Author: LeAenSUAREZGroup

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has announced updates on the ongoing construction of the Sanibel Causeway. Traffic has been transitioned to the permanent lanes, and the surrounding causeway islands remain an active work zone, closed to public access by land or water.

Key Updates and Scheduled Activities

East of the Toll Plaza

• Underground Drainage Completion: Crews expect to finish the underground drainage crossing this week. By Dec. 20, two westbound lanes on McGregor Boulevard will be open to traffic. Currently, both directions are shifted to the south side of the road, approximately 1/2 mile from Shell Point Boulevard to west of Port Comfort Road.
  • Port Comfort Traffic: Westbound drivers heading to Port Comfort can proceed straight and turn right to access the area.
• Guardrail Restoration: Starting Dec. 20, one eastbound lane will be closed from the toll plaza to Shell Point for crews to restore guardrail and asphalt along the shoulder.
• Daytime Lane Closures: Temporary lane closures will occur in both directions on McGregor Boulevard between Shell Point and Punta Rassa Road as crews move equipment and materials.

West of the Toll Plaza

• Barrier Wall Removal: Crews will begin dismantling the barrier wall along the Causeway Islands in preparation for the final asphalt layer. Public access to the Causeway Islands Park remains closed.
• Pedestrian Safety: Lee County is installing a temporary post and rope system to guide pedestrian traffic during the reconstruction of recreational facilities on the Causeway Islands.
• Construction Activity at Staging Area: Expect intermittent traffic stops near the staging area entrance as materials and equipment are moved across the road.
• Armor Stone Placement: Crews are placing armor stones near the south side of the road by the toll plaza.
• Westbound Merge Adjustment: The westbound merge point is located west of the toll plaza. Drivers should follow the 20 mph speed limit and remain alert for construction vehicles and equipment.
• U-Turn Work: Construction continues near the off-island U-turn under Span A.

Motorist and Cyclist Advisory

• Expect slower travel times due to the presence of oversized vehicles aiding island recovery efforts.
• Cyclists are encouraged to use alternate transportation to cross the causeway.
• Pedestrians are prohibited on the causeway.

Safety Reminder

Motorists are urged to obey the 20 mph speed limit throughout the construction zone and exercise patience as crews work to complete the project.

For further details and project updates, visit www.swflroads.com/SanibelCauseway.

This holiday season, Tarpon Bay Explorers (TBE), the official recreation concession for the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, will extend its hours and activities to welcome visitors. From Dec. 20 to Jan. 4, TBE will be open daily, except for Christmas Day on Dec. 25.

Activities and Tours

• Kayak Tours: Offered daily at varying times, based on the tides, for a unique chance to explore the refuge’s waterways.
• Tram Tours: Operating on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., these tours provide a guided adventure through the refuge.
• Bike Rentals: Available for those looking to enjoy the refuge’s scenic trails on two wheels.

Plan Your Visit

For more details or to make reservations, visit www.tarponbayexplorers.com or call 239-472-8900.

Tarpon Bay Explorers is located at 900 Tarpon Bay Road, Sanibel. Make the most of your holidays by experiencing the natural beauty and wildlife of Sanibel!

Get into the holiday spirit at the South Seas Resort’s Holiday Stroll on Dec. 20 and 21 from 6 to 8 p.m. at The Shops at South Seas, located at 14830 Captiva Drive, Captiva. This festive event is filled with holiday cheer and activities for the whole family to enjoy.

Festive Activities for All Ages

The event will include:

• Writing letters to Santa
• Arts and crafts for kids
• Live music entertainment
• Complimentary treats, including hot cocoa, warm mulled cider, and s’mores

Don’t miss a special appearance by Santa Claus himself to add some extra magic to the evening.

December 21 Highlights

On Dec. 21, the festivities will feature:

• A reading of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas from 6 to 8 p.m.
• A special Tree Lighting Ceremony to light up the night and spread holiday joy.

Open to the Public

This holiday event is open to the public, making it the perfect opportunity for locals and visitors alike to celebrate the season.

For more information, visit the official website at www.southseas.com/holiday-events.

Join the fun and create lasting holiday memories at South Seas Resort!

The Captiva Chapel by the Sea invites you to its cherished Christmas Eve candlelight service on Sunday, Dec. 24, at 6 p.m. The evening will begin with a special presentation of seasonal music by Music Director Lynne Dugan at 5:30 p.m., followed by heartwarming caroling by candlelight.

