The City of Sanibel is preparing to mark the grand finale of its 18-month-long 50th Anniversary celebration. On Saturday, January 10, the community will gather at City Hall to honor the island’s history and look forward to its future with two major events: the sealing of a new time capsule and a community-wide luncheon.
Here is an overview of the upcoming festivities presented by the City and Bank of the Islands.
Part 1: Honoring Our Past, Charting Our Future
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Time: 11:00 a.m. – Noon
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Location: Front of City Hall
The day begins with a ceremony focused on the city’s legacy. This event brings the anniversary celebration full circle; the festivities began in November 2024 with the unearthing of a time capsule buried 40 years prior. Now, the city will seal a new time capsule, scheduled to be reopened in 2049 during Sanibel’s 75th anniversary.
What’s Inside the Capsule? According to Recreation Department Director Andrea Miller, the new capsule will contain a mix of history and future hopes, including:
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Items from the original capsule (including a rare Junonia shell and vintage causeway tickets).
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A piece of a brick from the Sanibel Lighthouse keeper’s cottages lost during Hurricane Ian.
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Submissions from local nonprofits and organizations.
Community Participation: “My Future Wish for Sanibel” Residents have a unique opportunity to include their own voices in the capsule. 250 postcards are currently available at the Sanibel Recreation Center and Bank of the Islands. Participants can write their vision for the city on these cards.
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Note: Completed postcards must be returned by January 8 to be included.
The ceremony will feature remarks from City Manager Dana Souza, Mayor Mike Miller, and representatives from the National Junior Honor Society and Sanibel Captiva Young Professionals. The BIG ARTS Community Chorus and students from the Children’s Education Center of the Islands will provide musical performances.
Part 2: Lunch & Legacy — Together At The Table
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Time: Noon – 2:00 p.m.
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Location: Behind City Hall
Immediately following the ceremony, the celebration moves behind City Hall for a free event open to the public. “Lunch & Legacy” will feature food, live music by Danny Morgan, and family-friendly games like cornhole, giant Jenga, and Connect 4.
Food & Refreshments: Local favorites will be providing the menu for the afternoon:
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Bailey’s: Hot dogs and bratwursts
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Tacos La Isla: Food truck service
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Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille: Chips, iced tea, and lemonade
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Jerry’s Foods: Custom commemorative cookies
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Pinocchio’s Original Italian Ice Cream: Ice cream service
Attendees can also visit tables set up by various community partners, including the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum, Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation, San Cap Pink Project, and the Sanibel Public Library, among others.
Event Snapshot
Event: Sanibel 50th Anniversary Finale & Time Capsule Sealing Date: Saturday, January 10 Schedule:
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11 a.m. – 12 p.m.: Ceremony (Front of City Hall)
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12 p.m. – 2 p.m.: Lunch & Legacy Party (Behind City Hall) Location: Sanibel City Hall, 800 Dunlop Road Admission: Free and open to the public. Attendees will receive a commemorative button. Contact: For more information, contact the Sanibel Recreation Center at 239-472-0345.
