Author: LeAenSUAREZGroup

The Santiva Islanders have a full week of fun, fitness, and social connection planned for adult residents and visitors on Sanibel. Here’s what’s happening:

TUESDAY, MAY 14

Cardio & Strength
9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ, 2050 Periwinkle Way
Led by Mahnaz Bassiri. Bring water and a towel; light weights optional.

• Cost: $5/class for members, $10/class for non-members

Bunko Party & Potluck Dessert
6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Santiva Islanders Place (SIP), 2330 Palm Ridge Road, Suite 17
Enjoy a night of games, coffee, desserts, and prizes. Bring your own dessert and beverage (besides coffee).

• RSVP: Register online

WEDNESDAY, MAY 15

Breakfast Club
9:00 – 10:00 a.m.
Jerry’s Café, 1700 Periwinkle Way
Enjoy breakfast and great conversation. Order and pay individually.

• Contact: Dan Hopta at 978-239-4612

Gentle Yoga
10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
SIP, 2330 Palm Ridge Road, Suite 17
Led by Emery Lowden. Bring a mat, towel, and water.

• Cost: $10/class

Social Mahjong
1:00 – 3:30 p.m.
SIP, 2330 Palm Ridge Road, Suite 17

• Cost: $5

• Contact: Beth Funderburg at bfundy4648@gmail.com

THURSDAY, MAY 16

Cardio & Strength
9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ
Led by Mahnaz Bassiri

• Cost: $5/class for members, $10/class for non-members

SUNDAY, MAY 19

Cardio & Strength
9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ

Lunch & Conversation
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
SIP, 2330 Palm Ridge Road, Suite 17
Bring your own lunch and connect with fellow Islanders.

Social Hour
4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Tutti Pazzi Italian Kitchen, 1200 Periwinkle Way
Happy hour specials available. Order and pay individually.

MONDAY, MAY 20

Euchre
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
SIP, 2330 Palm Ridge Road, Suite 17

• Cost: $5

• Contact: Les Carlson at 860-983-0155 or lescarlson@comcast.net

Leisure Lunch
12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
Wickie’s Lighthouse Restaurant, 362 Periwinkle Way
Order and pay individually.

• RSVP by May 14: Erika Arnowitz at 239-472-4775 ext. 107 or erika@fishofsancap.org

TUESDAY, MAY 21

Cardio & Strength
9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ

• Led by Mahnaz Bassiri

• Cost: $5/class for members, $10/class for non-members

Membership & More

The Santiva Islanders welcome all adult residents and visitors.

• Annual Membership: $25

• More Info: santivaislanders.org or email santivaislanders@gmail.com

The Spring Adult Co-Ed Softball League is gearing up for its highly anticipated season-ending tournament on Tuesday, May 14, hosted at the Sanibel Ball Fields located at the Sanibel Recreation Center, 3880 Sanibel-Captiva Road.

The tournament will bring an exciting close to a competitive season, with four top teams battling it out for this season’s bragging rights. Here’s how the game schedule is shaping up:

Tournament Schedule – May 14

• Game 1: Team Whitney’s vs. Doc Ford’s – 6:20 p.m.

• Game 2: Traders vs. Bubble Room – 7:25 p.m.

• Championship Game: Winner of Game 1 vs. Winner of Game 2 – 8:30 p.m.

Fans can expect a thrilling night under the lights as the top teams hit the field one last time this spring.

Latest Game Recap – May 7

• Bubble Room edged out Traders in a close match, 20-19, setting the tone for an intense rematch in the tournament’s second round.

Final League Standings

1. Bubble Room – 7 Wins, 2 Losses

2. Doc Ford’s – 6 Wins, 3 Losses

3. Team Whitney’s – 5 Wins, 3 Losses

4. Traders – 4 Wins, 5 Losses

5. SCCF Sluggers – 0 Wins, 9 Losses

With a strong regular-season performance, Bubble Room enters as the top seed, but every team has a shot at victory in this single-elimination showdown.

Come Out and Cheer!

