The emergence of dune sunflowers (Helianthus debilis) is a delightful surprise observed throughout the islands. While this beach plant is typically used for landscaping purposes, it has now spread across the region, likely due to the storm surge from Hurricane Ian. Although the living plants suffered significant damage during the hurricane, this salt-tolerant pioneer species has proven to be highly adaptable, growing rapidly and thriving in the current drought-prone environment.
Sanibel is calling for volunteers to participate in various beach cleanups. Coastal Watch, a part of the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation family, is hosting an Earth Day Beach Cleanup and Breakfast on April 22nd from 9 to 11 a.m. Interested individuals can register for a particular section of the beach and assist in removing debris to promote a healthy marine environment for both humans and wildlife. Coastal Watch Director Kealy McNeal expressed her excitement about celebrating volunteers this Earth Day while emphasizing the need for continual stewardship of our oceans and beaches, which is impossible without community help. The event will begin with a light breakfast provided by Bank of the Islands at the Bailey Homestead Preserve on Sanibel from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m., and volunteers will receive their cleanup gear. All equipment can be returned to the Bailey Homestead Preserve by noon.
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The sea turtle nesting season for Sanibel and Captiva commenced on April 15, with the earliest recorded nest on our beaches being laid by a loggerhead (Caretta Caretta) on the same day in 2020. Last year, the season’s first nest on the islands was laid on April 27, which means that we can expect the first nest any day now.
Every day from now until Oct. 31, members of SCCF’s sea turtle team will survey both islands at sunrise, searching for new nests, monitoring existing ones, and collecting inventory data on hatched ones. Five sea turtle species, which are either threatened or endangered, can be found in Florida’s waters and nesting on its beaches. These highly migratory creatures rely on coastal waters for foraging, migration, and breeding during various stages of life. Florida’s beaches are crucial nesting sites for globally important subpopulations, including the Northwest Atlantic loggerheads. The quality of Florida’s beaches is critical in attracting nesting turtles and producing healthy hatchlings, which can affect population trends.
Loggerheads, greens, and, in rare instances, leatherbacks and Kemp’s ridleys, use Sanibel and Captiva shores as essential nesting habitats from April through October. These turtles face numerous threats throughout their lives and are at high risk while on the beach. By following some basic guidelines, you can increase the chances of survival for nesting turtles and hatchlings.
You can help sea turtles that nest on Florida’s beaches, you just need to follow below rules
Avoid the area along the beach, if possible.
Please call to report any of the following concerns:
LeAne Suarez, team leader of the LeAneSUAREZGroup has long been a committed member of her community participating in a variety of causes and organizations. Now, after Hurricane Ian, that commitment to the community is more important than ever. LeAne recently attended the BIG ARTS non-profit expo in March where she was able to connect with the organizations she has been involved with over the years, and to help raise awareness for the groups needing support during this time. There is a multitude of volunteer opportunities available for those looking to help our impacted areas. Here LeAne is pictured with organizers from the Captiva Island Historical Society, Captiva Civic Association, and Community Housing and Resources
Stevens Construction has been awarded the construction management services for The Island Cow, located at 2163 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. The project involves the construction of a 5,754-square-foot restaurant that will offer both indoor and outdoor dining, as well as a commercial kitchen with a walk-in cooler and freezer. The design will incorporate Florida-style elements, such as a metal roof with a thatched roof entryway, a vibrant color scheme, and an outdoor tiki bar.
The new restaurant will be 1,000 square feet larger than the previous building that was destroyed in a fire last year. Southview Studios will serve as the architect of record, while Haley Ward will be responsible for civil engineering. Stevens Construction is currently in the pre-construction phase, providing budgeting, project scheduling, and cost-saving suggestions as the design progresses.
Construction of The Island Cow is set to commence in August, with a projected completion date of spring 2024.
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During a public hearing on Thursday, the Cape Coral City Council unanimously approved the Hudson Creek planned unit development, which encompasses a mixed-use area. This 1,732-acre development is located in northwest Cape Coral, positioned east of Burnt Store Road and north of Jacaranda Parkway.
The project will comprise up to 3,500 dwelling units, with 2,500 of these being single-family homes. Alongside the residential components, the development will feature 425,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space, 500 hotel rooms, and 150,000 square feet of office space.
Moreover, the site has been designated for a potential 800-bed assisted-living facility and a 3,000-student university, but no discussions have taken place with interested colleges or universities. The proposed schedule of uses serves as a guideline for permissible developments that can be established on the site.
Over the years, some sections of the site have been part of Cape Coral, while other portions were annexed into the city at different times.
The entire site remains undeveloped, with no existing roadway access and no utilities present.
A central spine road will be constructed through the development, with access from Burnt Store Road, Wilmington Parkway, Jacaranda Parkway, and Chiquita Boulevard. The neighborhood roads will feature sidewalks on both sides, and the spine road will have bike lanes on both sides as well. Click here for the entire article
Christie’s will present, in May 2023, the most significant and valuable private assortment of jewelry to be sold at auction. The collection will feature a meticulously chosen assortment of pieces from the top 20th-century designers such as Bulgari, Cartier, Harry Winston, and Van Cleef & Arpels.
Heidi Horten (1941-2022) left a lasting mark on the world of jewelry collecting, having pursued a range of interests in fine and decorative arts throughout her lifetime. However, it was her extraordinary private collection of jewels that truly set her apart as a noteworthy figure.
Christie’s will showcase 700 lots from Horten’s collection through a series of auctions during Luxury Week in Geneva, starting from May 2023. The collection will be presented in two parts during live sales on May 10th and 12th, and an online sale from May 3rd to May 15th.
The upcoming sales will exhibit an array of exceptional and one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces crafted by renowned 20th-century designers such as Cartier, Harry Winston, Boivin, and Van Cleef & Arpels. The collection will feature both vintage and contemporary designs, in addition to a significant selection of pearls, jade pieces, and Bulgari creations from the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s.
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Join Adventures in Paradise for their annual Easter Egg Hunt & Dolphin Cruise on April 9. Departing from dock “G” at the Port Sanibel Marina, located at 14341 Port Comfort Road in Fort Myers, the event will have two sessions: from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. and from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m.
During the cruise, guests will have the opportunity to see dolphins in their natural habitat as they travel through San Carlos Bay. A knowledgeable captain and naturalist will be onboard to provide insightful narration throughout the journey. The destination is “Easter Island,” also known as Picnic Island, where participants will enjoy searching for more than 1,000 Easter eggs.
Easter pails and bottled water will be provided to all participants to ensure a comfortable experience. Tickets for the event are priced at $69 per adult and $59 per child, and reservations are required to secure a spot.
For tickets or more information, call 239-472-8443 or visit www.adventuresinparadise.com
As of April 4th, 2023, the J. N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge has reopened. Visitors can now access the Wild Drive, Visitors and Education Center, Wildlife Observation Tower, as well as sections of the Indigo Trail, Wildlife Education Boardwalk, and Wulfert Key Trail. Wild Drive will be open from 7am to 5pm, Saturday through Thursday, and closed on Fridays. The admission fees are $10 for vehicles and $1 for pedestrians and cyclists. Moreover, the Refuge Nature Store will be available from 9am to 4pm, Saturday through Thursday.
