Author: LeAenSUAREZGroup

The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) has announced that as of August 21, the loggerhead sea turtles have laid a total of 835 nests on Sanibel and Captiva this season, with an impressive 13,940 loggerhead hatchlings successfully making their way to the ocean.

Despite the challenges posed by Tropical Storm Debby, which caused some nest losses, several nests managed to survive and produce hatchlings. This season’s totals also include one leatherback nest yielding 40 hatchlings and three green sea turtle nests.

Sea turtle nesting season continues through October 31. If you encounter stranded turtles or notice any issues related to nests, lighting, beach furniture, or holes on the beach, please contact the SCCF Sea Turtle Hotline at 978-728-3663.

La Niña, one of the three phases of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), plays a significant role in influencing global climate patterns. These recurring phases—El Niño, La Niña, and Neutral—impact water temperatures, rainfall, and weather patterns across the tropics. Currently, the ENSO is in a Neutral state.

According to the latest NOAA models, there is now a 66% likelihood that La Niña will develop between September and November, with a 74% chance of it persisting through the winter months of November to January.

“Although La Niña’s later arrival might delay the onset of certain environmental impacts, such as intensified storms due to reduced wind shear, it does not diminish the likelihood that Southwest Florida will experience these effects once La Niña sets in,” said Allie Pecenka, SCCF Policy Associate.

The ongoing warming of waters in the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean further increases the probability of stronger storms, which, when combined with La Niña’s storm-enhancing effects, could lead to an exceptionally active hurricane season.

Beyond the potential for more powerful storms, La Niña is also expected to bring a dry, warmer-than-average winter to the southern U.S., while the northern regions may experience a wetter, colder-than-average winter.

“The continuous collection and analysis of climate, weather, and water quality data by organizations like NOAA and SCCF’s RECON network are crucial in providing the scientific community with the information needed to make accurate predictions for Southwest Florida and its environment,” Pecenka added.

Protect Captiva, continues to actively pursue legal measures to uphold the longstanding building height and density restrictions on Captiva Island. Recently, the group shared updates on their progress across multiple legal fronts.

Ongoing Legal Challenges

“Our legal challenges to the proposed increases in building heights and density on Captiva are advancing through three different legal avenues,” Protect Captiva announced this week.

One of the central issues involves the Captiva Civic Association (CCA) challenging amendments made to Lee County’s Land Development Code. These amendments would allow increased building heights, density, and intensity on Captiva Island and at South Seas Resort, changes that the CCA argues are inconsistent with the Lee Plan. The Lee Plan mandates the county to “enforce development standards that maintain the historic low-density residential development pattern of Captiva” and to “limit development to that which aligns with the island’s historic character.”

A significant development in this challenge was the recent five-day trial before the Florida Division of Administrative Hearings, which concluded on August 23.

“CCA witnesses provided evidence that the historic development pattern on Captiva and South Seas has consistently involved three units per acre for both residential and hotel properties. Buildings typically ranged from one to two stories over parking on Captiva and never exceeded 50 feet in height at South Seas,” Protect Captiva shared. “However, the proposed Code amendments would potentially allow thousands of new hotel rooms at South Seas and could permit buildings exceeding 90 feet in height, as well as a third habitable floor on the rest of Captiva.”

According to the coalition, the county and South Seas Resort found it challenging to counter these facts.

Evacuation Concerns Amidst Development Proposals

Another key point of contention during the trial was the impact of potential new developments on evacuation times in the event of a hurricane.

“A county witness suggested that evacuation clearance times should be based only on data from September, when the population of Captiva and Sanibel is at its lowest,” Protect Captiva reported. “The CCA disagreed, arguing that hurricane season spans from June 1 to November 30, and evacuation plans must account for the worst-case scenarios, not just the lowest population periods.”

The City of Sanibel also played a pivotal role in the proceedings, having been permitted by the judge to intervene in the case despite objections from the county. Protect Captiva noted that Sanibel’s city attorney and police chief provided crucial support during the trial, particularly in addressing the realities of traffic on Periwinkle Way.

The judge has granted the parties 30 days following receipt of the trial transcripts to submit their proposed final orders, after which a final decision will be made.

“Our witnesses presented a compelling case, and our attorneys effectively highlighted the weaknesses in the arguments presented by the county and South Seas,” Protect Captiva shared.

To review the City of Sanibel’s motion to intervene, click on MOTION TO INTERVENE.

