Lovers of Sanibel

04/01/2023

Had the chance to visit Sanibel on our way home from our vacation in the Keys and I must say the visit was bittersweet. We saw each place we had previously stayed on the island and none were without moderate to severe damage. The last place we stayed was Castaways and that of course was destroyed and what was left on the bayside has been torn down. We walked a while on the beach at Blind Pasd and collected a few shells and a lot of memories. My heart still aches for Sanibel and her family and friends. The bright side is the vegetation and trees are coming back, the Sanibel animals both land and sea are returning and the most important, the residents are rebuilding. While Ian did take a hard toll and there are some people that have chosen not to return, Sanibel will come back. We had the chance to have lunch at Rosalita's Cantina and meet some wonderful people along the way. One thing I know for sure from that short visit is Sanibel is on her way back and will be ready for the many people that love her.

02/28/2023

A true beacon of hope and love for all who love, visit and live on Sanibel!

01/20/2023

Cool story about the man that wrote the song “Sanibel”!

There's a ship. And it sails a sea of light. On it's way to me tonight. From a distant shore, Taking me home once more. -- CSNY | Denny Sarokin | Sanibel

01/14/2023

Sad that one of Sanibel’s businesses will not be returning. Heartfelt blessing go out to Gene’s Books and May Gid continue to bless you and your family on your next adventure.

To all of our devoted customers who have been patiently awaiting an update, it is with a very heavy heart we inform you that the doors of Gene’s Books will not be reopening.

Gene’s was a quirky book lover’s haven—there has never been another store quite like it, nor will there ever be. However, the beautiful and strange magic of Gene’s extends far beyond the confines of any physical store. Above all, we are a community. We are people from all walks of life, with one common interest: BOOKS! No natural disaster can diminish our memories or rob us of our passion for the written word.

This is the update none of us wished for, but we downright refuse to let go of this amazing community of people. It may seem like Hurricane Ian wrote the last chapter for Gene’s Books, but really it’s just the beginning of something else. Instead of wallowing in our loss, we are choosing to remain hopeful about the future.

We encourage you all to share your favorite memories at Gene’s!

Your friends eternally,
Former Gene’s Books Staff ❤️

01/01/2023

Happy New Year to all! Here’s to a better and brighter 2023.

12/12/2022

Christmas ideas from Sand Castle Gifts and Gourmet. I visited this shop while on the island the week before the hurricane. Greats gift and wonderful people. Shop Sanibel.

Excited to share items to commemorate Sanibel Island’s Beacon of Hope!
helpsanibel.com

12/11/2022

Nice read

Susan from Cleveland.com came to see what the islands look like and Calli had the chance to speak briefly with her about the future rebuild here at Bailey’s. https://www.cleveland.com/travel/2022/12/sanibel-island-after-ian-causeway-reopens-to-public-jan-2-but-recovery-will-take-years.html?fbclid=IwAR2IkQS_jKpeyiYdqcw0k8M_wi2eY1OFJkQRTbTqLXgfAhveHsdW5H2gFtE