Author: LeAneSUAREZGroup

The SanCap Chamber recently hosted a special business luncheon at the Sundial Beach Resort & Spa, where the team from Avalon Hill (a division of Hasbro) officially introduced a new board game dedicated to Sanibel Island.

What began as a project inspired by the island’s world-famous shelling has evolved into a tribute to the community’s resilience. During the panel, the development team shared that their visits to the island after recent challenges inspired them to create something that reflects the true spirit of Sanibel.

Authenticity in Design

The game was created by renowned designer Elizabeth Hargrave, who sought to capture the “universally beloved” activity of shelling. The development process involved deep research to ensure the game felt authentic to the local experience:

• Realistic Mechanics: Players navigate a beach-themed board where shells “wash up,” collecting them in a strategic, puzzle-like fashion.

• Accurate Artwork: Creative designer Samy Ventura described the visuals—ranging from the iconic lighthouse to the specific details of the shells—as a “love letter” to the island.

• Global Reach: While deeply local, the game is already gaining international attention, with editions in German, French, and Spanish currently in development.

Supporting the Island

The Avalon Hill team emphasized that they wanted the game to do more than just entertain. In a show of support for the island’s environment, the team presented a $10,000 check to the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) to aid in their ongoing mission to protect the island’s natural beauty.

Availability and Details

If you are looking to bring a piece of Sanibel home, here is what you need to know:

• Release Date: The game begins rolling out in January, with an initial focus on local “mom-and-pop” retail shops.

• Specs: The game is designed for 2–4 players, ages 10 and up.

• Retail Price: $40.

• For Retailers: Island businesses interested in carrying the game can apply for distribution at tinyurl.com/sanibelgame.

This project stands as a testament to Sanibel’s unique culture, ensuring that whether you are on the island or miles away, the “Sanibel Stoop” is only a board game away.

As Sanibel nears the conclusion of its 15-month 50th-anniversary celebration, the City has officially revealed the contents of the new Sanibel Time Capsule. These curated items serve as a historical snapshot of the island’s milestones, resilience, and unique community spirit.

The capsule is designed to offer future generations a window into what makes Sanibel special today. From personal reflections to local treasures, the collection represents the heart of the island’s history.

What is Inside the Capsule?

The collection features a mix of cultural artifacts and personal records, including:

• Letters from the Community: Personal reflections from Sanibel’s nonprofit organizations and community leaders detailing the values and challenges of modern island life.

• The Junonia Shell: One of the island’s most legendary natural treasures, symbolizing Sanibel’s deep connection to the shoreline.

• “The Sanibel-Captiva Cookbook”: An updated reprint preserving the flavors and traditions that have defined island gatherings for decades.

• The Sanibel Board Game: A beach-themed game by designer Elizabeth Hargrave (set for wide release in 2026) that celebrates the island’s world-famous shelling culture.

How to Participate

The City will soon provide an opportunity for residents to contribute their own words, hopes, and reflections to be included in the capsule before it is sealed.

The official installation ceremony, “Sanibel Time Capsule: Honoring our Past, Charting Our Future,” will take place on January 10 at 11 a.m. in front of Sanibel City Hall. This event marks the grand finale of the 50th-anniversary festivities.

Following the ceremony, the community is invited to the “Lunch & Legacy: Gathering Together at the Table” event for food, fellowship, and continued celebration.

For more information regarding the ceremony or how to contribute your reflections, please contact the Sanibel Recreation Department at 239-472-0345.

Property fraud is a growing concern, and often, victims don’t realize their title has been compromised until months after the fact. Lee County Clerk Kevin Karnes recently addressed the Cape Coral City Council to highlight just how easy it is for criminals to exploit the system by filing fraudulent deeds.

Under current laws, the Clerk’s Office is required to accept any document that meets basic statutory requirements, such as a notary stamp and witness signatures. Unfortunately, these elements are easily forged by bad actors. Once a fraudulent document is filed, the property title can technically transfer, leaving homeowners in a legal nightmare.

The 24-Hour Safety Net

To combat this, the Clerk’s Office offers a Free Fraud Alert service. This system provides a critical layer of protection by notifying you within 24 hours whenever a document is filed in your name.

