Author: LeAneSUAREZGroup

Here is the list of businesses currently opened post Hurricane Milton on Sanibel and Captiva Post Hurricane Milton

Beaches

• Bowman’s Beach Park: 1700 Bowman’s Beach Rd
  • 220 Parking Spaces
• Causeway Beach parking: 888 Sextant Dr
• Tarpon Bay Beach: 111 Tarpon Bay Rd
• Blind Pass Beach:  6491-6499 Sanibel Captiva Rd
• Lighthouse Bayside Parking Lot: 10 Periwinkle Way
• Lighthouse Beach Park: 110 Periwinkle Way
• Turner Beach: 17200 Captiva Dr
• Gulfside City Park: 2001 Algiers Ln
  • 46 Parking Spaces (The boat ramp will be open to permit holders only on weekends and holidays. On weekdays it’s open to public (non-permit holders) for a $40 daily fee.
• Alison Hagerup Beach Park: 14790 Captiva Dr
  • Normal parking rates apply. $25 for 2 hours and $40 for all day.
  • Parking Proceeds are applied directly to beach nourishment and the enhancement of wildlife habitat.
  • The ParkMobile® pay by app for parking for iPhone and Android gives you a smarter way to park!
  • ParkMobile Contactless Mobile Parking
  • Parking Attendants
  • Portable Restrooms
  • Bicycle Racks
  • Handicap Accessible Parking
  • Mobi Mat

Boat Ramp

• Sanibel Boat Ramp: 888 Sextant Dr
  • 39 boat trailer parking spaces

Restaurants

• Cielo Restaurant: 1244 Periwinkle Way
• Gramma Dot’s & Food Truck: 1244 Periwinkle Way
• Island Pizza: 1619 Periwinkle Way
• Sanibel Deli: 2230 Palm Ridge Rd
• Captiva Island Pizza: 11513 Andy Rosse Ln
• Cheeburger Cheeburger: 1975 Periwinkle Way #4112
• Traders Restaurant: 1551 Periwinkle Way
• MudBugs Cajun Kitchen: 1473 Periwinkle Way
• Old Captiva House: 15951 Captiva Dr

• Over Easy Cafe: 630 Tarpon Bay Rd #1

• The Shack of Sanibel: 1219 Periwinkle Way
• Pinocchio’s Original Italian Ice Cream: 2075 Periwinkle Way #33
• Sanibel Grill: 703 Tarpon Bay Rd
• Blue Giraffe Island Bar and Grill: 2075 Periwinkle Way
• Cantina Captiva: 14970 Captiva Dr
• Captiva Crust: 15951 Captiva Dr

• Jerry’s Cafe: 1700 Periwinkle Way

• Jerry’s Foods – 1700 Periwinkle Way
• The Green Flash: 15183 Captiva Dr
• Keylime Bistro: 11509 Andy Rosse Lane
• The Magic Bus on Sanibel: 362 Periwinkle Way #4
• Lazy Flamingo Food Truck: 1036 Periwinkle Way
• Tutti Pazzi Italian Restaurant: 1200 Periwinkle Way

• Sweet Melissa’s Cafe: 1619 Periwinkle Way (Pop up Thursday & Friday at Island Plaza)

• The Great White Grill: 2440 Palm Ridge Rd
• Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille: 2500 Island Inn Rd
• Timbers: 703 Periwinkle Way
• Rosalita’s Cantina Sanibel: 975 Rabbit Rd
• Blue Rendez-Vous: 751 Tarpon Bay Rd
• BRGR Kitchen +Bar: 1231 Middle Gulf Dr
• Dante’s Italian Kitchen: 937 E Gulf Dr
• Starbucks Captiva: 5400 Plantation Rd
• Boops by Bubble Room: 15001 Captiva Dr
• The Sanibel Sprout Food Truck: The Islander Center, 2407 Periwinkle Way
• Huxters Market & Deli: 1203 Periwinkle Way

