Author: LeAneSUAREZGroup

The long-speculated news has been confirmed: the owners of Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille are the new owners of Bonita Bill’s on Fort Myers Beach. The beloved waterfront establishment will now be known as The Bonita Fish Company.

Key Details

• New Name: The Bonita Fish Company
• Purchase Price: $5.5 million
• Closure Date: Officially closed on Sunday, January 5th.

Renovation Plans

Renovations will begin immediately, with the restaurant temporarily closed during the work. The new owners aim to refresh and revitalize the space while maintaining its charm.

Opening Timeline

The Bonita Fish Company is expected to open its doors in early to mid-2025.

Stay tuned for updates as this iconic location undergoes its transformation!

The Captiva Civic Association (CCA) invites dog lovers and their furry companions to the Captiva Dog Party, part of the CCA Events 2024-2025 Season collection, on Saturday, January 11, from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Captiva Civic Center.

This dog-friendly luau promises an afternoon of fun while supporting F.I.S.H.’s Pet Food Pantry, which distributes over 10,000 pounds of dog food annually to seniors, residents, and employees across the islands.

Event Highlights

• Unlimited “Poo Poo” Platter for Pups
• Live Music by Steely Pan
• Kalua Pork Sliders, fresh coconut water, and tiki cocktails for attendees
• Hawaiian-themed dress code – think muumuus, grass skirts, and Hawaiian shirts
• Raffle Prizes for dogs and their owners

Raffle Prizes Include:

• OEC VIP Card: Free bacon slices for your dog on every visit in 2025 at Over Easy Cafe.
• Steak Dinner for Two: A filet dinner for your dog(s) on Wickies’ pet-friendly patio.
• Mystery Box: A surprise box of pet-related goodies from Charlie’s Islands Gifts.
• Spaw Day: Milk & Honey grooming products for your dog and a 50-minute massage for you from Sanibel Day Spa.
• Private Doga Session: Bond with your dog during an exclusive dog yoga session from The Treehouse.
• Zen Puppy Sound Bath: A tranquil sound bath experience for you and your pup at The Treehouse studio.
• Puppy Portrait Session: A 30-minute beach photo session with Shane Antalick Photography.
• Cruisin’ Tiki: A 90-minute private tiki hut cruise for up to six guests and your dog, courtesy of BringFido.
• Four Legs of Golf: A Powerbone Golf Club for your pup and a round of golf for you and three friends at The Sanctuary Golf Club.

Event Details

• Date and Time: Saturday, January 11 · 2–5 p.m. EST
• Location: Captiva Civic Center, 11550 Chapin Lane, Captiva, FL 33924
• Refund Policy: Refunds available up to 7 days before the event (Eventbrite fees nonrefundable).

This three-hour event combines fun, community spirit, and a great cause. For more information and to secure your spot, visit the event page or stop by the Captiva Civic Center. Don’t miss this opportunity to get lei’d while supporting the island’s pet community!

Experience the beauty of Sanibel’s coastline with Sanibel Sea School’s marine science educators during their guided beach walks. Perfect for nature lovers, these sessions provide an exciting opportunity to explore marine life and learn about shell biology.

Schedule and Locations

• Wednesdays:
  • Time: 9 to 10:30 a.m.
  • Location: Island Inn, 3111 W. Gulf Drive, Sanibel
  • Registration: sanibelseaschool.org/programs/at-your-resort
• Fridays:
  • Time: 9 to 10:30 a.m.
  • Location: Sanibel Moorings, 845 E. Gulf Drive, Sanibel
  • Registration: Call the resort office at 239-472-4119

What to Expect

Participants will:

• Identify marine creatures along the shoreline.
• Learn fascinating details about shell biology.

Cost

• $20 per person for the public.
• Free for resort guests.

Whether you’re a Sanibel visitor or a local resident, this guided beach walk offers a unique and educational way to connect with the island’s natural beauty. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore the fascinating marine world!

The beloved Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille is kicking off the new year with an exciting lineup of new menu items, showcasing the versatility of its iconic Yucatan sauce, a Caribbean-meets-Colombia creation that has been a fan favorite in its signature Yucatan shrimp dish.

