Author: LeAenSUAREZGroup

The highly anticipated Sizzle Dining event returns for its 2024 edition, promising a month-long culinary journey across Southwest Florida. Running from September 5 to 25, this annual extravaganza invites food lovers to explore the vibrant flavors of the region while supporting a worthy cause: combating child hunger through the local nonprofit, Blessings in a Backpack.

Record Participation for 2024
This year, a record-breaking 114 restaurants are taking part, including 38 first-time participants, offering food enthusiasts the chance to experience a diverse range of cuisines for less. The event features specially curated, set-price menus with two-course lunches at $19 or $29 and three-course dinners at $29, $39, or $49. Additionally, new to the lineup this year are specialty brunches and interactive cooking demos with local chefs.

Support Local & Savor the Experience
The promotion spans across numerous locations, including Babcock Ranch, Boca Grande, Bonita Springs, Cape Coral, Captiva, Fort Myers, Immokalee, Marco Island, Naples, and Sanibel, offering a unique opportunity to discover both hidden gems and established favorites. Each restaurant offers a dedicated Sizzle Dining menu, allowing patrons to try dishes they may not typically order due to cost or unfamiliarity.

“We’re thrilled to bring Sizzle Dining back this year, especially with such a large number of participating restaurants,” said Guy Clarke, founder of the event. “September is typically a slow month for the restaurant industry in Southwest Florida, so it’s a great opportunity for diners to experience our region’s culinary scene at special prices without the long wait times.”

Clarke also highlighted the broader community impact: “When the restaurants are busier, everyone benefits. From the kitchen staff to local farmers, there’s a ripple effect throughout the entire community. It’s rewarding to see how something as simple as dining out can make such a difference.”

A Cause Beyond the Cuisine
In addition to offering great food at great prices, Sizzle Dining directly benefits Blessings in a Backpack, which provides meals for food-insecure elementary-aged children in Lee and Collier counties. For every lunch or dinner purchased during the event, $1 is donated to the nonprofit. Over the last three years, Sizzle Dining has raised over $91,000, with $48,000 contributed in 2023 alone.

“Events like Sizzle Dining not only raise awareness but also provide crucial support for our mission,” said Cecilia St. Arnold, Executive Director of Blessings in a Backpack. “By dining out, people are helping to feed local children who might otherwise go without food on weekends. It’s an incredible way to engage the community.”

Island Highlights
Among the 114 participating restaurants, four island spots are representing the local culinary scene:

• Cantina Captiva (14970 Captiva Drive, Captiva)
• RC Otter’s Island Eats (11506 Andy Rosse Lane, Captiva)
• Sunshine Seafood Cafe and Wine Bar (11508 Andy Rosse Lane, Captiva)
• Tutti Pazzi Italian Kitchen (1200 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel)

These island restaurants will offer unique Sizzle Dining menus, inviting both residents and visitors to indulge in exceptional food with a purpose.

Exclusive Events
In addition to regular dining, Sizzle Dining features exclusive one-day brunch events and private chef-led experiences, offering a deeper dive into Southwest Florida’s culinary creativity. Tickets are required for these events, which range from cooking demos to special brunches hosted by renowned local chefs.

For a full list of participating restaurants, special event tickets, and menu updates, visit www.sizzledining.com. Make your reservations directly with each restaurant and be a part of this exciting and impactful dining experience.

Looking for a fun way to kick off your Thanksgiving holiday in sunny Florida? Look no further than the 45th Annual Fort Myers Turkey Trot 5K Run/Walk! This beloved tradition, hosted by the Fort Myers Track Club and held at the Edison and Ford Winter Estates, is the perfect way to celebrate with friends and family while getting some exercise.

More Than Just a Race

The Fort Myers Turkey Trot is more than just a race; it’s a community event that brings people together year after year. Whether you’re a seasoned runner aiming for a personal best or a casual walker enjoying the festive atmosphere, this 5K offers something for everyone.

Run or Walk Through History

The scenic course winds through the beautiful grounds of the Edison and Ford Winter Estates, offering a unique glimpse into American history. Imagine yourself running or walking past the iconic winter homes of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, all while enjoying the cool November air.

