A History of Gulf Pines

2008 marks the 36th anniversary of the founding of Gulf Pines. In 1972, before Sanibel incorporated as a city, Robert M. Taylor and his Mariner Corporation completed the purchase and plotting of what is now Gulf Pines I and II. The parcel to be developed had frontage on the Gulf of Mexico on the south, untouched wetlands on the northern and eastern border and Tahiti Shores (now Gulf Shores) to the west. Although officially described as consisting of "Beach, Beach Ridge, and Wetlands," a glance at the aerial photograph promoting its development might well have evoked the comment that "the accent should be put on the last syllable." Even under the rather casual attitude toward the conservation of pristine low-lying land held at that time by the officials of Lee County, remarks were heard such as "who would build in that swamp?" However, people did build there and the fact that such a successful residential community emerged in this place is the Gulf Pines story. That this project did not become an ecological disaster is due, in large part, to the happy combination of two factors— forethought on the part of the developers and cooperative concern on the part of those who decided to make this place their home.

Sales began in 1972. That year, Keith and Betty Funston started construction on their newly acquired beach lot on the eastern border next door to Tahiti Shores (now Gulf Shores). Crawford and Jean Cate followed shortly on the adjacent lot. Both families faced one major problem: access to electric current. Although not yet completely finished, the Gulf Pines roads were advanced sufficiently for the transportation of construction material and water service was on hand, but no connection was, as yet, available to the Lee County Electric lines. Fortunately, through the kindness of the Funston's neighbors to the west, Derrol and Peg Johnson, permission was given to hook into the Tahiti Shores electrical supply across the Johnson property.

Meanwhile, Mariner pushed toward completion of the interior shell roads, tying them on the northern end of the subdivision into the entrance road which had been built earlier by Lindgren for Tahiti Shores. Business started picking up. Among those who purchased lots and built their houses were Bob and Kateen Morris. Bill and Barbara Rusch and Priscilla Murphy, whose "stilt house" on lot 51 reflected the new "off-the-ground" construction standards put in force when the City of Sanibel came into being in 1975. Lots moved quickly—some,
of course, for speculation, but many as permanent residences or as winter homes. Gulf Pines II was opened in 1973.

Taylor and Mariner envisioned a development in which neighbors would be encouraged, through the use of facilities shared in common, to maintain a concern for one another and the joint betterment of the community. Toward that end, the developers plans included swimming pools (one each for Gulf Pines I and II), tennis courts, a greenway connecting various parts of the property, and two watch towers for the observation of wildlife. Most importantly, they built a clubhouse facility where residents could gather for social events and the discussion of community affairs. The decision to bury underground all utilities saved Gulf Pines from unsightly poles and overhead wires. The construction of a wastewater facility eliminated the use of individual septic systems. The construction of picturesque bridges added a natural touch. All of this, of course, was intended to attract a certain type of buyer who cared about community and the natural charm of the island.

A rapidly growing number of residents responded to these incentives. By 1977, a board was established with members of the community elected for 2-year terms. Subcommittees were established to oversee the operations and maintenance of amenities held in common such as clubhouse, sewer system, roads, etc. The board created a set of rules pertaining to the use of and maintenance of property within the subdivision as well as regulations applicable to the renting and building of houses. In addition. many projects have been carried out, with the approval of the board and by groups of individuals. Examples are the creation early on of an island where the Gulf Pines Road meets the Sanibel-Captiva road and the successful blockage in the mid 1980s of a proposed extension of the power line system on West Gulf Drive to form a westerly power loop. Although no mention was made of an extension of West Gulf Drive as well, it was felt as Keith Funston remarked that "this might allow the camel to get his nose under the tent:' The request came to naught. Another example of the successful efforts of the Gulf Pines community was the purchase of the Robert's property through individual donations, a 7 1/4 acre tract running along San-Cap Road from the entrance road to the western end of the S curve. The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) already owned a strip between this acreage and the northern property line of Gulf Pines. SCCF discovered that the Robert's piece was for sale for $60,000 and approached residents of Gulf Pines and Gulf Shores to match the Foundation's $30,000, buy the land with them and turn it over to SCCF for safe keeping. The project was oversubscribed, the purchase was made and Gulf Pines was assured that the northern property line would be protected all the way to San-Cap Road.

