My wife, Elaine, and I had almost given up on Florida. The state’s overdeveloped coastline, dominated by towering high-rises and crowded beaches, had left us disillusioned. Our perception of Florida changed dramatically during a business trip to Sanibel and Captiva in 1983. We discovered that the tallest buildings on Sanibel were only 45 feet high, and that more than 40% (now 70%) of the island was preserved for conservation and as a wildlife refuge. The beaches were never crowded and stretched for twelve miles, with beautiful white sand covered in countless seashells (even home to the National Shell Museum!). Tropical seabirds roamed the shores, and a large wildlife refuge encompassed a third of the island, offering excellent birdwatching opportunities. The island’s enchanting beauty enchanted us. Within a few months, we became owners of our first Gulf-front condo on Sanibel Island. We later added another condominium to our portfolio. For years, we visited the island during vacations, but the school calendar limited our trips. In 1998, we made a life-changing decision to move to the island, where both of our daughters attended school, and where we embraced a new way of life.