Author: LeAneSUAREZGroup

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.

The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium on Sanibel has unveiled its upcoming summer and fall virtual lecture series, which will be accessible via Zoom and free for all attendees.

“We’re excited to bring together some of the foremost experts from leading natural history institutions to share their knowledge on the fascinating world of shells and the creatures that create them,” said Sam Ankerson, Executive Director of the museum.

The series kicks off on August 22 at 5:30 p.m. with Dr. Timothy Pearce, Assistant Curator of the Section of Mollusks at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Dr. Pearce will present “Ecological and Historical Studies on Land Snails: Tiger Snails and Glacial History.” His talk will highlight recent findings on land snail populations in the northeastern United States, focusing on how ancient geological events and current environmental challenges have shaped their existence.

One of the key topics will be the decline of the tiger snail, a species that was once abundant in the northeastern region of North America. Dr. Pearce’s research has uncovered a significant link between the rise of acid rain since the mid-1900s and the decline of this and other land snail species.

Additionally, Dr. Pearce will delve into the glacial history of northern Michigan, dating back 20,000 years, when glaciers covered the area. By studying current land snail populations across Michigan’s islands and peninsulas, he sheds light on how these ancient geological forces have influenced the distribution of species today.

“Dr. Pearce is a leading figure in malacology, blending extensive fieldwork with a deep understanding of geological history,” Ankerson added. “This lecture is sure to be both informative and engaging.”

Dr. Pearce, who holds a Ph.D. from the University of Michigan and a Master of Arts in paleontology from the University of California, Berkeley, also oversees a collection of 1.8 million snails and clams at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History.

The lecture series continues with two more intriguing presentations:

• September 19 at 5:30 p.m.: “Towards a New Great Hall of Shells” with Sam Ankerson and Dr. José H. Leal, Museum Curator and Science Director. This session will offer a sneak peek into the museum’s reimagined permanent shell exhibits, set to reopen this fall after extensive planning and design efforts.
• October 17 at 5:30 p.m.: “Carrier Shells: Nature’s Original Shell Collector” with Gary Kidder, Collections Manager for Malacology at the Houston Museum of Natural Science. Kidder will explore the fascinating world of carrier shells, a group of gastropods that have been collecting shells for nearly 100 million years, discussing their unique behavior and attachment methods.

Advance registration is required for these free lectures. To register or learn more, visit ShellMuseum.org/online-lectures. Recordings of previous lectures are also available online.

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

After being forced to suspend operations due to the impact of Hurricane Ian, Tarpon Bay Explorers is thrilled to announce that bike rentals have once again returned to their list of activities, allowing visitors to explore the beautiful J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on two wheels.

“Surprisingly, none of our bikes were physically lost during the hurricane,” said Adam Sauerland, General Manager of TBE. “However, after prolonged exposure to saltwater and sitting idle for weeks, the gears and brakes of the bikes seized up due to corrosion.”

Despite the challenges, there was a silver lining. “Many of our bikes, even though affected by the hurricane, were put to good use by locals and emergency services who needed them for relief efforts,” Sauerland added. “They were scattered across the island, serving a vital role in the aftermath of the storm.”

After patiently waiting for the right moment and sufficient demand, the team is excited to relaunch their fleet of bikes. “We’ve received numerous inquiries about rentals,” Sauerland shared. “As the island continues to recover and grow stronger every day, we’re hopeful for a strong finish to 2024 and look forward to carrying that momentum into 2025.”

TBE’s fleet now includes single-speed beach cruisers for both adults and children. Additionally, they offer options for smaller children, including Weehoos—modified Trail-A-Bikes—bike trailers, and baby seats.

All rentals are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

As the official concessionaire for the refuge, TBE not only offers bike rentals but also provides a variety of activities and features a nature-themed gift shop. Their hours of operation are Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with rentals closing at 3 p.m.

For more information or to make a reservation, visit www.tarponbayexplorers.com or call 239-472-8900. TBE is located at 900 Tarpon Bay Road, Sanibel.

The Sanibel FlyFishers will host a Fly Tying Night on August 21st, from 6 to 8 p.m., at Sanibel Fly Outfitters, located at 2240 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. The event will feature a demonstration by Joel Aranoff, who will be showcasing the techniques for tying a “snapping shrimp” redfish fly.

Experienced fly tiers are encouraged to bring their own vises, tools, and materials. For those who do not have their own equipment, the club will provide the necessary tools and supplies. Pizza and drinks will be served to all attendees.