The community is invited to come out and support their favorite teams. Whether you’re a regular at the games or new to the league, this is a great opportunity to enjoy local sports and community camaraderie. Bring your lawn chairs, your team spirit, and get ready for an exciting night of softball!

Next week, the island of Sanibel will once again host a meaningful and powerful tradition — the Ride of Silence, an annual event that honors cyclists who have been injured or lost their lives on the road. Scheduled for Tuesday, May 21 at 7 p.m., the ride will begin and end at Sanibel Community Park, located at 2231 Periwinkle Way.

Organized by the Sanibel Bicycle Club and Billy’s Bikes, this year’s ride continues a local tradition that began in 2008 and aligns with a global movement held every third Wednesday in May. Participants will follow a four-mile route along Sanibel’s Shared Use Path, riding in complete silence as a tribute to the lives lost and as a call for safer roads for all.

A Tribute and a Call for Awareness

“Florida now leads the country in bicycling fatalities, with nearly 500 last year,” said Sanibel Bicycle Club President Jim Meyer. “We hope that this awareness program will help slow that fatality rate. This is both for the motorists and the cyclists.”

The event is modeled after the very first Ride of Silence, which took place in 2003 in Dallas, Texas, following the tragic death of cyclist Larry Schwartz. Since then, it has grown into a global effort to promote awareness and encourage a culture of shared responsibility between cyclists and motorists.

Event Details

• When: Tuesday, May 21, 7:00 p.m. (arrive by 6:30 p.m.)

• Where: Sanibel Community Park, 2231 Periwinkle Way

• Route: Periwinkle Way → Casa Ybel Road → West Gulf Drive → Tarpon Bay Road → return to the park

• Distance: Approximately 4 miles

• Pace: Slow and respectful

• Cost: Free and open to the public

• Requirements: All participants must wear a helmet. No headsets, please.

Families and individuals of all ages are welcome. “It’s a short, slow, and very simple ride,” Meyer noted. “We welcome the public — including children — to participate. It’s a tribute to the cycling community we’ve lost.”

Additional Support and Resources

The Sanibel Police Department will be assisting with traffic control to ensure the safety of riders. Billy’s Bikes will provide water, a limited number of safety vests, and a few spare helmets for those who need them. Informational materials about the Sanibel Bicycle Club and membership opportunities will also be available at the event.

“We’re trying to improve the cycling, motorist, and pedestrian environment on Sanibel,” Meyer emphasized. “This event helps us move in that direction.”

For more information, visit www.sanibelbicycleclub.org or contact:

• Jim Meyer at 314-406-0904

• Kevin Connerty at 239-887-2369

If You Go

What:
Annual Ride of Silence

When:
May 21 at 7:00 p.m. (arrive by 6:30 p.m.)

Where:
Sanibel Community Park
2231 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel

Details:
Free and open to the public; helmet required

After months of dedicated restoration efforts, The Captiva Island Historical Society’s (CIHS) History Gallery is once again open to the public.

Located inside the Captiva Memorial Library at 11560 Chapin Lane, the gallery had been closed since Hurricane Helene in September, followed by additional damage during Hurricane Milton in October. Both the library and gallery experienced significant storm surge, requiring a full disassembly of the exhibit and comprehensive repairs.

“We had to disassemble the gallery and install new flooring—everything is new,” shared CIHS Board President Tom Libonate.

A Tribute to Captiva’s Rich History

Originally opened in 2014, the History Gallery is a visual and interactive tribute to Captiva’s vibrant past, designed as a replica of the historic Santiva mailboat. Visitors will find historical artifacts and multimedia presentations that trace life on the island—from the ancient Calusa Indians and pioneering settlers to the present-day community.

“It tells the story of life on Captiva,” Libonate added. “From the Calusa Indians and early homesteaders, to current day.”

After the hurricanes, the entire exhibit was carefully taken apart. Salvageable pieces were dried and stored in climate-controlled containers before being reassembled. The gallery was structurally restored by January, with finishing touches completed in time for the library’s April 2 reopening.

