Author: LeAneSUAREZGroup

Although the traditional Sanibel & Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce Holiday Luminary has been postponed until December 6-7, 2024, as part of the city of Sanibel’s 50th anniversary celebration, the holiday spirit remains alive on our beautiful islands.

“The holiday spirit thrives on these islands despite Luminary’s postponement this year,” said John Lai, chamber President and Chief Executive Officer. “The chamber is promoting activities that will keep the spirit alive and attract visitors during the days between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. The city of Sanibel will once again decorate the Periwinkle Way bike path canopy with lights to enhance the festivities.”

Here are a few highlights of the upcoming holiday season:

November 24:

• The ‘Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa on Captiva will host a tree-lighting ceremony with live music, snow, and fireworks. For more information and tickets, visit tween-waters.com/tree-lighting-celebration/.

November 29:

• The J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel will offer Holiday Shopping after-hours at the Refuge Nature Store from 4 to 6 p.m. Visit dingdarlingsociety.org for more info

December 1:

• The Community House and Saint Michael and All Angels Church on Sanibel will jointly celebrate Sanibel Lights from 4 to 7 p.m. For more information, visit sanibelcommunityhouse.net and saintmichaels-sanibel.org.
• The Sanibel Historical Museum and Village on Sanibel will host “Deck the Shore” from 4 to 6 p.m. Visit sanibelmuseum.org for info. Visit sanibelmuseum.org for info
• BIG ARTS on Sanibel will hold an Open House from 5 to 7 p.m. Visit https://bigarts.org/ for more info
• Bailey’s General Store and the Grog Shop will greet visitors with apple cider and beverage tastings at the historic service station at the Bailey Center on Sanibel from 5 to 7 p.m. Visit belltowerfl.com for more info
• Sanibel retail shops located at the Bell Tower shops in Fort Myers will participate in the Annual Bell Tower Tree Lighting & Luminary from 6 to 9 p.m. Visit fishofsancap.org

December 2:

• F.I.S.H. of Sanibel-Captiva will host its 15th Annual F.I.S.H. 10K/5K on Sanibel, followed by the Sound+Waves Music Festival on the beach at the ‘Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa on Captiva. For more information, to register for the race or for festival tickets, visit fishofsancap.org
• The Sanibel Recreation Center on Sanibel will host a Holiday Event & Youth Reindeer Run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, visit mysanibel.com

December 8:

• Jerry’s Foods on Sanibel will celebrate from 5 to 8 p.m. with food and wine sampling, Boy Scout hot dogs by donation, ornament decorating, caroling, and Santa’s arrival. For more information, visit jerrysofsanibel.com
• The Sanibel Community Church on Sanibel will host its Luminary from 6 to 9 p.m. For more information, visit sanibelchurch.com

December 13:

• The “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge will host a free Holiday Ice Cream Social beginning at 2 p.m. at The Roost outdoor pavilion at the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel. Visit dingdarlingsociety.org more info

These are just a few of the many events and activities that are taking place on Sanibel and Captiva during the holiday season. For more information, please visit the websites of the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce and the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation.

We hope you have a wonderful holiday season on Sanibel and Captiva!

Get ready for a dynamic warm-up at the 15th Annual F.I.S.H. 10K/5K race on Sanibel! F.I.S.H. of Sanibel-Captiva is pleased to announce that Maura Doherty, an experienced A.C.E. certified group fitness instructor, will lead the runners’ warm-up on December 2nd.

“We want everyone to be as prepared as possible to do their very best at our race,” said Leah Winkler, 10K/5K Race Committee Co-chair. “Maura is an amazing instructor and athlete, who will provide a thorough warm-up for our runners.”

With over 25 years of experience in the fitness industry, Doherty is well-versed in a variety of modalities, including indoor cycling, yoga, strength training, and barre. She currently serves as the lead instructor at several barre studios and continues to seek out new learning opportunities in the health and wellness field.

“Anytime we can encourage fitness with the outdoors and pair that experience with a charitable cause, is a magic moment for our special island,” Doherty said. “In keeping with the goal of F.I.S.H. to enrich the lives of our island neighbors, I gladly support the 10K/5K race. The sense of community that this organization fosters and the resilience our residents have demonstrated is reason for celebration.”

The warm-up will take place approximately 20 minutes prior to the start of the 10K, ensuring that runners are well-prepared for the race. The event will begin and end at The Community House, with a virtual option also available.

All proceeds from the race will benefit F.I.S.H., a non-profit organization dedicated to providing essential services and support to individuals and families in need on Sanibel and Captiva Islands. Your participation will help make a significant impact on the lives of your island neighbors.

For more information or to register for the race, please visit RunSignUp. Sponsorship opportunities are also available; visit http://fishofsancap.org/ to learn more.

Join us on December 2nd for a fun-filled day of fitness, community spirit, and support for a worthy cause!

