Summer 2003

West Wind Inn Voted Number 1
For the third time in four years, the West Wind Inn has once again taken top honors as the islanders voted for "best hotel/motel/resort" on the two islands of Sanibel and Captiva for 2003. This is an annual event cosponsored by the Island Reporter and Captiva Current newspapers. This accolade comes on the heels of Lodging Hospitality Magazine naming West Wind Inn as one of the top 100 performers of all the resorts in the world for 2002.

Conservation Foundation Turns 35
The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) has been preserving the natural resources of these islands since 1968. Over the years they have acquired over 1,800 acres of wildlife habitat, removed invasive plants and restored native vegetation and have introduced over 65,000 people a year to the island's ecology. Today, the SCCF along with the City of Sanibel, the State of Florida and the National Wildlife Service, oversees 35 pieces of preserved lands and major tracts on Sanibel and Captiva.

West Wind Inn Also Turns 35
In addition to the SCCF's birthday, mentioned above, our own operation started 35 years ago as construction began on the West Wind Inn. In the beginning, the Inn operated as a Treadway Inn but soon changed its operation to independent status. Things were a bit simpler and a lot slower back then - if you came in after 9 p.m. you key was on the outside ledge of your bathroom window (the lobby and office closed at that time.) There were no computers, no FAX machines, no websites - and in the simmer, no traffic, since a good bit of the island shut down. Initially built as a 72-unit facility, another 32 units were added in 1974 along with a meeting room that was later converted to the Normandie Restaurant. Over time a gift shop, pool bar, small conference center, laundry facility and maintenance facility were added to round out the resort's operation.

Take Advantage Of Summer & Fall Specials
You still have time to get some good deals by booking a stay here before December 21. The lowest rates of the year are from May 1st to December 20th each year. In addition to these lowest rates, there are plenty of special packages for those who can spend at least two or three days (or better yet - yow about a week) - the longer you stay, the better the bargain. Take a look at our website for these packages and rates. There are packages for families, honeymooners, golfers, fishing or snorkeling enthusiasts, as well as those who just want to relax. If you want a copy sent to you, call our toll free number (800-824-0476) and we will gladly send you one. You say you are a quick study and already know what you want - then just book on line or call our Reservations Office - same 800 number.

Our New Airport Getting Closer
The new Southwest Florida International Airport midfield terminal complex is getting closer. Even with the newest security devices that have been added to the overall construction plan, the target of 2005 is still anticipated for the opening. For those of you who will be flying into our area, you will appreciate the new 685,000 square foot, two-level midfield terminal. The new operation will include separate approach ramps for the discharge (upper level) and pick-up (lower level) of passengers. The architects and planners are designing the new facility using the "intuitive way finding" method - a floor plan that leads visitors naturally in the proper direction. It will include a ticketing hall, flooded with natural light, the size of three football fields; 28 gates along three concourses (capable of expanding to 65 gates along 5 concourses); a separate building for international arrivals; and a 3-story parking garage across from the terminal to accommodate rental cars plus 2,200 hourly parking spaces -- there will be another 9,800 long-term visitor parking spaces and 1,300 employee parking spaces accessed by a shuttle. The price tag? Initial estimates came in at the $356 million level ($156 million just for the terminal building), however, with the new security requirements since 9/11, this number has gone up by $52 million. We've come a long way from the days when we arrived and departed via Page Field, but so has the region. Today, over 4 million passengers are served each year at the current airport that opened in 1983. The FAA ranks this airport as the 8th fastest growing airport in the country and they project it will lead the nation in growth of aircraft operations - in 1995 there were 183 takeoffs and landings that is expected to hit 309 by 2010. Passenger lift should increase by 96% over the same period.

A Great Summertime Beverage
Having a lawn party or a get-together by your pool and want to serve a drink that's a bit different, yet cool and refreshing? A popular drink featured at our Upper Deck Bar (the fact that it overlooks the Gulf of Mexico does help its popularity) is our "Sanibel Sunset". Here's how you make it. Fill a glass with ice. Add 1 ounce of Vodka, 3/4 ounce of Coconut Rum, a dash of Grenadine, then equal amounts of Sweet & Sour mix (available at your friendly liquor store) and Pineapple Juice. Shake. Garnish with an Orange slice. Enjoy!!

Administrivia
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