Our Journey Back to Paradise – Update 4

OUR JOURNEY BACK TO PARADISE

Our roofing project is complete! We are excited to have new roofs on all our buildings! It was quite a challenge for our contractors as some of our buildings had structural damage to trusses. But they worked tirelessly to make sure everything was repaired and replaced even stronger than before. You don’t realize how much material it takes for 8 buildings (7 condominium buildings and our clubhouse) until you see more than 16 tractor trailer loads of shingles!! A huge thank you to our roofing contractors for working from day one putting on tarps to the final shingle going in place.

The Blind Pass Condominium Board and staff appreciate all the positive notes from guests who are looking forward to the day we have visitors back at our beautiful property. We have always loved our amazing tropical paradise and are working with a landscape designer to create an even more natural and native property than before! The clubhouse is getting closer to completion and work is underway in our buildings. We look forward to seeing all of you back at Blind Pass enjoying our wonderful amenities and beaches! With gratitude ~ The Blind Pass Board of Directors

A View of Our Beach

As our island and beaches continue to heal from hurricane Ian, we are thrilled to see the beautiful water and so much wildlife reappear. This photo was taken from a boat in front of our beach. The water has been crystal clear and a vibrant blue color. We look forward to seeing our guests, owners and friends enjoying our beach again soon! Check out our Facebook and Instagram pages as we continue to share photos.

Clubhouse Update

The Clubhouse framing, roof and rough electric has been completed. We’re waiting on windows and doors right now and we’ll be sure to share photos to our Facebookpage when they get installed! As we get closer to reopening, we will have a place for our guests to check-in, ask questions and visit. We look forward to seeing everyone again!

Roseate Spoonbills

We spotted these Roseate Spoonbills flying past our beach the other day! These birds are probably the most photographed bird on Sanibel Island and usually found at our neighbors, the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge. It was a beautiful sight, as they flew over head! We’ve also spotted Snowy Plovers and White Ibis at our beach – a sure sign of natures recovery.

Manatees in Clam Bayou

We know that some of our guest’s favorite memories over the years include seeing the manatees in Clam Bayou as they cross over the bridge. We’re happy to announce that the manatees are thriving and enjoying the inlet once again! We have seen several manatees over the months. We’ll keep sharing photos as we see these majestic creatures enjoying the water. Read more.

Lunches for the working crew continue

We have a crew of people working at Blind Pass Condos. They are helping to bring Blind Pass back so we can re-open and welcome owners and guests again. This devoted team has been working tirelessly since day one. Our wonderful community of owners and guests have donated to a workers lunch fundraiser — this has been a great way to say Thank You from afar. So far, we’ve hosted 9 lunches and have recently been able to order from Island Pizza. We’re happy to help support local businesses on island as they reopen! Read more about our lunch fundraiser here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photos Around Blind Pass

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our Journey Back to Paradise Continues…

We are committed to sharing our story as we continue on this journey. Our guests, friends and Blind Pass families are a source of inspiration to all of us. Thank you for the support, the kind messages, the sweet stories and uplifting notes. We appreciate all of you and look forward to keeping you informed. Make sure you’re signed up for our newsletter, we’ll continue to share our updates and progress along the way. Thank you!

3 Fun Places to Explore near Sanibel Island this Fall

Do you and your family have a vacation planned to Sanibel Island this fall? If the answer is yes, allow us to share a few fun things that you can explore nearby. Staying with us at Blind Pass Condominiums will allow you and your family to explore the area a little. Let’s look below at where those three places you can explore near Sanibel Island this fall.

Cayo Costa State Park

aerial view of cayo costa state park in florida

Did you know that there are many barrier islands near Sanibel Island with state parks located on them? One of those state parks happens to be Cayo Costa, located just an island north of our island. The Park is open from 8:00 am until dusk every day of the year. There is admission to the island, which is $2 per person, and they use the honor system, and please only include the correct amount. You will need to take the Ferry ride over there to access the island, but it’s a hop, skip and jump over to it. Some of the things your family can do are hike, search for shells, fish, and enjoy the beach. Think of the memories you can make while at this unique state park.

