Sanibel Captiva Community Bank has reached a significant milestone by surpassing $1 billion in total assets. This achievement marks an important operational and regulatory benchmark for the community bank, demonstrating continued growth, increased lending capacity, and scalability to better serve its customers. The bank attributes its success to its relationship-driven lending model and commitment to reinvesting in the community.
Founded in 2003 with a single branch on Sanibel and $27 million in assets, the bank has grown into one of the top-performing community banks in the region, with nine locations across Lee County. This accomplishment places it among a select group of community banks nationwide, with only 12% of over 4,500 community banks in the U.S. reaching the $1 billion to $5 billion mark.
Sanibel Pilates & Spa Hosts Event
Sanibel Pilates & Spa hosted a successful “Come to the Barre — Sip & Shop & Barre” event on June 5. The event featured two complimentary barre classes and chair massages for attendees. In addition to fitness and relaxation, participants supported causes like trafficking, contributing to a meaningful community cause while enjoying a fun and healthy experience.
SCIAR Holds Monthly Meeting
The Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors (SCIAR) held its monthly meeting on May 29 at its office. Sanibel Mayor Mike Miller was the guest speaker, providing an update on the city’s hurricane season preparations, emergency response strategies, and recovery efforts following Hurricane Ian. The meeting also included updates on city initiatives, infrastructure projects, and continuing education opportunities for SCIAR members.
Sanibel Sea School Welcomes New Staffers
The Sanibel Sea School recently introduced its new Summer Camp counselors, who will teach at both the flagship campus and the Bailey Homestead. The counselors are an integral part of the Sea School’s mission to improve the ocean’s future by inspiring the next generation of ocean stewards. The new staff includes Stevie Hyle, Frankie Just, Sophia Morgan, Jake Raterman, Ethan Robbins, James Spencer, Zoe Vadas, and Kaley Wright.
City Official Honored with Award
Sanibel Vice Mayor Holly Smith was recently named a recipient of the Florida League of Cities’ Home Rule Hero Award for 2025. This marks the eighth consecutive time she has received this honor for her dedication to advocating for local solutions to local problems. Smith’s ongoing leadership in the Florida League of Cities and the Southwest Florida League of Cities Chapter continues to impact the community positively.
Rotary Recognizes Paul Harris Fellows
The Sanibel-Captiva Rotary Club honored Mark Brislin as a Paul Harris Fellow +2 and John Raho as a Paul Harris Fellow +1. These prestigious awards recognize their significant contributions to the Rotary Foundation’s humanitarian and educational programs. The club congratulated both members for their continued support of these important causes.
Kiwanis Welcomes New Members
The Sanibel-Captiva Kiwanis Club recently inducted Christina Candelario and Steven Schulz as new members. The club is excited to welcome them and looks forward to their fresh perspectives and contributions to the mission of serving the children and families of the community. For more information, visit www.sanibelkiwanis.org.
Islander Produces Award-Winning Video
Whitney Wolanin of Sanibel was honored at the 46th annual Telly Awards for her work as the producer of “Seven Weeks In County” by Billy Strings. The video won a Gold Award in the General-Music Video category. Wolanin, also a director and recording artist, is known for her Billboard hits and has a strong local connection with her roots at The Sanibel School, Fort Myers High, and Vanderbilt University.
