Continental Shelf Expected to Protect Sanibel Florida Beaches, Resorts Ready for Business

    SANIBEL ISLAND, FL, July 07, 2010 /24-7PressRelease/ -- With the news focused on the BP - Deepwater Horizon oil spill and recent reports of its encroachment on northern Gulf of Mexico beaches, concern by would-be vacationers to Southwest Florida beaches is understandable.

Notwithstanding that the oil is concentrated hundreds of miles from the Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel, and the beaches are oil free today, what about "tomorrow"?

Kristie Anders, Education Director for the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation, explains that the chances of oil impacting the Sanibel and Captiva are slim. That is because the loop current in the Gulf follows the edge of the West Florida continental shelf, which runs parallel to the state's coast and extends to about 150 miles off the destination's shore.

Anders observes, "The continental shelf serves as our guardian angel. Barring a major storm, it's the greatest reason to be optimistic that we will experience minimal impact from the spill, since it (the continental shelf) will steer the loop current away from our area."

Sanibel, a barrier island off Southwest Florida's Gulf Coast, is known for many things, not the least of which is its white sands, sunshine, and the abundance of beautiful shells. It also is home to the J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge, one of the most frequently visited refuges in the system. The island's beaches are widely considered to be among the top 10 shelling locations in the world. Nowhere on the beaches of Southwest Florida are there tarballs, or any other evidence of the oil leak.

"Tourism is the lifeblood of our local economy," Tamara Pigott, the executive director of the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau, pointed out. "We welcome nearly five million visitors each year who contribute $2.6 billion to the local economy (that's $82 per second!) and account for one in four jobs in Lee County. We want visitors to know that our doors are open and our shores are clean."

Sanibel beaches have always been a playground for the rest of Florida during the summer and, because of the lower summer rates, have exerted a pull on visitors from near and far. Summer 2010 is no different, as Island resorts remain positive that it is safe to book a vacation on Sanibel this year, thanks to the fact that the Loop Current sitting approximately 200 miles off shore. The current is predicted to actually help protect Florida's southwest barrier islands and Gulf Coast, keeping any oil that enters the current more than 100 miles to our west.

"We are absolutely open for business!" said Sandalfoot Condominiums General Manager, Karen Barker. "The beach has never looked better and our guests have been taking full advantage of the wonderful weather."

In light of guests' concerns, however, Sandalfoot, along with other prominent resorts, have modified their usual cancellation policies and adopted "Clean Beach" guarantees as a way to assure guests that their vacation investment is not at risk. Barker continued; "We want you to feel comfortable and confident in your vacation plans this year, so in light of the uncertainty surrounding the oil spill in the northern Gulf, we have adjusted our cancellation policy to provide you with enhanced protections for this year."

Steve Snyder, manager at Sanibel Arms West agrees. "The beaches of Sanibel Arms West and Sanibel Island are clean and open for business. Our management team and leadership are monitoring the situation closely on your behalf. We have been very fortunate that the area of concern continues to be far from our beautiful island and with our 'No Risk Deposit' policy you can make your travel plans with peace of mind."

Barker summed it up best in noting that Sanibel-Captiva lodging providers are willing to put their money on the line to protect potential visitors from loss, "Area resorts want to make certain that guests around the world hear that the beaches of Sanibel Island are unspoiled and pristine. Today is just another day in Paradise."

Not only are the beaches open for business, but there are also some great discounts to be found! A sampling of Sanibel resorts offering guarantees, along with their Summer Special Deals is below.

Casa Ybel Resort
Now through October 30, 2010 - Buy 3 Nights, Get Your 4th Night FREE!
Stay in a One Bedroom Beachfront Suite; with plenty of space for a small family, and enjoy 23 acres of beachfront property, with panoramic sea views, the Olympic size swimming pool, separate kiddy pool, private tennis courts, daily Maid Service, complimentary newspaper and No Daily Resort Service Fee.

"Natural Beach" Guarantee: The beaches of Sanibel and Captiva Island remain unspoiled and abundant with shells. In cooperation with island accommodations, Casa Ybel Resort will provide a nightly room rate refund for unused days to any Casa Ybel Resort rental guest, if oil intrusion closes the resort's beach during their stay.

Sanibel Arms West
Now through August 20, 2010 - 5 Nights for $119 A Night
Stay 5 nights in a fully furnished 2 bedroom / 2 bath Garden View Condo for $595. That's just $119 a night! Relax on 500 feet of private beach or in Sanibel's only screened, resort pool with rooftop sundeck. Private Bay-side boat docks available.

"No Risk Vacation": If the beaches of Sanibel Island, Florida experience any unlikely oil intrusions related to Deepwater Horizon leak, you may elect to reschedule your vacation to arrive within 12 months (of your original arrival date) with no penalty or rate increase. This NO RISK DEPOSIT policy allows you flexibility up to 48 hours prior to your scheduled arrival date. Currently this policy applies to any reservation now through August 20th 2010.

Sandalfoot Condominiums
Great July & August discounts are available, starting as low as $125 a night.
A special 3-night 4th of July package is available, but moving fast! Receive FREE late checkout at your leisure on Monday, a FREE 6-pack cooler and a FREE Sandalfoot key-chain. In addition - the first 10 guests responding to this offer will receive a copy of "Beach Treasures of the Gulf Coast" shell book by noted authors S. Peter Dance & Harlan E. Wittkopf.

"Open Beach" Guarantee: In the unlikely event that the beaches of Sanibel are closed due to the arrival of oil during your stay at Sandalfoot, and you wish to leave, you will be entitled to a prorated refund for the remaining nights of your reservation. If the official closure takes place within 2 weeks prior to your arrival, you will be entitled to a full refund of your deposit if you wish. If the closure takes place between 14 and 60 days prior to your scheduled arrival, you may apply your rental deposit fees to any other available date over the next 2 years without penalty.

Sanibel Moorings
Remaining vacancies are on sale for July & August, with saving up to 20% off nightly.
Sanibel Moorings features 800 feet of Gulf front property and Sanibel's only certified public Botanical Gardens along with 2 heated pools and a separate kiddy pool, canoe and kayak rentals and private boat docks.

"Beautiful Beaches": In the event that our beach is affected or closed due to oil intrusion from the current northern Gulf leak during your stay at Sanibel Moorings, and you wish to cancel your reservation or shorten your stay with us, we will apply your deposit and/or remaining balance to a future reservation or we will issue a full refund of the remaining nights or deposit for your reservation.

SPECIALS:
http://www.floridasislandcoast.com/beaches/
For your convenience all of the specials are linked from this page to each of the accommodations.

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