Business Notes
New owners unveil vision for SanibelIsland.com and CaptivaIsland.com
The two top-placing Southwest Florida’s internet destination domains, Sanibelisland.com and CaptivaIsland.com, have been purchased by Island Internet Group, Inc., of Naples, FL.
Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.
It marks the beginning of an ambitious effort to create the most comprehensive online travel and business resource for the islands. Former Sanibel resident and founder of the island’s first central accommodations service in 1992, President Gary M. Wilson, said the sites’ new design will help visitors discover accommodations, activities, dining, shopping and local services while giving island businesses new ways to connect with and serve island visitors.
A key part of Island Internet’s plan is to make independent island property management companies and on-site condo rental operations come up first on sanibelisland.com and captivaisland.com ahead of the national travel sites like Tripadvisor, Expedia, Travelocity and booking.com, who all charge property managers and on-site management a hefty commission when their rentals are booked through them. Additionally, private rental owners will have the opportunity to present their properties alongside established island accommodations and property management companies.
“This will give visitors more one-stop shopping choices when planning their stay,” Wilson said.
Both domains, in a simple “Sanibel Island” or “Captiva Island” search, consistently rank first and second on all search engines (Google, Bing, Duck-Duck, Google Chrome, AOL, Safari). They often appear in a #1 position before sponsored ads.
Island Internet also plans to offer a nominal pay-per-click advertising fee option designed to connect local businesses with visitors who are actively exploring Sanibel and Captiva online during their stay. With approximately 10,000 monthly visitors already reaching the sites, the new owners see an opportunity to improve search visibility and expand the audience for the vacation accommodations industry as well as all island businesses. The broader network includes related island and travel websites that can help visitors move from researching a destination to finding places to stay and businesses to visit.
Wilson indicated the company has formed an alliance with a national network of recognized marketing domains such as YellowPages.com under sanibelislandyellowpages.com and captivaislandyellowpages.com as well as the internationally recognized lastminutevacancies.com.
Wilson said test runs of these three additional domains on the sanibelisland.com and captivaisland.com platforms have produced click-averages of 2,000 unique visitors in a 72-hour cycle.
All of the domains will be designed and hosted by Realty Web Syndicate, Inc. Drew MacDonald, President said that the newly designed websites are expected to launch on Nov. 1, 2026.
“Our goal is to give travelers one trusted destination for everything the islands have to offer while providing local businesses, rental management companies and private rental owners with an affordable, results-driven way to reach island visitors,” MacDonald said.
A Sanibel App with a handy directory for smart phones is in the works as well.
Interested advertisers and private owners can reach Wilson at 239-497-6201 to secure their position on the websites.
Sanibel resident launches private longevity practice
Edmund Forster, who arrived to Sanibel in the summer of 2022, has launching SHORE Longevity, a private longevity performance coaching practice for Sanibel and Captiva residents who want to stay strong, mobile and physically capable as they age.
Originally from Northumberland in northern England, Forster and his wife, Christine, moved to Sanibel from the Mediterranean island of Malta, where he had been posted with the UK Foreign Office. Christine has visited Sanibel since childhood, and her parents, Bill and Donna Hungeling, live on the island.
The couple’s daughter was born just five days before Hurricane Ian made landfall in September 2022, giving the family a particularly personal connection to the island’s recovery.
“We came here to put down roots, and Ian tested that almost immediately,” Forster said. “Watching this community rebuild has only made us more committed to it. SHORE Longevity is my way of contributing something lasting.”
Forster describes SHORE Longevity as a trusted advisor for physical capability: the strength, movement, stamina and balance that help people continue to travel, work, golf, boat and play with their grandchildren as the years go by.
Every client begins with the SHORE Capability Score, a structured 20-part assessment that provides a picture of current physical capability across five areas – movement, strength, capacity, balance and recovery.
The assessment is repeated at the end of an engagement, giving clients a consistent way to measure progress. From there, Forster builds a plan around each client’s body, schedule and goals. In-person coaching takes place at clients’ homes or another appropriate location on Sanibel and Captiva, with the equipment needed for each session provided by SHORE. Remote coaching is also available for seasonal residents and frequent travelers.
He keeps the practice deliberately small so every client works directly with him.
SHORE Longevity will also be participating in the FISH of SanCap Senior Health Fair on Wednesday, Nov. 4, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Community House on Sanibel.
To learn more about SHORE Longevity, visit shorelongevity.com, call (239) 203-4671 or email coaching@shorelongevity.com.
Royal Shell Real Estate recognizes top producers for September
The Top Listing Producers Team for the Sanibel/Captiva office is McMurray & Members; Top Listing Producers Individual/Partners is Tracy Walters; Top Sales Producers Team is McMurray & Members and the Top Sales Producers Individual/Partners is Mary Ann Cowart.
Pfeifer Realty Group announces September top agent
Pfeifer Realty Group recognized Wendy Kirschner as the firm’s Top Producer and Top Buyer’s Agent for September 2026. Greg Demaras was recognized as the month’s Top Listing Agent.