• Subway: 2496 Palm Ridge Rd Unit A,

• Sanibel Bean: 2240 Periwinkle Way

• The Mucky Duck (Closed): 11546 Andy Rosse Ln
• Lighthouse Cafe of Sanibel Island: 1020 Periwinkle Way
• The Shipyard at ‘Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa: 15951 Captiva Dr
• RC Otter’s:11506 Andy Rosse Ln
• Crow’s Nest Steakhouse: 15951 Capt iva Dr
• Bleu Rendez-Vous French Bistro: 751 Tarpon Bay Rd
• Shell City Burgers Food Truck : 5400 Plantation Rd

Places to Stay/Rental Agencies

• Cottages To Castles of Sanibel & Captiva, Inc.: 2427 Periwinkle Way
• Island Inn: 3111 W Gulf Dr
• Tween Waters Island Resort: 15951 Captiva Dr
• BreakAway Vacations: 2047 Periwinkle Way
• Dream Vacations: 1619 Periwinkle Way
• Sanibel Carts Captiva – Street-Legal Golf Cart Rental: 11513 Andy Rosse Lane
• Island Vacations of Sanibel & Captiva: 1101 Periwinkle Way #108
• Loggerhead Cay: 979 E Gulf Dr UNIT 332
• Jensen’s “On the Gulf” Beach Resort (Closed): 15300 Captiva Dr
• Royal Shell Vacations: 1547 Periwinkle Way
• Royal Shell Vacations: 15050 Captiva Dr
• American Realty: 11526 Andy Rosse Ln
• Sanibel Arms West Condominiums: 832 E Gulf Dr
• Sandalfoot Beachfront Condominium: 671 E Gulf Dr
• Sea Palms Estate: 16596 Captiva Dr
• Sanibel Beach Club: 626 Nerita St
• Rosen Vacations: 706 Donax St
• VIP Vacation Rentals: 1506 Periwinkle Way #2
• Waterside Villas: 1250 Tennisplace Ct
• Sanibel Inn: 937 E Gulf Dr
• Sanibel Holiday: 1648 Periwinkle Way
• Kingfisher Vacation: 2402 Palm Ridge Rd #1
• Periwinkle Park & Campground: 1119 Periwinkle Way
• Beach Road Villas: 764 Beach Rd
• Breakers West Condominium: 3041 W Gulf Dr
• Blind Pass Condominiums: Blind Pass Condominiums
• Hilton Grand Vacations: 2460 Palm Ridge Road
• Pelicans Roost Condominiums: 605 Donax St

• Driftwood Inn: 711 Donax St

• Parrot Nest Cottages: 1237 Anhinga Ln
• Sanibel Vacations: 2330 Palm Ridge Rd
• Seahorse Cottages: 1223 Buttonwood Ln
• Tarpon Tale Inn: 367 Periwinkle Way
• Elite Vacations of the Islands: 2323 Wooster Ln. Ste. 4
• The Palmview Inn: 706 Donax St
• Turtle Tracks East & West: 1012 E Gulf Dr
• South Seas Island Resort: 5400 Plantation Rd
• Beach View Cottages: 3325 West Gulf Drive Sanibel
• Sea Oats Luxury Estate: 16623 Captiva Dr
• Kingfisher Vacation Rentals: 11528 Andy Rosse Ln
• Select Vacation Properties: 2449 Periwinkle Way.
• Shalimar Beach Resort: 2823 W Gulf Dr
• Shell Seekers Cottage: 1112 Olga Ave
• Kingfisher Vacations: 2402 Palm Ridge Rd #1.
• Sanibel Island Beach Resort: 1231 Middle Gulf Dr
• Sanibel Moorings Resort: 845 E Gulf Dr
• Sundial Beach Resort & Spa: 1451 Middle Gulf Dr
• Sanibel Siesta on the Beach: 1246 Fulgur St
• Sanibel Captiva Island Vacations: 11508 Andy Rosse Ln
• Sunset Captiva Paradise: Oster Ct, Captiva
• Signal Inn Pet-Friendly Island Condos: Olde Middle Gulf Dr

• Sunshine Island Inn: 642 E Gulf Dr

Retail and Grocery Stores

• Jerry’s Food: 1700 Periwinkle Way
• 7-Eleven: 1521 Periwinkle Way
• The Island Store: 11500 Andy Rosse Ln
• Beach Stuff and Barracudas: 14900 Captiva Dr
• Whitney’s Bait & Tackle: 1554 Periwinkle Way
• Rebel Gas Station: 2499 Palm Ridge Rd