Something for Everyone

Can’t make it to Fort Myers? No worries! The Turkey Trot also offers a virtual option, allowing you to participate from anywhere in the world. This is a great way to connect with friends and family who are far away, all while sharing the Thanksgiving spirit.

Register Now!

Don’t miss out on this fun and festive event! Head over to runsignup.com to register for the Fort Myers Turkey Trot 5K. Spots fill up fast, so sign up today and secure your place in this cherished Thanksgiving tradition!

In a recent meeting, the Lee County Board of County Commissioners established the tentative millage rates for the Truth in Millage (TRIM) notice and upcoming budget hearings for the fiscal year 2024-25.

On July 30, the commissioners unanimously voted 4-0 to maintain the current ad valorem maximum millage rate for the countywide General Revenue at 3.7623, reflecting no change from the previous year.

“This decision sets the maximum millage rates for property taxes for the upcoming fiscal year, with adjustments possible in September,” stated Assistant County Manager and Chief Financial Officer Peter Winton.

Winton further emphasized that while these rates may be adjusted downward during the budget process, they cannot be increased.

The approved motion also includes the following proposed non-countywide millage rates:

• Lee County All Hazards — Unincorporated: 0.0693 (no change)
• Lee County Library Fund: 0.4714 (no change)
• Lee County Unincorporated — MSTU (Municipal Services Taxing Unit): 0.8398 (no change)

Additionally, the motion covers the maximum millage rates for various dependent districts — MSTUs, which Winton explained are tax levies agreed upon by neighborhoods for services like lighting, security, landscaping, and more.

Commissioner Brian Hamman was absent from the meeting.

It’s important to note that these millage rates can be reduced during the budget hearings scheduled for September 3 and September 17 at 5:05 p.m., but they cannot be raised.

On August 31, CVS Pharmacy will officially reopen its doors to the Sanibel community, nearly two years after Hurricane Ian’s devastating impact. The store has undergone significant renovations to restore and enhance the facility, which was heavily damaged by the storm.

The newly revamped CVS Pharmacy now features an expanded pharmacy section, a private vaccination area, an improved in-store delivery pickup space, and a modernized layout with updated decor and fixtures.

“We are incredibly grateful for the support our customers and patients have shown us throughout the rebuilding process,” said Store Manager Paul Cross. “We’re thrilled to welcome everyone back to our new and improved Sanibel CVS, and we can’t wait to start serving the community once again.”

CVS Pharmacy continues to offer a wide range of products, from over-the-counter medications to beauty items and healthy food options. The store is also dedicated to providing innovative health solutions that make healthcare more accessible and convenient for patients, customers, and caregivers.

“It’s been a challenging journey, but we are fully prepared to meet our patients’ pharmacy needs,” said Pharmacy Manager Susie McClintock. “Our team is eager to start filling prescriptions, offering trusted health advice, and providing vaccinations just in time for the upcoming cold and flu season.”

Adding a unique touch to the store, local artist Rachel Pierce has created original artwork that captures the natural beauty and wildlife of Sanibel. The artwork is prominently displayed near the entrance, offering visitors a warm and welcoming view.

To celebrate the grand reopening, a community event will be held on September 7 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. All are welcome to explore the newly remodeled store and enjoy the festivities.

The store will be open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Pharmacy hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

CVS Pharmacy is located at 2331 Palm Ridge Road, Sanibel.

Stay tuned for more updates from Sanibel-Captiva News.

The iconic punk band Black Flag is set to electrify Fort Myers as part of their 2024 “The First Four Years” tour. This highly anticipated concert will take place at The Ranch on Thursday, December 12, and promises to be a monumental event celebrating the band’s early and influential years.

Black Flag, formed in 1976 during the peak of the punk rock movement in Southern California, has been a driving force in shaping the sound of punk, metal, and hardcore music. Known for their raw energy and groundbreaking tracks like “Nervous Breakdown” and “Rise Above,” Black Flag’s influence on the music scene is undeniable.

The concert at The Ranch will be a special tribute to the band’s formative years, though it’s worth noting that Henry Rollins, who became synonymous with Black Flag’s early sound, is no longer part of the lineup. The current band members include founding guitarist Greg Ginn, who continues to lead the group, along with singer Mike Vallely, who joined in 2013, bassist Austin Sears, and drummer Charles Wiley.