What’s New?

While the layout and storytelling remain the same, visitors will notice a refreshed and updated experience:

• New flooring and paintwork

• Improved lighting

• A cleaner, crisper presentation of existing exhibits

“The only difference is that it’s fresher,” said Libonate. “It gave us a chance to tune it up a bit.”

Coming soon is an innovative audio feature: a suspended plastic cone that offers an isolated audio experience. Visitors will be able to stand beneath it and listen to curated content from the exhibit without background noise.

A Community Effort

The restoration was made possible through generous community donations, which fully covered expenses, including the upcoming audio installation.

“Incredibly generous,” Libonate said. “With all the issues that individuals had on their own, we were astounded with the response we received.”

Special thanks were extended to:

• Mike Boris (Board Vice President) and Bob Johnson for coordinating the rebuild

• Trim City for carefully disassembling, storing, and reassembling the exhibit, as well as updating lighting and painting

• Ilie Ruby, a local artist and author, for restoring the gallery’s painted murals—entirely as a volunteer

“They really stepped up,” Libonate emphasized. “Everyone involved gave their time and energy to bring this space back to life.”

Plan Your Visit

Captiva Memorial Library
Open Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays
Hours: 10 AM – 12:30 PM and 1 PM – 4 PM

Admission is free, and all are welcome to explore this revived treasure trove of Captiva’s past.

Learn more at: www.captivaislandhistoricalsociety.org

Every year, from April through October, Sanibel and Captiva Islands come alive with one of nature’s most remarkable events: sea turtle nesting season. This time of year is critical for the survival of several species of sea turtles, including the loggerhead, green, leatherback, and Kemp’s ridley turtles. These ancient mariners have been nesting on these islands for centuries, and as visitors to the area, we all have a role to play in ensuring their continued presence on our shores.

The Importance of Sea Turtle Nesting Season

Sea turtles are an essential part of the marine ecosystem, playing a key role in maintaining the health of seagrass beds and coral reefs. However, their populations are in decline due to a variety of threats, including habitat loss, pollution, climate change, and human interference. Sanibel and Captiva Islands, with their protected beaches, provide a critical sanctuary for these endangered species.

During nesting season, female sea turtles come ashore to lay their eggs, which are then incubated in the warm sands until they hatch. The hatchlings, once they emerge, make their way to the sea—a journey that is filled with peril. By protecting the nesting sites and ensuring a safe path to the ocean, we can help give these hatchlings a fighting chance.

What You Can Do to Help

The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) monitors the beaches daily during nesting season, ensuring that nests are marked and protected. However, everyone visiting the islands has a part to play. Here are some simple, yet effective ways you can help protect sea turtles during their nesting season:

1. Turn Off or Shield Lights

Sea turtles, especially hatchlings, are attracted to bright lights. Nesting females can become disoriented by artificial lights, which may cause them to abandon their nesting attempt. Hatchlings, upon emerging from their nests, use the moon’s natural light to find their way to the sea. Bright lights on the beach can confuse them, causing them to wander off track and increasing their chances of predation.

Make sure to turn off all lights visible from the beach after 9 p.m. during nesting season. If you must use lights, ensure they are shielded and pointed away from the beach.

2. Avoid Disturbing Nesting Turtles

If you happen to spot a turtle nesting on the beach, keep your distance. Do not approach or try to touch the turtle. Female sea turtles are extremely sensitive during the nesting process and can be easily disturbed. Approach the situation with respect and enjoy the sight from afar.

3. Fill in Holes and Remove Beach Furniture

While spending time on the beach, be mindful of any holes you may dig and make sure to fill them in before you leave. Holes pose a serious risk to nesting turtles, which can become trapped or injured while trying to nest. Similarly, any beach furniture or obstacles can obstruct the turtles’ path to the ocean. Always remove any items you bring with you before you leave the beach.