Lighthouse Beach Park

Lighthouse Beach Park is located at the East end of Sanibel where the tip of the island meets the gulf. The park features about 32-acres and has a lighthouse that is “famous” to many. Here you’ll be able to ride bikes, grill out, fish from the pier and so much more. There is a parking fee for about $5.00 an hour and Handicapped Parking for free. Another plus to this park is that it is handicapped accessible which is great for everyone in the family!

Lovers Key State Park

beautiful beach at Fort Myers in america

Another great state park that is located within a 30-minute drive from Sanibel Island is Lovers Key. Located in Fort Myers is where you’ll find this fantastic stretch of white sands to explore. They are open 365 days a year from 8:00 am until sundown, and it costs $8 per vehicle to park. One of the things that many families love to participate in at Lovers Key State Park is geocaching and swimming. They also offer tours, and they do have different amenities at the park as well. The whole family can get involved in spotting the best shell of the trip and take it home to save for years to come.

While many other state parks are located within a 30-minute drive from Sanibel Island, we wanted to share these with you. If you still haven’t booked your next fall vacation to stay with us at Blind Pass Condominiums, give us a call today. We can’t wait to hear which state park you tried on your vacation this fall!

Benefits of Booking a Vacation Rental with Us

Benefits of Book a Vacation Rental with Us

Do you and your family want to take a vacation to a tropical beach but don’t want to travel to the Caribbean? Then have no fear because when you book a Sanibel Island Condo vacation rental, then you will be in Florida’s hidden gem. Between the access to the beach and the amenities that we offer to our guests, you won’t want to leave your vacation. Let’s look at what the benefits are when you book with us.

Beach Gear

Whenever you go on a vacation to the beach, that means lugging all the beach items that you’d think you will need. When you book with us, you will not need to bring the beach items with you except for beach toys for the kids and sunscreen. All our units are equipped with 6 beach towels, 4 beach chairs and 1 beach umbrella. This can help leave extra room in your car to bring home souvenirs and even some shells for your collection.

Fun in the Sun

Benefits of Book a Vacation Rental with Us

No beach vacation is complete without heading to the beach, but when you stay with us, we have some other fun things to do. Blind Pass has many different amenities that you will want to not leave the complex. From playing tennis to walking over to Bowman’s Beach on our wood footbridge. To sign up for tennis rackets and balls to loan, stop in the front office to sign up for them.

Benefits of Book a Vacation Rental with Us

We also offer to all of our guest’s complimentary use of our kayaks and canoes for you to take out on the Clam Bayou. Here you will be able to see many different animals such as egrets, herons, and even perhaps a manatee or two. Be sure to bring along with you a camera that you can capture the moments of nature while on the water. Fishing, shelling and nature walks are available nearby and we promise you won’t hear the kids say, “I’m bored”.

Feels Like Home

Benefits of Book a Vacation Rental with Us

Anytime you go on a vacation, you want it to feel like you are at home with comfortable furniture and more. You want to have a full kitchen that you and the family can make homemade dinners or a quick lunch to take on the beach with you. We provide in your unit towels and linens, a washer and dryer and a days worth of laundry and dishwasher detergent. We also provide toilet paper, paper towels and trash bags. While we don’t provide other items, you are just a short drive to the grocery store where you can stock up on the extra items you may need. If you want to save time and be able to enjoy the beach a little more with the family, then you can bring a few items from home to help save time and money. No matter how long you are staying with us, you will feel like you are at home, yet relaxing while on vacation.

While there are many other benefits of booking with us, we thought that these would be more helpful for you when making your decision. Sanibel Island has so much to offer such as shelling, feeling like you are on a tropical island and just spending time with the family. If you are ready to book your Sanibel Island Condo vacation rental, please give us a call today or book it online. We look forward to helping you and your family enjoy a relaxing vacation to our beautiful island!

Where Sanibel Island Located?

Have you heard of people taking vacations to Sanibel Island but you’re not sure where it is? Allow us with Blind Pass Condominiums to share with you our location and why it’s a great area of Florida. Staying in one of our Sanibel Island vacation rentals will allow you and your family some time to reconnect. Let’s look below and learn a little about where Sanibel Island is located.

Where in Florida?

map of florida showing where sanibel island

Sanibel Island is in Southwest Florida on the Gulf of Mexico and about 20 minutes southwest of Fort Myers. We are on a barrier island of the mainland and our quaint island is about 12 miles long and only about 3 miles wide. You will notice that a good portion of the northern side of Sanibel Island is habituated by the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge. We promise that our island is the perfect spot for spending your family vacations on for years to come.