New Menu Highlights

• Yucatan Crispy Fried Chicken Sandwich
  • A crispy fried chicken filet topped with pickles, mild sambal remoulade, and the famed Yucatan sauce, served on a toasted brioche bun.
• Baked Oysters
  • Fresh-shucked oysters marinated in Yucatan sauce and baked with a creamy Manchego cheese topping.
• Grilled Bone-In Pork Chop
  • A hearty dish featuring a grilled pork chop finished with caramelized apple demi-glace, served alongside creamy garlic mashed red potatoes and buttered broccolini.
• Shrimp Salad
  • A lighter option with chopped shrimp tossed in fresh dill, mayo, celery, and Dijon, served on organic greens with avocado, cucumber, tomatoes, and a drizzle of lemon dressing.
• Shrimp Wrap
  • Blackened shrimp paired with avocado-tomato salsa, shredded lettuce, red cabbage, crispy chopped bacon, queso fresco, and tangy chimichurri aioli, all wrapped in a toasted flour tortilla.

What Makes the Yucatan Sauce Special?

The Yucatan sauce is a mouthwatering blend of butter, garlic, fresh cilantro, Key lime juice, and mild Colombian chilies. Its bold, versatile flavor complements a variety of dishes and remains a staple among Doc Ford’s offerings.

“We’re excited to introduce these new dishes which are inspired by customer input and comments,” said Joe Harrity, HM Restaurant Group partner. “Our Yucatan sauce is a fan favorite and pairs so well with many flavor profiles.”

Locations

The new menu items are available at all Doc Ford’s locations, including the one on Sanibel Island.

For more details on locations and menus, visit docfords.com.

Indulge in the bold flavors and culinary creativity Doc Ford’s is known for in 2025!

The City of Sanibel’s Natural Resources Department reported that Hurricane Milton caused significant beach erosion and sand overwash along Sanibel-Captiva Road, the primary evacuation route for Captiva and northern Sanibel.

Recovery Efforts

During post-storm recovery, the city’s disaster contractor, Crowder Gulf, removed overwash from impacted roadways and stockpiled approximately 3,000 to 4,000 cubic yards of sand at Turner Beach on Captiva.

The contractor is now working to:

• Remove additional overwash sand from the right-of-way.
• Return clean, screened sand to the beach on northern Sanibel.
• Restore critically eroded areas near the road protection wall.

Project Timeline and Traffic Details

• Work began on Dec. 8 and is expected to be completed within a week.
• No lane closures are anticipated during sand hauling and placement.
• Flaggers will be present to direct traffic as equipment and sand are moved across the roadway.

Contact Information

For more details, contact the Natural Resources Department at:

• Phone: 239-472-3700
• Email: sandnr@mysanibel.com

The city appreciates the public’s patience as it works to restore the beaches and maintain critical infrastructure.

The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) and Captiva Cruises are excited to host a Sunset Birding Cruise on Jan. 22 from 4:45 to 6:45 p.m. The cruise will depart from McCarthy’s Marina, located at 11401 Andy Rosse Lane, Captiva.

What to Expect

During this scenic cruise through Pine Island Sound, participants will:

• Learn about the ecology of the back bay estuary.
• Hear insights about the SCCF’s shorebird monitoring program.
• Observe birds as they come in to roost.
• Identify various bird species along the way.
• Receive updates on the islands’ bird populations.

Tickets

• $45 per person
• $35 for children ages 2-12
  Proceeds from the cruise will help support the SCCF’s shorebird monitoring program.

Registration

For more information or to reserve your spot, call Captiva Cruises at 239-472-5300 or visit sccf.org/event/sunset-birding-cruise-3/.

Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy a beautiful sunset and connect with the wildlife and ecology of the islands!

The Sanibel Historical Museum and Village invites the community to a Twilight Talk on Jan. 21 from 7 to 9 p.m. at The Community House on Sanibel. This special event will honor Sanibel’s rich history and celebrate milestone anniversaries, offering an engaging evening of stories and connections to the island’s past.

Event Highlights

Enjoy fascinating tales from long-time Sanibel residents as they share insights about the island’s landmarks and history. Key anniversaries being celebrated include:

• Sanibel Lighthouse: 140 years
• School/Church on Tarpon Bay: 110 years
• Morning Glories and Shore Haven at the Village: 100 years
• City of Sanibel: 50 years
• Sanibel Historical Village: 40 years

The event will be emceed by Andrea Miller, Sanibel Recreation Department Director and chair of the city’s 50th Anniversary Committee. With deep ties to the island, Miller’s family history dates back to the 1940s when her great-grandparents arrived on Sanibel. Her grandparents lived near Bailey’s General Store in Miss Charlotta’s Teahouse, and her father, Ray Rhodes, served as Sanibel’s first police officer.