Kirschner earned both Top Producer and Top Buyer’s Agent honors for her outstanding sales performance and continued dedication to helping clients navigate the Southwest Florida real estate market.
Demaras earned the Top Listing Agent distinction, recognizing his strong listing activity and commitment to providing exceptional service to property owners throughout the area.
Greater Fort Myers and SanCap Chamber to host Visit Florida strategic planning luncheon
Visit Florida, the state’s tourism agency, invites local hospitality leaders to lend their voices and thoughts to its 2027-2031 Strategic Plan at a free Interactive Strategic Planning Session & Luncheon hosted by the Greater Fort Myers and Sanibel-Captiva Chamber of Commerce Tuesday, Oct. 20, at Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa, event co-host, at 5001 Coconut Rd. in Bonita Springs.
The free session runs 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and includes lunch and a focused 90-minute session to share community insights, evaluate emerging industry themes, and help guide where Florida tourism should go next.
“These sessions are designed to bring together engaged individuals representing the full breadth of Florida’s tourism ecosystem, from those who serve visitors directly to those strengthening their communities through organizations such as chambers of commerce,” said chamber president and chief executive officer John Lai, who currently serves on the Visit Florida board of directors and sat as board chair for 2024-2025. “Here’s our opportunity to contribute local perspective on a statewide scope about the opportunities and challenges facing us today.”
The session aims to ensure the development of early themes and emerging ideas from a diverse cross-section of the industry — lodging, restaurant, and attractions industries and beyond. Insights gathered will directly inform the development of Visit Florida’s new four-year strategic plan.
Registration is free at tinyurl.com/VFStrategicPlan. Visit Florida partnership or chamber membership is not required.
Nostalgia, multi-generational travel trends boom as Sundial Beach Resort & Spa
Sanibel’s Sundial Beach Resort & Spa is filling a growing need for multi-generational offerings in the travel sector.
A Family Travel Association study reports that 57% of families have taken a multi-generational trip this year, with those numbers expected to rise even more as every generation shifts priorities to shared experiences instead of material gifts. The report shows beach vacations remain the No. 1 choice for multi-gen groups, with families reporting they want a balance of activity and relaxation that fits the energy of young kids, parents and older adults. Budget is a significant consideration, with 73% of families managing costs by booking accommodations that offer a kitchen and inclusive activities.
In addition to its ideal multi-family condo-style accommodations with a full kitchens and other family-friendly features, Sundial Beach Resort & Spa has carefully curated generational travel offerings with beefed-up experiences that appeal to every age group. A complimentary shelling bag, tips and a shell cleaning station invite foraging on the top shelling beach in North America. Sundial guests also have endless entertainment, workshops, guided walks and even pickleball courts and lessons for first timers. Their stay includes bikes, paddleboards kayaks and more, which, if paid for separately would add tremendous cost for families. And many of the Island’s most unforgettable features are free or very low cost.
“More and more travelers want to share the nostalgic experiences they loved most as a child with their own kids and parents,” said Sundial Beach Resort & Spa General Manager Becky Miller. “Sanibel Island and the experiences we create for generations here at Sundial embody ‘Old Florida’ charm, with a laid-back, simpler vibe that’s no longer the case in many of the more touristy destinations here in the Sunshine State.”
Miller touts her teams skill at helping families plan multi-gen vacations, recommending families discuss and plan finances and who pays for what well in advance of the trip.
With generational travel, grandparents often babysit or entertain little ones during nap time or while parents do something active that’s not possible with younger kids. They may relax poolside with their grandkids for pizza dinner so parents can enjoy a date night and grandma and grandpa get relaxed quality time with their grands. The result is a trip that gives every generation what they want and need most.
Sundial’s multiple pools and array of dining options run from casual beach-side to fine dining and even sushi. In addition, poolside activities, crafts and contests, and summer dive-in movies ensure every member of the family — regardless of age or generation — has an unforgettable nostalgic vacation.
Lee Health announces executive leadership promotions
Lee Health has announced several executive leadership promotions that will help guide the health system as it continues to expand access to high-quality care across Southwest Florida.
The leadership team includes:
• Kris Fay, MHA, CMPE, executive vice president & chief operating officer, Ambulatory Care
• Jen Higgins, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, executive vice president & chief operating officer, Acute Care & Nursing
• Jeff Bailet, M.D., MSPH, FACS, executive vice president & chief medical officer
• John Mallia, CPA, executive vice president & chief financial officer
Together, the leaders will work alongside President and CEO Ben Spence to advance Lee Health’s mission and support the organization’s continued growth.
“Lee Health’s strength has always been its people,” said Spence. “These four leaders are well respected and have helped shape our organization, improving the care we provide every day. Their experience, commitment and leadership will help us continue meeting the growing healthcare needs of Southwest Florida while keeping our patients and communities at the center of everything we do.”
The updated leadership structure strengthens collaboration across clinical and operational teams while enhancing the organization’s ability to serve the growing healthcare needs of Southwest Florida.