This event is open to the public, and everyone is welcome to join. Those planning to attend are asked to contact Pete Squibb at Psquibb61@gmail.com to RSVP. For more information, visit the Sanibel FlyFishers website at Sanibel FlyFishers.

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has announced a significant milestone in the ongoing Sanibel Causeway project. Traffic has now been redirected to the permanent lanes, marking a major step forward in the construction process. However, the surrounding causeway islands, including the areas near the temporary roadway, remain active work zones and are strictly off-limits to public access, both from land and water.

WEST FROM TOLL PLAZA

• Wildlife Alert: Protected beach-nesting birds are currently inhabiting the Causeway Islands. Motorists are urged to slow down and remain vigilant, as these birds may be flying near the roadway.
• Intermittent Traffic Stops: Drivers should anticipate occasional traffic stops at the staging area entrance as construction crews move equipment across McGregor Boulevard to the south side.
• Ongoing Construction: Earthwork and debris removal continue along the Causeway Islands. Construction vehicles may occasionally enter or leave the travel lanes as needed, but efforts are being made to minimize disruptions during peak hours.
• Westbound Merge: The merge point for westbound traffic is now located just west of the toll plaza. Drivers are advised to proceed with caution and adhere to the reduced speed limit of 20 mph. Construction vehicles and equipment will frequently enter and exit the staging area near this location.
• Span A U-turn: Construction work is also ongoing in the vicinity of the off-island U-turn under Span A.

EAST FROM TOLL PLAZA

• Daytime Lane Closures: Temporary lane closures on McGregor Boulevard, both eastbound and westbound, are in effect from Shell Point Boulevard to Punta Rassa Road. These closures allow crews to clear the median in preparation for an upcoming traffic shift in August.
• Traffic Reduction: Starting August 16, traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction on McGregor Boulevard for about a half-mile stretch from Shell Point to west of Port Comfort Road. Traffic will shift as crews work on underground pipe reconstruction, with this arrangement expected to last approximately six months.
• Eastbound Lane Closure: One eastbound lane will continue from the toll plaza to Shell Point Road along the south side of McGregor. The shoulder on the south side remains closed as crews install marine mattresses to reinforce the shoreline. This closure is expected to remain in place through early fall.

With many oversized vehicles using the causeway for island recovery efforts, motorists should expect slower travel times. Cyclists are advised to use alternative transportation methods, and pedestrians are not permitted on the causeway during this time. Drivers are reminded to obey the 20 mph speed limit throughout the work zone.

For additional details about the project, visit www.swflroads.com/SanibelCauseway

During the July 30, 2024 meeting, the Sanibel City Council passed a new legislation allowing select Sanibel resort properties to issue temporary beach club day passes. This decision comes as part of an effort to aid the recovery of the resort housing district, still grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, which significantly reduced beach access. The initiative permits day memberships or daily beach use fees for a limited period, under the issuance of a Temporary Use Permit (TUP).

Vice Mayor Mike Miller voiced his support for the measure, emphasizing its potential to boost the local economy. “This will provide much-needed support to qualifying island businesses and could have positive spillover effects on other local businesses,” Miller stated.

Miller also acknowledged some residents’ concerns about the potential impact on the beaches but assured that the resolution’s built-in conditions are designed to address those worries effectively.

The Committee of the Islands (COTI) proposed evaluating the program after six months, a suggestion that Miller included in his motion to approve the temporary initiative.

The City Council approved the measure with a 4-0 vote, with Council member John Henshaw absent. The TUP for the day membership program is subject to 15 specific conditions, including:

1. Eligibility for the TUP is limited to legally operating businesses within the resort housing district, licensed as a hotel or motel by the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation (FDBPR).
2. Each day pass may only be sold to one individual.
3. The day passes are designed to compensate for resort housing units that are unavailable for rent due to ongoing repairs or reconstruction following the storm.
4. The TUP must be obtained through the Planning Department, with no fee required for this permit.
5. The resort must provide a site plan and narrative explanation demonstrating sufficient permanent staffing, parking, and restroom facilities, as well as the expectation that resort housing units will be available for rent within six months.
6. The number of day passes sold per resort is limited to either (a) two passes per available on-site parking space or (b) two-and-a-half times the number of resort housing units currently unavailable for rent, whichever is lesser.
7. Permit holders must report the number of day passes sold to the Planning Department on a monthly basis.
8. The TUP does not authorize any new uses of the property.
9. The construction of new permanent structures is not permitted under the TUP.
10. The city manager may impose additional conditions on the TUP to protect the beach’s carrying capacity.
11. TUPs will expire six months after issuance, with the possibility of a three-month extension upon request and for good cause.

