Author: LeAneSUAREZGroup

In the spirit of resilience and connection, Sanibel will host a special weekend gathering to honor the island’s journey and the unbreakable bonds of its community. Originally postponed due to Hurricane Helene, this upcoming event not only celebrates the Love Sanibel Businesses Back initiative but also marks a significant milestone in the community’s ongoing recovery from Hurricane Ian.

Event Highlights

Date & Venue
When: Saturday, November 3, from noon to 3 p.m.
Where: The Community House, 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel
Cost: Free and open to the public

The event, organized by Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, will gather residents and visitors alike to commemorate Sanibel’s resilience and the love that has fueled the island’s healing. Reflecting on two years of restoration since Hurricane Ian, The Rev. William “Bill” Van Oss, rector of Saint Michael, shared that the gathering is intended as a celebration of progress and community spirit.

A Joyful and Uplifting Gathering

Church Director of Digital Communications, Sue Van Oss, emphasized that this year’s event aims to be joyous, focused on positive memories and progress. She notes that many islanders still carry the trauma of 2022, and this event will serve as a healing experience, celebrating the power of community love.

Sue also highlights that the gathering will close the church’s Love Sanibel Businesses Back campaign, which encouraged support for local businesses rebuilding after the storms. “Love is powerful,” she says, “and it has helped our island heal.”

Special Program & Activities

From 1 to 1:30 p.m., guests will enjoy a special program with remarks from Sanibel Mayor Richard Johnson, City Councilmember Holly Smith, and music by The Rev. Suzy Post and Erik Entwistle. The Sanibel School’s Elementary Choir will perform, and the event will close with a heartwarming video titled Love Letters to Sanibel, featuring snippets from islanders sharing personal reflections on their love for the community.

The day will also be packed with activities for all ages:

• Craft Tables: Kids and adults alike can join in crafting with the Shellcrafters, who will teach participants to make shell flowers.
• Photo Booth: A professional booth will capture memories, offering photo strips and digital images for attendees to take home.
• Community Booths: Local organizations, including FISH of Sanibel-Captiva, Kiwanis Club, and Rotary Club, will share their contributions and upcoming initiatives.
• Free Treats: Enjoy free hot dogs, ice cream, and snacks courtesy of The Island Store, Pinocchio’s, and HMSHost.

Grand Prizes & Door Prizes

With over 80 door prizes donated by local businesses, attendees have the chance to win exclusive giveaways, including:

• A two-night stay and dining experience at ‘Tween Waters Resort & Spa,
• A handcrafted Sanibel Strong pendant from Congress Jewelers,
• A private family session from the Sanibel Sea School.

Love Sanibel Back Weekend Cleanup

In collaboration with the city and the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF), the weekend will also include a Love Sanibel Back Cleanup on Friday, November 2, from 9 to 11 a.m. Volunteers will assist in removing debris and restoring dune habitats, furthering the community’s commitment to environmental stewardship. Though registration is now full, this cleanup demonstrates the community’s dedication to preserving Sanibel’s natural beauty.

For more details about the Love Sanibel Community Gathering or to volunteer in future community efforts, visit saintmichaels-sanibel.org or call 239-472-2173.

This weekend offers a beautiful opportunity to reflect, reconnect, and celebrate the resilience and love that have sustained Sanibel’s community through challenges. Join us to honor the spirit of Sanibel and share in the joy of moving forward, together.

Starting Monday, October 28th, 2024, at 7:00 a.m., the City of Sanibel will open sales for the 2025 Non-Resident/Non-Property Owner (B & BC) beach parking passes. Only 150 BC stickers will be available this year, issued on a first-come, first-served basis. To purchase, applicants must present a valid driver’s license and vehicle registration registered in their name.

Where to Purchase:
Beach parking passes are available for purchase at the Sanibel Recreation Center:

• Address: 3880 Sanibel Captiva Rd, Sanibel, FL
• Operating Hours:
  • Monday-Thursday: 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
  • Friday: 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
  • Saturday: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

For more details, view the beach parking application.

In 2024, breast cancer will claim the lives of an estimated 42,250 women and 530 men. These sobering statistics remind us why community-driven events like the Pink Out Picnic are so important.

On October 24th, the San Cap Pink Project will proudly host the 12th Annual Pink Out Picnic, a heartwarming event aimed at honoring cancer survivors, fighters, caregivers, and raising funds for those in need. From 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., community members will gather at the Sanibel Fire and Rescue District’s Station 171 to celebrate life, hope, and resilience.