4. Keep Pets on a Leash

Although pets are a beloved part of family vacations, they can pose a threat to nesting turtles and hatchlings. Dogs may disturb nesting turtles or dig into nests, inadvertently harming the eggs. Keep your pets on a leash and under control at all times when on the beach.

5. Report Turtle Sightings

If you see a turtle or a nest, report it to the SCCF’s Sea Turtle Hotline at 978-728-3663. The conservation foundation relies on the public to help track nesting activity, and your reports play a crucial role in ensuring that nests are protected and hatchlings are able to make their journey to the sea.

The Role of Conservation Efforts

The efforts of organizations like the SCCF are vital to the survival of sea turtles. Daily beach patrols help to mark and protect nests, ensuring that eggs remain undisturbed. In addition, the SCCF educates the public on best practices for protecting sea turtles, from proper lighting and nest protection to avoiding harmful human activities on the beach.

Despite the challenges sea turtles face, there is hope. With community involvement, a commitment to conservation, and respect for the natural world, we can help ensure that future generations of sea turtles continue to thrive on Sanibel and Captiva Islands.

A Call to Action

As you enjoy the beautiful beaches of Sanibel and Captiva this nesting season, remember that you have the power to make a difference. By following these simple guidelines, you contribute to the survival of these incredible creatures. Let’s work together to protect the sea turtles and preserve the natural beauty of these islands for generations to come.

The Bubble Room on Captiva is working tirelessly to reopen its doors, with contractors and staff putting in long hours to restore the beloved restaurant. On April 9, the team moved 150 chairs and all of the booths back into place, and they couldn’t be more excited. “We can’t wait to show it to our guests — it looks amazing!” officials shared. “We’re so close to reopening, we can already taste the Bubble Bread!”

Although the reopening timeline has shifted toward later this month due to ongoing restoration efforts, the Bubble Room is thankful for the patience and understanding of its community. “We’ve navigated through multiple hurricanes in the past few years, and we appreciate your continued support,” they said.

In the meantime, The Bubble Room Emporium is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., offering quirky and unique gifts at 15000 Captiva Drive. For a taste of the iconic restaurant’s offerings, Boop’s by The Bubble Room is serving up their famous cakes and more from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily at 15001 Captiva Drive.

“We’re incredibly grateful for your support through Boop’s, the Bubble Room Emporium, our online shop, and all the uplifting messages to our staff,” officials expressed.

For more updates and information, visit https://www.bubbleroomrestaurant.com/.

The Blue Giraffe Island Bar & Grill, a trailblazer in the food truck scene on Sanibel following Hurricane Ian in 2022, marked a significant milestone with the grand reopening of its brick-and-mortar location. The SanCap Chamber of Commerce officially welcomed the restaurant back to Sanibel with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on May 2, 863 days after it first opened its food truck at the Periwinkle Place Shops.

“When Hurricane Ian hit, it was about community, resilience, and providing a sense of normalcy during a time of recovery,” said Michael Puente, who purchased the Blue Giraffe in June 2023. “For me, a restaurant is more than just a business; it’s a place to share love, culture, and connection. This restaurant is my home, and my team is my family.”

The road to recovery for Puente was not easy. With the restaurant at a 100% loss, Puente rebuilt from the ground up — installing a new blue epoxy floor, expanding into an adjacent storefront, and modernizing the restaurant’s appearance. The space features a hand-painted giraffe mural by local artist Alex Bustamante, an open floor plan, and TVs throughout the dining area. Artifacts from previous Blue Giraffe locations add historical touches, connecting the new space to its roots.

“I saw Hurricane Ian not as an end but as an opportunity to create something even stronger,” Puente reflected. “I had a blank canvas, and I was ready to build something new for our community.”

The menu blends beloved classics with new twists, offering breakfast, lunch, dinner, special events, catering, and plans for late-night dining.

“Back when we were all reeling after Ian, Blue Giraffe was already serving islanders and visitors, shining a ray of hope for the future,” said John Lai, President and CEO of the SanCap Chamber. “Now, it has returned with a fresh, exciting product that honors the legacy of its past locations. We congratulate Michael and his team for their foresight and determination to make such a strong comeback.”

