Beneath the gingerbread roof of a cottage on South Florida's Captiva Island, inside delicate pages of a decades-old manuscript, the truth longs to be set free.

Living Sanibel is the only book you will need while on the islands! With more than 650 full-color photographs, illustrations and trail maps, Living Sanibel is the most complete identification guide to the native plants, animals and eco-attractions of Sanibel and Captiva ever compiled.

Brief stories of the people and places of historical importance to the islands.

Presents a look at the islands as told through postcards from their beginnings to the present.

Sanibel, a barrier island on the southwest coast of Florida, was originally inhabited by the Calusa Indians around 1500. In 1513, explorer Ponce DeLeon landed ashore the exotic isle, with its brackish estuaries, plush mangrove jungles, and sandy beaches, opening the door for others who would eventually find their way to the island. Over time, Sanibel was visited by European explorers, slave traders, pirates, and Seminole Indians, all of whom added to its colorful and intriguing history. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, the original settlers of modern-day Sanibel arrived on the island. These pioneers were a contrasting group of individuals, comprised of diverse ethic origins and cultures, yet all seemed to share a common goal of using hard work, resourcefulness, and determination to make the island their home. Their efforts and sacrifices greatly contributed to the growth and rich history of Sanibel as we know it today.

The vibrant Sanibel and Captiva Islands are ecological marvels compared to Florida's many overbuilt barrier islands. Development began with the construction of the Sanibel Island Lighthouse in 1884, when only the lighthouse keeper and assistant and their families lived on the island. Noted conservationist Jay N. "Ding" Darling led the charge in preserving the islands' wildlife and natural beauty from the greed of real estate speculators and land developers in the 1930s. Former presidents like Harry Truman and cabinet-level executives worked alongside Sanibel and Captiva residents, setting up preserves and wildlife refuges to guard the integrity of the islands' unique natural blessings, abundant wildlife and aquatic stores. Charles LeBuff and Betty Anholt review the evolution of the islands' conservation ethic and how it perseveres even today.

The story of Sanibel and Captiva Islands stretches back over three hundred years, to a time when natives roamed the islands and Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon first met and tried to subdue the Calusa Indians in San Carlos Bay in 1513. The next few centuries were flooded with pioneers, fishermen and clergymen in their quest to tame the wilderness in search of a better life. Discover how anthropologist Frank Cushing visited pioneer Sam Ellis in 1895 after the farmer discovered bones on his homestead and how President Theodore Roosevelts men saved a little girl from drowning when he lived on a houseboat in Captiva to study local marine life. Join local history columnist Jeri Magg as she recounts the storied history of these little slices of paradise.

Covers 2,000 points of interest, U.S., Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands.

From the slow-moving Manatee River to the wide-open spans of Tampa Bay to the multitude of islands and inlets between Cape Sable and Naples, Western Florida offers a tranquil alternative to the fast-paced lifestyle of the eastern coast. Cruising Guide to Western Florida leaves nothing unexplored in the waters from Flamingo to the Big Bend. Thoroughly researched and updated firsthand by the author, this comprehensive guide is the most detailed source available on the facilities and waters of the Sunshine State's western shore. It contains current information on "Navigation data "Anchorage locales along the entire shore"Fuel depots and docks"Marinas"Shoreside dining and other attractions"Historic sites As in his previous books, Claiborne Young furnishes dozens of invaluable maps, photographs, and chart references. He includes specific waypoints for anchorages and marinas, as well as ratings for transient docking fees. Intriguing historical profiles and coastal folklore give visitors the flavor of the region. Sections on unsafe areas and shoals help cruisers avoid dangerous waters. ABOUT THE AUTHORClaiborne S. Young's books for Pelican have become the gold standard for cruising guides. A resident of Burlington, North Carolina, Young and his wife spend their time exploring the waterways of southeastern United States and gathering priceless information on each area. Young also edits the on-line cruising newsletter The Salty Southeast Cruiser's Net.

When Ponce de Leon visited Southwest Florida in 1513, he discovered some of North Americas most pristine tropical islands. Yet it was here where the explorer met his death at the hands of Calusa Indians who had made their home on the islands since 500 bc. Remaining relatively isolated from mainland society until the mid-1900s, the islands were home to a few hardscrabble pioneers who endured stifling heat, swarming mosquitoes, and deadly storms. Famous anglers such as Thomas Edison, Zane Grey, and Teddy Roosevelt enjoyed stalking the elusive tarpon in this sports fishing paradise. Likewise, the pervasive solitude inspired writers, including Edna St. Vincent Millay, Mary Roberts Rinehart, and Richard Powell. Home to some of the worlds best beaches, it is not surprising visitors and residents find the lifestyles and histories of Lee Countys quaint islands worth preserving.