• Rachel Pierce Art Gallery and Market: 1571 Periwinkle Way

• A Bit of Bailey’s at Rabbit Road (operated by Bailey’s General Store): 975 Rabbit Rd
• Home by Rachel Pierce: 1626 Periwinkle Way
• Tiki Jim’s at Perwinkle Place: 2075 Periwinkle Way #41
• Sanibel Surf Shop at Jerry’s Plaza: 1700 Periwinkle Way #10

• Elite Renovations of the Islands: 2323 Wooster Ln

• H2O Outfitters Jerry’s Plaza: 1700 Periwinkle Way # 4
• 12 Seasons Farm: 11401 Andy Rosse Ln
• Sanibel Spirits: 1700 Periwinkle Way #6
• Jungle Drums: 11532 Andy Rosse Ln

• BIG ARTS Sanibel: 900 Dunlop Rd

• Timbers Fish Market: 703 Tarpon Bay
• Gathering Place: 2304 Periwinkle Way
• Crow Gift Shop: 3883 Sanibel Captiva Rd
• Tower Art Gallery: 751 Tarpon Bay 
• Sanibel Billy’s Bike: 2437 Periwinkle Way
• Molly Malone Seafood: 11534 Andy Rosse Ln (Tuesday, 10 am to 1pm outside YOLO)
• The Gold Parrot: 11512 Andy Rosse Ln
• Tower Gallery: 751 Tarpon Bay Road (Open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.)
• Sanibel Community House Pop-u Market –  2173 Periwinkle Way
• Tarpon Bay Explorers Gift Shop: 900 Tarpon Bay Rd
• Winds: 2400 Periwinkle Way
• A Little Adventure: 2001 Periwinkle Way

• SWF Mango Bay Sanibel: 1711 Periwinkle Way

• She Sells Sea Shells: 1157 Periwinkle Way
• Hirdie-Girdie Gallery: 2490 Library Way

Things to Do

• Salty Wheels Cart Rentals: 11513 Andy Rosse Ln, 2nd Floor
• Sea Oats Day Spa: 1149 Periwinkle Way
• YOLO Watersports: 11534 Andy Rosse Ln
• Adventures in Paradise Cruise: 634 N Yachtsman Dr
• Captiva Cruises: 11401 Andy Rosse Ln
• Adventure Sea Kayak at Tween Waters Resort: 15951 Captiva Dr
• Dunes Golf & Tennis Club: 949 Sand Castle Rd
• Native Guides at Tween Waters Resort: 11401 Andy Rosse Ln
• Lakes Park: 7330 Gladiolus Dr
• New Wave Eco Charters: 6460 Sanibel Captiva Rd
• Sanibel Public Library: 770 Dunlop Rd
• Captain Brian On The Water: 11401 Andy Rosse Lane
• Sanibel Car Rentals: 1015 Periwinkle Way
• Sanibel Sport Fishing Charters: Call 508-808-2988
• Island Time Dolphin & Shelling Cruises: 450 Harbor Ct
• Captain Bubby’s Island Tours: Directions, 1101 Periwinkle Way #106
• Sanibel Farmers Market: 1700 Periwinkle Way
  (Every Sunday Jerry’s Food Parking)
• Endless Summer Charters: 57 Comares Ave

• J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge: 1 Wildlife Dr

• Finnimore’s Bike & Beach Rental: 2353 Periwinkle Way
• Sanibel Island Golf Club: 1100 Par View Dr
• Captiva Fishing Charters: 15107 Captiva Dr
• Captain Jenni Linn Maughan (Flip Side Eco Charters): 239-309-8527

• Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum: 3075 Sanibel Captiva Rd

• Tarpon Bay Explorers: 900 Tarpon Bay Rd
• Blind Date Charters: Sanibel Pick up
• Community Park & Playground: 2231 Periwinkle Way
• Offshore Sailing Shcool – 15951 Captiva Dr at Tween Waters Resort
• Captain Ozzie – 11401 Andy Rosse Ln
• Sanibel Carts: Sanibel and Captiva
• Sanibel Historical Museum Village: 950 Dunlop Rd
• Captiva Memorial Library: 11560 Chapin Ln
• Captiva Historical Society Gallery: 11560 Chapin Ln
• Parking Lot for Shared Use Path: Causeway Road, Sanibel