Mary Bondurant, breast cancer survivor and founder of the San Cap Pink Project, reflected on the recent challenges the community has faced:

“We’ve all dealt with so much recently, from two hurricanes back-to-back, but it’s important to come together, celebrate, and support one another. This picnic is a beautiful opportunity to enjoy food, music, and the company of friends.”

A Community Tradition

The Pink Out Picnic began when then-Sanibel Fire Chief Dan Duncan collaborated with the Radiology Regional Center to bring their Mobile Mammography unit to the station. What started as a way to raise awareness for breast cancer has blossomed into an annual tradition that unites the community for a common cause.

This year, cancer survivors will enjoy a complimentary lunch, while others are encouraged to make donations to support the cause. The picnic will also feature:

• Live music
• Raffles
• Photo booths
• The chance to reconnect with neighbors and friends

Supporting the Community

All funds raised will go toward helping uninsured and underinsured individuals with breast cancer-related needs. The San Cap Pink Project is committed to supporting local residents and employees, ensuring no one faces cancer alone.

The organization extends its gratitude to local businesses, including Bank of the Islands, Sanibel Captiva Community Bank, and Wickie’s Lighthouse Restaurant, whose support has helped make this event possible.

Get Involved

Whether you’re a survivor, fighter, caregiver, or community supporter, the Pink Out Picnic welcomes you. To help with planning, attendees are encouraged to RSVP at PinkOutPicnic.com.

Ann Neubauer, president of the San Cap Pink Project and a breast cancer survivor, shared her excitement for this year’s event:

“We invite everyone to wear pink, show support for those battling breast cancer, and remind the community that no one has to fight alone. Even though we had to postpone a few events due to the storms, we have exciting things planned in the future—stay tuned!”

Don’t miss this special event to honor survivors, spread awareness, and contribute to a worthy cause.

Event Details:

• What: 12th Annual Pink Out Picnic
• When: October 24, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
• Where: Sanibel Fire and Rescue District’s Station 171, 2351 Palm Ridge Road, Sanibel
• RSVP: Visit PinkOutPicnic.com

For more information about the San Cap Pink Project, visit PinkOutSanibel.com.

Join us for a day filled with community spirit, support, and hope!

Get ready for a fun-filled island tradition as The Community House on Sanibel kicks off the season with its Annual Fall Festival! Mark your calendars for October 25th, from 4 to 6 p.m., for an event packed with excitement for the whole family. This free community celebration will feature games, a costume contest, crafts, and much more!

What to Expect:

• Games & Prizes: Enjoy a variety of fair-style games, including favorites like bean bag toss, with prizes ranging from books donated by MacIntosh Books + Paper to fun trinkets.
• Costume Contest for All Ages: Show off your creativity in the all-ages costume contest, where you can compete in categories such as “Most Original” and “Best Collaborative Costume.” Prizes will be awarded to winners, making it a fun challenge for both kids and adults!
• Crafts & Photo Opportunities: Create special memories at our fall-themed photo station, complete with pumpkins, hay bales, and corn stalks. Heather Paints! will be offering face painting, while the Shellcrafters will host a shell painting station for family-friendly crafts.
• Animal Ambassadors: CROW’s Animal Ambassadors will make a special appearance, offering a unique opportunity to connect with wildlife.
• Treats & Sweets: Enjoy complimentary cider and donuts, and don’t forget to check out the Community Bake Sale, organized by Sally Kirkland. Plus, don’t miss a taste of The Shack of Sanibel’s special Community House custard flavor, created just for this event!

This festival is not only a chance to enjoy some seasonal fun but also a perfect opportunity to come together as a community, especially after all the recent challenges.

Event Details:

• Date: October 25th
• Time: 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
• Location: The Community House, 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel
• Admission: Free and open to the public

Come celebrate the season with us! For more information, visit sanibelcommunityhouse.net or contact us at 239-472-2155 or info@sanibelcommunityhouse.net.

Bring your family, your creativity, and your festive spirit for an afternoon of fun!

At SCCF’s annual Wines in the Wild event, a traditional welcome-back celebration, guests have the opportunity to explore the beautiful Bailey Homestead Preserve while enjoying a selection of wines curated specifically for the evening. Alongside the wine tastings, attendees can savor delicious food pairings crafted by popular island chefs, making the event a true culinary experience.

Wines in the Wild 2025 Date: Friday, January 10
Time: 6:30-9 p.m.

For those interested in sponsorship opportunities, please reach out to SCCF’s Development Director, Cheryl Giattini, at cgiattini@sccf.org or call 239-822-6121.

Storm debris collection for residential properties is currently in progress. Sanibel residents who are safely able to do so are asked to place any storm-related debris on the public right-of-way. This area is located between the street and the sidewalk, ditch, utility pole, or easement.