Shelling Capital of the Southeast

Seashells many sea shells shelling foreground on Sanibel Island, Florida during day on Gulf of Mexico shore and bokeh background of colorful blue water ocean

Another big reason that Sanibel Island is a great place to visit is because we are known as the shelling capital of the Southeast. You will notice that our white sand beaches and crystal-clear water will help you find some unique shells you may not find anywhere else, except for the Caribbean. And it’s only natural for our island to have a museum dedicated to shells called the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum. We promise that once you visit the museum, you won’t want to visit any other imposter museum again.

Sanibel Island is the perfect island to sneak away from life back home, enjoy the island life and live it up looking for unique shells. If you haven’t booked your vacation to stay with us at Blind Pass Condominiums, give us a call today. We can’t wait to see you and your family as you explore our beautiful island here in Southwest Florida!

Don’t Miss These Fun Easter Events Happening on Sanibel Island

It’s hard to believe that Easter and Spring Break will be here before we know it in just a few short weeks. Sneaking away from life at home and getting to spend the week on Sanibel Island is just what you may need. Staying in one of our Blind Pass Condominiums will allow the whole family to enjoy their break from school and get close to the fun. Let’s look below at what fun events are happening this Easter here on the island.

Easter Egg Hunt & Dolphin Cruise

boy holding basket full of colorful easter eggs after egg hunt at spring time

If you’re going to be vacationing with us the weekend of Easter, look no further for something fun and exciting. On Sunday, April 17th at 9:00 am, 10:00 am & 10:45 am, Adventures in Paradise hosts an Easter Cruise. Hop onboard their unique boats and enjoy Easter “island style.” You will cruise in the San Carlos Bay and while you’re on your way to the island, get a glimpse of a dolphin or two. This is a paid event, and the cost is $69 for anyone over the age of 12 and $59 for anyone under 11. Included with the price of the event are easter pails and bottled water, along with a visit from the Easter Bunny. Think of the fun you’ll have at this event, living it up “island style.”

33rd Annual “Ding” Darling Day

Little boy searching with binoculars at the beach dressed as explorer concept for nature, discovery, exploring and education

While this may be on the end part of your Easter vacation or Spring Break trip to Sanibel Island, it was one we couldn’t leave out. Saturday, April 24th, is the 33rd Annual “Ding” Darling Day, located at Lakes Park in Fort Myers. Some of the things you and your family can enjoy at this day event are art demos, nature journaling, urban birding, and much more. Think of all the fun you and your family can have while on your vacation, getting to experience this event.

Many other things are happening on the island this April, but we had to share a few. If you haven’t booked your stay with us at Blind Pass Condominiums yet, call us today. We can’t wait to hear how you and your family spent your Easter break.

Don’t Miss this Year’s #BookDirect Day

Are you and your family planning a vacation to Sanibel Island this year? We need to tell you why you should #bookdirect with us if you are. Many online third-party vacation rental sites can add a 5%-20% additional fee to your reservation. We know that your vacations are significant and may limit how much you can spend each year. Blind Pass Condominiums wants to make sure that you get the most out of your money when visiting Sanibel Island. The only way that you’ll be able to enjoy your vacation without getting hit with that unexpected fee is by booking direct today!

A Little About #BookDirect Day

On February 2nd, 2022, we celebrate the 5th Annual Book Direct Day, which was created to help educate vacation rental guests on the benefits of booking directly through an owner or Property Management Company vs. using a Third-Party agency such as Airbnb, HomeAway, VBRO & TripAdvisor.

While you may recognize these big-name companies and their gimmicks in helping you save money, you will soon learn that they will charge you a fee for using their website. Who wants to pay extra just to try and save a little money? Some of the expenses that you may incur when you book with an OTA can range from 5%-20% of the total cost of your vacation rental, which in turn can cost you thousands of dollars extra depending on which rental you choose.

Why You Should Book Direct with Us

When you book direct with Blind Pass Condominiums, you will not only speak with one of our vacation specialists who are local to Sanibel Island and can give you the best information on the area. We know all the details on each property because we have personally been to them. We can provide you with our recommendations on where to dine, play, shop, and visit businesses in the area. Our office is conveniently on Sanibel Island, so if any problems arise while you’re on vacation, we’re here to help.