Professional Services

• Fedex and UPS SanCap Pak-N-Ship: 2422 Palm Ridge Rd
• Sanibel Captiva Community Bank: 2406 Periwinkle Way
• Sanibel Community House: 2173 Periwinkle Way
• Bank of the Islands: 1699 Periwinkle Way
• Bank of the Islands: 14812 Captiva Dr SW
• Chase Bank: 2441 Palm Ridge Rd
• Bridget Vandenburgh Interiors, Inc : 239.222.0148 by appointment only
• The Sanibel Captiva Trust Co: 2460 Palm Ridge Rd # 1
• FISH of Sanibel: 2430 Periwinkle Way
• Sanibel Primary: 2435 Palm Ridge Rd
• Island Therapy Center: 695 Tarpon Bay Rd # 1
• United States Postal Service: 14812 Captiva Dr
• The Spa at Tween Waters Inn: 15951 Captiva Dr
• Captiva Post Office: 14812 Captiva Dr
• SCCF Native Landscapes and Garden Center (Closed): 1300 Periwinkle Way
• United States Postal Service: 650 Tarpon Bay Road 
• Chef Billy Private Chef: 941-830-3929
• Crow Clinic for the Wildlife Rehabilitation: 3883 Sanibel Captiva Rd
• Law Office of Janet Strickland: 1101 Periwinkle Way, #104
• Simply Elegant Cleaning: 2099 Wild Lime Dr
• Francis P. Bailey Jr. Chamber Visitor Center: 1159 Causeway Road
• Heidrick & Co. Insurance and Risk Management Services: 1648 Periwinkle Way
• Lee Health Sanibel Primary/Walk-In Care: 2495 Palm Ridge Rd

Marina Services

• Yacht Harbour Marina (Closed): Marina Villas, Captiva
• Sanibel Boat Ramp: 888 Sextant Dr
• Offshore Sailing School: 15951 Captiva Dr

Prayer/Worship

• Chapel by the Sea: 11580 Chapin Ln (Service every Sunday at 11AM)
• St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church: 2304 Periwinkle Way
• Sanibel Community Church: 1740 Periwinkle Way
• St. Isabel Catholic Church: 3559 Sanibel Captiva Rd
• Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ: 2050 Periwinkle Way

Island Business in Ft Myers

• Adventure in Paradise Outfitters: 13499 S. Cleveland Ave at Bell Tower
• Sanibel Home Furnishings: 16884 McGregor Blvd
• Sanibel Sole: 1985-87 Periwinkle Way

• Sanibel Sole: 13499 South Cleveland Avenue

• Bridget Vandenburgh Interiors: by appointment – 1700 Safety St #205
• Bubly Latitude: 13499 S. Cleveland Ave at Bell Tower
• Congress Jewelers: 13499 S. Cleveland Ave at Bell Tower
• Clive Daniel Home: 8650 Gladiolus Dr
• Floral Artistry: 16191 San Carlos Blvd #3
• Island Time Dolphin & Shelling Cruises: 450 Harbor Ct, Ft Myers Beach
• Mcintosh Books + Paper: 13499 S. Cleveland Ave at Bell Tower
• Pinnochio’s Ice Cream: 16230 Summerlin Blvd
• Sanibel Candle: 13499 S. Cleveland Ave at Bell Tower
• Sanibel Captiva Trust Company: 7910 Summerlin Lakes Dr
• Decorating Den Interiors: 13031 McGregor Blvd., Ste. 2, Fort Myers, FL 33919, USA
• Spoondrift Island Bowls: Fridays at the Sanibel Outlet Farmers Market – 20350 Summerlin Rd
• Synergy Sportswear: 1981 Periwinkle Way
• Trader Rick’s: 13499 S. Cleveland Ave
• Wilford & Lee: 2009 Periwinkle Way
  