How to Properly Separate Storm Debris:

1. Vegetative Debris: Includes whole trees, tree stumps, branches, trunks, and other leafy materials.
2. Building Demolition Debris: Consists of damaged materials from buildings, such as lumber, wallboard, glass, metal, roofing materials, tile, furniture, and fixtures.
3. Appliances (White Goods): Such as refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, heat pumps, ovens, stoves, washing machines, dryers, and water heaters.
4. Electronic Waste: Includes computers, televisions, and other office electronics.
5. Household Hazardous Waste: This covers materials that are ignitable, reactive, toxic, or corrosive, like paints, cleaners, and pesticides.

Additional Guidelines:

• Only loose debris will be collected. Bagged debris should not be placed on the right-of-way, as per FEMA’s reimbursement requirements for Sanibel.
• Avoid stacking debris near low-hanging power or utility lines and ensure debris is kept at least four feet away from:
  • Mailboxes
  • Water meters
  • Fire hydrants
  • Any other above-ground utility

Important Notes:

• Debris left on the public right-of-way is eligible for pickup until further notice. If not all debris is collected in the first pass, continue to move the remaining debris to the right-of-way for future collection.
• Watch for nails and screws: As debris is cleared, nails and screws may fall onto the roadway. To avoid flat tires, residents are encouraged to collect and properly dispose of any nails or screws found in front of their homes.

Commercial properties, including condominiums, are not permitted to place debris in the public right-of-way. They must keep debris on their property for private contractors to handle.

By following these guidelines, residents help ensure a smoother and more efficient debris collection process.

The official start of Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) nesting season in Florida began on October 1 and will continue through May 15. The Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF), which closely monitors 10 nesting pairs in the area, confirmed that the eagles of Sanibel and Captiva returned to their nests before Hurricane Helene arrived on September 26.

Protecting Active Nests Bald Eagle nests are protected at both local and federal levels. The Sanibel Land Development Code, alongside the U.S. Bald & Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, enforces measures to minimize disturbances caused by development near nesting sites. City staff uses these regulations to ensure that construction or other activities do not interfere with the eagles’ nesting and breeding cycles.

Guidelines to Protect Bald Eagles The National Bald Eagle Management Guidelines (2007) outline three primary ways to reduce disturbances to nesting eagles:

1. Distance Buffers: Maintain a safe distance from active nests to prevent disruption.
2. Landscape Buffers: Keep natural areas, preferably forested, between activities and the nest trees.
3. Seasonal Restrictions: Avoid certain activities during the breeding season to minimize disturbances.

These guidelines are more specific for activities within 660 feet of an active nest, with even stricter recommendations for those within 330 feet.

Recent Changes in Eagle Regulations As of April 2024, updates to eagle regulations now allow eligible applicants to obtain a general permit. These permits apply to activities where the risk to eagles is considered low, and where established mitigation measures are in place.

For more information on eligibility and permits, visit the following resources:

• Eagle Incidental and Nest Take – General Permit Standard Conditions
• Incidental Take Permits

Permits and Compliance If you are planning any exterior work within 660 feet of an active nest, it’s essential to first consult with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) to ensure compliance with federal regulations. Residents, businesses, and contractors are required to sign a “Bald Eagle Nesting Season” affidavit acknowledging their awareness of these recommendations when applying for relevant permits.

To determine if your property falls within the 660-foot buffer, you can use a GIS map from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the Audubon EagleWatch Program. Simply enter your address and check the nesting buffer layer.

• Audubon Florida EagleWatch Public Nest Map

Penalties for Violations Violating the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act can result in serious consequences, including a fine of up to $100,000 ($200,000 for organizations) and imprisonment for up to one year for first-time offenses. Repeat violations carry even harsher penalties.

For further information, contact the Natural Resource Department at sandnr@mysanibel.com or call

On October 17, the city of Sanibel announced that the Public Works Department has been actively managing the city’s weirs in response to Hurricane Milton. Water levels have successfully receded below target elevations at both monitored locations.

As the island moves into the dry season, with no rain forecast for the coming week, water levels are expected to continue decreasing. The department will keep monitoring the situation and adjust the weirs as needed, following the city’s weir management policy.

Starting today, October 18, Sanibel will experience a period of king tides, which are expected to last through October 23. These extreme tides, driven by the full moon, will result in higher than usual high tides and lower than usual low tides. While widespread flooding is not anticipated, minor saltwater flooding may occur in bayside areas such as Bailey Road and Dixie Beach Boulevard, particularly during high tide between midnight and 3 a.m.