The Ranch, a venue traditionally known for country music and line-dancing events, is expanding its horizons by hosting a diverse range of concerts, including this legendary punk band. The venue’s willingness to embrace multiple genres has made it a hotspot for music lovers of all kinds.

This isn’t the only legendary act to hit The Ranch this year. T.S.O.L., another iconic California punk band from the late ’70s, is scheduled to perform on September 12, followed by The Exploited, a Scottish hardcore thrash punk band from the same era, on October 4. Joining Black Flag on December 12 will be The Queers, an American punk band that gained prominence in the ’80s.

For punk rock fans, this lineup is a must-see, offering a rare opportunity to witness some of the genre’s most legendary acts in one place.

Tickets for Black Flag’s performance at The Ranch are available now. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this unforgettable night of punk history in Fort Myers. Grab your tickets here.

The Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) is excited to announce the return of its beloved event, Taste of the Islands, for its 43rd year on November 9th. After being reimagined in 2020 due to COVID-19 and canceled in 2022 due to Hurricane Ian, this year’s event will once again be held in person from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at City Hall, located at 800 Dunlop Road, Sanibel.

“‘Taste is back!’” exclaimed CROW Executive Director Alison Charney Hussey. “We are thrilled to bring this much-loved open-air event back to the islands.”

The event will feature live music and showcase the vibrant and diverse restaurant community of Sanibel and Captiva, offering attendees the opportunity to reconnect and celebrate the resilience of local businesses. In addition, participants can meet CROW’s Animal Ambassadors, get a ‘taste’ of CROW’s mission, and take home a commemorative Taste T-shirt.

In honor of Sanibel’s 50th anniversary, this year’s event will take place at City Hall, adding a fresh atmosphere to the celebration. “We know how much everyone loves the farmers market, so we believe this new venue will provide a refreshed look and feel to Taste,” Hussey added.

In the week leading up to the event, participating restaurants will host a special celebration at their locations from November 1st to 8th, where the public can sample each restaurant’s featured item and cast their votes early. This restaurant week aims to support local eateries while building excitement for the main event.

Edison National Bank/Bank of the Islands proudly returns as the title sponsor for this year’s Taste of the Islands. Geoff Roepstorff, the bank’s Chief Executive Officer, highlighted the importance of the event: “CROW has adapted Taste of the Islands over the past few years, not only to raise funds for their mission but also to support the islands’ many restaurants. The one-day event brings the community together to celebrate fantastic food and drink while supporting CROW’s vital work in saving our wildlife.”

Proceeds from the event will directly support CROW’s mission to provide the highest quality care for injured, sick, and orphaned wildlife, as well as fund public education and outreach initiatives.

Admission to the event is $10 for ages 11 and older, $5 for ages 4 to 10, and free for children 3 and under. Attendees can purchase CROW Bucks to enjoy ‘tastes’ from the participating restaurants.

Tickets are available at tasteoftheislands.org and can also be purchased at the gate. For more information about the event, sponsorship opportunities, or how to become a participating restaurant, contact CROW Development Director Grace Murphy at 239-322-5073 or [email protected].

CROW is located at 3883 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel.

The Florida silver palm (Coccothrinax argentata) is recognized as a threatened species within the state, making it a unique and vital part of Florida’s natural heritage. This petite palm is distinguished by its narrow, deeply divided palmate leaves, which hang gracefully around the trunk, creating a skirt-like appearance. One of its most striking features is the silvery sheen on the underside of its fronds, which becomes particularly captivating when the wind catches them, adding a shimmering effect to any landscape.

Although it is smaller compared to the native Florida thatch palm (Thrinax radiata), the Florida silver palm offers significant aesthetic appeal and adaptability. Its slow growth rate makes it an excellent choice for pot cultivation, making it a charming addition to decks, patios, or rock gardens. The palm thrives in the region’s nutrient-poor, high pH soils and is both salt and drought tolerant once established.

In addition to its ornamental value, the Florida silver palm plays a crucial role in the local ecosystem. It serves as a larval host for the monk skipper butterfly, further underscoring its importance in preserving Florida’s biodiversity. Whether planted in the ground or in a container, the Florida silver palm is a resilient and beautiful species that contributes to the natural beauty and ecological health of the region.