• Coco Y Cabana: 797 Fifht Ave S Naples
• Bimini Bait Shack: 17501 Harbour Pointe Dr
• Captain Noah’s Sanibel Florida Fishing: 14341 Port Comfort Rd

On another category – REAL ESTATE, if you’re reading this then we have met or communicated over the years and knowing LSGroup, we never close and are open for business.
Our two conveniently located island offices:

Captiva – 11499 Andy Rosse Ln

Sanibel – 1019 Periwinkle Way

If you are on the island, don’t be shy, please drop in to say hello. ☀️

Alternatively, you can browse the Sanibel Captiva Chamber of Commerce Wander Map for an easy-to-use navigation of Sanibel and Captiva’s currently opened businesses.

We’re excited to announce that Sanibel’s Gulfside City Park (Algiers) and Bowman’s Beach Park are now open to the public! The City of Sanibel’s Public Works crews have been working diligently to restore beach access following the aftermath of Hurricane Milton.

As you head out to enjoy these beautiful beaches, please exercise caution. Debris may still be present and buried under the sand. We also recommend checking the Florida Department of Health’s website for updates on beach water quality before your visit.

Beach Parking Lots Still Under Restoration:

• Lighthouse Beach Parking Lots (Bayside and Gulfside)
• Tarpon Bay Road Beach (Trost parking lot)
• Blind Pass Parking Lot
• Turner Beach Parking Lot

The City will continue to update the public as more beach parking areas become available. Thank you for your patience as we work to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all!

As of 3:30 p.m. on October 14th, the city of Sanibel has issued the following updates after Hurricane Milton:

• Sewer System: The city’s sewer system is being restored ahead of schedule. While residents can use dishwashers and laundry facilities, water conservation is still encouraged. If you notice any issues or alarms at lift stations, contact the Sanibel Police Department’s non-emergency line at 239-472-3111.
• Trash Pickup: Regular household trash collection resumed today, October 14, following Waste Management’s normal schedule. Recycling and yard waste collections remain suspended.
• Storm Debris Collection: Starting October 16, storm debris pickup will begin for residential properties. Please ensure debris is sorted into five categories, as per city guidelines. Commercial properties must arrange for private contractors to handle debris; however, the city may offer assistance if FEMA approval is obtained.
• Recreation Center: The Sanibel Recreation Center at 3880 Sanibel-Captiva Road will open on October 15 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Available amenities include locker rooms, fitness classes, and outdoor courts. The water features pool will be open from noon to 4 p.m., though the lap pool will remain closed for cleaning. Free childcare will be available for Sanibel School students from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with activities such as arts, crafts, and games.
• Curfew: The city’s curfew remains in place from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. and will be lifted at 6 a.m. on October 15.
• Emergency Permits: Information regarding emergency repair permits is available on the city’s website, including guidelines on work that can be completed without a permit and access to the city’s permit portal.
• Beach Closures: All beach parks remain closed, but the city aims to reopen Bowman’s Beach on October 15. The Department of Health in Lee County has issued an advisory against swimming at local beaches due to water conditions.

Island Partner Updates:

• Island Water Association: General Manager Diana Wilson confirmed that all facilities are fully powered, and the boil water advisory has been lifted. Residents experiencing water issues should check their meter boxes and contact Island Water Association at 239-472-1502 if necessary.
• LCEC: Approximately 85% of the power has been restored on Sanibel and Captiva, with about 450 customers still without power. Report outages at 239-656-2300.
• Comcast/Xfinity: Comcast aims to restore about 90% of the island’s services by October 23.
• SanCap Chamber of Commerce: Island businesses are encouraged to inform the Chamber as they reopen. The Chamber will release updates to the public, similar to previous post-storm efforts.

Stay tuned to the city’s website and social media for further updates.

As of 11 a.m. on October 13th, the Captiva Island Fire Control District shared a comprehensive post-Hurricane Milton update to keep residents informed about ongoing recovery efforts. The district is diligently working to assess storm damage, mitigate hazards, and restore essential services across the island. Please remember that emergency issues should be reported by calling 911, as the district’s phones remain down due to the storm.

