Yeah, changed quite a bit. But the hurricanes sure made a big difference too. Seems like what used to be single dwellings right on the Gulf got bought up by corporations, demolished, and condos put up in their place. Fortunately they don't allow those huge monstrosities that you will see elsewhere on Florida's coastline. But honestly, the Private Property, Keep Out, No Beach Access, Residents and Visitors Only signs get to be a bit much. And there is NO free parking anywhere on the island. And most places reserved for people with A and B type parking permits. Parking is now automated to where you need a cell phone with you so you can log into a website, give you credit card info, identification, vehicle tag number, and pay $5 PER HOUR to park at the "public" beaches. Don't have a cell phone with you? Tough luck on you. You can't park here.
They also scan your license tag going over the bridge to Sanibel and charge you a 50% administration fee to bill you for the toll.
I do like Sanibel, but they seem to have gotten heavily infested with MGAs (Money Grubbing Assholes) lately.