Additional Updates from Protect Captiva

• Circuit Court Action: Circuit Court Judge James Shenko recently denied the county’s motion to dismiss the CCA’s legal action to enforce a 2003 settlement agreement, which caps the density at South Seas Resort at 912 units. Following this, South Seas Resort filed a motion to intervene on the county’s side. Depending on the outcome, the CCA may file a dispositive motion to enforce the agreement, which stipulates that “the total number of dwelling units at South Seas Resorts is limited to 912” and “no building permits may be issued by the county for dwelling units that would exceed this limit.” If the court upholds the agreement, the county will be prohibited from approving any development at South Seas that exceeds this 912-unit cap, a standard that has been in place for over 50 years.
• Zoning Application Rejection: The county’s Zoning Section in the Department of Community Development has, for the fourth time, rejected South Seas Resort’s revised plan application to build 196 new condominiums and two new hotels totaling 435 rooms. The resort has 30 days to respond before a hearing on the application can be scheduled. Once a hearing is set, the CCA, along with 12 South Seas associations, will oppose the resort’s efforts to increase density and building heights.

To view the CCA’s comment letter on the fourth plan and the county’s insufficiency letter, click on CCA LETTER and COUNTY LETTER.

The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium on Sanibel Island recently unveiled an impressive collection of marine animals with the reopening of its Living Gallery of Aquariums this March. The museum has expanded its exhibits, now showcasing a wide array of new and captivating species alongside its beloved classics.

New Additions to the Living Gallery

Visitors can now marvel at a variety of new species, each offering unique insights into the world of marine life:

• Flamingo Tongue: This vibrant western Atlantic mollusk, adorned with striking orange and yellow spots, makes its public debut at the museum.
• Lion Paw: For the first time, the museum is featuring these large, colorful bivalves, highly prized by collectors. The exhibit also includes thorny oysters, adding to the display’s richness.
• Two-Spot Octopus: Growing up to 2 feet in length, this playful octopus delights visitors as it interacts with toys and other enrichment items in its aquarium.
• Caribbean Two-Spot Octopus (Bumblebee Octopus): Known for its vivid iridescent spots resembling eyes, this species adds a burst of color to the exhibit.
• Strawberry Conch: Renowned for its large, highly developed eyes, the strawberry conch can detect objects with remarkable precision, making it a fascinating subject for observation.

“These new additions to the Living Gallery offer visitors a chance to explore the diverse marine life, including stunning cephalopods and shelled animals from Southwest Florida, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Pacific,” said senior aquarist Carly Hulse.

Expanded Exhibits and Interactive Features

Beyond the new species, the museum has enhanced its exhibits with interactive elements that shed light on the biology and behavior of mollusks. Highlights include videos, large touchable shells, detailed dioramas, and a growth series of the rare junonia shell. These additions provide a deeper understanding of mollusk anatomy, growth, feeding habits, and reproduction, as well as showcasing their incredible traits that often baffle scientists.

Daily Keeper Chats and Touch Pool Talks

To enrich the visitor experience, the museum offers daily Keeper Chats at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., where aquarists share fascinating stories and insights about the marine life on display. Additionally, Touch Pool Talks led by educators are available daily at 3 p.m., providing an opportunity for hands-on learning.

For more details, visit ShellMuseum.org.

The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum is located at 3075 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel.

Florida’s beaches are home to a variety of unique wildlife, including the ancient horseshoe crab. If you’ve ever strolled along the shoreline during high tide, you might have encountered these fascinating creatures or perhaps found one of their molts left behind on the sand.

Horseshoe Crabs: A Species of Special Concern

The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) highlights the significance of horseshoe crabs along Florida’s Gulf Coast. Despite their importance, these creatures lack adequate protection from harvesting, leaving them vulnerable to numerous threats.

Why Horseshoe Crabs Matter

Horseshoe crabs play a critical role in the ecosystem, particularly as a food source for migratory shorebirds like the red knot. This bird, which has one of the longest migration routes of any species, relies heavily on horseshoe crab eggs during its journey.

“Red knots travel thousands of miles between their breeding grounds in the Arctic and their wintering areas in South America twice a year,” explains Riona Lahey, SCCF shorebird intern. “These migrations are energy-intensive, making the availability of horseshoe crab eggs crucial for the survival of these birds.”

In the 1900s, overharvesting of horseshoe crabs in the northeastern U.S. led to a rapid decline in red knot populations. This prompted conservation measures to protect both the crabs and the birds that depend on them. While the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) regulates horseshoe crab harvesting along the East Coast, the Gulf Coast populations remain unprotected, making them a priority for conservation efforts.