A Heartfelt Thanks to Our Partners The district extended its gratitude to the many organizations assisting with recovery efforts, including Sanibel Fire and Rescue, South Trail Fire & Rescue, Lee County Emergency Operations Center, South Seas Island Resort, FISH of Sanibel-Captiva, and the American Red Cross. Their support has been vital in navigating the aftermath of Hurricane Milton.

Roadway Access and Infrastructure Updates

• Captiva Drive and Blind Pass Bridge: Access has been restored to residential traffic, but significant repairs are still needed in areas like Captiva Shores and Jensen’s on the Gulf. Until repairs are complete, travel is restricted to one lane. The Lee County Department of Transportation (DOT) is handling these repairs.
• Wiles Drive: Similarly, road damage in this area will require ongoing DOT repair efforts, with one lane of travel available.
• South Seas Resort: Roads within the resort are being cleared, and emergency vehicle access has been established. Please note that parking along resort roads is strictly prohibited, as it will block critical emergency access.

Be Cautious on the Island Residents are urged to be cautious when checking on properties, as emergency services may still experience delays in some areas. Crews are working tirelessly to remove sand from roads, and Lee County Emergency Medical Services has restored ambulance service on the island.

Essential Services and Supplies

• Clean-Up Kits: The fire station has clean-up supply kits available for residents. These kits include essential items like brushes, gloves, and masks to aid in post-storm clean-up efforts.
• Drinking Water: Fresh water is available for residents at the fire station located at 14981 Captiva Drive. This service is not extended to contractor crews.
• Power Restoration: LCEC is actively working to restore power, and a dedicated outreach team will be available on Monday at Jerry’s Foods in Sanibel to address customer questions.
• Water Services: The Island Water Association has restored most water service, although it remains limited. Fire personnel can access it for emergency services.

Special Alerts on Lithium-Ion Electric Vehicles The district has raised concerns about electric vehicles (EVs) that were submerged in saltwater, posing a significant fire risk. Residents with EVs, including golf carts, should submit an Electric Vehicle Reporting Form to the district. The district urges residents to arrange for inspections or removal of these vehicles as soon as possible to prevent potential fires.

Beach Erosion and Hazards Captiva’s beaches have suffered significant erosion, and crews are still addressing multiple hazards, including large fuel leaks from dislodged tanks. If your generator is near a potential leak, it may need to be turned off temporarily until the area is secured.

Debris Removal and Additional Updates

• Debris Pickup: Lee County will schedule debris pickups soon. Do not pile debris in the roadway, as this could hinder emergency services.
• Comfort Stations: Plans are underway to establish a comfort and information station on the island where residents can access supplies and updates.

Stay informed, stay cautious, and thank you for your patience as we work together to restore Captiva to its full beauty and safety. For the latest updates, check the district’s website and official channels.

Following Hurricane Milton, the Captiva Island Fire Control District has provided an essential update on the ongoing recovery and safety efforts. The district is actively working to mitigate hazards and assess damage across the island. For emergencies, please call 911 as the district’s phones are down due to the storm.

Key Updates:

• Blind Pass Bridge: The bridge is now open for vehicle passage, thanks to repairs by the Lee County Department of Transportation (DOT). However, residents will need to show proper identification to access Captiva. Sanibel-Captiva Road near the bridge is damaged and currently restricted to one lane.
• Captiva Drive: The road is open to residential traffic, but sections near Captiva Shores and Wiles Drive have suffered major damage. The DOT is conducting ongoing repairs, and these areas are limited to one lane. Residents should exercise caution, especially near Jensen’s on the Gulf.
• South Seas Roadways: At present, district fire apparatus cannot access South Seas roads, except for the beach rescue vehicle. Residents checking on their property should be aware that emergency service access may be limited.
• Power and Water: Captiva remains without power, and it will not be restored until crews can safely access the island and assess damage. The Island Water Association has restored limited water service, allowing fire personnel to use it for emergencies.
• Storm Surge and Erosion: The storm surge from Hurricane Milton was similar to what was experienced during Hurricane Ian. The fire station took on two feet of water, and significant beach erosion has occurred, resulting in the loss of a portion of The Mucky Duck.
• Hazard Mitigation: Fire crews are continuing search and rescue efforts and working to clear roadways. Sand removal along Captiva Drive is expected to be completed today. However, several hazards, including large fuel leaks, are still being addressed.
• Emergency Access: Lee County Emergency Medical Services cannot currently access the island with ambulances, and transport to hospitals will be limited until major road debris is cleared.
• Electric Vehicles: Submerged lithium-ion electric vehicles (EVs) on the island pose a significant fire risk. Residents are urged to complete an Electric Vehicle Reporting Form on the district’s website so fire personnel can check EVs for damage. The district recommends arranging for submerged EVs to be inspected or serviced promptly.