Eligible Sanibel hotels and motels, registered with DBPR as of July 24, include Seaside Inn, Song of the Sea Motel, Sanibel Inn, Holiday Inn, Sundial, Shalimar, Island Inn, Sanibel Sunset Beach Resort, Beachview Cottages, and West Wind Inn.

The City of Sanibel is excited to announce the 140th anniversary of the Sanibel Lighthouse, which will be celebrated on August 20. In honor of this historic milestone, the city is hosting a drawing contest inviting the public to creatively capture the iconic lighthouse.

Participants are encouraged to incorporate the number “140” into their artwork, with the contest divided into three age categories: ages 6-12, ages 13-18, and ages 19 and older. Winners in each category will not only receive the city’s 50th anniversary prize bundle but will also have their artwork proudly displayed at the Sanibel Public Library.

Contest Rules:

• All submissions must be delivered to the Sanibel Recreation Center, located at 3880 Sanibel-Captiva Road, by 5 p.m. on August 17.
• Artwork should not exceed 24-by-36 inches in size and must not be framed, under glass, or covered with protective materials.
• Entries must feature a clear depiction of the lighthouse and the number “140.”
• Accepted mediums include colored pencils, crayons, watercolor, colored markers, pastels, ink, airbrush, paint, and pencil.
• All submissions must be original and cannot be a copy or duplicate of any published work, including photographs. Tracing, copying, or mechanically/electronically generated art will not be accepted.
• Artists must clearly write their name and contact phone number on the back of their artwork.

For additional information, please contact the Sanibel Recreation Department at 239-472-0345.

This week, Lee County announced that County Manager Dave Harner will be sending a letter to over 67,000 households in unincorporated areas, including Captiva, who hold policies under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The letter aims to update residents on ongoing efforts with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to maintain their policy discounts.

Later this August, FEMA is scheduled to send out a letter to residents, which the county believes may cause concern due to the language used. Specifically, the FEMA letter might suggest the possibility of unincorporated Lee County being removed from the Community Rating System (CRS). This rating is currently providing residents with up to a 25% discount on their flood insurance policies. Additionally, the letter may mention a $50 surcharge for all policyholders if the county were placed on probation, and it could indicate that suspension from the CRS would result in the loss of federal flood insurance eligibility for the affected areas.

The county’s letter, however, reassures residents that these potential changes are not expected to take place during the 2024 hurricane season. Lee County officials emphasize that there is ample time to work with FEMA to develop a collaborative plan and avoid any probation from the NFIP.

“We are actively collaborating with FEMA to prevent many of the concerns mentioned in their letter,” Harner stated. “Protecting the NFIP policyholders in unincorporated Lee County is a top priority, and our Board of County Commissioners is fully committed to maintaining residents’ discounts and ensuring ongoing participation in this essential flood insurance program.”

Harner also emphasized the county’s commitment to transparency and keeping the public informed throughout the process.

Since Hurricane Ian struck in 2022, Lee County has been in continuous discussions with FEMA, holding weekly meetings since the spring. On July 19, FEMA confirmed that unincorporated Lee County will retain its CRS rating of 5 and the associated NFIP policyholder discounts while both parties work together on a plan to address ongoing issues. The final plan is expected to be completed this fall.

To read the full letter from the county, visit www.leegov.com/femacrs.

For residents with questions following the receipt of FEMA’s letter, they can contact LeeCountyFEMA@leegov.com or visit www.leegov.com/femacrs for further information.

The Sanibel-Captiva Shell Club has announced that the annual Sanibel Shell Show is set to take place on March 6-7 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and March 8 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Marriott Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa in Fort Myers.

“Following last year’s overwhelming success at this venue, the club has already secured both artistic and scientific judges for its renowned competition,” stated club officials.

The event will be co-chaired by Laurie Jansen, the club’s President, and Kathy Hofstad, the Membership Chairperson. Attendees can look forward to a variety of special events, along with an impressive array of entries in both artistic and scientific categories.

“Last year’s show featured 15,000 linear feet of competitive exhibits and more than 50 vendors,” officials noted. “The 2025 show promises a similar lineup of incredible shell art and exhibits.”

Proceeds from the show will fund grants supporting education and research in conchology and malacology, as well as conservation and water quality initiatives, primarily in Southwest Florida.

For more information, visit Sanibel-Captiva Shell Club.

The Marriott Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa is located at 17260 Harbour Pointe Drive, Fort Myers.