The historic Kelly’s Fish House property is now on the market for $19 million. The property includes the restaurant, the attached Combs Fish Co. commercial fishery, and the freestanding Kelly’s Shell Shack gift shop.

Owner Kelly Ellis says he’s selling the property to take advantage of the expanding Naples market. He also says that he’s ready to retire.

The restaurant will remain open for business during the sale process. Ellis says he plans to continue operating the restaurant until he finds a buyer. The property is zoned C2-A, which allows for a variety of uses, including restaurants, retail, and mixed-use development. The property’s prime location on Naples Bay makes it an ideal spot for a high-end hotel or condominium complex. The property is currently being marketed by CRE Consultants. Ellis says he’s had a lot of interest in the property, but he’s in no rush to sell. He wants to find the right buyer who will appreciate the property’s history and significance.

Click here for more info

The J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge is hosting its annual fundraiser, Go Wild for Ding, on February 7th, 2024. This year’s event will celebrate the refuge’s night herons, which have bounced back after Hurricane Ian.

The evening will feature dinner, an auction, and live entertainment. Tickets go on sale on November 9th.

The refuge’s night herons are a vital part of the ecosystem. They help to control mosquito populations and are a food source for other animals, such as owls and hawks.

Hurricane Ian caused significant damage to the refuge’s night heron rookery. However, thanks to the hard work of refuge staff and volunteers, the rookery is recovering.

The Go Wild for Ding fundraiser will help to support the refuge’s ongoing conservation efforts. It is a great opportunity to learn more about the refuge and its wildlife, and to support a worthy cause.

Click here to purchase tickets or call (239) 472-1100 ext. 23

After more than a year of closure due to Hurricane Ian, Cayo Costa State Park beach reopened to the public on October 25, 2023. The beach is open daily from 8 a.m. to sunset for visitors with private vessels.

However, it is important to note that ferry services, docks, electricity, drinking water, and overnight accommodations remain unavailable at this time. Visitors are asked to adhere to all posted signs and to avoid closed areas.

“Please leave no trace of your visit,” the Friends of Cayo Costa (FoCC) added.

Cayo Costa State Park is a barrier island located in the Gulf of Mexico, just off the coast of Lee County, Florida. It is known for its pristine beaches, abundant wildlife, and lush vegetation.

The park was significantly impacted by Hurricane Ian, a devastating Category 4 storm that made landfall on September 28, 2022. The storm caused widespread damage to the park’s infrastructure, including its docks, restrooms, and ranger station.

Since the storm, park staff have been working hard to clean up and repair the damage. While much progress has been made, the park is still not fully operational.

The reopening of Cayo Costa State Park beach is a welcome sign of recovery for the park and the surrounding community. Visitors are encouraged to enjoy the beach responsibly and to help protect its fragile ecosystem.

Here are some tips for visiting Cayo Costa State Park beach:

• Bring all of your own supplies, including food, water, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
• Be aware of your surroundings and avoid areas that are marked as closed.
• Leave no trace of your visit. Pack out all of your trash and dispose of it properly.
• Respect wildlife and do not disturb sea turtle nests.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Florida Department of Environmental Protection at (850) 245-2157.

The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) reported that sea turtle hatchling counts on Sanibel and Captiva Islands were the lowest recorded since 2016. This is despite a record-breaking season for the total number of loggerhead nests laid.

SCCF Coastal Wildlife Director and Sea Turtle Program Coordinator Kelly Sloan said that while the impressive nest numbers are encouraging, they only tell half the story. The low hatchling counts are due in part to storms, predation, and the hot and dry summer.

Hatch success on Captiva was alarmingly low, with only about 10% of hatchlings emerging from their nests. Sanibel’s hatch success was slightly higher at 32%.

The SCCF is working hard to protect sea turtles and their nests, but they need the public’s help. Here are a few things you can do to help:

• Keep beaches dark and quiet at night. Sea turtle hatchlings are guided to the ocean by moonlight, so bright lights can confuse them and lead them astray.
• Fill in any holes on the beach. Hatchlings can fall into these holes and become trapped.
• Don’t disturb sea turtle nests. If you see a nest, mark it off with a perimeter and contact the SCCF immediately.
• Reduce your use of plastics. Plastic pollution can harm sea turtles in a variety of ways.

By following these tips, you can help to protect sea turtles and ensure that future generations can enjoy these amazing creatures.

Register NOW for the 44th Annual Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot 5K. The Fort Myers Track Club is proud to partner with the Edison and Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers to host this long-standing 5K event and family tradition. For those that would prefer to participate remotely, there is also a Virtual 5K option. All participants will receive a short sleeve cotton Turkey Trot 5K t-shirt (please see Race Info for shirt deadline), race day refreshments and cherished Thanksgiving Day memories. Race organizers encourage everyone to register early and to attend an early packet pick-up to avoid the need to wait in long lines race morning. Proceeds for this event will go to the Edison and Ford Winter Estates Preservation Fund and the Fort Myers Track Club and its Youth & Scholarship Fund.

