Michael Billheimer is a Sanibel native and third generation Sanibel resident. His family discovered Sanibel in 1898 while visiting Harriet “Granny” Matthews, founder of Sanibel’s historic Island Inn. Granny Matthews emphatically encouraged the family to invest in “my island”. They purchased beachfront property from the Bailey family and built High Tide Cottages, now High Tide Condominium. In 1953 Michael’s parents (Barb & Tom) became owners of the cottages and Aunts Betty & Evelyn arrived to build & run the Nutmeg House restaurant, now Nutmeg Village.
Michael attended Sanibel Elementary School, lived and learned the beach cottage rental business and worked at the Nutmeg House restaurant. He earned a BS degree in Hospitality and Restaurant Management from Florida International University and worked in restaurant and hotel management for Marriott Corporation before returning home to Sanibel to take over and the Lighthouse Café and eventually purchasing it in 1988. After a successful 32-year career at the popular eatery he handed over the reins to his nephew, Dan Billheimer, in 2018. Michael’s involvement in the island community includes serving as president of the Sanibel-Captiva Chamber of Commerce and being appointed to the Sanibel Planning Commission. After a brief attempt at retirement Michael decided to use his lifelong love of Sanibel and become a Realtor with VIP Realty Group to help others discover the beauty of living the island life. Michael’s extensive knowledge of Sanibel & Captiva and the waterfront lifestyle is something he is eager to share with future island residents and visitors.