How You Can Book Direct with Blind Pass Condominiums

You will find that booking directly with us at Blind Pass Condominiums is easy! We encourage all guests to book their vacations directly through our safe & secure website, www.blind-pass.com or call our office at (800) 852-2038. Rest assured that we will never charge any hidden fees, and we will always provide you with the best available rates on our professionally managed vacation rentals. We don’t want you to have to pay anything extra so that you can use that money to go out to eat, explore the island or make a local day trip. We understand that your money is precious, and we can help you see that your vacation to Sanibel Island is the best one it can be each year!

Family making a sandcastle in the sand with water in the background

Are you ready to plan your vacation today? #BookDirect with Blind Pass Condominiums today to have the best-planned vacation year after year!

Ring in the New Year on Sanibel Island

Do you and your family have a vacation planned to stay on Sanibel Island this New Year’s Eve? If the answer is yes, allow us at Blind Pass Condominiums to share a few events happening in the area. Staying in one of our Sanibel Island vacation rentals will keep you and your family close to the celebrations. Let’s look below at how you and your family can ring in the New Year on the island.

Downtown Countdown

Realistic Colorful firework with smoke for celebrate happy new year 2021 countdown festival anniversary birthday party

If you’re looking for something that the whole family can do on New Year’s Eve, then head on over to Fort Myers. On Friday, December 31st, beginning at 6:00 pm in downtown Fort Myers is where you’ll find this big celebration. This year there will be about five stages with different live music performances to enjoy. Not only will there be live music but there will also be food vendors, live entertainment, the ball drop, and we can’t forget the fireworks. Don’t ring in the new year without checking out this fun and exciting evening with the family!

Celebrate in your Vacation Rental

Happy multiracial family drinking champagne during holiday celebration in decorated flat. Christmas, New year, Thanksgiving, Anniversary, Hanukkah, Mothers day, Easter, engagement celebration

Another great way to ring in the new year is to celebrate in your vacation rental. One of the benefits of staying with us at Blind Pass Condominiums is the space you’ll have for the whole family. Whether you have just your immediate family or you’ve brought along some stowaways, you’ll have just as much fun. There is something for everyone, from making a little fun celebratory dinner to watching the ball drop on the television. Even if the littles can’t stay up to ring in the new year, celebrate with those you care about in the rental.

Other fun events are happening in the area, but we wanted to share some ideas with you. Now is the time if you haven’t booked your next stay with us at Blind Pass Condominiums. We can’t wait to see and hear all about how you rang in 2022!

Escape to Sanibel Island before School Starts this Fall

Beach and sand, water and ship, bird and blue sky, seagull in water, Sanibel Island, Florida

Can you believe that the summer is halfway over, and school will be back in session soon? We can’t either, and we thought that you might need a last-minute vacation beforehand. Staying with us at Blind Pass Condominiums will allow you and your family to sit back and relax all week. Let’s look below at why you should escape to Sanibel Island before the kids head back to school this fall.

Weather

Three pastel colored beach chairs on sand overlooking a turquoise sea.

One of the biggest reasons why many families love to vacation to Sanibel Island just before school starts or fall is the weather. The sun shines just about every day, with an occasional shower in the afternoon. The high during the day is around 92°, with a low of 75° at night. The days will bring plenty of blue skies, a few clouds, and a forecast of paradise here on Sanibel Island in August.

Explore the Resort

Father and daughter playing tennis on outdoor court. Family with tennis racket and ball at net in sport club. Coach teaching young kid. Child learning to play. Training for kids. Children exercise.

Another great thing that you can do while staying with us at Blind Pass Condominiums has to offer you. We offer all of our guests everything that you need to relax and enjoy your vacation. Head to the pool for the day or take a short walk over to the beach and enjoy the relaxing waves of the Gulf. Play a little tennis with the family as we provide the racquets and tennis balls. If you’d like to enjoy a little bit of nature, then we can help you as you can do little fun kayaks and canoes for you to use for free. Think of all the fun things your family can do without having to leave Blind Pass!

While you can do many other fun things on your next trip to Sanibel Island, we wanted to share these. If you haven’t booked your last-minute vacation to stay with us at Blind Pass Condominiums, give us a call today. We can’t wait to hear how relaxing and fun your vacation was here on the island!