• RACE DATE: November 23, 2023
• LOCATION: Edison and Ford Winter Estates | 2350 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33901
• 5K START: 7:30AM | TOT TROT Start: 8:45AM (approximate, after 5K)

PRICE INCREASES NOVEMBER 16TH! REGISTRATION FEES* (NO RACE DAY REGISTRATION):

• Adult: $25 thru Nov. 15 | $30 Nov. 16-22
• Youth: $15 thru Nov. 15 | $20 Nov. 16-22 (17 & Under)
• Tot Trot: $5 (100 meter dash) 7 & Under

Click here to register online

All participants are encouraged to register early and attend one of the three pre-race packet pick-up dates. Long lines may delay your arrival at the start line and this race will start promptly at 7:30am.

A QR code for quick registration will be provided at each pre-race packet pick-up. Please BRING YOUR PHONE to register when paying by credit card.

NOVEMBER 17, 2023
Location: Snyderman’s New Balance – Fort Myers
Address: 1900 Trailwinds Dr
Time: 12pm-5pm

NOVEMBER 18, 2023
LOCATION: Run Florida on McGregor
ADDRESS: 13101 McGregor Blvd. (Directions)
TIME: 12pm-4pm

NOVEMBER 22, 2023
Location: Edison and Ford Winter Estates (at the visitor’s pavilion)
Address: 2350 McGregor Blvd.
Time: 12pm-5pm

RACE DAY (Nov. 23rd)
Packet Pick-up Only (No Race Day Registration) Starting at 6:00am

Awards
Awards will not be given out race day. An awards report will be published online and sent via email following the event and awards will be mailed to participants.
There are sponsorship opportunities still available for the 44th Annual Fort Myers Turkey Trot 5K. This annual event hosts well over 2000 runners each year. It is a great way to support the local community and engage new customers.

Click here for more info

Breeze Airways began its winter/spring seasonal routes on Thursday from Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) in south Fort Myers to New Orleans and Norfolk, Virginia. Nonstop service to and from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) and Norfolk International Airport (ORF) will take place on Thursdays and Sundays until April 28.

The other eight routes Breeze will begin this month from Fort Myers include Akron-Canton, Ohio (CAK); Columbus, Ohio (CMH); Louisville, Kentucky (SDF); Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (PIT); Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina (RDU); Richmond, Virginia (RIC); and Syracuse, New York (SYR).

“We’re thrilled to offer new seasonal routes from RSW to New Orleans and Norfolk,” said Breeze Airways President Tom Doxey. “These new routes will provide our guests with even more convenient and affordable travel options to popular destinations across the country.”

The new routes are a boon to the Southwest Florida economy, as they are expected to generate millions of dollars in economic activity and create new jobs. Breeze Airways is also committed to supporting the local community, and has partnered with several local businesses and organizations.

For more information about Breeze Airways and its new seasonal routes from RSW, visit the airline’s website at https://www.flybreeze.com/

The Cape Coral City Council has denied a rezoning request that would have increased the density and height of a residential property. The council voted 7-1 to deny the request, following a recommendation from the city planning staff.

The staff recommended denial because the rezoning did not meet the land development code criteria. The staff also cited concerns about traffic and the impact on the surrounding neighborhood. Some residents spoke against the rezoning, and a petition opposing it was submitted.

The developer argued that the rezoning would allow for a high-end multifamily project. However, the council ultimately decided that the rezoning was not in the best interests of the community.

Click here for the entire article

Sunseeker Resort Charlotte Harbor is set to open on December 15, 2023, according to Allegiant Travel Co. officials. The 785-room resort, which has cost more than $653 million to build, is located on more than 22 acres on Charlotte Harbor. Reservations for Nov. 20 and beyond were previously accepted, but the opening date was pushed back.

The resort will feature 20 wholly owned and branded food and beverage concepts, including seven signature restaurants, 11 bars and lounges, and the 25,000-square-foot Harbor Yard’s Food Hall.

The opening of Sunseeker Resort has been eagerly anticipated by the Charlotte Harbor community and beyond. The resort is expected to create more than 1,000 jobs and generate millions of dollars in economic activity for the region.

The resort’s original opening date was in 2020, but construction was halted for 17 months due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Hurricane Ian also damaged the construction site more than 13 months ago.

Despite the setbacks, Sunseeker Resort is now on track to open on December 15, 2023. The resort is expected to be a major tourist destination and a boon to the Charlotte Harbor economy.

What to Expect at Sunseeker Resort

Sunseeker Resort will offer a variety of amenities and activities for guests of all ages. The resort will feature:

• 785 guest rooms and suites
• 20 food and beverage concepts
• A 25,000-square-foot spa
• A fitness center
• A kids club
• A 10,000-square-foot pool deck
• A lazy river
• Multiple tennis courts
• A basketball court
• A golf simulator
• A bowling alley
• A movie theater
• A retail village

Click here for the entire article