Beyond Birds: Horseshoe Crabs and Human Health

Horseshoe crabs also have significant benefits for humans. Their blue blood contains limulus amoebocyte lysate (LAL), a substance used to detect bacterial contamination in medical products. This ensures the safety of pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and implants. Biomedical companies require permits to collect horseshoe crab blood, and regulations mandate that the crabs be released after collection. However, there are ongoing efforts to develop synthetic alternatives to reduce the reliance on these animals.

Threats to Horseshoe Crabs in Florida

Horseshoe crab populations in Florida face several challenges, including habitat loss due to development and shoreline armoring, as well as threats from the aquarium trade, beach driving, sea-level rise, and erosion.

Understanding Horseshoe Crabs

Despite their name, horseshoe crabs are not true crabs or even crustaceans. They are arthropods, closely related to spiders and other arachnids, belonging to the Limulidae family.

Horseshoe crabs have been around for at least 445 million years, making them one of the oldest species on Earth. Limulus polyphemus, the species found in Florida, is one of only four species of horseshoe crabs worldwide. The other three are found in Asia.

Before reaching maturity at 9-10 years old, horseshoe crabs molt their shells multiple times. You can identify a molted shell by the slit along the front where the crab exited.

Join the Effort: Community Science and Spawning Seasons

In Florida, horseshoe crabs can nest year-round, with peak spawning in the spring and fall during high tides at full and new moons. Spawning occurs in pairs or groups, with females laying thousands of eggs in the sand that males then fertilize.

The SCCF’s shorebird team has been monitoring horseshoe crab spawning activity throughout the summer. To gear up for the fall nesting season, they will attend a public training session on August 30 with the Florida Horseshoe Crab Watch (FHSCW). Anyone interested in contributing to the conservation of these ancient creatures can sign up for the training here.

The FHSCW is a collaborative initiative between the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the University of Florida. It aims to gather data on horseshoe crab populations through community science, where trained volunteers help biologists with surveys, tagging, and tracking the crabs.

“This work is vital for understanding and protecting our unique Gulf Coast horseshoe crabs,” says Lahey.

Report Your Sightings

If you spot a horseshoe crab, you can contribute to conservation efforts by reporting your sighting here. Your participation is crucial in helping protect these incredible creatures and the ecosystems that depend on them.

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has announced significant progress on the Sanibel Causeway project, with traffic now redirected to the permanent lanes. The causeway islands adjacent to the temporary roadway remain active construction zones and are off-limits to the public, including water access.

Important Notices for Motorists:

West of the Toll Plaza:

• Protected Wildlife: The Causeway Islands are home to protected beach-nesting birds. Drivers are urged to reduce speed and stay alert as these birds may fly close to the roadway.
• Traffic Interruptions: Expect intermittent traffic stops near the staging area entrance as construction equipment crosses the road with materials for work on the south side of McGregor Boulevard.
• Ongoing Construction: Earthwork and debris removal are ongoing. Construction vehicles may periodically enter and exit the travel lanes, especially during non-peak hours.
• Westbound Merge: The merge point is located west of the toll plaza. Motorists should proceed with caution, adhere to the 20 mph speed limit, and be aware of construction vehicles entering and exiting near this location.
• U-Turn Area: Crews continue to work around the off-island U-turn under Span A.

East of the Toll Plaza:

• Lane Reductions: Starting August 16, traffic on McGregor Boulevard will be reduced to one lane in each direction for about half a mile, from Shell Point Boulevard to west of Port Comfort Road. This change will last approximately three months as crews work on reconstructing an underground pipe crossing. Traffic will later shift to the south side for the remaining work, expected to last another three months.
• Temporary Lane Closures: Daytime lane closures are planned on McGregor Boulevard, both eastbound and westbound, from Shell Point to Punta Rassa Road. These closures are necessary to clear the median in preparation for the traffic shift scheduled for August 16.
• Eastbound Travel Restrictions: Eastbound traffic from the toll plaza to Shell Point will continue in one lane on the south (beach) side of McGregor. The south side shoulder remains closed for ongoing excavation and installation of marine mattresses to reinforce the shoreline. This closure is expected to last through early fall.

Additional Advisory:

With numerous oversized vehicles supporting recovery efforts on the island, travel may be slower than usual. Cyclists are advised to use alternative transportation, and pedestrians are prohibited from accessing the causeway. All motorists should strictly adhere to the 20 mph speed limit within the work zone.

FDOT also reminds everyone that the construction schedule is subject to change due to unforeseen underground conditions and weather.

