL  (we had not much to work with then) Yes, That is me Sandy Kostick. Looking fab lol. UGH!!!!!

Liz Noffsinger Submitted this great Sanibel Island Nature Photo. Stunning Spoonbill.

Time to Change my friends to
our new Facebook Fan Page:

Go to our NEW Sanibel Captiva Daily Fan Page
and “like” us for a chance to win $250 in gift cards.

 Hurry as we are running out of time!

 click here to like us

 SPREAD THE WORD BIRD…….:)

photo credit: Sandy Kostick

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SANIBEL CAPTIVA LUMINARY FESTIVAL 2011

SANIBEL CAPTIVA FL WILDLIFE

PHOTO CREDIT: Kevin Stahl

Great pictures of Dolphins on water ways from Jennifer ValiquetteCheck out these great pictures submitted by Jennifer Valiquette

THANKS JENNIFER!

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The Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum announces photo contest winners

The Shell Museum received 34 colorful entries for its 2nd Annual Photography Competition.
The panel of three judges selected the following photos for awards: (First Place) Eleanor Bennett, Higher
Disley, Cheshire, England; (Second Place) Lori Schroeder, Bardstown, Ky.; (Third Place) Anne DuPont,
Delray Beach, Fla.; (Fourth Place) Jeff Schroeder, Bardstown, Ky.; (Honorable Mention) Anne DuPont and
Jeff Schroeder.

Here gator, gator………….

BEAR SENDS HIS LOVE TO ALL THE SANIBELCAPTIVADAILY.COM LOVERS……………

AGAIN, THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR CALLS, EMAILS AND CONCERNS. MR. BEAR IS DOING REALLY GOOD UNDER THE CIRCUMSTANCES.

TASTE OF THE ISLANDS SANIBEL 

(photo credit Kevin Stahl)

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