This time-honored tradition, started in the 1950s by the Rev. Boyd Edwards, has become a beloved part of the island’s holiday celebrations. Over the years, the service has drawn close to 1,000 attendees, so early arrival is encouraged for parking and seating.

Adding to the festive atmosphere, the chapel’s lane is adorned with more than 1,000 holiday lights, creating a magical setting for the occasion.

Outdoor Seating and Hurricane Recovery

Due to impacts from Hurricane Milton earlier this year, seating for the service will be held outdoors in the chapel’s yard. The historic chapel sustained damage and is currently slightly off its foundation, awaiting repairs to raise and level the structure.

Chapel officials have kindly reminded visitors, “As the SanCap Chamber says, we are ‘Not perfect, but still paradise.’ Please travel carefully to join us for this special event.”

Note: There will be no service on Christmas morning.

Plan Your Visit

For more details, visit the chapel’s website at www.captivachapel.com or follow the Captiva Chapel by the Sea on Facebook.

The chapel is located at 11580 Chapin Lane, Captiva. Come and be part of this beautiful celebration of community and tradition!

The Sanibel City Council recently held a meeting to address several important projects, including moving forward with the design phase for a proposed roundabout at Periwinkle Way and Causeway Boulevard and providing updates on the Lighthouse Beach Park sand placement project. Other agenda items included grant approvals, appointments, and updates on stormwater and building fees.

Roundabout Design Phase Approved

After a detailed presentation by consultant Kimley-Horn and Associates, the council voted unanimously to advance the 30% design phase for a proposed roundabout at the intersection of Periwinkle Way and Causeway Boulevard. The study aims to improve traffic flow and pedestrian safety in the area, with an estimated project cost of $3.5 to $5 million.

Study Findings and Next Steps:

• Two intersection concepts were developed based on traffic data, public feedback, and past studies.
• Proposed features include:
  • Additional merge lanes.
  • Enhanced pedestrian crossings.
• The council emphasized the importance of addressing off-island traffic issues at Punta Rassa and the causeway in conjunction with the roundabout project.

Councilmember Statements:

• Councilmember Holly Smith supported gathering more information for a potential voter referendum.
• Vice Mayor Mike Miller stressed the need for a clearer cost estimate for taxpayers before making a final decision.
• Mayor Richard Johnson highlighted the importance of continuing progress rather than halting efforts as in past discussions.

The council also directed staff to engage with Lee County on a study for improvements to Punta Rassa and the causeway.

Lighthouse Beach Park Sand Placement Update

Natural Resources Director Holly Milbrandt provided a progress update on the sand placement project at Lighthouse Beach Park, emphasizing the importance of maintaining healthy beaches and dunes for both recreational and wildlife use.

Project Details:

• Phase II involves placing 105,000 tons of sand.
• Timeline:
  • Gulfside parking lot work is expected to conclude by Dec. 20.
  • Bayside parking lot work is anticipated to finish by Jan. 10.
• The city has secured a 15-year permit for future periodic renourishments if needed.

Milbrandt explained that while some sand shifted inland due to storms, it has strengthened the dunes, providing long-term benefits for coastal protection.

Additional Council Decisions and Updates

1. Hurricane Recovery Grants Approved
   • A $9.92 million grant from the Florida Division of Emergency Management for Hurricane Ian recovery was approved.
   • Agreements with FEMA for reimbursements related to Hurricanes Helene and Milton were also approved.
2. Community Housing and Resources (CHR) Funds
   • Approved a sub-recipient agreement for funding under a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG).
3. Temporary Signs and Landscaping Resolutions
   • Extended authorization for temporary business signs through Dec. 6.
   • Deferred required landscaping installation for commercial and institutional properties for up to 24 months.
4. Planning Commission Appointments
   • Tiffany Burns and Larry Schopp were appointed to three-year terms beginning Jan. 14, 2025.
5. Stormwater Master Plan and Fee Study
   • City engineer Oisin Dolley presented updates on the Stormwater Master Plan.
   • Building Director Craig Mole’ provided an overview of the Building Department Fee Study.

Next Steps and Community Involvement

The Sanibel City Council continues to address pressing infrastructure and recovery needs while ensuring public engagement in decision-making. For updates, visit the City of Sanibel website or attend upcoming council meetings.