For more detailed information about the project, visit www.swflroads.com/SanibelCauseway

After a long and challenging planning journey, one of Sanibel’s most eagerly awaited rebuilding projects is finally moving forward. The City Council, in its July meeting, granted approval for the development permit of Bailey’s Center, which includes the historic Bailey’s General Store. This approval marks the culmination of years of meticulous planning and preparation, aimed at rebuilding responsibly and ensuring a resilient future for this beloved local landmark.

The Bailey family is committed to reconstructing Bailey’s Center with the community’s needs at the forefront, recognizing the significant role the store and its surrounding businesses play in the daily lives of residents and visitors alike.

The timing of this approval is especially meaningful as it coincides with the 125th anniversary of Bailey’s General Store in 2024. To fully appreciate the plans for its future, one must look back at the store’s rich history.

A Storied Past: Bailey’s Through the Years

Bailey’s General Store first opened its doors in 1899 on Matthews’ Wharf in San Carlos Bay. At the time, it was the sole provider of goods and a critical hub for shipping and receiving on the islands of Sanibel and Captiva, serving residents and visitors as they arrived by ferry.

Over the years, Bailey’s has undergone several transformations. The original building was destroyed by a hurricane in the early 20th century, leaving only a safe that washed ashore in San Carlos Bay. Frank P. Bailey, the store’s founder, rebuilt the business—then known as the Sanibel Packing Company—on land next to the wharf, demonstrating the resilience that has become a hallmark of the Bailey family’s operations.

The second version of Bailey’s was later relocated to the corner of Tarpon Bay Road and Periwinkle Way, further inland, to improve its storm resilience. This third iteration of the store now resides at the Sanibel Historical Village and Museum, where it stands as a testament to the island’s rich history.

For those interested in Sanibel’s history, the newly renovated exhibits at the Sanibel Historical Village, including the post-Hurricane Ian updates, are a must-visit. The Bailey family’s legacy of resilient rebuilding continues as they prepare for the next 125 years.

What’s Next: The Future of Bailey’s Center

Visitors to the future Bailey’s Center can expect some significant changes. Perhaps the most noticeable will be the elevated building structures. After Hurricane Ian’s devastating flooding, the Bailey family’s top priority is to ensure that they can continue serving the community, even in the face of future storms.

The main buildings will be raised, with only the historic service station remaining at ground level. The layout of the center will shift, with the main building moving to the southeastern corner to make room for enhanced parking and improved functionality for guests.

A new porte-cochère will protect shoppers from the elements, allowing them to load their groceries in the rain without getting soaked. Access to the businesses will be via elevator or stairs, and electric vehicle charging stations will be reintroduced to the center.

In addition to Bailey’s General Store, the center will feature tenant spaces for restaurants, retail shops, and other services tailored to the needs of the island community. Dane Johnson, a fourth-generation owner-operator, expressed his excitement about the project: “We’re thrilled to finally get started and be another step closer to serving our community and doing what we do best.”

Temporary Location: A Bit of Bailey’s at Rabbit Road Center

While the rebuild is underway, the Bailey family has decided to offer a selection of their beloved products at a temporary location, A Bit of Bailey’s, in the Rabbit Road Center. The Planning Commission granted the necessary conditional use permit in August, and renovations are underway to convert the space into a grocery store.

A Bit of Bailey’s is expected to open in late 2024 or early 2025, offering many of the same products currently available at The Island Store on Captiva, which is also operated by the Bailey family. Although space is limited, the temporary store will feature an expanded selection of fresh offerings, including guacamole, salsa, deli salads, and more. Customers can also look forward to the return of popular items like hot meals, small-scale catering, and the famous Bailey’s coffee bar.

The Community’s Support and Looking Ahead

The temporary closure of Bailey’s General Store has had a profound impact on the Sanibel community, underscoring the store’s importance. To honor this legacy, WGCU is producing a documentary that will highlight the island’s recovery through the lens of Bailey’s. The documentary will premiere on October 21 at Big Arts, and more information is available on their website.

As the Bailey family embarks on this ambitious rebuilding project, they extend their gratitude to the many consultants, engineers, and partners who have contributed to its success thus far. These include Benchmark General Contractors, GMA Architects & Planners, JR Evans Engineering, Delisi Land Use Planning & Water Policy, Coastal Vista Landscape Architects, and UNFI.

