You will be surprised to learn that a small, out-of-the-mainstream island holds such a progressive, modern, and flourishing center of library resources and culture which includes adult programs with book discussion groups and author lectures and book signings, changing private collection and exhibits, rotating local and national artist displays, state-of-the-art electronics and internet access, several computers, computer and internet classes, numerous videos and DVD’s, collection of more than 50.000 books in print, on CD, on tape and downloadable online, “Books for Babies” programs, story hours and other youth programs, and lake view reading porch with rocking chairs. There are beautiful and interesting shell displays in the Library. Library volunteers contrbute thousands of hours of time and energy to the Library’s on-going success. The Library is an island oasis within an island. Parking is very convenient. The Sanibel Public LIbrary is definitely worth checking out.

To get there from the Sanibel Causeway: Take a right on Periwinkle Way to Tarpon Bay Road. Turn right, head north to Sanibel-Captiva Road where you turn left. Follow Sanibel-Captiva road until you see the Bowman‘s Beach sign, turn left to Bowman Beach Road for approximately 1/10 mile and turn right into the public parking area. Parking is $2 per hour, strictly enforced. There are some large spaces for RV parking there also.

There is a short (less than 5 minute) walk along a boardwalk, scenic trail, and across a brackish and fresh water bayou, by means of a wood footbridge. You have an opportunity to see different kinds of wild life as you cross over Clam Bayou. Most days you could observe fish jumping from the water, perhaps a night heron resting in the water by the mangroves, or a white egret standing at the top of a dead tree near the water. Take your camera!

The beach is wide and there are not usually many people there. But, it really doesn’t matter because you have miles of beach available. The shelling is like all other beaches on Sanibel. Sometimes there are lots of shells, sometimes less, but it‘s doubtful you would leave empty handed.

It’s a great place to spend the day on the beach and have a picnic. There are plenty of tables and grills placed in shady areas so you can get out of the hot sun. There are also pay phones, bathrooms, showers, changing rooms, a play ground, pavilions, hiking trails, and bike racks. The trail to the beach is wheelchair accessible. You can easily turn a day here into a relaxing adventure.

The public can reserve a pavilion or schedule a beach wedding at Bowman’s Beach by calling the City Manager’s Office at (239) 472-3700.

Enjoy photographs of the beautiful sunsets at Pointe Santo de Sanibel taken on September 10th.  People come to Pointe Santo just to see the sunsets.  Pointe Santo is the southern most point on Sanibel Island.  Come and enjoy them in person!

The race begins and ends at the Sanibel Community House, 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel Island, with a prompt 7:30 a.m. start time. FISH will be hosting an expo at the House from 7 a.m. to 12 noon with music and refreshments as part of the pre- and post-race festivities.

The entry Fee is $25.00 (pre-registration price) and Race Day registration is $30. Deadline for pre-registration is Friday, October 9 2010.
For more information on this road race that is growing in popularity, and helps fund a great local organization, visit www.fishofsanibel.com.

Christmas Luminary Trail & Open House 

 December 02, 2011  and December  03, 2011

Recent projections by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) confirm the sentiments of a leading local expert that there is a minimal likelihood of oil from the Deepwater Horizon/BP oil spill impacting the Beaches of Sanibel and Captiva on southwest Florida’s Gulf coast.   There  is  less than 1% chance of oil  reaching  Sanibel Island and Captiva Island    However, in  the event that Sanibel Beaches are closed due to the oil spill, we will refund your money for any time that the beach is officially closed.

The seven buildings located in the  Historical Village are original residences and businesses moved to this location from 1983-2004.    The Packing House, used for archives, is the only replicated structure.  Interiors of each building are decorated with period furniture,  many are antiques donated by families of the original homesteaders.

Come see the original schoolhouse from 1896, a fishing cottage dated 1898, and a grand old 1913 Cracker House.  The original Bailey’s General Store and the Post Office are from 1926-1927.   The Sears Roebuck kit house from 1925 also is on site.

Docents conduct tours and will answer questions, or a printed guide is available for self-guided tours.  Plan on spending an hour or more as there is much to see.

Open November through April  10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and May to August 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday.  Special group tours are available Sunday through Tuesday and can be arranged by calling 239-472-4648 or 239-472-9075.  Donations of  $5.00 per adult are appreciated.