The Blue Giraffe Island Bar & Grill is located at 2075 Periwinkle Way, Suite 14, Sanibel.

On May 15 at 3 p.m., the new documentary “On Sanibel: The Hurricane Diaries” will make its debut at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center in Fort Myers, as part of the Fort Myers Film Festival. This compelling film, directed and produced by Sanibel resident Laura DeBruce, tells the inspiring story of the island’s resilience in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian.

The documentary features raw, first-hand footage from islanders who stayed behind during the storm, which severed the Sanibel Causeway and left widespread devastation. The film goes beyond the storm itself to focus on the strength, creativity, and love that helped the community rebuild in the wake of disaster.

“This film is not just about Hurricane Ian,” said DeBruce. “It’s about the incredible strength, ingenuity, and love that emerged afterward. Sanibel’s people didn’t just rebuild buildings — they rebuilt hope.”

Through personal interviews and never-before-seen footage, the documentary highlights the stories of residents, small business owners, and community leaders who rose to the occasion.

DeBruce began documenting the recovery efforts shortly after the storm, arriving by boat and bicycle with her husband, Jeff Blackman. Despite suffering a broken wrist on her first day — caused by an alligator sighting — she continued filming what she saw. With the help of her friend Diana Taylor and award-winning videographer Chad Hatcher, DeBruce brought the story to life.

“It was difficult seeing this beautiful island destroyed repeatedly,” DeBruce recalled. “But in every shot, I saw people who had lost everything, yet still displayed such compassion and strength. That, to me, is the heart of this story.”

The film’s score, composed by Emmy and Peabody Award-winning flutist Kat Epple, complements the film’s powerful themes of paradise, peril, courage, loss, and unity.

“My goal was to craft music that resonates with the visuals and the emotional core of the story,” Epple said. “The score reflects the emotional journey — from the beauty of paradise to the destruction, and ultimately, the resilience and unity of the community.”

Tickets for the premiere are $10 for general admission, with all-day and all-access passes also available. For tickets and additional information, visit fortmyersfilmfestival.com.

To watch the film’s trailer, visit https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=983090534031724.

The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center is located at 2301 First St., Fort Myers.

In a historic transaction, three adjacent waterfront estates in Naples’ exclusive Port Royal neighborhood have sold for a combined $225 million, marking one of the most significant real estate deals in Southwest Florida history.

The properties—2170, 2200, and 2340 Gordon Drive—span approximately 15 acres and boast over 800 feet of direct Gulf frontage, offering an unprecedented stretch of coastal luxury. The deal was brokered by Michael McCumber of The McCumber Group at Gulf Coast International Properties.

“Port Royal is undergoing a remarkable transformation, with the $100 million reconstruction of its private beach club driving a new era of luxury living,” said McCumber. “By closing this record-breaking deal, we’ve once again raised the bar.”

Kevin Coleman, a local attorney with Coleman Yovanovich Koester, acted as trustee on behalf of the undisclosed buyer, while Mark Price of Roetzel & Andress represented the seller in the legal proceedings.

Property records show the largest of the three estates, 2200 Gordon Drive, features an 8,846-square-foot residence with 11 bedrooms and 16 baths, and is owned by Westbury Properties Inc. The other two parcels, 2170 and 2340 Gordon Drive, are owned by separate Bermuda-based companies connected to the DeGroote family. The late Michael DeGroote Sr., a Canadian billionaire and philanthropist, passed away in 2022.

• 2340 Gordon Drive, the southernmost parcel, includes a 6,000-square-foot, five-bedroom, three-bath home built in 1938 on 3.41 acres.

• 2170 Gordon Drive, the northernmost parcel, is a 3.07-acre lot with no existing residence, offering a rare blank slate for future development.

This landmark sale reinforces Port Royal’s status as one of the most coveted ultra-luxury enclaves in the United States, attracting discerning buyers from around the world.

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