Author: LeAenSUAREZGroup

This Thanksgiving, Adventure in Paradise, Inc. invites guests to enjoy a memorable holiday with their Thanksgiving Sunset Dolphin Cruise. Perfect for families, friends, or solo adventurers, the cruise combines stunning sunsets, dolphin sightings, and a relaxing escape on the serene waters around Sanibel and Captiva Islands.

Cruise Highlights

• Breathtaking Views: Witness a stunning Gulf Coast sunset as the sky transforms into a vibrant canvas.
• Wildlife Encounters: Spot playful dolphins and other marine life in their natural habitat.
• Relaxing Atmosphere: Enjoy the peaceful surroundings and expert commentary from the crew about local wildlife and landmarks.

Details and Reservations

• Departure Time: 4:30 PM, Thanksgiving Day
• Duration: 90 minutes
• Cost: Adults – $45, Children – $35
• Reservations: Limited space; book early at Adventure in Paradise.

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has announced significant progress on the Sanibel Causeway project. Traffic has now been shifted to the permanent lanes, marking a critical milestone. However, the causeway islands around the temporary roadway remain an active work zone, closed to public access, including water-based entry.

Here’s a breakdown of the ongoing and upcoming construction activities:

East of the Toll Plaza

1. Traffic Shift on McGregor Boulevard
   • Both directions of traffic are now routed to the south side of McGregor Boulevard, stretching from approximately half a mile past Shell Point Boulevard to west of Port Comfort Road.
   • Westbound motorists heading to Port Comfort can continue straight to make a right turn.
   • This shift facilitates reconstruction of underground pipe crossings on the north side of the road. The one-lane-per-direction setup will remain in place through early 2025.
2. Shoulder Work on McGregor Boulevard
   • The eastbound shoulder (south/beach side) is fully closed as crews finalize shoreline reinforcement work using marine mattresses. Completion is expected by late November.
3. Temporary Lane Closures
   • Daytime lane closures will occur intermittently in both directions from Shell Point Boulevard to Punta Rassa Road to accommodate equipment and material movement.

West of the Toll Plaza

1. Pedestrian Path Delineation
   • Lee County is installing a temporary post-and-rope system to guide pedestrian traffic during the upcoming reconstruction of recreational facilities on the Causeway Islands.
2. Traffic Stops at Staging Area
   • Motorists may experience intermittent traffic stops near the staging area entrance as equipment crosses the road for south-side work near McGregor and the toll plaza.
3. Sheet Pile Installation and Armor Stone Placement
   • Crews are driving sheet piles and placing armor stones near the toll plaza, a process expected to progress in the coming weeks.
4. Roadway Stabilization and Pond Construction
   • Sod installation, grading, and debris removal are ongoing along the Causeway Islands, with construction equipment occasionally entering travel lanes. Contractors aim to minimize disruptions during peak hours.
5. Westbound Merge Adjustments
   • The westbound merge point is located west of the toll plaza. Motorists should observe the 20 mph speed limit and exercise caution as construction vehicles frequently access this area.
6. Off-Island U-Turn Work
   • Construction continues under Span A, where crews are making progress on U-turn improvements.

Important Notices for Motorists and Cyclists

• Oversized vehicles supporting island recovery efforts may slow traffic.
• Cyclists are advised to choose alternative transportation.
• Pedestrians are prohibited on the causeway.
• All motorists must adhere to the posted 20 mph speed limit throughout the work zone.

For detailed project updates, visit FDOT Sanibel Causeway Project Website.

The Panthers Booster Club will host the Tim Jago Memorial Golf Scramble on Nov. 16 at The Dunes Golf and Tennis Club, located at 949 Sand Castle Road, Sanibel. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m., with a shotgun start at 8:30 a.m.

Honoring a Legacy

The event celebrates the life and legacy of Thomas “Tim” Jago, a beloved coach and mentor at Cypress Lake High School. Jago’s impactful career as an assistant football coach and head baseball coach (1986-94) left a lasting impression on students and athletes. In his honor, the school’s baseball field bears his name, and the annual tournament continues to support the athletic programs he was so passionate about.

Event Details

• Cost: $150 per player or $600 per team
• What’s Included:
  • 18 holes of golf
  • Golf cart
  • Range balls
  • Lunch
  • Awards

Supporting Cypress Lake High Athletics

All proceeds from the tournament benefit Cypress Lake High School’s athletes and athletic programs, ensuring that Jago’s commitment to fostering young talent continues.

Registration and Donations

To register or learn more, including how to donate to the tournament, visit pantherboosterclub.com or email [email protected].

Join the event for a day of camaraderie, competition, and community while supporting local student-athletes and honoring a cherished coach.