Beginning in 1989, the beaches of Gulf Pines and the western end of West Gulf Drive began to experience bad erosion. Over the next six years, beach residents, increasingly worried and upset watching their properties disappear into the sea, approached the City of Sanibel for help. They were heard respectfully, sympathized with but nothing was done to rectify the situation. By 1995, conditions had become so critical that two Gulf Pines homes were condemned by the city. At last, facing lawsuits and the realization that something had to be done, and quickly, the city agreed to help by obtaining the necessary permits, securing the proper engineering and assuming an 18% share of the total cost of the 2.2 million dollar project (although a portion of this 18% share was paid by county funds). Thirty-two property owners along the eroded beaches, those most directly affected by the beach loss, were required to pay the remaining 82%. The eight Gulf Pines beachfront owners suffered the worst losses and together were forced to pay $450,000. They were helped by the 52 Gulf Pines non­beachfront owners who as a group contributed $130,000 to the project. As a result, two milestones were passed. The first was the reestablishment of Gulf Pines as one of Sanibel's prime residential locations. The second was the city's recognition of its present and future responsibility in maintaining Sanibel's beaches for the welfare of its citizens and for the general use by off-island visitors.

During the early months of 1996, the Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Co. were at work renourishing Captiva's beaches. They planned to finish the project and leave the area sometime in the early spring. Fortunately, our city, largely in the persons of Gary Price, our city manager and his assistant, Bill Mills, arranged for them to complete our beach project while they were still in the area. The work was intense and beautifully handled and in two weeks' time we had a fine new beach, broader and flatter than the old one but more than welcome to us all.
Now, after twelve years, the beach has stabilized somewhat and has held up well. It has developed a pleasing profile and contour, and nesting sea turtles have returned.

On August 13, 2004 Hurricane Charlie hit Sanibel. The center of this strong category 4 hurricane hit very near Gulf Pines. Fortunately, due to our strenuous building codes and the fact that there was little storm surge associated with this storm, damage to homes was limited although many roofs had to be replaced. The most obvious damage was to the vegetation in the neighborhood. The U.S. Forest Service assisted J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge staff in clearing the many felled trees on the entrance road to Gulf Pines. The City of Sanibel sent heavy equipment into the neighborhood to clear fallen vegetation from the roads. Then homeowners and landscape workers began the daunting task of piling the vegetation by the roads so that it could be collected by the City and its contractors. Gradually, debris was hauled away and roofs were replaced. One year later, most of the evidence of Charley had disappeared from Gulf Pines, although there was far less shade from larger trees.

A pair of bald eagles decided that some of the few remaining trees on the conservation land to the west of the Gulf Pines entrance road would make a good home. They began nesting there in the 2006­2007 season. Two young eagles successfully fledged that year, and in the 2007-2008 season, the nesting eagles will hopefully be equally successful.

In 2006, SCCF decided to name the land it owns between Gulf Pines/Gulf Shores and San-Cap Road the West Sanibel River Preserve. SCCF then made and implemented plans for restoring the preserve's habitat. This restoration was completed in the summer of 2007. Workers removed 130 acres of invasive non-native vegetation and filled over six miles of ditches. In addition, they dug four ponds on the property and enhanced several areas of existing ditch to better provide for wildlife.

The Gulf Pines Property Owners Association then began the process of planning for new, native landscaping along the entrance road. That process is underway this year.

Grateful acknowledgment is made to the following who have shared generously their experience, their memory and their documents with the writers (John Purdy and Betty Finley in 1997; updated in 2001 and 2008 by Barbara Cooley): Betty Funston, Kateen Morris, Sherwood Finley, Dave Schoenly.

GULF PINES
PROPERTY OWNERS' ASSOCIATION
PAST PRESIDENTS