Greater LaBelle is a beautiful community of approximately 12,000 residents, located on the Caloosahatchee River, just 33 miles east of Fort Myers. It is only 50 miles from warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico by land or water, and is approximately 120 miles from Miami. The climate is sub-tropical, similar to the daily weather of the West Indies with an average annual temperature of 74.2 degrees. The year round warm weather encourages vigorous growth of hibiscus, orchids, crotons, oleander, bougainvillea, and palms of all kinds. Roses are another of the year round flowers flourishing in the weather and sunny days are the rule rather than the exception. Each of the four seasons holds its own delight with poinsettias and camellias blooming at Christmas time, followed by masses of azaleas, Easter lilies and gardenias blossoming in the spring. Flowers of all kinds welcome summer, and the smell of pine fills the air in the fall. Orange and other citrus looms ass their sweet scent to the air, and then, for most of the year, give their sun-ripened fruit to the homeowners of the area. It is a rare winter day when the temperature does not reach the 70's. The cooler nights bring an average February temperature of 64.4 degrees. An infrequent cold snap lasts less than a week and brings exhilaration with the spicy air. As LaBelle is located just at the edge of the "frost line," there is an occasional freeze but it has to be an extremely severe winter up north to bring a freeze to the Caloosahatchee River Valley. Summer weather averages 82.7 degrees in July with afternoon showers coming around 4 p.m. to keep everything green and lush. It is amazing to discover that LaBelle does not have the heat waves that plague some of our northern cities, with 100 degrees for weeks on end. The temperature seldom creeps over 100 even in the hottest part of summer. The sunny skies and fresh breezes beckon residents and visitors to the outdoor life. All year round there is something to do outdoors such as hunting, fishing, camping, golf, tennis, boating and swimming. Vegetable gardens yield crops several times a year with planting mainly in September-October and January-February for highest yields. One of the largest winter vegetable markets in the nation is located just a few miles south of LaBelle. In fact, this area is known as the "Salad Bowl" of the world. For delightful southern style living with freedom from snow and ice, it is hard to find a better place to live than the LaBelle area.