The Sanibel Captiva Trust Company invites the community to its Season Opening Event on Nov. 19 from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at The Community House, located at 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. This year’s event celebrates the city’s 50th anniversary with an engaging program titled “The History and Future of the Sanibel Causeway.”

Event Highlights:

• Speakers:
  • Pam Miner, Executive Director of the Sanibel Historical Museum and Village.
  • Jennifer Dorning, Community Liaison for the Sanibel Causeway with the Florida Department of Transportation District One.
• Opening Remarks:
  • S. Albert D. Hanser, Founder and Chairman of The Sanibel Captiva Trust Company.
  • Jeffrey Muddell, Sanibel President of The Trust Company.

Additional Details:

• Complimentary Breakfast will be served.
• RSVP to Frances Steger at 239-472-8300 or via email at [email protected].

Join this special event to honor Sanibel’s history and explore its exciting future.

The Sanibel-Captiva Kiwanis Club is offering its 2024 Diner’s Delight coupon books at a discounted rate of $20. These books, valid through December, provide two-for-one dining coupons for various island restaurants, including:

• Boops By The Bubble Room
• Cielo
• Gramma Dot’s
• Jerry’s Foods
• MudBugs Cajun Kitchen
• RC Otter’s Island Eats
• Sanibel Deli & Coffee Factory
• Sunshine Seafood Cafe and Wine Bar
• The Dunes Golf & Tennis Club
• The Sanibel Cafe
• The Shack of Sanibel
• The Shipyard
• Timbers Restaurant & Fish Market
• Tutti Pazzi Italian Kitchen

Purchasing a coupon book not only offers dining savings but also supports the club’s scholarship program and grants for local youth education and recreation. For more information or to purchase a book, visit the SanCap Kiwanis Club’s website

The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) has concluded the 2024 sea turtle nesting season, marked by notable milestones and unique challenges. Among the highlights was a rare leatherback nest producing 40 hatchlings, a first since 2020 and only the third recorded since 2009.

Lee County has achieved a significant win for residents in unincorporated areas, including Captiva, by securing a FEMA waiver to assist commercial properties impacted by Hurricane Milton. This change allows the county to collect storm debris that previously could not be addressed due to federal restrictions.

The Challenge: FEMA Rules and Debris Collection

Prior to the waiver, FEMA regulations prevented the county from collecting storm debris from commercial properties like apartments, condominiums, and trailer parks. These property owners were required to coordinate debris removal through their insurance providers. As a result, debris left in the right-of-way (ROW) near these properties could not be cleared by the county’s contracted hauler without incurring non-reimbursable expenses, placing the financial burden on local taxpayers.

The Solution: A Collaborative Effort

In partnership with the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM), Lee County successfully obtained a waiver from FEMA. This waiver permits the county’s debris hauler to conduct a single pass to collect debris placed at the ROW in front of these commercial properties.

Lee County expressed gratitude to FDEM for its support in securing the waiver, which is essential for easing the cleanup process after Hurricane Milton.

Key Details for Commercial Property Owners

• Collection Timeline: The debris hauler began operations on Nov. 9-10 and will continue until the single pass is complete, which may take several weeks.
• Important Restrictions:
  • Additional debris placed after the hauler’s single pass will not be collected by the county. Owners must arrange for private removal using insurance providers.
• Gated Communities:
  • Properties with gated access must submit a Right of Entry (ROE) and Indemnification form to allow debris collection.
  • Forms are available online for property managers and HOA presidents at the ROE Communities page or through the county’s hurricane resource page at www.leegov.com/solidwaste/hurricane.

Timely Action by the County

Securing a FEMA waiver typically takes time. For comparison, after Hurricane Ian in 2022, the waiver process took about a month. The Milton waiver was granted just shy of a month post-landfall, reflecting the county’s proactive efforts.

Need Assistance?

Residents with questions about debris collection can contact Lee County Solid Waste customer service at 239-533-8000. Additional resources and updates are available at www.leegov.com/storm.

This achievement underscores Lee County’s commitment to supporting its residents and streamlining recovery efforts after natural disasters.

The Captiva Civic Association (CCA) is excited to launch this season’s Porch & Patio series with a Kick Off Party on November 11 from 5-7 p.m. at the Captiva Civic Center. This casual outdoor cocktail gathering offers live entertainment, hors d’oeuvres, and a relaxed setting for the island community to connect.

Event Highlights

• Live Music: Guitarist and steel pan musician Mark Dupuy will perform.
• Food & Refreshments: Hors d’oeuvres and a cash donation bar to support future CCA events.
• Community Gathering: An opportunity to mingle, make new connections, and enjoy the island’s vibrant community atmosphere.

This event is the first of five Porch & Patio gatherings planned for the 2024-25 season, generously sponsored by the Pfeifer Realty Group. Tickets are required, so be sure to reserve your spot.

For tickets and details, visit CCA Captiva or call 239-472-2111.