Important Reminders:

• Boat Access: Residents accessing Captiva by boat must use approved docks that are deemed safe.
• Patience Requested: Residents are asked to be patient as fire crews work to address the numerous hazards on the island.

For more details on the electric vehicle reporting process and other updates, visit the Captiva Island Fire Control District website.

Stay safe and continue to follow guidance from local authorities as recovery efforts progress.

As of 2:30 p.m. today, the city of Sanibel announced that the Sanibel Causeway is now open for property owners to return. Access to the island is granted upon presenting either a Hurricane Re-entry Permit or proof of residency.

Entry Requirements:

• Sanibel Residents: Individuals with a green re-entry pass or a government-issued photo ID displaying a Sanibel address will be allowed entry.
• Business Owners: Those with a red re-entry pass can access the island.

While the causeway is open, some roadways still have standing water. Drivers are urged to exercise caution while returning to their homes and businesses.

Curfew and Travel Advisory
A daily curfew is in effect from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. until further notice. The city asks residents to limit travel on the island to help crews with the ongoing cleanup efforts.

Safety Guidelines for Property Owners:

• Water Usage: Avoid using water at your property, as the sewer system may back up.
• Shutting Off Water: If leaving the island, consider turning off your water supply to prevent issues.

The city expressed its gratitude to the community for their cooperation during the evacuation and extended patience throughout the recovery process. They emphasized the ongoing efforts to ensure safe re-entry for all property owners.

Captiva Access Update
While the causeway is open, the Blind Pass Bridge to Captiva remains closed due to ongoing repairs. Crews are working diligently to restore access, though no estimated time for reopening has been provided.

The city will continue to share updates as more information becomes available.

The highly anticipated Sanibel Island Farmers Market is set to return on October 6th, marking its 17th successful season. Running every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Sanibel City Hall, the market will continue through May, offering locals and visitors a vibrant mix of fresh goods, artisanal products, and handcrafted items.

Organized by Local Roots, co-owned by island residents Jean Baer and Betsy Ventura, the market has become a staple for the community. It’s more than just a shopping experience—it’s a place to connect, support local businesses, and explore unique offerings you won’t find elsewhere on the island.

“It’s a wonderful alternative for shopping, and it provides residents and visitors with unique items they wouldn’t typically find on the island,” shared co-owner Jean Baer.

This season, the market will host between 40 to 50 vendors, offering a variety of goods including fresh produce, baked goods, seafood, meats, and more. Returning favorites like Angela’s Tamales, Angelic Desserts Bakery, Dynasty Guacamole, and Jimmy’s Java will be joined by exciting new additions such as Daily Delice’s wood-fired pizza, Flèche Healthy Treats’ ice cream, and Mediterranean Delight’s range of hummus and baklava.

Beyond the food, local artisans and crafters will also be featured on a rotating basis. Shoppers can expect to find unique items like A Work of Heart jewelry, Holi Cow clothing, and The Fouta Spa beach towels.

The market isn’t just about shopping; it’s about giving back. Local Roots continues its partnership with F.I.S.H. of Sanibel-Captiva, encouraging vendors to donate any excess products to help stock the local food pantry. Shoppers can also bring their own donations to the F.I.S.H. booth at the market.

“We also offer space for local nonprofits to set up each week,” said Baer, inviting any interested groups to contact her for more information.

A few important reminders for this season:

• The market will now begin at 9 a.m., not 8 a.m.
• Dogs are not allowed, with the exception of clearly marked service animals.
• Bicycle parking is available at the Sanibel Public Library, with vehicle parking at the library, BIG ARTS, and the theater. Handicap parking will remain at City Hall.