Why early detection matters:

• Faster Investigations: Detecting fraud in days rather than months allows law enforcement to intervene while the trail is still fresh.

• Accountability: Quick action increases the chances of holding criminals responsible before they can sell or leverage the property.

• Peace of Mind: Your home is likely your largest investment; an automated alert ensures you aren’t left in the dark.

How to Register

Protecting your property takes less than a minute. The service is entirely free and requires only your name and email address.

1. Visit www.leeclerk.org/fraudalert

2. Enter your first and last name.

3. Provide your email address.

If you receive an alert regarding a document you did not authorize, your first step should be to contact your local police department immediately. While Clerk Karnes continues to work with the Legislature to strengthen property laws, this free tool remains your best immediate defense against title theft.

Sanibel Island is currently witnessing a massive effort to fortify its coastline, as crews work to deposit 450,000 tons of sand directly from the Gulf onto the island’s beaches.

The restoration initiative utilizes approximately 6,500 feet of pipe to transport sand, aiming to rebuild the shoreline to be stronger and more resilient against future weather events. The project transforms areas where waves once lapped against seawalls into full, wide beaches.

Assisting Nature Holly Milbrandt, the City of Sanibel’s Natural Resources Director, emphasized the importance of proactive restoration for the island’s ecosystem.

“Mother Nature can do a lot of it herself, but there are some instances in which she needs a bit of an assist, and so that’s what we’ve been doing here,” said Milbrandt. She noted that the current focus is on a section of the island that has historically been subject to higher rates of erosion than other parts of Sanibel.

The Restoration Process The operation involves a complex system of miles of pipe, bulldozers, and mountains of sand. A large hopper dredge collects sand offshore, which travels to a booster station located just off the coastline. From there, the sand is pumped through the piping system with water and deposited onto the beach.

Environmental Stewardship The project is being conducted under strict state regulations to ensure the safety of the local ecosystem.

“They also have to have special protective measures related to sea turtle protection and protection of other marine organisms that are out there so they’re not caught up into the dredge,” Milbrandt explained.

Timeline Viewing the project as a testament to Sanibel’s ongoing recovery, Milbrandt noted the effort has been a long road. Crews are currently working around the clock to ensure the project is completed by the end of the week.

A significant chapter in Sanibel Island’s post-Hurricane Ian recovery has been written with the official reopening of the historic Casa Ybel Resort and its acclaimed beachfront restaurant, Thistle Lodge.

Closed since September 2022, the iconic Gulf-front property has welcomed guests back following an extensive three-year period of recovery, restoration, and renovation. The resort returns with refreshed guest suites and updated amenities designed to elevate the guest experience while preserving the property’s historic charm.

Restoring a Sanibel Landmark General Manager JR Ramirez emphasized the emotion behind the reopening, noting the resort’s status as a landmark destination for generations of families and couples.

“We cannot tell you how excited we are to finally say we’re back open,” Ramirez stated. “Our team has poured their hearts into restoring and renovating this property, and the results are stunning. This island is home, and being able to once again welcome our guests, friends, and family means everything to us.”

Thistle Lodge Returns The reopening of Thistle Lodge marks a return to fine dining on the Gulf. Historically known for hosting luminaries such as Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, the award-winning restaurant has been carefully restored. It continues its legacy of serving a refined blend of Floridian and European cuisine alongside a curated wine list.

“We’re thrilled to reopen Thistle Lodge and once again share this piece of Sanibel history with our guests,” said Ramirez. “This restaurant has been part of the island’s story for generations, and we’re proud to see it return with the same warmth, quality, and character people have always loved.”

Thistle Lodge is currently open for lunch and dinner service; reservations are highly recommended.

Amenities and Location In addition to the main dining room, Coconuts—the resort’s outdoor bar—has also resumed operations. Known for its relaxed atmosphere, Coconuts offers tropical cocktails and Gulf views, providing a casual counterpart to the fine dining at Thistle Lodge.

The all-suite resort, featuring private beach access and family-friendly amenities, is located at 2255 W. Gulf Drive, Sanibel.

This reopening represents a pivotal step forward for the local community, restoring one of the island’s most recognized luxury destinations.