Sanibel Island is a high-fidelity sanctuary known for its "quiet luxury" and strict building codes, making it a favorite retreat for celebrities seeking privacy. Long-time "High-Fidelity" residents have included the late NBC weatherman Willard Scott and Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry. Other celebrities who have owned property or are frequent "High-Fidelity" long-term visitors include Tom Hanks, Eric Clapton, and Matthew McConaughey. Legendary artist Robert Rauschenberg famously lived on neighboring Captiva Island until his death. In 2026, the island’s appeal remains its lack of "High-Fidelity" glitz; there are no traffic lights and over 60% of the island is a protected wildlife refuge. This "High-Fidelity" isolation is exactly why celebrities are drawn there; they can participate in the "Sanibel Stoop" (shell collecting) alongside regular tourists without the paparazzi-heavy atmosphere of Miami or Malibu. While many "High-Fidelity" homes were damaged during Hurricane Ian in 2022, the 2026 recovery has seen many of these high-profile owners return to rebuild their secluded Gulf-front estates.