Baer expressed her gratitude to the community, emphasizing how essential events like the farmers market are in bringing people together.

“Now more than ever, we need these moments to connect as a community,” she said. “Come out, enjoy the beautiful weather, and maybe even challenge yourself to try something new from our vendors each week.”

For more information about the Sanibel Island Farmers Market, visit Local Roots

Event Details
What: Sanibel Island Farmers Market
When: Sundays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (October through May)
Where: Sanibel City Hall, 800 Dunlop Road, Sanibel
Organized by: Local Roots
Cost: Free and open to the public

Captiva Island is ready to launch the 10th Annual Island Hopper Songwriter Festival, a beloved celebration of music across Southwest Florida. While you won’t see Garth Brooks, Tim McGraw, or Rascal Flatts headlining, you’ll find the talented songwriters behind their biggest hits. This year’s festival promises to be one of the best, with performances scheduled across Lee County from Sept. 20 to Sept. 29.

Expect to hear from some of the industry’s finest songwriters, including Earl Bud Lee, who co-wrote Garth Brooks’ anthem “Friends in Low Places,” Danny Myrick, the writer behind Tim McGraw’s “Truck Yeah” and Jason Aldean’s “She’s Country,” and Jeffrey Steele, who penned Rascal Flatts’ hits “My Wish” and “What Hurts the Most.” In total, 90 talented singer-songwriters will perform, including country star Scotty McCreery, winner of American Idol, at venues such as Key Lime Bistro, The Green Flash, and Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina.

“You may not recognize their names, but you’ve probably heard their songs on the radio, performed by some of country’s biggest stars,” said Nancy MacPhee, lead organizer of the festival and a representative of the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau (VCB).

Island Hopper, now one of Southwest Florida’s biggest music festivals, has attracted thousands of fans since its debut in 2014. The festival offers an intimate concert experience, allowing fans to get up close with songwriters and hear the stories behind the music. This unique format has made Island Hopper a hit, growing from just two locales—Captiva Island and Fort Myers Beach—to include Cape Coral and downtown Fort Myers.

The Big Draw: Country Music and Intimate Venues

Though the festival began with a mix of musical genres, country music has always been the focus, especially with the headliners. Performers like Chris Janson, LOCASH, and even Maren Morris have graced the Island Hopper stage early in their careers, with Morris performing just before her rise to fame in 2016.

Past performers include Kristian Bush of Sugarland, who has played six or seven Island Hopper festivals, and will return again this year. Other highlights from the 2024 lineup include:

• Scotty McCreery (“Five More Minutes,” “This Is It”)
• Jeffrey Steele (Rascal Flatts’ “My Wish,” “What Hurts the Most”)
• Kristian Bush (Sugarland’s “Stuck Like Glue”)
• Earl Bud Lee (Garth Brooks’ “Friends in Low Places”)
• Kassi Ashton (“Drive You Out of My Mind”)
• Shane Profitt (“Better Off Fishin’”)

A Nationally Acclaimed Festival

Island Hopper’s reputation has grown beyond Southwest Florida. In 2024, USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards ranked it the fourth-best music festival in the country, ahead of major events like Tennessee’s Bonnaroo and California’s Monterey Jazz Festival. What sets Island Hopper apart? Its relaxed atmosphere, intimate venues, and the fact that most performances are free of charge.

“You can swim in the pool at Pink Shell and strike up a conversation with Earl Bud Lee,” MacPhee says. “It’s a very laid-back, authentic experience.”

How to Experience Island Hopper

This year’s festival will take place across 23 venues in Lee County, with most performances being free. However, a few ticketed events are available, including:

• Jeffrey Steele and the Gulf Coast Symphony at the Florida Repertory Theatre (Sept. 26)
• Kristian Bush, Kassi Ashton, and Shane Profitt at Margaritaville Beach Resort (Sept. 27)
• Scotty McCreery at Pink Shell Beach Resort (Sept. 29)

For tickets, the full lineup, and show dates, visit island-hopperfest.com or download the Island Hopper map. This year’s festival promises to be bigger than ever, offering a chance to experience incredible music, intimate settings, and a laid-back Southwest Florida vibe.