USA Today 11-08-2012: Where are the top places to visit when planning your Winter vacation if you wish to escape the snow? The Vacation Gals Blog team of Jennifer Miner, Kara Williams and Beth Blair share their tips for 10 great seasonal getaways with Larry Bleiberg for USA TODAY.

You'll get a beach vacation, but so much more on this Gulf Coast Island near Fort Myers. The island's location makes it one of the best places to find seashells in the country. "Who wouldn't love shelling on the beach and wadin nt the mellow, mellow waters?" Williams says.

Who is Seton McGlennon?

This world renowned artist has painted for presidents, celebrities and dignitaries around the world. In 2004 and 2006, President and Mrs. Bush commissioned McGlennon to create the national Christmas gifts. Her work has been noted by Regis and Kathie Lee, The Home and Family Show as well as Oprah.

Yes, we all love Sanibel and know that it is one of the best places in the world. Now after CBS news aired their nationwide broadcast (Sanibel A Seashell Hunter's Paradise) many will learn another reason why Sanibel is so special. Shells, shells and more shells! Sanibel Island is one of the best shelling beaches in all of the world! As home to more than 400 different species of shells, these islands attract collectors from around the globe.

The Sanibel School Seahorse Festival is fast approaching. Bring the whole family March 24, from 5 to 9 p.m., for a fun-filled evening of games, bounce houses, obstacle courses, a silent auction, food and drinks.

The festival will be held at The Sanibel School and is sure to be another community evening of fun. Visitors are welcome. The Seahorse Festival committee congratulations Josh Leon on his winning design for this year's seahorse mascot. The seahorse Josh created will be featured on the official autograph T-shirts for the festival. Special thanks goes out to event sponsors:

February 17th, 2012: Sanibel Island Bowman's Beach History was set today as hundreds of islanders gathered at Bowmans Beach to set the Guiness Book of World Records for the most people ever to do the "Sanibel Stoop". Grand Marshal, Eric Pfeifer gave the instructions to the largest group of shellers ever gathered at one time to do the Sanibel Stoop and look for shells. With helicopter circling overhead 100's of shellers from all over the country shelled at once at Bowman's Beach and history was set.

127 children, 14 teams, 28 volunteer coaches, 150 practices, 49 games, four or five PTA moms, one Recreation Department, and many patient parents: This is what our community is all about. And this is what Friday Night Lights is all about on Sanibel.

We just competed our ninth season of the NFL sanctioned Sanibel Flag Football League. There were are a record number of boys and girls participating this year, and we played games under the lights on the fields at the Sanibel School on Friday nights this winter. The experiences this year ranged from kids learning which way to run, what a first down is, and how to complete a pass to reverse sweeps, play action passes, head fakes on stop and gos, and even a trick play where the center hands the ball to a running back claiming the ball is flat while the runner takes off.

Guiness Book of World Records - The Sanibel Stoop

Be a part of history!

WHEN: February 17th, 10:00a.m. WHERE: Bowmans Beach, Sanibel Island Florida

For the past two days, I have enjoyed receiving numerous photos from friends on the beach. While I am busy working here in the Sanibel office, they are enjoying sand castle construction. Each castle constructed gets better and more elaborate than the last. I'm tempted to join them on the beach and see just how they manage to build such works of art.

Fun Fact: The largest Sand Sculpting event occurs every year at Fort Myers Beach with over 1,000 tons of sand and world champion sculptors as well as amateur categories. The event is held at the Holiday Inn 6890 Estero Blvd in November each year.