Famous People who Vacation & Live on Sanibel Island

sanibel island beach with chairs

Did you know that a lot of famous people like to vacation to and live on Sanibel Island? Sanibel Island has become quite a hot spot for celebrities to come and spend their time with family and friends each year. The island has such a serene and peaceful vibe to it that we can only recommend that you spend time with us at Blind Pass Condominiums.  Let’s look below at a few celebs that you may spot while on vacation or that have a home here on Sanibel Island.

Celebrities on Vacation

Some of the celebrities that have been seen enjoying Sanibel Island while vacationing with family or friends are.

  • Eric Clapton
  • Former Vice President Mike Pence
  • Johnny Depp
  • Tom Cruise
  • Matthew McConaughey

Celebrities that Own on the Island

Many celebrities have decided to make Sanibel Island as their second residency or a vacation home for many good reasons. One is that when you first arrive on the island all of your worries just melt away. Or we’d like to think this is true.

  • Williard Scott – NBC Weatherman
  • Joe Perry – Aerosmith Guitarist
  • Tom Hanks
  • Robert Rauschenberg had lived on Captiva Island before he passed away in 2008.
  • The parents of Chris Walken owned a home on Captiva Island

While there are many other celebrities who have vacationed or own a home here on the island, we wanted to mention these with you. If you haven’t had the chance to stay with us at Blind Pass Condominiums yet, then give a call today. Who knows, you may spot a celebrity or two on your next vacation to Sanibel Island.

What to Do on A Rainy Day on Sanibel Island

What to Do on A Rainy Day on Sanibel Island

When it comes to Florida even during the winter months, it’s sunny but there are a few days where it might rain. Even though it may be raining on Sanibel Island, there are plenty of things that you and your family can do. And staying in one of our 3-Bedroom Condos that will keep you close to where the fun begins. Let’s look at what you and your family can do while it rains when you vacation to Sanibel Island.

I See Seashells

The shelling you can do while you are on vacation to Sanibel Island is probably why you came to visit, but when it rains it will give you the perfect excuse to learn more about them. The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum is where you will see thousands of seashells from around the world. You will also be able to see an exhibit that is dedicated to the shells found on Sanibel Island and even from nearby town, Captiva. If someone from your family is a serious shell collector, then they will drool over the world-record sized seashells found on display. This is the only shell museum in the U.S. that offers daily beach walks and mollusk tank talks to help educate visitors about the creatures that make and inhabit those pretty seashells.

Let’s Learn History

What to Do on A Rainy Day on Sanibel Island

When it comes to Sanibel Island, the history is rich here. For those rainy days and if you would like to learn a little more about Sanibel Island, then head over to the Sanibel Historical Museum and Village. Here you and your family will be able to get the feel for Sanibel as it was 100 years ago with being able to visit a few historical buildings. One of the buildings that your family will be able to visit is the Sanibel School from 1896 and the 1926 Post Office. Admission is $10 per adult and children are free. There is a museum store that you will be able to purchase a few things about the history of Sanibel Island, so be sure to check that out. Even when on vacation, learning can be done on rainy days.

Explore the Beach

What to Do on A Rainy Day on Sanibel Island

If you keep a close eye on the weather, then you can take advantage of the beach if there are any breaks from the rain. Having a weather app on your phone can help you feel out how “rainy” the day will be and will allow you to still enjoy the beach some. Grab a beach bag or seashell bag with you where you can do the “Sanibel Stoop” as you collect some of the shells from the shores. Knowing that you and your family could be enjoying the outdoors even when it’s raining can be a new family tradition.

Play Board Games at your Resort

Another great thing that you can do on a rainy day here on Sanibel Island is playing a few rounds of board games in your room at Blind Pass Condominiums. Bring a few family favorites with you on your vacation. While you listen to the rain in the background, you can play a game or two for a little bit. If board games aren’t your thing bring whatever games you love to play at home and just enjoy your time together. 

No matter whatever you decide to do whether it’s relaxing or finding a new adventure while it rains on Sanibel Island, they are memories you will have forever. If you still haven’t booked your next vacation to Sanibel Island, then you should check out Blind-Pass Condominiums for your next visit. We hope that we will be able to see you and your family on your next vacation making magical memories.