Frequently Asked Questions:

• Will the new Bailey’s Center be elevated? Yes, the buildings will be elevated to prevent future flooding and to ensure a swift return to business after storms.
• Will the outparcel restaurant space be rebuilt? Yes, although the previous tenant will not return, the space will be rebuilt for future use.
• When will Bailey’s General Store reopen? The rebuild is expected to take approximately two years, with reopening anticipated as soon as construction is complete.

Note: Richard Johnson, one of Bailey’s owner-operators, also serves as the Mayor of Sanibel. It’s important to clarify that he abstained from participating in the development permit approval process to uphold the ethical standards of city governance.

Bailey’s General Store has been a cornerstone of the Sanibel community for over a century, and the plans for its future ensure that it will continue to be a cherished institution for generations to come.

On August 13, the Planning Commission approved permits for Richard Johnson to open a grocery store called “A Bit of Bailey’s” at 975 Rabbit Road, marking the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Charley. Johnson, a tenant under Rosalita’s Cantina Rabbit Road, received unanimous support from the Planning Commission, with a 5-0 vote. Commissioner Kate Sergeant recused herself due to a business interest in the center, and Commissioner Paul Nichols was absent.

One significant condition of approval is the requirement to add 10 more bicycle parking spots, increasing the total to 30, due to the expected increase in traffic. This condition is one of 14 stipulations set by the Planning Commission.

Commissioner Lyman Welch requested a traffic study to assess the impact of the new grocery store on the area. Welch emphasized the need for additional data, such as an engineering study, to ensure the proposed use wouldn’t adversely affect traffic. Johnson responded by stating that while they did consider vehicle access alongside bicycle and pedestrian access, the projected increase in traffic would be minimal. He also noted that a portion of the square footage is dedicated to administrative offices rather than retail, which he believes would further mitigate traffic concerns.

Johnson highlighted that the store would primarily serve the western side of the island, with hopes of attracting customers from the east as well. He drew comparisons to their Captiva store, which is larger but has not significantly impacted traffic. Johnson concluded by expressing confidence that the new store would reinvigorate the Rabbit Road area without exacerbating traffic issues, particularly since Rosalita’s peak traffic occurs later in the day, while Bailey’s would attract customers earlier.

The 2.89-acre property at 975 Rabbit Road is located within the General Commercial District and Mid-Island Ridge ecological zone. The Rabbit Road Center, a commercial development built in 1979, currently houses several businesses, including a 210-seat restaurant (Rosalita’s) and a vehicle rental service (Sanibel Carts & On Island Jeeps). “A Bit of Bailey’s” will occupy units three through five, previously home to Sanibel Skin Spa.

In addition to the grocery store, the project includes the addition of a new trash and recycling facility and the designation of a loading zone near the back entrance of the center. The property owner, Rosalita’s Cantina Rabbit Road, is responsible for maintaining the existing parking spaces and restoring the landscape buffers.

City staff recognized that the Rabbit Road Center’s proximity to the shared use path and several large neighborhoods would likely result in a significant portion of customers arriving by bike or on foot. As such, they recommended the establishment of an improved interconnectivity path from the southwest parking lot to the shared use path and an increase in bike parking facilities to accommodate no fewer than 30 bicycles.

The parking allocation at Rabbit Road Center is as follows:

• Rosalita’s restaurant requires a minimum of 84 spaces for its 210-seat capacity and carryout services.
• The vehicle rental business needs 10 spaces for employees and vehicle inventory, plus an additional eight for customer parking.
• A vacant unit, based on previous use, requires 13 spaces.
• This leaves 68 spaces for “A Bit of Bailey’s,” with an estimated need for 32 spaces. The store is expected to have no more than 10 employees on a shift, leaving 58 spaces available for customers.

City staff also evaluated the parking requirements for the retail space, determining that the 5,700 square-foot grocery store would need a minimum of 29 spaces. Additionally, the availability of delivery or pick-up services would reduce parking demand during peak hours, addressing potential concerns about parking overflow.

During the meeting, local resident Barbara Joy Cooley expressed support for Johnson’s application, recalling a time when the Rosalita’s center was a bustling hub without any issues related to use intensity. However, Commissioner Ken Colter voiced concern about the addition of a third grocery store on the island, questioning the long-term impact and the possibility of the store becoming permanent. Johnson acknowledged the uncertainty, stating that it was too early to predict whether “A Bit of Bailey’s” would remain a permanent fixture.

Other conditions of approval include restoring vegetation and landscape buffers, removing unpermitted shell/stone and hurricane debris, and enhancing the interconnectivity path to facilitate access for bicyclists and pedestrians from units three through five to the shared use path.