Although moderate flooding is expected in Florida’s southeast counties due to the king tides, the National Weather Service in Miami predicts that offshore winds along Sanibel and Florida’s west coast will help minimize the impacts in the local area.

For more information on king tides, visit https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/kingtide.html

In an emergency meeting, the Captiva Erosion Prevention District (CEPD) convened to discuss critical onshore protective measures following the impact of Hurricane Milton. The commission focused on debris removal, sand recovery, and restoring beach and dune systems to safeguard the community.

On October 17, Chairman John Wade and district staff provided an update on the ongoing recovery efforts and outlined the next steps in protecting the island. Contractors have been hired to assist with removing and cleaning beach sand, with an emphasis on reusing as much of the washed-up sand as possible to bolster immediate shoreline defenses.

Sand Recovery and Reuse Efforts

Wade reported that one contractor is already working with Lee County’s Department of Transportation to remove sand from key areas, such as the Village, while another contractor has cleared the Alison Hagerup Beach parking lot to prepare for screening operations. Using Department of Transportation resources, the screening of overwashed sand began in the parking lot, targeting the piles of sand at Blind Pass and other locations. All sand intended for beach placement must be screened and free from debris to meet clean sand requirements.

Restoring Beach Protection

The CEPD plans to begin beach scraping on October 21, preparing the beach for repurposed sand application. Wade noted that priority is being given to areas most vulnerable, including the S curve near Jensen’s and the Alison parking lot. The downtown Village area also requires immediate attention due to its lack of protection. The district is working with Lee County officials to reinforce areas where roads were washed out and to realign onshore riprap rocks for added stability.

Commissioner Bob Walter raised concerns about identifying the most vulnerable locations, to which Wade responded that the team is prioritizing areas in the greatest need, given the limited supply of usable sand. He added that staff are collaborating with the county to secure additional funding for sand restoration efforts.

Debris and Vegetation Removal

In addition to sand recovery, Wade updated the commission on efforts to clear post-storm debris and downed vegetation. Contractors are working to cut and stack trees along the roadways for collection, with the goal of ensuring main access areas remain open. Among the debris are downed Australian pines and sea grape trees, which pose significant removal challenges due to their size.

Cost Management and Future Planning

Wade estimated that recovery efforts have incurred about $25,000 in expenses so far, with final costs potentially reaching $40,000 depending on the scope of sand screening. Secretary Linda Laird suggested tapping into the district’s reserve funds to ensure critical protective measures are in place while additional funding is pursued.

Walter emphasized the importance of restoring dunes, a key defense against future storms. Wade assured the commission that the planned beach renourishment, scheduled for April or May, will focus heavily on rebuilding dunes and planting mature vegetation to fortify the system. In the meantime, the district’s efforts are concentrated on maintaining temporary protection for the island.

CEPD Beach Brief Update

The CEPD released a Beach Brief with additional updates, including a report on the significant erosion observed during an October 14 beach tour with consultant APTIM. Erosion from the ‘Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa northward has compromised critical onshore protections, and the district is working toward installing a new berm as a protective measure.

Clean Sand Placement Guidelines

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) has waived the permit requirement for placing overwashed sand back on the beach under an Emergency Order. However, all sand must meet the definition of “clean sand.” The district provided the following guidelines for sand placement:

• Sand must be free from stains, odors, debris, rocks, and other foreign materials, and should resemble the pre-hurricane beach sand in color and grain size.
• Clean sand should be placed above the high tide line and not over existing native vegetation or storm debris.
• Restoration efforts must respect the natural slope and grade of the beach, and any disturbance to the beach dune system must be minimized and restored to pre-hurricane conditions.
• Any native dune vegetation disturbed during restoration must be replaced with native species.

The FDEP reserves the right to take enforcement action against property owners who violate these requirements. Improper disposal of unscreened sand or debris in the right-of-way is strictly prohibited.

As recovery efforts continue, the CEPD remains committed to protecting Captiva’s shoreline and ensuring the island is fortified against future storms.

As of October 18th, the city of Sanibel has shared an update on the ongoing efforts by Public Works crews to reopen beach parking lots following the aftermath of Hurricane Milton.

Currently, the following beach parks are now open to the public:

• Tarpon Bay Road Beach (Trost Lot)
• Gulfside City Park (Algiers)
• Bowman’s Beach Park

While these areas are accessible, visitors are advised to use caution, as debris may still be hidden beneath the sand.

However, the following beach parking lots remain closed as crews work to clear sand and debris:

• Lighthouse Beach Park (Bayside and Gulfside)
• Blind Pass
• Turner Beach

The city will continue to update the public as more beach parking lots become available. Stay tuned for further announcements.