Additional Event Details

• Amenities:
  • Cash bar available.
  • The Shack of Sanibel will serve frozen custard.
• Tickets:
  • $20 per person.
  • A limited number of tickets will be available at the door (cash or check only).
• Location:
  The Community House, 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit sanibelmuseum.org/event/twil-talk-jan21.

Join us to celebrate Sanibel’s history, connect with the stories that shaped this unique community, and honor the milestones that define our island’s heritage!

Protect Captiva, a coalition dedicated to preserving the island’s long-standing building height and density limitations, shared updates on its ongoing legal actions.

On Jan. 8, the group reported that the Circuit Court recently ruled on the motion for a summary judgment filed by Lee County and South Seas Resort. Following a hearing last month, the judge requested both parties to submit proposed orders by Dec. 30.

On Jan. 7, the court issued its decision, siding with the Captiva Civic Association (CCA) and denying the county/South Seas motion for summary judgment. The court relied on the reasoning outlined in the CCA’s proposed order.

Key Findings:

• The judge ruled that Paragraph 3 of the settlement agreement is “clear and unambiguous.”
  It explicitly states:
  “The total number of units on South Seas Resort is limited to 912. No building permits may be issued by the county for dwelling units within South Seas Resort that will cause that number to be exceeded at any time.”
• The court found that the agreement is:
  • Not barred by alternative relief or the separation of powers.
  • Not an advisory opinion or a restrictive covenant.
  • Does not interfere with the county’s police powers or constitute contract zoning.
  • Not invalid under sovereign immunity principles.
• The county is estopped from denying the validity of the agreement, as the judge emphasized:
  

  “The county and CCA voluntarily negotiated and executed the settlement agreement whereby the county expressly agreed not to issue building permits in excess of 912 units at any time. CCA reasonably relied on that promise and, in return, dismissed its lawsuit with prejudice. The county cannot accept the benefits of the settlement agreement — the dismissal of a lawsuit — and then later argue that the same agreement is unenforceable.”

Next Steps:

The CCA was set to argue its motion for summary judgment on Jan. 10, requesting the court to uphold its motion for the same reasons the county’s motion was denied.

For more details, you can view the Court Order here.

Protect Captiva continues to advocate for the protection of Captiva’s unique character and the enforcement of longstanding agreements that preserve the island’s low-density development. Stay tuned for further updates as the case progresses.

On Dec. 6, the City of Sanibel’s Natural Resources Department announced that Phase II of the Lighthouse Beach Park renourishment project has resumed following a brief holiday break.

Crews are actively placing the remaining 105,000 tons of sand on the bayside of the park. This essential project aims to strengthen the beach coastline and protect the iconic Sanibel Lighthouse. The work is scheduled for completion by mid-February.

Key Project Details:

• Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Bayside Parking Lot Closures: The two bayside parking lots will remain closed during sand placement activities.
• Gulfside Parking Lot Access: The Gulfside parking lot will stay open for visitors throughout the project.
• Temporary Beach Closures: Portions of the beach will be closed to the public during sand placement for safety.
• Public Safety Guidelines: Visitors are urged to follow all posted signage and verbal instructions from parking lot and beach attendants. Please avoid equipment and construction zones.

City officials expressed gratitude for the community’s patience during this critical resiliency effort, emphasizing the importance of robust beaches in protecting Sanibel’s coastline and infrastructure.

“As seen during this active hurricane season, our beaches play a crucial role in buffering storm surges and minimizing flood damage. The impact from events like Tropical Storm Debbie, Hurricane Helene, and Hurricane Milton could have been significantly worse without healthy and well-maintained beaches,” officials stated.

For those looking to visit other open beach parks on Sanibel, the following locations remain accessible:

• Gulfside City Beach Park (Algiers)
• Bowman’s Beach Park
• Tarpon Bay Road Beach Park
• Sanibel Boat Ramp Beach Park

Stay tuned for updates as the project progresses and thank you for supporting Sanibel’s efforts to protect its cherished coastline.